Can imported goods be labelled with the Bio-Siegel?

All imported products which were produced and inspected in compliance with the EU Organic Farming Regulation may be labelled with the Bio-Siegel. This includes on the one hand organic products produced in the European Union and, on the other hand, products from non-EU countries (third countries) which are subject to special import regulations.

While the inspection system of the EU Organic Farming Regulation takes effect within the EU the conditions for organic farming in third countries may differ from those of the EU Organic Farming Regulation. The criterion for the approval of any goods therefore is the "equivalence" of the production regulations and inspection measures.

Since the new German Organic Farming Act (Öko-Landbaugesetz) became effective the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE) has also been in charge of granting approval for the marketing of products imported from third countries pursuant to article 11, Para. 6 of the EU Organic Farming Regulation.