INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF ORGANIC AGRICULTURE MOVEMENTS N O R M S IFOAM Basic Standards for Organic Production and Processing IFOAM Accreditation Criteria for Bodies certifying Organic Production and Processing including Policies related to IFOAM Norms Table of Content I . Introduction : The IFOAM Norms and Organic Guarantee System … … 3 II . IFOAM Basic Standards … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … 5 III . IFOAM Accreditation Criteria … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . 73 III . Annex 1 : Guidance Notes to IFOAM Accreditation Criteria . .… 109 IV . IFOAM Relevant Policies … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … . 121 I . The IFOAM Norms and Organic Guarantee System The IFOAM Norms Together , the IFOAM Basic Standards for Organic Production and Processing ( IBS ) and the IFOAM Accreditation Criteria for Bodies Certifying Organic Production and Processing ( IAC ) constitute the IFOAM Norms . This publication provides in book reference form the IFOAM Norms and IFOAM policies and pro cedures relevant to these norms . Information about aims and uses of these documents are presented below , and also in the introductory sections of the IBS and IAC . The Norms are the basis for IFOAM ’ s Organic Guarantee System . The relevant IFOAM policies and procedures explain how these Norms are developed , revised , approved , interpreted , and how they function as a benchmark for other standards . The IFOAM Organic Guarantee System IFOAM ’ s Organic Guarantee System unites the organic world through a common system of standards , verification , and market identity . It is the practical realization of IFOAM ’ s commitment to harmonize an international guarantee of organic integrity . The core of the Organic Guarantee System ( OGS ) is the IFOAM Accreditation Program . Beyond IFOAM , the International Organic Accreditation Service ( IOAS ) and IFOAM Accredited Certifiers are key components of the OGS . Figure 1 on the following page depicts the basic structure of the OGS . IFOAM Accreditation Program The IFOAM Accreditation Program is a service offered to certification bodies . It is administered for IFOAM by the International Organic Accreditation Service ( IOAS ) , which is an independent organization . IFOAM Accredited Certification Bodies ( ACBs ) must demonstrate compliance with the IFOAM Norms . The IFOAM Norms revision The IFOAM Norms are periodically revised and expanded by IFOAM in consultation with a broad group of members and other stakeholders . In 2001 , the IFOAM Standards Committee and IFOAM Criteria Review Task Force produced revision drafts of the IBS and IAC respectively . These documents were offered for consultation , revised again in consideration of the comments received , and approved by IFOAM . They are now published herein and also available on the IFOAM website , www . ifoam . org . IFOAM Seal The IFOAM Seal is a market - oriented mark of compliance with the IFOAM Accreditation Program . The seal may be used on products that are certified by IFOAM ACBs . This mark ensures wholesalers , retailers , and consumers that a product and its producer are organically certified within the IFOAM Organic Guarantee System . IFOAM Seal use on products is implemented through a contract signed between an ACB and the IOAS , and a corresponding contract between an ACB and its certified parties . International Organic Accreditation Service Although it operates as an independent body , the IOAS is a key component of the Organic Guarantee System . IOAS is licensed by IFOAM to administer the Organic Guarantee System . It accepts and reviews accreditation applications , conducts site evaluations , and grants IFOAM accreditation to compliant applicants . IOAS also administers the IFOAM Seal , and together with IFOAM , it promotes the IFOAM Accreditation Program . IFOAM Accredited Certification Bodies ACBs made significant progress toward implementing a Multilateral Agreement ( MLA ) amongst themselves . The MLA creates multilateral equivalence at the level of the Accreditation Criteria and the IFOAM Basic Standards . Implementation of the MLA streamlines certificate acceptance , and thus helps to support and ensure orderly market transactions and trade . As an initiative that is administered by the ACBs , the MLA also supports the objectives of the IFOAM Organic Guarantee System Figure : The IFOAM Organic Guarantee System : Participating organizations are IFOAM , the IOAS , and the ACBs . IFOAM SEAL NORMS Standards IFOAM IFOAM Basic ( IBS ) Accreditation Criteria ( IAC ) IOAS MLA ACBS II . IFOAM Basic Standards for Organic Production and Processingapproved by the IFOAM General Assembly , Victoria , Canada , August 2002 Changes in IFOAM Basic Standards ( IBS ) 2002 The revisions achieved in this round address the content , structure and consistency of the standards . It includes changes to the standards and to draft standards and major changes to the organization of the document . . There is a new structure to the document . It is now written mainly in the active voice . The active voice makes it much more clear which party is responsible for each action . . The chapters have been reorganized into a new , and more logical order . The organization now follows this sequence Section A : General Principles Section B : Standards , beginning with general principles and then ecosystem management , plant production and animal husbandry Section C : Appendices . Includes inputs to organic agriculture , food additives and processing aids plus criteria for adding new inputs and additives . Section D : Draft standards / appendix . Includes plant breeding and multiplication , aquaculture , cleaning , disinfecting and sanitizing , processing of textiles and forest management . . Some parts of the text have been removed because they relate more to criteria for accreditation than to standards . Some parts of the document have been restructured into a chapter on ecosystem management . The SC has gathered all references to GMOs into one chapter ( ecosystem management ) . The intention is to make the policy toward GMOs consistent and comprehensive , and to avoid the problems of contradictory or uneven treatment by mentioning them in some sections but not in others . . The Section on Bee keeping has been extensively revised . . The Chapter on Social Justice has been rewritten . . The Chapter on Processed Product has been restructured and revised to clarify what is required of organic processed products . . A new Draft Chapter , “ Plant Breeding and Propagation ” and a corresponding Appendix has been added . . In Appendix 1 , 2 and 4 some of the materials have been explicitly restricted and others not . The restrictions that apply within the Standards are now identified in the Introduction to the Appendices . Additional restrictions in the input ( materials ) lists are provided where there is need to bring attention to specific concerns about the use of that material . The SC has proposed additional restrictions for a few materials . Table of Contents Page Section A General Scope of the IFOAM Basic Standards 8 Relevance to accreditation and international reference 8 Structure 8 Definitions 9 Section B General Principles , Recommendations and Standards 13 1 . The Principle Aims of Organic Production and Processing 13 2 . Organic Ecosystems 143 . General Requirements for Crop Production and Animal Husbandry 174 . Crop Production 195 . Animal Husbandry 246 . Processing and Handling 34 7 . Labeling 38 8 . Social Justice 40 Section C Appendices 41 Introduction to Appendices 41 Revision Procedure for Appendices 41 Appendix 1 : Products for Use in Fertilization and Soil Conditioning 42 Appendix 2 : Products for Plant Pest and Disease Control , Weed Management and Growth Regulation 43 Appendix 3 : Criteria to Evaluate Additional Inputs to Organic Agriculture 45 Appendix 4 : List of Approved Additives and Processing Aids 48 Appendix 5 : Criteria for the Evaluation of Additives and Processing Aids for Organic Food Products 50 Section D Draft standards / appendix 51 9 . Plant Breeding and Multiplication 51 Appendix 6 List of plant breeding methods and materials 52 10 . Aquaculture production 53 11 . Cleaning , Disinfecting and Sanitizing 61 12 . Processing of textiles 62 13 . Forest management 69 SECTION A GENERALScope of the IFOAM Basic Standards Organic agriculture [ also known as “ Biological ” or “ Ecological ” agriculture or protected equivalent forms of these words ( in other languages ) ] is a whole system approach based upon a set of processes resulting in a sustainable ecosystem , safe food , good nutrition , animal welfare and social justice . Organic production therefore is more than a system of production that includes or excludes certain inputs . The IFOAM Basic Standards provide a framework for certification bodies and standard - setting organizations worldwide to develop their own certification standards and cannot be used for certification on their own . Certification standards should take into account specific local conditions and provide more specific requirements than the IFOAM Basic Standards . Producers and processors that sell organic products are expected to be certified by certification bodies , using standards that meet or exceed the requirements of the IBS . This requires a system of regular inspection and certification designed to ensure the credibility of organically certified products and build consumer trust . The IBS reflect the current state of organic production and processing methods . These Standards should not be seen as a final statement , but rather as a work in progress to contribute to the continued development and adoption of organic practices throughout the world . Relevance to Accreditation and International Reference The IBS and the IFOAM Accreditation Criteria are used by the International Organic Accreditation Service ( IOAS ) in the accreditation process for certification bodies and standards setting organizations . The IOAS compares the standards ( used by the certifier ) against the IBS and certification body performance against the IFOAM Accreditation Criteria . All the requirements of the IBS relevant to the farming or processing operations certified must be implemented by IFOAM Accredited Certification Bodies . IFOAM Basic Standards are also used by non accredited certification and standard - setting organizations as a reference for setting their standards . Structure The IFOAM Basic Standards are presented as General Principles , Recommendations , Basic Standards and Derogations . . General Principles are the intended goals of organic production and processing . The principles are written as positive statements , using words such as “ is ” or “ are ” . For example “ Organic livestock husbandry is based on the harmonious relationship between land , plants , and livestock ; respect for the physiological and behavioral needs of livestock and feeding of good - quality organically grown feedstuffs ” . . Recommendations are practical suggestions for operators to implement in organic farm , food , and fiber systems . IFOAM promotes the recommendations as desirable practices , but does not require operators to use them . They are written with the word “ should ” . For example “ Handlers and processors should identify and avoid pollution and potential contamination sources . ” . Basic Standards are the minimum requirements that an operation must meet to be certified organic . All of the Standards applicable to the particular farm and enterprise must be met before the operation may be certified as organic . Basic Standards use “ shall ” . For example “ All ruminants shall have daily access to roughage ” . . Derogations are the exceptions made to specific sections of the Basic Standards that may only be applied under clearly defined conditions . Derogations are presented in italic text . Technical terms are explained in the section on definitions below . Note : Certification bodies sometimes set their own standards , or they may adopt standards set by other organizations . For convenience throughout the text , we have written standard - setting organization , where we mean both the standard - setting organization and the certification body . Draft Standards . New standards previously not covered by the IBS shall be called Draft Standards , to enable standard - setting organizations to develop ways of adapting them to local conditions before final adoption . Certification bodies are not obliged to follow Draft Standards , however they are encouraged to use them to guide the development of their own standards . Revision of Draft standards follows the Procedure for revision of standards . Definitions Accreditation Procedure by which an authoritative body gives a formal recognition that a body or person is competent to carry out specific tasks Ayurvedic Traditional Indian system of medicine . Biodiversity The variety of life forms and ecosystem types on Earth . Includes genetic diversity ( i . e . diversity within species ) , species diversity ( i . e . the number and variety of species ) and ecosystem diversity ( total number of ecosystem types ) . Breeding Selection of plants or animals to reproduce and / or to further develop desired characteristics in succeeding generations . Buffer zone A clearly defined and identifiable boundary area bordering an organic production site that is established to limit application of , or contact with , prohibited substances from an adjacent area . Certification The procedure by which a third party gives written assurance that a clearly identified process has been methodically assessed , such that adequate confidence is provided that specified products conform to specified requirements . Certification body The body that conducts certification , as distinct from standard - setting and inspection . Certification mark A certification body ’ s sign , symbol or logo that identifies product ( s ) as being certified according to the rules of a program operated by that certification body . Certification program System operated by a certification body with its own rules , procedures and management for carrying out certification of conformity . Contamination Pollution of organic product or land ; or contact with any material that would render the product unsuitable for organic certification . Conventional Conventional means any material , production or processing practice that is not certified organic or organic “ in - conversion ” . Conversion period The time between the start of the organic management and the certification of crops and animal husbandry as organic . Crop rotation The practice of alternating the species or families of annual and / or biennial crops grown on a specific field in a planned pattern or sequence so as to break weed , pest and disease cycles and to maintain or improve soil fertility and organic matter content . Culture A micro - organism , tissue , or organ , growing on or in a medium . Direct source organism The specific plant , animal , or microbe that produces a given input or ingredient , or that gives rise to a secondary or indirect organism that produces an input or ingredient . Disinfect To