The U.S. has an equivalence arrangement with the European Union (EU). This means that as long as the terms of the arrangement are met, organic operations certified to the USDA organic or EU organic standards may be labeled and sold as organic in both countries.

In 2015, the European Commission announced that it had reviewed the operation of the EU-US organic equivalence arrangement established in 2012 and found the arrangement instrumental in increasing market access for producers, expanding consumer choices, and facilitating regulatory cooperation. The review also found the Organic Working Group to be crucial in the development of the EU-US trade relationship. See letter from the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development.

U.S. Equivalency FAQs | EU Equivalency FAQs | Accessing U.S. Markets | Accessing EU Market (PDFs) | USDA Organic Standards | EU Organic Standards

Scope. Beginning June 1, 2012, the equivalence arrangement only covers products exported from and certified in the United States or the European Union.

USDA Organic Certifying Agents | EU Organic Certifying Agents

Requirements. The following limitations apply to organic agricultural products traded under the arrangement:

The following U.S. organic products may not be exported to the EU

The following EU organic products may not be exported to the U.S.

Documentation – USDA Organic Products. A USDA-accredited certifying agent must complete an EU import certificate for all USDA organic products traded under the arrangement.

Documentation – EU Organic Products. An EU-accredited certifying agent must complete a U.S. import certificate for all EU organic products traded under the arrangement.

NOP Import Certificate | Instructions

Labeling Requirements. For retail products, labels or stickers must state the name of the U.S. or EU certifying agent and may use the USDA Organic seal or the EU organic logo. Exported products must meet the labeling requirements in the destination country.

EU Labeling Requirements | USDA Organic Seal

Oversight. The U.S. and EU will notify one another with any changes to their organic standards or certifying agent policies. They will also assess each other’s systems on a regular basis to ensure that the terms of the arrangement are being met. Any issues will be resolved by the Organic Working Group, which will have representatives on both sides of the Atlantic.

Equivalency announcement: Press Release | Video

Equivalency Arrangement: Letter to EU | Letter to U.S. (PDFs)