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- Labelling and the organic logo after Brexit

Labelling and the organic logo after Brexit
This information is correct at the time of publishing (15th December 2021).
As the organic experts in the UK, we’ve been in regular communication with the UK government and other trade and policy stakeholders to get clarity on what Brexit will mean for organic labelling.
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Labelling Guidelines
Labelling Guidelines for UK organic food and feed products from 1st January 2021
Read them here
After December 31st 2020, you’ll still need to be certified by Soil Association Certification in order to label your food and drink product as organic.
The UK will be able to retain its existing organic Control Body certification codes (for example ‘GB-ORG-05’ for Soil Association Certification) for product packed in the UK, where the product is within the scope of the trade agreement i.e. produced or substantially processed in the UK. Read more about trade deal scopes on our export resources page.
The EU leaf is optional, but where used on labels for product packed in the UK, unless the product qualifies (>98% from one origin) to carry a single origin statement (e.g. 'Welsh agriculture') the EU agricultural origin statement (i.e. EU/non-EU Agriculture) should be used.
Goods are placed on the EU market (agreement to transfer ownership or offer of sale to supply after manufacturing has taken place would constitute this) before December 31st 2020 may continue to be distributed and sold with labelling that meets pre-Brexit organic requirements.
Unless a single country statement can be employed, a UK origin statement (i.e. UK/non-UK Agriculture) must be used on product packed in GB.
If you are in Northern Ireland and ingredients for your product are produced within GB and you are applying the EU Leaf logo, you will need to change the required EU statement of agriculture to reflect non-EU origin.
General Labelling requirements
All other general organic labelling requirements can be found in section 5.8 of our Food and Drink standards
Any new labels must comply with the new labelling requirements. However, operators may use up existing labelling on product placed on the GB market until 30th September 2022.
We can provide feedback on draft labelling amendments. If you’d like to send draft amended labels, please complete the Brexit Labelling Changes Submission Form below and send this to brexit.support@soilassocition.org
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Brexit Labelling Changes Submission Form
Download here
For exports to non-EU countries after December 31st 2020, we are advised that these countries will expect the original GB certification codes (e.g. GB-ORG-05) to be used. We advise checking with organic authority in the export market whether labels will be accepted. Some markets may have additional or different requirements (e.g. South Korea will not to accept the EU logo for products packed in GB).
Talk to us
As the organic experts in the UK we provide a wealth of free information and guidance to our organic licensees.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for on these pages, please get in touch by email: brexitsupport@soilassociation.org
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