reduce , by physical or chemical means , the number of potentially harmful micro - organisms in the environment , to a level that does not compromise food safety or suitability . Exception Permission granted to an operator by a certification body to be excluded from the need to comply with normal requirements of the standards . Exceptions are granted on the basis of clear criteria , with clear justification and for a limited time period only . Farm unit The total area of land under control of one farmer or collective of farmers , and including all the farming activities or enterprises . Food additive An enrichment , supplement or other substance which can be added to a foodstuff to affect its keeping quality , consistency , color , taste , smell or other technical property ( For full definition , see Codex Alimentarius ) . Genetic diversity Genetic diversity means the variability among living organisms from agricultural , forest and aquatic ecosystems ; this includes diversity within species and between species . Genetic engineering Genetic engineering is a set of techniques from molecular biology ( such as recombinant DNA ) by which the genetic material of plants , animals , micro - organisms , cells and other biological units are altered in ways or with results that could not be obtained by methods of natural mating and reproduction or natural recombination . Techniques of genetic modification include , but are not limited to : recombinant DNA , cell fusion , micro and macro injection , encapsulation , gene deletion and doubling . Genetically engineered organisms do not include organisms resulting from techniques such as conjugation , transduction and natural hybridization . Genetically Modified Organism ( GMO ) A plant , animal , or microbe that is transformed by genetic engineering . Genetic resources Genetic resources means genetic material of actual or potential value . Green manure A crop that is incorporated into the soil for the purpose of soil improvement . May include spontaneous crops , plants or weeds . Habitat The area over which a plant or animal species naturally exists ; the area where a species occurs . Also used to indicate types of habitat , e . g . seashore , riverbank , woodland , grassland . HACCP Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point . A specific food safety program to identify contamination risks and actions to prevent exposure to such risks . Homeopathic treatment Treatment of disease based on administration of remedies prepared through successive dilutions of a substance that in larger amounts produces symptoms in healthy subjects similar to those of the disease itself . Ingredient Any substance , including a food additive , used in the manufacture or preparation of a food or present in the final product although possibly in a modified form . Irradiation ( ionizing radiation ) High energy emissions from radio - nucleotides , capable of altering a food ’ s molecular structure for the purpose of controlling microbial contaminants , pathogens , parasites and pests in food , preserving food or inhibiting physiological processes such as sprouting or ripening . Labeling Any written , printed or graphic representation that is present on the label of a product , accompanies the product , or is displayed near the product . Media ( plural ) or medium ( singular ) The substance in which an organism , tissue , or organ exists . Multiplication The growing on of seed stock or plant material to increase supply for future planting . Natural fiber A non - synthetic filament of plant or animal origin . Operator An individual or business enterprise , responsible for ensuring that products meet the certification requirements . Organic “ Organic ” refers to the farming system and products described in the IFOAM Basic Standards and not to “ organic chemistry ” . Organic product A product which has been produced , processed , and / or handled in compliance with organic standards . Organic seed and plant material Seed and planting material that is produced under certified organic management Parallel production Any production where the same unit is growing , breeding , handling or processing the same products in both a certified organic system and a non - certified or non - organic system . A situation with “ organic ” and “ in conversion ” production of the same product is also parallel production . Parallel production is a special instance of split production . Processing aid Any substance or material , not including apparatus or utensils , and not consumed as a food ingredient by itself , intentionally used in the processing of raw materials , foods or its ingredients , to fulfill a certain technical purpose during treatment or processing and which may result in the non - intentional , but unavoidable presence of residues or derivatives in the final product . Propagation The reproduction of plants by sexual ( i . e . seed ) or asexual ( i . e . cuttings , root division ) means . Sanitize To adequately treat produce or food - contact surfaces by a process that is effective in destroying or substantially reducing the numbers of vegetative cells of microorganisms of public health concern , and other undesirable microorganisms , but without adversely affecting the product or its safety for the consumer . Split production Where only part of the farm or processing unit is certified as organic . The remainder of the property can be ( a ) non - organic , ( b ) in conversion or ( c ) organic but not certified . Also see parallel production . Synthetic Manufactured by chemical and industrial processes . May include products not found in nature , or simulation of products from natural sources ( but not extracted from natural raw materials ) . SECTION B GENERAL PRINCIPLES , RECOMMENDATIONS AND STANDARDS Note : Revisions to Section B , Chapter 1 are voted by the IFOAM General Assembly , and are notsubject to the standard IBS revision procedure . 1 . The Principal Aims of Organic Production and Processing Organic Production and Processing is based on a number of principles and ideas . All are important and this list does not seek to establish any priority of importance . The principles include : . To produce sufficient quantities of high quality food , fiber and other products . . To work compatibly with natural cycles and living systems through the soil , plants and animals in the entire production system . . To recognize the wider social and ecological impact of and within the organic production and processing system . . To maintain and increase long - term fertility and biological activity of soils using locally adapted cultural , biological and mechanical methods as opposed to reliance on inputs . . To maintain and encourage agricultural and natural biodiversity on the farm and surrounds through the use of sustainable production systems and the protection of plant and wildlife habitats . . To maintain and conserve genetic diversity through attention to on - farm management of genetic resources . . To promote the responsible use and conservation of water and all life therein . . To use , as far as possible , renewable resources in production and processing systems and avoid pollution and waste . . To foster local and regional production and distribution . . To create a harmonious balance between crop production and animal husbandry . . To provide living conditions that allow animals to express the basic aspects of their innate behavior . To utilize biodegradable , recyclable and recycled packaging materials . . To provide everyone involved in organic farming and processing with a quality of life that satisfies their basic needs , within a safe , secure and healthy working environment . . To support the establishment of an entire production , processing and distribution chain which is both socially just and ecologically responsible . . To recognize the importance of , and protect and learn from , indigenous knowledge and traditional farming systems . 2 . Organic Ecosystems 2 . 1 . Ecosystem Management General Principle Organic farming benefits the quality of ecosystems . Recommendations Operators should maintain a significant portion of their farms to facilitate biodiversity and nature conservation . A farm should place appropriate areas under its management in wildlife refuge habitat . These include : extensive grassland such as moorlands , reed land or dry land . in general all areas which are not under rotation and are not heavily manured : extensive pastures , meadows , extensive grassland , extensive orchards , hedges , hedgerows , edges between agriculture and forest land , groups of trees and / or bushes , and forest and woodland . ecologically rich fallow land or arable land . ecologically diversified ( extensive ) field margins . waterways , pools , springs , ditches , floodplains , wetlands , swamps and other water rich areas which are not used for intensive agriculture or aquaculture production . areas with ruderal flora . wildlife corridors that provide linkages and connectivity to native habitat . Standards shall require that : 2 . 1 . 1 . Operators shall take measures to maintain and improve landscape and enhance biodiversity quality . 2 . 1 . 2 . Clearing of primary ecosystems is prohibited . 2 . 2 . Soil and Water Conservation General Principle Organic farming methods conserve and grow soil , maintain water quality and use water efficiently and responsibly . Recommendations Operators should minimize loss of topsoil through minimal tillage , contour plowing , crop selection , maintenance of soil plant cover and other management practices that conserve soil . Operators should take measures to prevent erosion , compaction , salination , and other forms of soil degradation . Operators should use techniques that conserve water , such as increasing organic matter content of soil , timing of planting and the appropriate design , efficiency and scheduling of irrigation practices . Operators should apply water and inputs in a way that does not pollute water by runoff to surface water or leaching into ground water . Organic processors and handlers should install systems that permit the responsible use and recycling of water without pollution or contamination either by chemicals , or by animal or human pathogens . Operators should plan and design systems that use water resources responsibly and in a manner appropriate to local climate and geography . Organic management plans should anticipate , address , and mitigate impacts on water resources , including but not limited to the application of manure , stocking densities , application of soluble fertilizers , and effluent from processing and handling facilities . Operators should respect sustainable resource management and the common good . Standards shall require that : 2 . 2 . 1 . All operators shall take defined and appropriate measures to prevent erosion . 2 . 2 . 2 . Land preparation by burning vegetation shall be restricted to the minimum . 2 . 2 . 3 . Crop production , processing and handling systems shall return nutrients , organic matter and other resources removed from the soil through harvesting by the recycling , regeneration and addition of organic materials and nutrients . 2 . 2 . 4 . Grazing management shall not degrade land or pollute water resources . 2 . 2 . 5 . Relevant measures shall be taken to prevent or remedy soil and water salinisation . 2 . 2 . 6 . Operators shall not deplete nor excessively exploit water resources , and shall seek to preserve water quality . They shall where possible recycle rainwater and monitor water extraction . 2 . 3 . Genetic Engineering General Principle Genetic engineering is excluded from organic production and processing Recommendation Genetically Modified Organisms ( GMOs ) and their derivatives should be excluded from organic production processing and handling to the fullest extent possible . Standards shall require that : 2 . 3 . 1 . The deliberate use or negligent introduction of genetically engineered organisms or their derivatives to organic farming systems or products is prohibited . This shall include animals , seed , propagation material , and farm inputs such as fertilizers , soil conditioners , vaccines or crop protection materials . 2 . 3 . 2 . The use of genetically engineered organisms or their derivatives is prohibited . This shall include animals , seed and farm inputs such as fertilizers , soil conditioners , vaccines or crop protection materials . 2 . 3 . 3 . The use of genetically engineered seeds , pollen , transgene plants or plant material is not allowed . 2 . 3 . 4 . Organic processed products shall not use ingredients , additives or processing aids derived from GMOs . 2 . 3 . 5 . Inputs , processing aids and ingredients shall be traced back one step in the biological chain to the direct source organism *( see definition ) from which they are produced to verify that they are not derived from GMOs . 2 . 3 . 6 . Contamination of organic product by GMOs that results from circumstances beyond the control of the operator may alter the organic status of the operation and / or product . 2 . 3 . 7 . On farms with split ( including parallel ) production the use of genetically engineered organisms is not permitted in any production activity on the farm . 2 . 4 . Wild harvested products and common / public land management General Principle Organic management sustains and prevents degradation of common biotic and abiotic resources , including areas used for rangeland , fisheries , forests , and forage for bees , as well as neighboring land , air , and water . Recommendations The operator should provide for maintenance and sustainability of the ecosystem when harvesting or gathering the products . The operator should positively contribute to the maintenance of natural areas . Standards shall require that : 2 . 4 . 1 . Wild harvested products shall only be certified organic if they are derived from a stable and sustainable growing environment . The people who harvest , gather , or wildcraft shall not take any products at a rate that exceeds the sustainable yield of the ecosystem , or threaten the existence of plant , fungal or animal species , including those not directly exploited . 2 . 4 . 2 . Operators shall harvest products only from a clearly defined area where prohibited substances have not been applied . 2 . 4 . 3 . The collection or harvest area shall be at an appropriate distance from conventional farming , pollution and contamination . 2 . 4 . 4 . The operator who manages the harvesting or gathering of common resource products shall be familiar with the defined collecting area . 3 . General Requirements for Crop Production and Animal Husbandry 3 . 