Organic Regulation – targeted updates and simplification – EuroCommerce amendments

Introduction
EuroCommerce welcomes the Commission’s proposal to revise and clarify key provisions of Regulation (EU) 2018/848. We particularly welcome the proposal to postpone the expiry date for the recognition of third countries whose organic production and control systems are considered equivalent until 31 December 2036. We also welcome the exemptions from the certification requirement for unpackaged organic products. However, EuroCommerce strongly supports the introduction of a risk-based approach to controls and inspections. Since retailers typically handle pre-packaged and properly labelled organic goods, the risk of non-compliance with safety or conformity rules is inherently low. A proportionate system will allow authorities to focus resources where they are most needed, while reducing unnecessary administrative burdens on low-risk operators. Please find below on page 2 our detailed amendments to the current proposal, including some outstanding issues identified. Additionally, we would refer to our position paper with our key asks to simplify the Regulation further.