The British government is postponing the requirement to include a Certificate of Inspection (COI) for organic trade from the European Union (EU) to the United Kingdom (UK). The new effective date is now set for February 1, 2025.
Since Brexit, the EU considers the UK a third country. Products exported from the UK to the EU must be accompanied by a COI. Conversely, this requirement does not apply the other way around; the UK does not yet demand a COI for the import of (organic) goods from the EU.
A Certificate of Inspection (COI) is a document that verifies the authenticity and compliance of organic products with specific organic standards and regulations. In the context of post-Brexit trade between the UK and the EU, the COI plays a crucial role in certifying that organic goods meet the necessary criteria for organic certification.
Since the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, it has been treated as a third country. This change in status has had significant implications for trade, including trade in organic products. When the UK exports organic products to the EU, these goods must be accompanied by a COI to demonstrate that they meet EU organic standards. The COI essentially serves as proof that the products are produced and processed in accordance with organic regulations.
Conversely, for imports into the UK from the EU, the requirement for a COI has not been enforced by the UK government. This means that organic products coming from the EU into the UK have not been subjected to the same certification requirements.
It’s important to note that the UK government has stated that it plans to implement the requirement for a COI for imports of organic products from the EU starting on February 1, 2025. When this change takes effect, importers will need to ensure that they obtain the necessary COIs for their organic products to continue trading smoothly between the EU and the UK.
The post-Brexit trade landscape has seen various changes and challenges, not only in the organic sector but across multiple industries. New customs procedures, regulatory adjustments, and changes in trade agreements have impacted the flow of goods and services between the UK and the EU.
For businesses engaged in cross-border trade, it has been crucial to stay informed about these changes and to adapt to the evolving trade requirements. Organizations have had to navigate complex customs documentation, tariff adjustments, and differing regulatory standards. Additionally, trade negotiations between the UK and the EU have continued, affecting various aspects of trade relations between the two entities.
The postponement of the COI requirement for imports into the UK from the EU is just one aspect of the broader post-Brexit trade landscape. As trade rules and agreements continue to evolve, businesses must remain vigilant and informed to ensure the smooth flow of goods and compliance with changing regulations.