international

CCOF Achieves Approval Under Mexican Organic Program

On August 21, 2015, CCOF was recognized by the Mexican government as an approved certification body under the recently implemented Mexican Organic Standards. This is a major milestone in the growth of CCOF’s Mexico program and ensures continuing market access for operations located in, and exporting to, Mexico. Read more in our press release about this announcement.

Export News: U.S./Switzerland Organic Equivalence Arrangement Achieved!

On July 9, 2015, the United States and Switzerland officially signed an organic standards equivalence arrangement, allowing product produced in either location to be labeled and sold as organic in either country. This is the fifth organic equivalence arrangement for the United States, and further opens trade avenues, strengthening the organic market worldwide. The arrangement went in to effect July 10, 2015.

Extension Underway for Mexico Organic Standards Implementation Date

The Mexican government recently published a notice of proposed extension for full implementation of the Mexican standards. The proposed extension would delay the standards implementation deadline for organic products imported to Mexico from countries engaged in equivalence discussions, such as the United States. Public comment on the draft notice may be submitted online.

Prórroga en Proceso de la Fecha de Implementación para las Normas Orgánicas Mexicanas

El gobierno de México recientemente publicó una noticia de propuesta prórroga para la implementación completa de los estándares orgánicos mexicanos. La prórroga propuesta extendería el plazo de implementación para productos orgánicos importados a México de países que se encuentran en discusiones sobre la equivalencia, como los Estados Unidos. El público puede emitir sus comentarios sobre la prórroga propuesta aquí.

Interested in Selling to China? Meet the Certifier That Can Help You Gain Access!

The Chinese organic market continues to grow and demand more diverse organic products, however re-certification to the Chinese organic standard is required in order to be sold as organic in mainland China. CCOF is working with WIT Assessment, the leading certifier of product exported to China, to make accessing the Chinese organic market more accessible and achievable for U.S. operations.

CCOF Invierte en Empresas en México

CCOF continúa trabajando para obtener la aprobación como una organización de certificación orgánica bajo las nuevas regulaciones de Mexico con Luis López como representante local de CCOF, ubicado en Guadalajara, México. Además, la junta directiva de CCOF ha aprobado la formación de una sociedad, CCOF Servicios de Certificación S. de R.L. de C.V., para satisfacer las necesidades de las empresas de CCOF establecidas en México.

CCOF Invests in Mexico Operations

CCOF’s work to obtain approval as a certification body under the new Mexican organic standards continues with the selection of CCOF local representative, Luis Lopez in Guadalajara, Mexico. CCOF boards have also approved the formation of CCOF Servicios de Certificación S. de R.L. de C.V. to meet the needs of CCOF operations based in Mexico. CCOF’s Spanish language services and documents will also soon expand to include processor/handler operations and Organic System Plans.

Mexico Trade Update

CCOF is diligently working to meet the needs of CCOF clients in Mexico and those who sell products to Mexico. Mexico’s organic standards are moving forward with a final implementation date of April 2015. CCOF participated in Governor Jerry Brown’s Mexico Trade Delegation and is working directly with Mexican officials, CDFA, the NOP, clients and others to ensure the smoothest possible transition and certification to the new Mexican standard.

Export News: U.S. - Korea Equivalency Arrangement Finalized

As of July 1, 2014 organic processed products certified in the United States or Korea can now be exported and labeled as organic in either country. CCOF is excited that this agreement came before the end of the Korean standard’s education period, meaning there was no significant stop in trade between the two countries. CCOF commends the National Organic Program (NOP) for its diligent work in finalizing this agreement in such a short period of time, and with few critical variances.