COI requirements and additional controls for organic imports
Read important reminders on requirements for importing organic products, and learn which additional controls for import have ended.
We have some important reminders from Defra on key requirements for importing organic products and associated Certificate of Inspection (COI). It is essential you follow these requirements when importing organic product to ensure your product maintains organic status.
We also have an update on additional controls for organic imports. Defra have ended the additional controls for import of organic product from Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Russian Federation, Moldova, Türkiye and China.
Additional controls have ended
To date, Defra has required additional controls for import of certain products from Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Russian Federation, Moldova, Türkiye and China. Defra has confirmed that these controls ended on 5 July 2026.
This means there are currently no additional requirements set by Defra for import of high-risk organic products into GB.
Where Defra identifies higher risks for import of specific organic products from specific countries, they may require additional controls for the import of these products into GB. These controls are normally around product testing, enhanced traceability and inspection requirements in the country of origin.
Defra has confirmed they are reviewing the rules for importing organic products and expect to introduce new rules for high-risk organic imports in 2027.
Once Defra issues these new requirements, we will update the guidance on our website and notify importers via Certification news.
Importing organic products into GB
It is essential to follow these key requirements when importing organic product into Great Britain to ensure your product maintains organic status. You must not process, trade or market your product if the correct import procedures are not followed.
Importers, first consignees and their obligations:
valid GB COIs must be obtained from the certifying body of the exporter before consignments leave third countries
COIs must be submitted to the relevant port and endorsed by the port health authority before consignments leave the port of arrival
box 21 of the COI must be completed by the first consignee once the goods have arrived with them and satisfactory checks have been made
It is the responsibility of the importer to ensure the GB COI is in place. Port authorities cannot retrospectively endorse COIs once the consignment leaves the port of entry. Defra has advised us that GB will take a rigorous approach to import documentation where consignments lack valid and appropriately endorsed documentation.
If you have questions or need further support, please contact your Certification Officer (CO) in the first instance.