1 . Conversion Requirements General Principle Organic agriculture develops a viable and sustainable agro - ecosystem , by working compatibly with natural living systems and cycles . Recommendations For optimum sustainability of an agro - ecosystem , all activities including crop production , animal husbandry and general environmental maintenance should be organized such that all the elements of the farm activities interact positively . Practical farming skills , based on knowledge , observation and experience are therefore important for organic growers . Careful practice based on skill and knowledge often avoids the requirement for synthetic inputs , and reduces reliance on inputs . Conversion may be accomplished over a period of time . A farm may be converted by gradual introduction of organic practices over the whole farm , or by application of organic principles to only a portion of the operation at first . There should be a clear plan of how to proceed with the conversion . This plan should be updated as necessary and cover all aspects relevant to these standards . The plan should indicate that the totality of crop production and animal production in the operation will be converted to organic management . Standards should determine how organic and non - organic production and product can be clearly separated and distinguishable in production and documentation , to prevent unintentional mixing of inputs and products . Independent sections of the operation unit should be converted in such a way that these standards are completely met on each section before it is certified as organic . Standards shall require that : 3 . 1 . 1 . There shall be a period of organic management , meeting all the requirements of these standards , before the resulting product may be considered as organic . 3 . 1 . 2 . The start of the conversion period shall be calculated from the date of application to the certification body or , alternatively , from the date of the last application of unapproved inputs providing the operator can demonstrate that the full standards requirements have been met for at least the minimum period stated in 4 . 2 and 5 . 2 . Calculation of the conversion period may not start before the date of the last non - compliant input or practice . For the length of conversion periods , refer to sections 4 . 2 . and 5 . 2 . 3 . 2 . Split Production and Parallel Production General Principle The whole farm , including livestock , is converted to organic management practices according to the standards over a period of time . Recommendation The operator should convert the whole farm , and the conversion plan should include the steps and approximate time - frame for whole farm conversion . Standards shall require that : 3 . 2 . 1 . If the whole farm is not converted ( split production ) the organic and conventional parts of the farm shall be clearly and continuously separate and this shall be verified by inspection . 3 . 2 . 2 . Simultaneous production of the same organic and non - organic crops or animal products ( parallel production ) is only permitted where such production is undertaken in a way that allows clear and continuous separation of all product claimed as certified or certifiable as organic . 3 . 3 . Maintenance of Organic Management General Principle Organic production systems require an ongoing commitment to organic production practices . Recommendation The operator should design an organic conversion management plan that includes programs and strategies that will allow the operation to be sustainably maintained as organic . Standards shall require that : 3 . 3 . 1 . The operator shall demonstrate that a production system does not rely upon continuous switching between organic and conventional management . 4 . Crop Production 4 . 1 . Choice of Crops and Varieties General Principle Species and varieties cultivated in organic agriculture systems are selected for adaptability to the local soiland climatic conditions and tolerance to pests and diseases . All seeds and plant material are certified organic . Recommendations A wide range of crops and varieties should be grown to enhance the sustainability , self . reliance and biodiversity value of organic farms . Plant varieties should be selected to maintain genetic diversity . Organically grown varieties , and varieties known to be suited to organic cultivation should be preferred . Operators should use organically bred varieties . See Chapter 9 and Appendix 6 for the draft organic plant breeding and multiplication standards . Standards shall require that : 4 . 1 . 1 . Organic seed and plant materials of appropriate varieties and quality shall be used . When they are not commercially available , standard - setting organizations shall set time limits for the use of non - organic seed and plant material . 4 . 1 . 2 . When organic seed and plant materials are not available , conventional materials may be used provided that they have not been treated with pesticides not otherwise permitted by these standards . Where untreated conventional seeds and plant materials are not available , chemically treated seed and plant material may be used . The certification body shall establish time limits and conditions for exemptions that permit use of any chemically treated seeds and plant materials . 4 . 2 . Length of Conversion Period ( Plant Production ) General Principle A conversion period enables the establishment of an organic management system and builds soil fertility . Recommendations The conversion period should be long enough to improve soil fertility significantly and to re - establish the balance of the ecosystem . The length of the conversion period should be adapted to : . the past use of the land . the ecological context and its implications . the experience of the operator . The length of the conversion period should be defined to provide for a period of at least 36 months from the last date of application of any prohibited material or practice . Standards shall require that : 4 . 2 . 1 . Plant products from annual production shall only be considered organic when a conversion period of at least 12 months has elapsed prior to the start of the production cycle . In the case of perennials ( excluding pastures and meadows ) a period of at least 18 months prior to harvest shall be required . 4 . 2 . 2 . There shall be at least a 12 - month conversion period prior to pastures , meadows and products harvested therefrom , being considered organic . 4 . 2 . 3 . The conversion period may be extended by the standard - setting organization depending on conditions such as past use of the land , management capacity of the operator and environmental factors . 4 . 2 . 4 . Where conversion periods exceeding those stated in 4 . 2 . 1 are required , and labeling of product as " produce of organic agriculture in the process of conversion " or a similar description is permitted , the standards requirements shall have been met for at least 12 months prior to such labeling . 4 . 3 . Diversity in Crop Production General Principle Soil and soil management is the foundation of organic production . Organic growing systems are soil based , care for the soil and surrounding ecosystems and provide support for a diversity of species , while encouraging nutrient cycling and mitigating soil and nutrient losses . Recommendations Diversity in crop production is achieved by a combination of : . a diverse and versatile crop rotation that includes green manure , legumes and deep rooting plants . appropriate coverage of the soil with diverse plant species for as much of the year as possible . Standards shall require that : 4 . 3 . 1 . Diversity in plant production and activity shall be assured by minimum crop rotation requirements and / or variety of plantings . Minimum rotation practices for annual crops shall be established unless the operator demonstrates diversity in plant production by other means . Operators are required to manage pressure from insects , weeds , diseases and other pests , while maintaining or increasing soil organic matter , fertility , microbial activity and general soil health . 4 . 3 . 2 . For perennial crops , the certifying body shall set minimum standards for orchard / plantation floor cover and / or diversity or refuge plantings in the orchard . 4 . 4 . Soil Fertility and Fertilization General Principle Organic farming returns microbial plant or animal material to the soil to increase or at least maintain its fertility and biological activity . Recommendations Biodegradable material of microbial , plant or animal origin produced from organic practices should form the basis of the fertility program . Nutrient resources should be used in a sustainable and responsible manner . Nutrient losses from the farm to the natural environment should be minimized . Nutrients should be used in such a way and at appropriate times and places to optimize their effect . Accumulation of heavy metals and other pollutants should be prevented . Naturally occurring mineral fertilizers and brought - in fertilizers of biological origin permitted under these standards should be regarded as only one component of the nutrient system , and as a supplement to , and not a replacement for , nutrient recycling . Manures containing human feces and urine should not be used unless free of human pathogens . Careful attention to hygiene is required and it is recommended that they are not applied directly to vegetation for human consumption or to soil that will be used to grow annual plants within the next six months . Standards shall require that : 4 . 4 . 1 . Material of microbial , plant or animal origin shall form the basis of the fertility program . 4 . 4 . 2 . Nutrients and fertility products shall be applied in a way that protects soil , water , and biodiversity . Restrictions may be based on amounts , location , timing , treatments , methods , or choice of inputs applied . 4 . 4 . 3 . Material applied to the land or crop shall be in accordance with Appendix 1 . 4 . 4 . 4 . Manures containing human excrement ( feces and urine ) are prohibited for use on crops for human consumption . Exceptions may be made where detailed sanitation requirements are established by the standard - setting organization to prevent the transmission of pests , parasites and infectious agents and to ensure that manures are not mixed with other household or industrial wastes that may contain prohibited substances . 4 . 4 . 5 . Mineral fertilizers shall only be used in a program addressing long - term fertility needs together with other techniques such as organic matter additions , green manures , rotations and nitrogen fixation by plants . 4 . 4 . 6 . Mineral fertilizers shall be applied in the form in which they are naturally composed and extracted and shall not be rendered more soluble by chemical treatment , other than addition of water and mixing with other naturally occurring , permitted inputs . Under exceptional circumstances , and after consideration of all relevant information , and having regard to Appendix 3 , the standard - setting organizations may grant exception to this requirement . These exceptions shall not apply to mineral fertilizers containing nitrogen . 4 . 4 . 7 . Chilean nitrate and all synthetic nitrogenous fertilizers , including urea , are prohibited 4 . 5 . Pest , Disease , Weed , and Growth Management General Principles Organic farming systems apply biological and cultural means to prevent unacceptable losses from pests , diseases and weeds . They use crops and varieties that are well - adapted to the environment and a balanced fertility program to maintain fertile soils with high biological activity , locally adapted rotations , companion planting , green manures , and other recognized organic practices as described in these standards . Growth and development should take place in a natural manner . Recommendations Pests , diseases and weeds should be managed by the knowledgeable application of one , or a combination , of the following measures : . choice of appropriate species and varieties . appropriate rotation programs . mechanical cultivation . protection of natural enemies of pests through provision of favorable habitat , such as hedges , nesting sites and ecological buffer zones that maintain the original vegetation to house pest predators . diversified ecosystems . These will vary between geographical locations . For example , buffer zones to counteract erosion , agro - forestry , rotating crops , intercropping etc . . thermal weeding . seed bed preparation . natural enemies including release of predators and parasites . acceptable biodynamic preparations from stone meal , farmyard manure or plants . mulching and mowing . grazing of animals . mechanical controls such as traps , barriers , light and sound Standards shall require that : 4 . 5 . 1 . All organic production systems shall display a set of positive processes / mechanisms capable of accounting for management of significant pests , weeds and diseases under normal circumstances . 4 . 5 . 2 . Pest , disease and weed management products that are prepared at the farm from local plants , animals and micro - organisms , are permitted when the measures in 4 . 5 . 1 . are not sufficient . If the ecosystem or the quality of organic products might be jeopardized , the Procedure to Evaluate Additional Inputs to Organic Agriculture ( Appendix 3 ) and other relevant criteria shall be used to establish whether the product is acceptable . 4 . 5 . 3 . Physical methods for pest , disease and weed management are permitted , including the application of heat . Thermal sterilization of soils to combat pests and diseases is restricted . The standard - setting organization shall establish standards or criteria for all soil sterilization methods that are considered consistent with Appendices 2 and 3 . 4 . 5 . 4 . Any input applied for plant pest , disease , weed , or growth management shall appear in Appendix 2 subject to the limitations of that Appendix . 4 . 5 . 5 . Any formulated input shall have only active ingredients in Appendix 2 , and all other components shall meet the criteria of Appendix 3 . Formulated products with only active ingredients in Appendix 2 , but with other components that have not been reviewed against the above criteria may be used until 2005 . 4 . 6 . Avoiding Contamination General Principle All relevant measures are taken to ensure that organic soil and food is protected from contamination . Recommendations Operators should take reasonable measures to identify and avoid potential contamination . In case of risk , or reasonable suspicion of risk , that contamination may occur , the standard - setting organization should set limits for the maximum application levels of heavy metals and other pollutants . The standards should place emphasis on detection of contamination sources , improvement of the production system taking into account the procedures developed for HACCP , and the assessment of background contamination levels . Accumulation of heavy metals and other pollutants should be limited and the appropriate remedial measures implemented where possible . The standards should establish parameters for the acceptance / rejection of organic products based on analysis . The standards should establish a procedure on how to evaluate organic products in case of reasonable suspicion of pollution based on due expert consideration and the precautionary principle . Contamination that results from circumstances beyond the control of the operation does not necessarily alter the organic status of the operation . Standards shall require that : 4 . 6 . 1 . The operator shall employ measures including barriers and buffer zones to avoid potential contamination and limit contaminants in organic products . 