Importing organic products: how to ensure traceability, certification and respect for the environment?

The different types of imported organic products

The ever-expanding market for imported organic products responds to the growing concern of consumers for their health and the environment. For those looking for organic food, imported organic products are an attractive alternative to local products. Imported organic products can take many forms, including foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, dairy products, as well as essential oils and cosmetics. Foodstuffs are subject to inspection by customs authorities to ensure that they meet international standards of quality and food safety.

Organic products imported internationally: Compliance with international regulations in force and traceability of the production chain.

With regard to the origin of imported organic products, there are no geographical restrictions, as long as they comply with current international regulations and the traceability of their production chain. For example, dried fruit can come from the Mediterranean, while essential oils can come from South America or Asia. Importing organic products can provide consumers with a variety of choices, as well as access to quality foods and products from different regions of the world.

Organic certificates and traceability of imported products

Official certifiers, responsible for the quality and authenticity of imported organic products

Organic certification is a crucial element when importing organic products. Official certifiers, such as Ecocert and Bureau Veritas, are the only ones able to guarantee the quality and authenticity of imported organic products. To comply with international regulations, importing companies must hold an organic certificate and be registered in TRACES NT.

TRACES NT the organic inspection certificate needed to import organic products

To import organic products, it is necessary to have the organic inspection certificate established in the TRACES NT system. This certificate contains all the information related to the traceability of the products, from their production to their importation. It also mentions all the stages of transport and storage, thus guaranteeing a total traceability of the imported products.

It is important that the commercial documents and the transport document are attached to the organic inspection certificate. Freight forwarders ensure that all required documents are attached to the certificate to ensure the compliance of the import of organic products.

In summary, organic certification and traceability of imported products are essential to ensure the quality and authenticity of imported organic products from their origin to their final destination, thus providing consumers with the ability to trust imported organic products. 

Procedures and documents required for the importation of organic products

Verification of organic inspection certificates by established service providers in TRACES NT

The import of organic products involves many procedures and mandatory documents. The C.O.I (Certificate Of Inspection) are established in the TRACES NT system, a European platform allowing the traceability of products from the producer to the importer. These certificates must contain all the information necessary for the traceability of the products, including the stages of transport and possible storage.

Before forwarding the C.O.I. to Customs for verification, the freight forwarder also checks the consistency of the information on the documents and ensures that all required documents are attached to the C.O.I. It is important that all parties involved are registered in TRACES NT.

Specific time limit for importing organic products

It should also be noted that the freight forwarder checks the C.O.I.'s established in the TRACES NT system by their customers or suppliers before transmitting them to Customs for verification 48 hours before the vessel's arrival date (in maritime). This step ensures that all the necessary documents have been properly completed and that the goods can be imported safely.

In conclusion, importing organic products requires vigilance and knowledge of the required procedures and documents to avoid delays or refusals by customs. Service providers play a crucial role in the verification and routing of documents required for the import of organic products. 

The challenges and costs associated with importing organic products 

Importing organic products presents several challenges and associated costs. First, it is necessary for all parties involved in the case to be registered in TRACES NT, the European organic certification platform, to ensure the traceability of the production chain.

In addition, when a batch of goods is subject to physical inspection, the warehouses where the goods are stored must be approved to receive this type of product, which may limit the choice of providers.

The management of foodstuffs from organic farming implies a complementary and specific customs service. Importing organic products requires special attention and rigorous management to guarantee the quality of the products and compliance with the regulations in force.

The environment and consumer benefits

The consumption of organic products is becoming increasingly popular with health and environment conscious consumers. Indeed, unlike conventional products, organic products are grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, which makes it a healthier and more environmentally friendly product.

In addition to the health and environmental benefits, organic produce can also offer taste and nutritional benefits. Organic fruits and vegetables often taste better because they are grown in nutrient-rich soils and in a natural way, without the use of chemicals that can alter their taste.

The traceability of organic products is another guarantee of quality for consumers. As consumers are more and more concerned about their health and the environment, it is important to guarantee the quality and authenticity of imported organic products through organic certification and traceability of imported products. The TRACESNT platform ensures the complete traceability of imported products, from their origin to their final destination. There are no geographical restrictions for the import of organic products, but it is important to ensure that the imported products meet the certifications and food safety standards to market them.