4 . 6 . 2 . In case of a reasonable suspicion of contamination the certification body shall ensure that an analysis of the relevant products and possible sources of pollution ( soil , water , air and inputs ) is undertaken to determine the level of contamination and shall make the appropriate responses , such as detection of contamination sources , considering background contamination and other relevant factors . 4 . 6 . 3 . For synthetic structure coverings , mulches , fleeces , insect netting and silage wrapping , only products based on polyethylene and polypropylene or other polycarbonates are permitted . These shall be removed from the soil after use and shall not be burned on the farmland . 4 . 6 . 4 . All equipment from conventional farming systems shall be thoroughly cleaned of potentially contaminating materials before being used on organically managed areas . 5 . Animal Husbandry 5 . 1 . Animal Management General Principle Organic livestock husbandry is based on the harmonious relationship between land , plants and livestock , respect for the physiological and behavioral needs of livestock and the feeding of good - quality organically grown feedstuffs . Recommendations The operator should : . provide adequate good quality organically grown feedstuffs . maintain appropriate stocking rates , flock or herd sizes , and rotations to allow for natural behavior patterns and to maintain natural resources and environmental quality . practice methods of animal management that reduce stress , promote animal health and welfare , prevent disease and parasitism , and avoid the use of chemical allopathic veterinary drugs . apply management practices that promote sustainable land and water use Standards shall require that : 5 . 1 . 1 . The operator shall ensure that the environment , the facilities , stocking density and flock / herd size provides for the behavioral needs of the animals and provides for : . sufficient free movement and opportunity to express normal patterns of behavior . sufficient fresh air , water , feed and natural daylight to satisfy the needs of the animals . access to resting areas , shelter and protection from sunlight , temperature , rain , mud and wind adequate to reduce animal stress . the maintenance of social structures by ensuring that herd animals are not kept in isolation from other animals of the same species . construction materials and production equipment that do not significantly harm human or animal health This provision does not apply to small herds for mostly self - sufficient production . Operators may isolate male animals , sick animals and those about to give birth . 5 . 1 . 2 . Housing conditions shall ensure : . ample access to fresh water and feed according to the needs of the animals . animals have sufficient space to stand naturally , lie down easily , turn around , groom themselves and assume all natural postures and movements such as stretching , and wing flapping . where animals require bedding , adequate natural materials are provided . that construction provides for insulation , heating , cooling and ventilation of the building , that permits air circulation , dust levels , temperature , relative air humidity , and gas concentrations to within levels that are not harmful to the livestock . that poultry , rabbits and pigs shall not be kept in cages . that animals are protected from predation by wild and feral animals 5 . 1 . 3 . Landless animal husbandry systems are prohibited . 5 . 1 . 4 . All animals shall have access to pasture or an open - air exercise area or run , whenever the physiological condition of the animal , the weather and the state of the ground permit . Such areas may be partially covered . Animals may be temporarily confined because of inclement weather or absences of pasture due to temporary or seasonal conditions . Such animals shall still have access to an outdoor run . Animals may be fed with carried fresh fodder where this is a more sustainable way to use land resources than grazing . Animal welfare shall not be compromised . 5 . 1 . 5 . The maximum hours of artificial light used to prolong natural day length shall not exceed a maximum that respects the natural behavior , geographical conditions and general health of the animals . 5 . 2 . Length of Conversion Period General Principle The establishment of organic animal husbandry requires an interim period , the conversion period . Animal husbandry systems that change from conventional to organic production require a conversionperiod to develop natural behavior , immunity and metabolic functions . Recommendations All livestock on an organic farm should be converted to organic production . Conversion should be accomplished over a period of time . Replacement poultry should be brought onto the holding at the start of the production cycle . Standards shall require that : 5 . 2 . 1 . Animal products may be sold as " product of organic agriculture " only after the land and animals have all met the appropriate established conversion requirements 5 . 2 . 2 . Land and animals may be converted simultaneously subject to the requirements for all other land and animal conversion periods . 5 . 2 . 3 . Where existing animals on a farm are converted to organic they shall undergo a one - time minimum conversion period at least according to the following schedule : Production Conversion period meat 12 months dairy 90 days eggs 42 days 5 . 3 . Animals Sources / Origin General Principle Organic animals are born and raised on organic holdings . Recommendation Organic animal husbandry should not be dependent on conventional raising systems . Livestock obtained from off the farm should be from organic farms or as part of an established cooperative program between specific farms to improve herd heath and fitness . Standards shall require that : 5 . 3 . 1 . Animals shall be raised organically from birth . . When organic livestock is not available conventional animals may be brought in according to the following age limits : 2 day old chickens for meat production . 18 week old hens for egg production . 2 weeks for any other poultry . piglets up to 6 weeks and after weaning . dairy calves up to 4 weeks old that have received colostrum and are fed a diet consisting mainly of full milk . 5 . 3 . 2 . Breeding stock may be brought in from conventional farms to a yearly maximum of 10 % of the adult animals of the same species on the farm . Where standards allow for exceptions of more than 10 % these shall be limited to : . unforeseen severe natural or man made events . considerable enlargement of the farm . establishment of a new type of animal production on the farm . holdings with less than 10 animals 5 . 4 . Breeds and Breeding General Principle Breeds are adapted to local conditions . Recommendations Breeding goals should encourage and maintain the good health and welfare of the animals consistent with their natural behavior . Breeding practices should include methods that do not depend on high technologies invasive to natural behavior and capital intensive methods . Animals should be bred by natural reproduction techniques . Standards shall require that : 5 . 4 . 1 . Breeding systems shall be based on breeds that can reproduce successfully under natural conditions without human involvement . 5 . 4 . 2 . Artificial insemination is permitted . 5 . 4 . 3 . Embryo transfer techniques and cloning are prohibited . 5 . 4 . 4 . Hormones are prohibited to induce ovulation and birth unless applied to individual animals for medical reasons and under veterinary supervision . 5 . 5 . Mutilations General Principle Organic farming respects the animal ’ s distinctive characteristics . Recommendations Operators should select species and breeds that do not require mutilation . Exceptions for mutilations should only be made when suffering can be kept to the minimum . Surgical treatments should only be used for reasons of safety , mitigation of suffering and the health and welfare of the livestock . Standards shall require that : 5 . 5 . 1 . Mutilations are prohibited . The following exceptions may be used only if animal suffering is minimized and anesthetics are used where appropriate : . castrations . tail docking of lambs . dehorning . ringing . mulesing only for breeds that require mulesing 5 . 6 . Animal Nutrition General Principle Organic animals receive their nutritional needs from organic forage and feed of good quality . Recommendations Operators should offer a balanced diet that provides all of the nutritional needs of the animals in a form allowing them to exhibit their natural feeding and digestive behavior . Organic animals should be fed by - products from the organic food processing industry not suitable for human use . Ruminants should receive a balanced diet according to their specific nutritional needs and should not be fed a diet that consists entirely of silage and concentrates . All feed should come from the farm itself or be produced within the region . Coloring agents in feed should not be used in organic livestock production . All animals should have daily access to roughage . Standards shall require that : 5 . 6 . 1 . Animals shall be fed organic feed . Operators may feed a limited percentage of non - organic feed under specific conditions for a limited time in the following cases : . organic feed is of inadequate quantity or quality . areas where organic agriculture is in early stages of development In no case may the percentage of non - organic feed exceed 10 % dry matter per ruminant and 15 % dry matter per non - ruminant calculated on an annual basis . Operators may feed a limited percentage of non - organic feed under specific conditions for a limited time in the following cases : . unforeseen severe natural or man - made events . extreme climatic or weather conditions 5 . 6 . 2 . The prevailing part ( at least more than 50 %) of the feed shall come from the farm unit itself or be produced in co - operation with other organic farms in the region . The standard - setting organization may allow exceptions with regard to local and regional conditions , and shall set a time limit . 5 . 6 . 3 . For the calculation of feeding allowances only , feed produced on the farm unit during the first year of organic management , may be classed as organic . This refers only to feed for animals that are being produced within the farm unit . Such feed may not be sold or otherwise marketed as organic . 5 . 6 . 4 . The following substances are prohibited in the diet : . farm animal by - products ( e . g . abattoir waste ) to ruminants . all types of excrements including droppings , dung or other manure ( all types of excrements ) . feed subjected to solvent extraction ( e . g . hexane ) or the addition of other chemical agents . amino - acid isolates . urea and other synthetic nitrogen compounds . synthetic growth promoters or stimulants . synthetic appetizers . preservatives , except when used as a processing aid . artificial coloring agents 5 . 6 . 5 . Animals may be fed vitamins , trace elements and supplements from natural sources . Synthetic vitamins , minerals and supplements may be used when natural sources are not available in sufficient quantity and quality . 5 . 6 . 6 . All ruminants shall have daily access to roughage . 5 . 6 . 7 . Fodder preservatives such as the following may be used : . bacteria , fungi and enzymes . by - products of food industry ( e . g . molasses ) . plant based products Synthetic chemical fodder preservatives such as acetic , formic and propionic acid and vitamins and mineral are permitted in severe weather conditions . 5 . 6 . 8 . Young stock from mammals shall be provided maternal milk or organic milk from their own species and shall be weaned only after a minimum time that takes into account the natural behavior of the relevant animal species . Operators may provide non - organic milk when organic milk is not available . Operators may provide milk replacers or other substitutes only in emergencies provided that they do not contain antibiotics , synthetic additives or slaughter products 5 . 7 . Veterinary Medicine General Principle Organic management practices promote and maintain the health and well - being of animals through balanced organic nutrition , stress - free living conditions and breed selection for resistance to diseases , parasites and infections . Recommendations Operators should maintain animal health and practice disease prevention through the following techniques : . selection of appropriate breeds or strains of animals . adoption of animal husbandry practices appropriate to the requirements of each species , such as regular exercise and access to pasture and / or open - air runs , to encourage the natural immunological defense of animal to stimulate natural immunity and tolerance to diseases . provision of good quality organic feed . appropriate stocking densities . grazing rotation and management Operators should use natural medicines and treatments , including homeopathy , Ayurvedic medicine and acupuncture whenever appropriate . When illness does occur an operator should determine the cause and prevent future outbreaks by adopting appropriate management practices . Standards shall require that : 5 . 7 . 1 . The operator shall take all practical measures to ensure the health and well - being of the animals through preventative animal husbandry practices . 5 . 7 . 2 . If an animal becomes sick or injured despite preventative measures that animal shall be treated promptly and adequately , if necessary in isolation and in suitable housing . Producers shall not withhold medication where it will result in unnecessary suffering of the livestock , even if the use of such medication will cause the animal to lose its organic status . An operator may use chemical allopathic veterinary drugs or antibiotics only if : . preventive and alternative practices are unlikely to be effective to cure sickness or injury . they are used under the supervision of a veterinarian , and . withholding periods shall be not less than double of that required by legislation , or a minimum of 48 hours , whichever is longer 5 . 7 . 3 . Substances of synthetic origin used to stimulate production or suppress of natural growth are prohibited 5 . 7 . 4 . Vaccinations are allowed with the following limitations : . when an endemic diseases is known or expected to be a problem in the region of the farm and where this diseases cannot be controlled by other management techniques ; or . when a vaccination is legally required , and . the vaccine is not genetically engineered 5 . 8 . Transport and Slaughter General Principle Organic animals are subjected to minimum stress during transport and slaughter . Recommendations Animals should be transported the minimum frequencies and distances possible . Animals should be inspected regularly during transport . The transportation medium should be appropriate for each animal . Animals should be watered and fed during transport depending on weather and other conditions of transport . Those responsible for transportation and slaughtering should employ stress - reducing measures , such as : a . allowing sufficient rest time to reduce stress b . maintaining existing group and social ties c . avoiding contact ( sight , sound or smell ) of each live animal with dead animals or animals in the killing process . Each animal should be stunned before being bled to death . The equipment used for stunning should be in good working order . Exceptions can be made according to cultural practice . Where animals are bled without prior stunning this should take place in a calm environment . Local and mobile slaughterhouses should be used when available . Standards shall require that : 5 . 8 . 1 . Animals be handled calmly and gently during transport and slaughter 5 . 8 . 2 . The use of electric prods and other such instruments is prohibited . 5 . 8 . 3 . Organic animals be provided with conditions during transportation and slaughter that reduce and minimize the adverse effects of : . stress . loading and unloading . mixing different groups of animals or animals of different sex . quality and suitability of mode of transport and handling equipment . temperatures and relative humidity . hunger and thirst ; and . the specific needs of each animal 5 . 8 . 4 . Animals shall not be treated with synthetic tranquilizers or stimulants prior to or during transport . 5 . 8 . 5 . Each animal or group of animals shall be identifiable at each step in the transport and slaughter process . 5 . 8 . 6 . Slaughterhouse journey times shall not exceed eight hours . When there is no certified organic slaughterhouse within eight hours travel time , an animal may be transported for a period in excess . 5 . 9 . Bee Keeping General Principle Bee keeping is an important activity that contributes to enhancement of the agriculture and forestry production through the pollinating action of bees . Recommendations The hives should consist of natural materials presenting no risk of contamination to the environment or the bee products . The feeding of colonies may be undertaken , with organic feed , to overcome temporary feed shortages due to climatic or other exceptional circumstances . When bees are placed in wild areas , consideration should be given to the safety and integrity of the indigenous insect population and pollination requirements of native plants . The treatment and management of hives should respect all the principles of organic animal husbandry contained elsewhere in these Standards . The capacity of bees to adapt to local conditions , their vitality and their resistance to disease should be taken into account . Honey temperatures should be maintained as low as possible during the extraction and processing of products derived from bee keeping . The collection areas should be large enough and as varied as possible to provide adequate and sufficient nutrition and access to water . The health of bees should be based on prevention of disease , using techniques such as adequate selection of breeds , favorable environment , balanced diet and appropriate husbandry practices . The sources of natural nectar , honeydew and pollen should consist essentially of organically produced plants and / or naturally occurring ( wild ) vegetation . Standards shall require that : 5 . 9 . 1 . Hives shall be situated in organically managed fields and / or wild natural areas . Hives may be placed in an area that ensures access to sources of honeydew , nectar and pollen that meets organic crop production requirements sufficient to supply all of the bees ’ nutritional needs . 5 . 9 . 2 . The operator shall not place hives within foraging distance of fields or other areas with a high contamination risk . 5 . 9 . 3 . At the end of the production season , hives shall be left with reserves of honey and pollen sufficient for the colony to survive the dormancy period . Any supplementary feeding shall be carried out only between the last honey harvest and the start of the next nectar or honeydew flow period . In such cases , organic honey or sugar shall be used . Exceptions may be made , for a limited time , if organic sugar is not available . 5 . 9 . 4 . Bee colonies may be converted to organic production . Introduced bees shall come from organic production units when available . Bee products may be sold as organically produced when the requirements of these Standards have been complied with for at least one year . During the conversion period the wax shall be replaced by organically produced wax . Where no prohibited products have been previously used in the hive and there is no risk of contamination of wax , replacement of wax is not necessary . In cases where all the wax cannot be replaced during a one - year period , the conversion period may be extended with the approval of the standard - setting organization . 5 . 9 . 5 . Each beehive shall primarily consist of natural materials . Use of construction materials with potentially toxic effects is prohibited . 5 . 9 . 6 . For pest and disease control the following are permitted : . lactic , formic acid . oxalic , acetic acid . sulfur . natural essential oils ( e . g . menthol , eucalyptol , camphor ) . Bacillus thuringiensis . steam , direct flame and caustic soda for hive disinfection 5 . 9 . 7 . Where preventative measures fail , veterinary medicinal products may be used provided that : . preference is given to phyto - therapeutic and homeopathic treatment , and . if allopathic chemically synthesized medicinal products are used , the bee products shall not be sold as organic . treated hives shall be placed in isolation and undergo a conversion period of one year The practice of destroying the male brood is permitted only to contain infestation with Varroa jacobsoni ( mites ) . 5 . 9 . 8 . The health and welfare of the hive shall be primarily achieved by hygiene and hive management . 5 . 9 . 9 . The destruction of bees in the combs as a method of harvesting of bee products is prohibited . 5 . 9 . 10 . Mutilations , such as clipping of the wings of queen bees , are prohibited . 5 . 9 . 11 . Artificial insemination of queen bees is permitted . 5 . 9 . 12 . The use of chemical synthetic bee repellents is prohibited during honey extraction operations . 5 . 9 . 13 . The use of smoke should be kept to a minimum . Acceptable smoking materials should be natural or from materials that meet the requirements of these standards . 6 . Processing and Handling 6 . 1 . General General Principle Organic processing and handling provides consumers with nutritious , high quality supplies of organic products and organic farmers with a market without compromise to the organic integrity of their products . Recommendations Handlers and processors should handle and process organic products separately in both time and place from non - organic products . Handlers and processors should identify and avoid pollution and potential contamination sources . Standards shall require that : 6 . 1 . 1 . Handlers and processors shall not co - mingle organic products with non - organic products . 6 . 1 . 2 . All organic products shall be clearly identified as such , and stored and transported in a way that prevents contact with conventional product through the entire process . 6 . 1 . 3 . The handler and processor shall take all necessary measures to prevent organic products from being contaminated by pollutants and contaminants , including the cleaning , decontamination , or if necessary disinfection of facilities and equipment . 6 . 2 . Ingredients General Principle Organic processed products are only made from organic ingredients . Recommendations Processors should use organic ingredients whenever possible . Enzymes , fermentation organisms , dairy cultures , and other microbiological products should be organically produced and multiplied from a medium composed of organic ingredients , and substances that appear in Appendix 4 . Standards shall require that : 6 . 2 . 1 . All ingredients used in an organic processed product shall be organically produced except for those additives and processing aids that appear in Appendix 4 and non - organically produced ingredients that are in compliance with the labeling provisions . In cases where an ingredient of organic origin is unavailable in sufficient quality or quantity , the standard - setting organization may authorize use of non organic raw materials subject to periodic review and re - evaluation . These materials shall not be genetically engineered . 6 . 2 . 2 . Water and salt may be used as ingredients in the production of organic products and are not included in the percentage calculations of organic ingredients . 6 . 2 . 3 . Minerals ( including trace elements ) , vitamins and similar isolated ingredients shall not be used unless their use is legally required or where severe dietary or nutritional deficiency can be demonstrated . 6 . 2 . 4 . Preparations of micro - organisms and enzymes commonly used in food processing may be used , with the exception of genetically engineered micro - organisms and their products . Processors shall use micro - organisms grown on substrates that consist entirely of organic ingredients and substances on Appendix 4 , if available , This includes cultures that are prepared or multiplied in - house . 6 . 3 . Processing Methods General Principle Organic food is processed by biological , mechanical and physical methods in a way that maintains the vital quality of each ingredient and the finished product . Recommendations Organic products should be processed in a way that maintains nutritional value . Processors should choose methods that limit the number and quantity of non - organic additives and processing aids . Standards shall require that : 6 . 3 . 1 . Techniques used to process organic food shall be biological , physical , and mechanical in nature . Any additives , processing aids , or other substances that chemically react with or modify organic foods shall comply with the requirements of Appendix 4 . 6 . 3 . 2 . Extraction shall only take place with water , ethanol , plant and animal oils , vinegar , carbon dioxide , nitrogen . These shall be of a quality appropriate for their purpose . 6 . 3 . 3 . Irradiation is not permitted . 6 . 3 . 4 . Filtration techniques that chemically react with or modify organic food on a molecular basis shall be restricted . Filtration equipment shall not contain asbestos , or utilize techniques or substances that may negatively affect the product . 6 . 3 . 5 . The following conditions of storage are permitted ( See Appendix 4 ) : . controlled atmosphere . temperature control . drying . humidity regulation 6 . 3 . 6 . Ethylene gas is permitted for ripening . 6 . 4 . Pest and Disease Control General Principle Organic food is protected from pests and diseases by the use of good manufacturing practices that include proper cleaning , sanitation and hygiene , without the use of chemical treatment or irradiation . Recommendation Recommended treatments are physical barriers , sound , ultra - sound , light and UV - light , traps ( including pheromone traps and static bait traps ) , temperature control , controlled atmosphere and diatomaceous earth Standards shall require that : 6 . 4 . 1 . A handler or processor is required to manage pests and shall use the following methods according to these priorities : 1 . preventative methods such as disruption , elimination of habitat and access to facilities 2 . mechanical , physical and biological methods 3 . substances according to the Appendices of the IBS 4 . substances ( other than pesticides ) used in traps 6 . 4 . 2 . Prohibited pest control practices include , but are not limited to , the following substances and methods : . pesticides not contained in Appendix 2 . fumigation with ethylene oxide , methyl bromide , aluminum phosphide or other substance not contained in Appendix 4 . ionizing radiation 6 . 4 . 3 . The direct use or application of a prohibited method or material renders that product no longer organic . The operator shall take necessary precautions to prevent contamination , including the removal of organic product from the storage or processing facility , and measures to decontaminate the equipment or facilities . Application of prohibited substances to equipment or facilities shall not contaminate organic product handled or processed therein . Application of prohibited substances to equipment or facilities shall not compromise the organic integrity of product handled or processed therein . 6 . 5 . Packaging General Principle Organic product packaging has minimal adverse impacts on the product or on the environment . Recommendations Processors of organic food should avoid unnecessary packaging materials . Organic food should be packaged in reusable , recycled , recyclable , and biodegradable packaging whenever possible . Standards shall require that : 6 . 5 . 1 . Packaging material shall not contaminate organic food . 6 . 5 . 2 . Packaging materials , and storage containers , or bins that contain a synthetic fungicide , preservative , or fumigant are prohibited . 6 . 5 . 3 . Organic produce shall not be packaged in reused bags or containers that have been in contact with any substance likely to compromise the organic integrity of product or ingredient placed in those containers . 7 . Labeling General Principle Organic products are clearly and accurately labeled as organic . Recommendations When the full standards requirements have been fulfilled , products should be labeled as " produce of organic agriculture " or a similar description . The name and address of the person or company legally responsible for the production or processing of the product should be on the label . Product labels should identify all ingredients , processing methods , and all additives and processing aids . Labels should contain advice on how to obtain all additional product information . All components of additives and processing aids should be declared . Wild ingredients or products should be declared as such , as well as organic . Standards shall require that : 7 . 1 . 1 . The person or company legally responsible for the production or processing of the product and the certification body shall be identifiable . 7 . 1 . 2 . To be labeled as “ produce of organic agriculture ” or equivalent protected terms , a product shall comply with at least these standards . 7 . 1 . 3 . . Mixed products where not all ingredients , including additives , are of organic origin and products that are entirely in compliance with these standards , shall be labeled in the following way ( percentages in this section refer to raw material weight ) : Where a minimum of 95 % of the ingredients are of certified organic origin , products may be labeled “ certified organic " or equivalent and should carry the certification mark of the certification body . . Where less than 95 % but not less than 70 % of the ingredients are of certified organic origin , products may not be called " organic ". The word " organic " may be used on the principal display in statements like " made with organic ingredients " provided there is a clear statement of the proportion of the organic ingredients . An indication that the product is covered by the certification body may be used , close to the indication of proportion of organic ingredients . . Where less than 70 % of the ingredients are of certified organic origin , the indication that an ingredient is organic may appear in the ingredient list . Such product may not be called " organic ". 7 . 1 . 4 . All ingredients of a multi - ingredient product shall be listed on the product label in order of their weight percentage . It shall be apparent which ingredients are of organic certified origin and which are not . All additives shall be listed with their full name . If herbs and / or spices constitute less than 2 % of the total weight of the product , they may be listed as “ spices " or “ herbs " without stating the percentage . 7 . 1 . 5 . Added water and salt shall not be included in the percentage calculations of organic ingredients . 7 . 1 . 6 . The label for conversion products shall be clearly distinguishable from the label for organic products . 7 . 1 . 7 . ( see also 2 . 3 ) Organic products shall not be labeled as GMO - free in the context of these standards . Any reference to genetic engineering on product labels shall be limited to the production and processing methods themselves having not used GMOs . 8 . Social Justice General Principle Social justice and social rights are an integral part of organic agriculture and processing . Recommendations Operators should comply with all ILO conventions relating to labor welfare and the UN Charter of Rights for Children . All employees and their families should have access to potable water , food , housing , education , transportation and health services . Operators should provide for the basic social security needs of the employees , including benefits such as maternity , sickness and retirement benefit . All employees should have equal opportunity and adequate wages when performing the same level of work regardless of color , creed and gender . Workers should have adequate protection from noise , dust , light and exposure to chemicals that should be within acceptable limits in all production and processing operations . Operators should respect the rights of indigenous peoples , and should not use or exploit land whose inhabitants or farmers have been or are being impoverished , dispossessed , colonized , expelled , exiled or killed , or which is currently in dispute regarding legal or customary local rights to its use or ownership . Contracts should be fair , open to negotiation , and honored in good faith . Standards shall require that : 8 . 1 . Operators shall have a policy on social justice . Operators who hire fewer than ten ( 10 ) persons for labor and those who operate under a state system that enforces social laws may not be required to have such a policy . 8 . 2 . In cases where production is based on violation of basic human rights and clear cases of social injustice , that product cannot be declared as organic . 8 . 3 . Standards shall require that operators not use forced or involuntary labor . 8 . 4 . Employees and contractors of organic operations have the freedom to associate , the right to organize and the right to bargain collectively . 8 . 5 . Operators shall provide their employees and contractors equal opportunity and treatment , and shall not act in a discriminatory way . 8 . 6 . Children employed by organic operators shall be provided with educational opportunities . SECTION C APPENDICESIntroduction to Appendices In organic agriculture the maintenance of soil fertility is achieved through the recycling of minerals and organic matter where the nutrients are made available to crops through the activity of soil microorganisms . Pests , diseases , and weeds can be managed through cultural practices . Organic foods are processed primarily by biological , mechanical , and physical means . The following appendices are used as a guideline for certifiers , and are not intended to be comprehensive . Appendix 3 is used to evaluate products included in Appendix 1 and 2 . Appendix 5 is used to evaluate products included in Appendix 4 . Taking into consideration factors such as contamination , risk of nutritional imbalances , importation of inputs from outside the farm , and depletion of natural resources , the use of many of these inputs listed in Appendix 1 and 2 is already restricted ( see chapters 4 . 4 Soil Fertility and Fertilization , 4 . 5 Pest , Disease and Weed Management including Growth Regulators and 4 . 6 Avoiding Contamination ) . Where there is doubt about whether products should be included in the appendices the precautionary principle should be applied . Revision Procedure for Appendices Any IFOAM member can request that IFOAM add , delete , or change the status of an input . A member who wishes IFOAM to determine whether or not an input should be permitted for use in organic production or processing shall submit a dossier . A dossier addresses all of the IFOAM criteria in Appendices 3 and / or 5 and follows a standardized format developed by the Standards Committee . A dossier requesting deletion needs only to address the criteria the non - fulfillment of which are the reason for deletion . Requests from non - members may also be considered at the discretion of the SC . Dossiers shall be submitted to the SC when the certification body or standard - setting organization has included an input in their standards that does not appear in the appendices or that is not clearly covered by the general standards or generic groups in the standards Inputs that are the subject of dossiers may be used and / or included in standards during the assessment period but any IFOAM member does so at its own risk and should be mindful that a negative decision may be made . The Standards Committee reviews the dossier and makes one of five decisions : 1 . Insufficient information . The dossier is returned to the member with a request to provide more information . 2 . Clarification of existing standards . The member is informed that the input is already covered ( allowed , restricted , or prohibited ) by the IBS . 3 . Reference to Experts . The Standards Committee requires the opinion of recognized experts before it can make a decision . The IFOAM SC passes a dossier to one or several experts for evaluation . If the experts require further information , the SC requests this information and passes it to the experts . The experts provide a recommendation to the SC . The SC passes expert comment back to the applicant for further comment . The SC then makes a decision based on the recommendation and comments of the applicant . 4 . Recommendation for Change of Relevant Appendix . The SC informs the member that the change is recommended by the SC to be included into the IBS . The input then follows the procedure established for changes of the IBS . 5 . Rejection of the Change . The SC informs the member that the input is not considered to be appropriate for inclusion in the IBS . Final decisions and recommendations shall be published in IFOAM internal newsletter and home page . Appendix 1 Fertilizers and Soil Conditioners Substances description , compositional requirements I . Plant and Animal Origin . farmyard manure , slurry and urine . guano . source separated human excrement from separated sources which are monitored for contamination . vermicastings . blood meal , meat meal , bone , bone meal . hoof and horn meal , feather meal , fish and fish products , wool , fur , hair , dairy products . biodegradable processing by - products , plant or animal origin , e . g . by - products of food , feed , oilseed , brewery , distillery or textile processing . . crop and vegetable residues , mulch , green manure , straw . wood , bark , sawdust , wood shavings , wood ash , wood charcoal . seaweed and seaweed products . peat ( prohibited for soil conditioning ) . plant preparations and extracts . compost made from ingredients listed in this appendix , spent mushroom waste , humus from worms and insects , urban composts from separated sources which are monitored for contamination II . Mineral Origin . basic slag . calcareous and magnesium amendments . limestone , gypsum , marl , maerl , chalk , sugar beet lime , calcium chloride , . magnesium rock , kieserite and Epsom salt ( magnesium sulfate ) . mineral potassium ( e . g . sulfate of potash , muriate of potash , kainite , sylvanite , patentkali ) . natural phosphates . pulverized rock , stone meal . clay ( e . g . bentonite , perlite , vermiculite , zeolite ) . sodium chloride . trace elements . sulfur III . Microbiological biodegradable processing by - products of microbial origin , e . g . byproducts of brewery or distillery processing . microbiological preparations based on naturally occurring organisms IV . Others . biodynamic preparations Conditions for use Not to be directly applied on edible parts Excluding synthetic additives ; permitted for inclusion in potting mixes . Shall be obtained by physical procedures but not enriched by chemical processes Appendix 2 Crop Protectants and Growth Regulators Substances Description , compositional requirements Conditions for use I . Plant and Animal Origin . algal preparations . animal preparations and oils . beeswax . chitin nematicides ( natural origin ) . coffee grounds . corn gluten meal ( weed control ) . dairy products ( e . g . milk , casein ) . gelatine . lecithin . natural acids ( e . g . vinegar ) . neem ( Azadirachta indica ) . plant oils . plant preparations . plant based repellents . propolis . pyrethrum ( Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium ) , The synergist Piperonyl butoxide is prohibited . Where certification bodies have previously permitted its use , it shall be prohibited after 2005 . quassia ( Quassia amara ) . rotenone ( Derris elliptica , Lonchocarpus spp . Thephrosia spp . ) . ryania ( Ryania speciosa ) . sabadilla . tobacco tea ( pure nicotine is forbidden ) II . Mineral Origin . chloride of lime . clay ( e . g . bentonite , perlite , vermiculite , zeolite ) . copper salts ( e . g . sulfate , hydroxide , oxychloride , octanoate ) Max 8 kg / ha per year ( on a rolling average basis ) . diatomaceous earth . light mineral oils ( paraffin ) . lime sulfur ( Calcium polysulfide ) . Potassium bicarbonate . potassium permanganate . quicklime . silicates ( e . g . sodium silicates , quartz ) . sodium bicarbonate . sulfur III . Microorganisms . fungal preparations . bacterial preparations ( e . g . Bacillus thuringiensis ) . release of parasites , predators and sterilized insects . viral preparations ( e . g . granulosis virus ) IV . Others . biodynamic preparations . calcium hydroxide . carbon dioxide . ethyl alcohol . homeopathic and Ayurvedic preparations . seasalt and salty water . soda . soft soap . sulfur dioxide V . Traps , Barriers , Repellents . physical Methods ( e . g . chromatic traps , mechanical traps , ) . mulches , nets . pheromones . in traps and dispensers only Appendix 3 Criteria to Evaluate Additional Inputs to Organic Agriculture Appendices 1 & 2 refer to products for fertilization and plant pest and disease control in organic agriculture . Appendix 3 outlines the criteria to evaluate other inputs into organic production . The following checklist should be used for amending the permitted substance list for fertilization and soil conditioning purposes : . The material is essential for achieving or maintaining soil fertility or to fulfill specific nutrient requirements , for specific soil - conditioning and rotation purposes which cannot be satisfied by the practices outlined in Chapter 4 or of other products included in Appendix 1 and . The ingredients are of plant , animal , microbial or mineral origin which may undergo the following processes : o physical ( mechanical , thermal ) o enzymatic o microbial ( composting , digestion ) and . Their use does not result in , or contribute to , unacceptable effects on , or contamination of , the environment , including soil organisms and . Their use has no unacceptable effect on the quality and safety of the final product . The following checklist should be used for amending the permitted substance list for the purpose of plant disease or pest and weed control : . The material is essential for the control of a harmful organism or a particular disease for which other biological , physical or plant breeding alternatives and / or effective management techniques are not available and . The substances ( active compound ) should be plant , animal , microbial or mineral origin which may undergo the following processes : o physical o enzymatic o microbial and . Their use does not result in , or contribute to , unacceptable effects on , or contamination of , the environment . Nature identical products such as pheromones , which are chemically synthesized may be considered if the products are not available in sufficient quantities in their natural form , provided that the conditions for their use do not directly or indirectly contribute to contamination of the environment or the product Introduction Inputs should be evaluated regularly and weighed against alternatives . This process of regular evaluation should result in organic production becoming ever more friendly to humans , animals , the environment and the ecosystem . The following criteria should be used for evaluation of additional inputs to organic agriculture . 1 . Necessity Each input must be necessary . This will be investigated in the context in which the product will be used . Arguments to prove the necessity of an input shall be drawn from such criteria as yield , product quality , environmental safety , ecological protection , landscape , human and animal welfare . The use of an input may be restricted to : . Specific crops ( especially perennial crops ) . Specific regions . Specific conditions under which the input may be used 2 . Nature and Mode of Production Nature The origin of the input should usually be ( in order of preference ) : . Organic - vegetative , animal , microbial . Mineral Non - natural products which are chemically synthesized and identical to natural products may be used . When there is any choice , renewable inputs are preferred . The next best choice is inputs of mineral origin and the third choice is inputs which are chemically identical to natural products . There may be ecological , technical or economic arguments to take into consideration in the allowance of chemically identical inputs . Mode of Production The ingredients of the inputs may undergo the following processes : . Mechanical . Physical . Enzymatic . Action of micro - organisms . Chemical ( as an exception and restricted ) Collection The collection of the raw materials comprising the input shall not affect the stability of the natural habitat nor affect the maintenance of any species within the collection area . 3 . Environment Environmental Safety The input shall not be harmful or have a lasting negative impact on the environment . Nor should the input give rise to unacceptable pollution of surface or ground water , air or soil . All stages during processing , use and breakdown shall be evaluated . Chemically Synthesized Products and Heavy Metals Inputs shall not contain harmful manufactured chemicals ( xenobiotic products ) where these are known to accumulate in the food chain . Chemically synthesized products may be accepted only if nature identical e . g . pheromones . The following characteristics of the input shall be taken into account : Degradability . All inputs shall be degradable to CO 2 , H 2 O , and / or to their mineral form . . Inputs with a high acute toxicity to non - target organisms should have a maximum half - life of five days . . Natural substances used as inputs which are not considered toxic do not need to be degradable within a limited time . Acute toxicity to non - target organisms When inputs have a relatively high acute toxicity for non - target organisms , restrictions for their use is needed . Measures have to be taken to guarantee the survival of these non - target organisms . Maximum amounts allowed for application must be set . When it is not possible to take adequate measures , the use of the input is not permitted . Long - term chronic toxicity Inputs that accumulate in organisms or systems of organisms and inputs which have , or are suspected of having , mutagenic or carcinogenic properties shall not be used . If there are any risks , sufficient measures shall be taken to reduce any risk to an acceptable level and to prevent long lasting negative environmental effects . Mineral inputs should contain as few heavy metals as possible . Due to the lack of any alternative , and long - standing , traditional use in organic agriculture , copper and copper salts are an exception for the time being . The use of copper in any form in organic agriculture must be seen , however , as temporary and use shall be restricted with regard to environmental impact . 4 . Human Health and Quality Human Health Inputs shall not be harmful to human health . All stages during processing , use and degradation shall be taken into account . Measures shall be taken to reduce any risks and standards set for inputs used in organic production . Product quality Inputs shall not have negative effects on the quality of the product - e . g . taste , keeping quality , visual quality . 5 . Ethical Aspects - Animal Welfare Inputs shall not have a negative influence on the natural behavior or physical functioning of animals kept at the farm . 6 . Socio Economic Aspects Consumers ’ perception : Inputs should not meet resistance or opposition of consumers of organic products . An input might be considered by consumers to be unsafe to the environment or human health , although this has not been scientifically proven . Inputs should not interfere with a general feeling or opinion about what is natural or organic - e . g . genetic engineering . Appendix 4 List of Approved Additives and Processing Aids Where the substances listed in this annex can be found in nature , natural sources are preferred . Substances of certified organic origin are preferred . 1 Int ’ l Numbering System Product Additive Pro . Aid Limitation / Note INS 170 calcium carbonate X X INS 181 tannin X only for wine INS 184 tannic acid X filtration aid for wine INS 220 sulfur dioxide X only for wine INS 224 potassium metabisulphite X only for wine INS 270 lactic acid X X INS 290 carbon dioxide X X INS 300 ascorbic acid X INS 306 tocopherols , mixed natural concentrates X INS 322 lecithin X X INS 330 citric acid X X INS 331 sodium citrates X INS 332 potassium citrates X INS 333 calcium citrates X INS 334 tartaric acid X X only for wine INS 335 sodium tartrate X X INS 336 potassium tartrate X X INS 341 mono calcium phosphate X only for “ raising flour ” INS 342 ammonium phosphate X restricted to 0 . 3 gm / l in wine INS 400 alginic acid X INS 401 sodium alginate X INS 402 potassium alginate X INS 406 agar X INS 407 carrageenan X INS 410 locust bean gum X INS 412 guar gum X INS 413 tragacanth gum X INS 414 arabic gum X only for milk products , fat products , confectionary , sweets , eggs . INS 415 xanthan gum X only fat , fruit and vegetable products and cakes and biscuits INS 440 pectin X unmodified INS 500 sodium carbonates X X INS 501 potassium carbonates X X INS 503 ammonium carbonates X only for cereal products , confectionery , cakes and biscuits INS 504 magnesium carbonates X INS 508 potassium chloride X INS 509 calcium chloride X X INS 511 magnesium chloride X X only for soybean products Food additives may contain carriers which shall be evaluated INS 513 sulfuric acid X pH adjustment of water during sugar processing INS 516 calcium sulfate X for soybean products , confectionery and in bakers ' yeast INS 517 ammonium sulfate X only for wine , restricted to 0 . 3 mg / l INS 524 sodium hydroxide X X for sugar processing and for the surface treatment of traditional bakery products . INS 526 calcium hydroxide X X food additive for maize tortilla flour . processing aid for sugar INS 551 silicon dioxide ( amorphous ) X for wine , fruit and vegetable processing INS 553 talc X INS 901 beeswax X INS 903 carnauba wax X INS 938 argon X INS 941 nitrogen X X INS 948 oxygen X X activated carbon X bentonite X only for fruit and vegetable products casein X only for wine diatomaceous earth X only for sweeteners and wine egg white albumen X only for wine ethanol X gelatin X only for wine , fruit and vegetable isinglass X only for wine kaolin X perlite X preparations of bark X only for sugar Flavoring Agents . Organic flavoring extracts ( including volatile oils ) . Volatile ( essential ) oils produced by means of solvents such as oil , water , ethanol , carbon dioxide and mechanical and physical processes . Natural smoke flavor . Natural flavoring preparations are only to be approved based on the IFOAM Procedure to Evaluate Additives and Processing Aids ( Appendix 5 ) Preparations of Micro - organisms and Enzymes for use in food processing ( see 6 . 2 . 4 . ) These may be used as ingredient or processing aids with approval based on the IFOAM Procedure to Evaluate Additives and Processing Aids for Organic Food Products . . Organic certified micro - organisms . Preparations of micro - organisms . Enzymes and enzyme preparations Appendix 5 Criteria for the Evaluation of Additives and Processing Aids for Organic Food Products Introduction Additives , processing aids , flavoring agents and colors should be evaluated according to Appendix 5 . The following aspects and criteria should be used for evaluation of additives and processing aids in organic food products . 1 . Necessity Additives and processing aids may only be allowed in organic food products if each additive or processing aid is essential to the production and : . the authenticity of the product is respected . the product cannot be produced or preserved without them 2 . Criteria for the Approval of Additives and Processing Aids Where : . There are no other acceptable technologies available to process or preserve the organic product . . The use of additives or processing aids which minimize physical or mechanical damage to the foodstuff as a substitute for other technologies which if used would result in such damage . The hygiene of the product cannot be guaranteed as effectively by other methods ( such as a reduction in distribution time or improvement of storage facilities ) . There are no natural food sources available of acceptable quality and quantity which can replace the use of additives or processing aids . Additives or processing aids do not compromise the authenticity of the product . The additives or processing aids do not confuse the customer by giving the impression that the final product is of higher quality than is justified by the quality of the raw material . This refers primarily , but not exclusively , to coloring and flavoring agents . Additives and processing aids should not detract from the overall quality of the product 3 . Step by Step Procedure for the use of Additives and Processing Aids 1 . Instead of using additives or processing aids , the preferred first choice is : . Foods grown under organic conditions which are used as a whole product or are processed in accordance with the IFOAM Basic Standards - e . g . flour used as a thickening agent or vegetable oil as a releasing agent . Foods or raw materials of plant and animal origin which are produced only by mechanical or simple physical procedures - e . g . salt . 2 . The second choice is : . substance isolated from food and produced physically or by enzymes - e . g . starch , tartrates , pectin . Purified products of raw materials of non agricultural origin and micro - organisms - e . g . acerola fruit extract , enzymes and micro - organism preparations such as starter cultures . 3 . In organic food products the following categories of additives and processing aids are not allowed : . " Nature identical " substances . Synthetic substances primarily judged as being unnatural or as a " new construction " of food compounds such as acetylated crosslinked starches . Additives or processing aids produced by means of genetic engineering . Synthetic coloring and synthetic preservatives . Carriers and preservatives used in the preparation of additives and processing aids shall also be taken into consideration . SECTION D DRAFT STANDARDS 9 . Plant Breeding and Multiplication Draft Standards Explanatory Note : This section refers to breeding of organic varieties , not simply use of organic seed General Principles Organic plant breeding and variety development is sustainable , enhances genetic diversity and relies on natural reproductive ability . Organic plant breeding is a holistic approach that respects natural crossing barriers and is based on fertile plants that can establish a viable relationship with the living soil . Organic varieties are obtained by an organic plant breeding program . The objectives of organic plant breeding are to maintain and further diversify organic production . Recommendations Plant breeders should use breeding methods that are suitable for organic farming . All multiplication practices should be under certified organic management . Breeding methods and materials should minimize depletion of natural resources . Standards shall require that : 9 . 1 . To be an organic variety , only suitable methods of breeding shall be used as listed in appendix 6 . All multiplication practices except meristem culture shall be under certified organic management . 9 . 2 . Organic seed and plant materials shall be propagated under organic management for at least one generation , in the case of annuals , and for perennials , two growing periods , or 12 months , whichever is the longer , before being certified as organic seed and plant material . Appendix 6 Draft Standards List of plant breeding methods and materials Draft Standard Variation Selection Maintenance induction techniques and techniques multiplication Suitable and . combination . mass selection . generative permitted for organic plant breeding breeding . crossing varieties . pedigree selection . site - determined propagation . vegetative propagation . bridge crossing selection - partitioned . backcrossing . change in tubers . hybrids with surroundings - scales , husks , fertile F 1 . change in partitioned . temperature treating . grafting style sowing time . ear bed method . test crossing bulbs , brood bulbs , bulbils - offset bulbs . cutting style . untreated mentor pollen . indirect selections . DNA diagnostic methods etc . - layer , cut and graft shoots - rhizomes . meristem culture 10 . Aquaculture Production Draft Standards 10 . 1 . Scope Aquaculture includes the farming of many different species using diverse forms of production in fresh -, brackish - and saltwater . These standards cover carnivorous , omnivorous and herbivorous organisms of alltypes and at all stages of growth , grown in any form of enclosure such as earthen ponds , tanks and cages ( open and closed systems ) . Wild , sessile organisms in open collecting areas may be certified as organic . Organisms that are moving freely in open waters , and / or that are not capable of inspection according togeneral procedures for organic production , are not covered by these standards . This chapter has the status of draft standards . 10 . 2 . Conversion to Organic Aquaculture General Principles Conversion to organic aquaculture is a process of developing farming practices that encourage and maintain a viable and sustainable aquatic ecosystem . The time between the start of organic management and certification of the production is known as the conversion period . Aquaculture production methods can vary widely according to biology of the organisms , technology used , geographic location and local conditions , ownership structure , time span , etc . These aspects should be considered when the length of conversion is specified . Recommendations The total production in each farming unit or under each operator ’ s control should be converted to organic aquaculture over a specified period of time . If a production unit is not converted all at once , the standardsetting organization should set standards for how organic and non - organic production and product can be clearly separated in production and documentation , to prevent unintentional mixing of materials and products . Independent sections of the production unit should be converted in such a way that these standards are completely met on each section before it is certified as organic . There should be a clear plan of how to proceed with the conversion . This plan should be updated as necessary and cover all aspects relevant to these standards . The length of the conversion period should be at least one life cycle of the organism in question . Standards shall require that : 10 . 2 . 1 . The operation shall comply with these standards throughout the conversion period . Calculation of the conversion period may not start before the date of the last noncomplying input or practice . 10 . 2 . 2 . Where the entire production is not converted the following is required : . physical separation between conventional and organic production units . For sedentary or sessile organisms not living in enclosures ( see 6 . 4 . 1 . and 6 . 4 . 2 . ) the area shall be at an appropriate distance from pollution or harmful influence from conventional aquaculture / agriculture or industry . organic production shall be capable of inspection with respect to water quality , feed , medication , input factors or any other relevant sections of these standards . Adequate documentation including financial accounting is available for both production systems . converted units shall not be switched between organic and conventional management 10 . 2 . 3 . The length of the conversion period shall be specified by the standard - setting organization , taking into consideration life cycle and species , environmental factors , and past use of the site with respect to waste , sediments and water quality . 10 . 2 . 4 . The standard - setting organization may allow brought - in organisms of conventional origin , provided these are not genetically engineered . Required conversion periods for brought - in organisms shall be defined by the standard - setting organization . 10 . 2 . 5 . No conversion period is required in the case of open collecting areas for wild , sedentary organisms ( see 6 . 5 . ) where the water is free - flowing and not directly or indirectly contaminated by substances prohibited in these standards and where the collecting area can be inspected with respect to water quality , feed , medication , input factors or any other relevant sections of these standards and all requirements are met . 10 . 3 . Basic Conditions General Principles Management techniques are governed by the physiological and ethological needs of the organisms in question . The organisms are allowed to meet their basic behavioral needs . Management techniques , especially when applied to influence production levels and speed of growth , will maintain and protect the good health and welfare of the organisms . When introducing non - native species , special care is taken to avoid permanent disruption to natural ecosystems . Recommendations Production should maintain the aquatic environment and surrounding aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem , by using a combination of production practices that : . encourage and enhance biological cycles . use a wide range of methods for disease control . prohibit synthetic fertilizers and avoid chemotherapeutic agents . provide for polyculture where possible Converting material of plant and animal origin into animal production results in nutrient and energy losses . For this reason feed sources based on by - products and waste materials of biological origin not suitable for human consumption should be encouraged . Standards shall require that : 10 . 3 . 1 . The standard - setting organization shall set standards that take into account the physiological and behavioral needs of organisms . This shall include provisions regarding : . sustainable production . non - stressful stocking density . water quality . protection from extremes of sunlight and shade and sudden temperature changes . 10 . 3 . 2 . The standard - setting organization may allow artificially prolonged light periods , appropriate to the species and geographical location . Day length shall not be artificially prolonged beyond 16 hours per day . 10 . 3 . 3 . Construction materials and production equipment shall not contain paints or impregnating materials with synthetic chemical agents that detrimentally affect the environment or the health of the organisms in question . 10 . 3 . 4 . Adequate measures shall be taken to prevent escapes of cultivated species from enclosures . 10 . 3 . 5 . Adequate measures shall be taken to prevent predation on species living in enclosures . 10 . 3 . 6 . The standard - setting organization shall set relevant standards to prevent excessive and / or improper use of water . 10 . 4 . Location of Production Units General Principle Location of organic production units maintains the health of the aquatic environment and surrounding aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem . Recommendations Production units should be at appropriate distances from contamination sources and conventional aquaculture . Aquaculture production should minimize negative environmental impact . Standards shall require that : 10 . 4 . 1 . The distance between organic and conventional production units in open systems shall be defined in the standards . 10 . 4 . 2 . The standard - setting organization shall set standards including appropriate separation distances to provide protection from pollution and contamination . 10 . 5 . Location of Collecting Areas General Principle Wild , sedentary / sessile organisms in open collecting areas may be certified as organic if they are derived from an unpolluted , stable and sustainable environment . Recommendations Collecting areas should be at appropriate distances from contamination and conventional aquaculture . Negative environmental impact from aquaculture production or harvesting shall be minimized . Standards shall require that : 10 . 5 . 1 . The harvesting / production area shall be clearly defined and shall be capable of inspection with respect to water quality , feed , medication , input factors and other relevant sections of these Standards . 10 . 5 . 2 . Collecting areas shall be at appropriate distances from pollution and possible harmful influences from conventional aquaculture . These distances shall be specified by the standards . 10 . 6 . Health and Welfare General Principles Management practices achieve a high level of disease resistance and prevention from infection . All management techniques , especially when influencing production levels and speed of growth , maintain the good health and welfare of the organisms . Living aquatic organisms should be handled as little as possible . The well being of the organisms is paramount in the choice of treatment for disease or injury . Recommendations The cause of outbreaks of disease or infection should be identified , and management practices implemented to prevent the causative events and future out - breaks . When treatment is necessary the use of natural methods and medicines should be the first choice . Disease treatment should be carried out in a way that minimizes harmful effects on the environment . Standards shall require that : 10 . 6 . 1 . Conventional , veterinary chemicals shall only be used if no other justifiable alternative is available , and / or if the use of such chemicals is required according to national law . The standards shall define appropriate withholding periods for use of veterinary drugs where required . The length of the withholding periods shall be at least twice that recommended by the manufacturer . 10 . 6 . 2 . Prophylactic use of veterinary drugs , except vaccinations in certain cases ( see 6 . 6 . 3 . ) , is prohibited . 10 . 6 . 3 . Vaccinations are permitted if diseases that cannot be controlled by other management techniques are known to exist in the region . Vaccinations are also permitted if they are mandatory under applicable legislation . Genetically engineered vaccines are prohibited . 10 . 6 . 4 . Synthetic hormones and growth promoters are prohibited . 10 . 6 . 5 . The certification body shall ensure that current , accurate disease management records are kept . The records shall include : . identification of the infected and infecting organisms concerned . details of treatment and duration , including application rate , method of application , frequency of repetition and concentration of organisms . brand names of drugs used and active ingredients 10 . 6 . 6 . In case of irregular behavior by the organisms , the water quality shall be analyzed and adjusted as necessary according to the needs of the organisms . 10 . 6 . 7 . Aquatic animals shall not be subject to any kind of mutilation . 10 . 7 . Breeds and Breeding General Principle Breeding strategies and practices in organic aquaculture interfere as little as possible with natural behavior of the animals . Natural breeding methods are used . Recommendations Breeds should be chosen that are adapted to local conditions . Breeding goals should aim at obtaining good food quality and efficient conversion of inputs to animal growth . Brought - in conventional aquatic organisms should spend at least 2 / 3 of their life in the organic system before being acceptable for certification . Standards shall require that : 10 . 7 . 1 . Breeding shall allow natural birth . The certification body / standard - setting organization may , however , allow the use of production systems that do not provide for natural birth , for instance hatching of fish eggs . 10 . 7 . 2 . Where available , brought - in aquatic organisms shall come from organic sources . 10 . 7 . 3 . The standard - setting organization shall define the minimum length of time brought in aquatic organisms shall be managed organically before certification is permitted . 10 . 7 . 4 . Artificially polyploided organisms and genetically engineered species or breeds , are prohibited . 10 . 8 . Nutrition ( Aquaculture ) General Principles Organic aquaculture production provides a good quality diet balanced according to the nutritional needs of the organism . Feed is only offered to the organisms in a way that allows natural feeding behavior , with minimum loss of feed to the environment . Feed is comprised of by - products from organic food processing and wild aquatic feed resources not otherwise suited for human consumption . Recommendations Feeding and feeding regimes should be organized to give best possible growth on least possible input . Nutrient management should maintain the biological diversity of the area . Standards shall require that : 10 . 8 . 1 . Aquaculture feeds shall contain 100 % certified organic components or wild feed resources . When supplying food collected from the wild , the " Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries " ( FAO , 1995 ) shall be followed . When certified organic components or wild foods are not available , the standard - setting organization may allow feed of conventional origin up to a maximum 5 % ( by dry weight ) . 10 . 8 . 2 . In systems using brought - in feed inputs , at least 50 % of the aquatic animal protein in a diet shall come from by - products or other waste and / or other material that would not be used for human consumption . 10 . 8 . 3 . In cases of unforeseen severe natural events , the standard - setting organization may grant exceptions from the percentages mentioned in 6 . 8 . 1 . and 6 . 8 . 2 . Specific time limits and conditions shall be established for such exceptions . 10 . 8 . 4 . Feed rations should be designed so that plant and / or animal sources supply most of the nutritional needs of the organism . The standards may permit the use of mineral supplements if they are applied in their natural form . Use of human feces is restricted . 10 . 8 . 5 . The following products shall not be included in or added to the feed or in any other way be given to the organisms : . Synthetic growth promoters and stimulants . Synthetic appetizers . Synthetic antioxidants and preservatives , Urea , Feedstuffs subjected to solvent ( e . g . hexane ) extraction , amino acid isolates . material from the same species / genus / family as the one being fed . synthetic coloring agents . genetically engineered organisms or products thereof 10 . 8 . 6 . Vitamins , trace elements and supplements used shall be of natural origin when available . The use of substances from synthesized or unnatural sources shall only occur under conditions established by the standard - setting organization . 10 . 8 . 7 . The following feed preservatives may be used : . bacteria , fungi and enzymes . by - products from the food industry ( e . g . molasses ) . plant based products . Synthetic chemical feed preservatives are permitted in response to severe weather conditions . The standard - setting organization shall establish conditions for their use . 10 . 9 . Harvesting General Principle Harvesting certified organic aquatic organisms from enclosures or collecting areas causes the least possible distress to the organisms . The act of collection does not negatively affect natural areas . Recommendations Aquatic organisms should be handled in the most considerate manner . Harvesting or gathering of products shall not exceed the sustainable yield of the ecosystem , or threaten the existence of other species . Standards shall require that : 10 . 9 . 1 . The standard - setting organization shall set standards for handling living organisms that : . are adapted to the organism in question , . ensure that harvesting from enclosures and collecting areas is carried out in an effective and appropriately considerate manner . 10 . 9 . 2 . The standard - setting organization shall set standards for harvesting or gathering of products from collecting areas that ensure the sustainable yield of the ecosystem is not exceeded , and that the existence of any other species is not threatened . 10 . 10 . Transportation of Living Marine Animals General Principle The transportation medium should be appropriate for the species with regards to water quality including salinity , temperature , oxygen etc . Transportation distance , duration and frequency should be minimized . Recommendations Transport of living aquatic animals should be minimized and be done in the most considerate manner . Living animals should be monitored regularly and maintained in a healthy state during transportation . Standards shall require that : 10 . 10 . 1 . Transportation shall not cause avoidable stress or injury to the animals . Transportation equipment and / or construction materials shall not have toxic effects . 10 . 10 . 2 . The standard - setting organization shall set appropriate transportation requirements regarding : . water quality , including salinity , temperature , oxygen content , pH etc . . stocking density . maximum distance and / or time limits that animals may be restrained in transport containers . precautions against escape 10 . 10 . 3 . Chemically synthesized tranquilizers or stimulants shall not be given to the animals prior to or during transport or at any time . 10 . 10 . 4 . There shall be a minimum of one person specifically responsible for the well - being of the animals during transport . 10 . 11 . Slaughter General Principles Stress and suffering of the organism is minimized during the slaughter process . Slaughter management and techniques are governed by careful consideration of the physiology and ethology of the organisms in question and accepted ethical standards . Recommendation To avoid unnecessary suffering , the organisms should be in a state of unconsciousness before bleeding out . Standards shall require that : 10 . 11 . 1 . The standard - setting organization shall set standards to ensure that stress in connection with slaughtering is minimized . 10 . 11 . 2 . Where applicable , aquatic organisms shall be in a state of unconsciousness before bleeding to death . Equipment used for stunning shall be in good working order and shall quickly remove sensate ability and / or kill the organism . Equipment shall be regularly inspected and monitored for proper functioning . Equipment relying on gas or electricity shall be constantly monitored . 10 . 11 . 3 . The standard - setting organization shall specify slaughterhouse requirements based on local species and cultural customs . This shall include : . recovery period after transport . timing between unconsciousness and bleeding . type and quality of equipment . contact between living and slaughtered organisms 11 . Cleaning , Disinfecting , and Sanitizing Draft Standards General Principle Organic food is safe , of high quality , and free of substances used to clean , disinfect , and sanitize food processing facilities . Recommendations Processors should design plant layout ; install equipment ; and devise a cleaning , disinfecting and sanitizing system that prevents the contamination of food and food contact surfaces by prohibited substances , nonorganic ingredients , pests , disease - causing organisms , and foreign material . Handlers and processors should educate personnel in hygiene , sanitation , safe food handling , and organic standards . Handlers and processors should use physical and mechanical means such as dry heat , moist heat , exclusion , and other non - chemical methods to prevent microbiological contamination . Operators should select cleaners , sanitizers , and disinfectants based on avoidance of residual contamination , rapid biodegradability , low toxicity , worker safety , and a life - cycle impact of their manufacture , use , and disposal . In particular , operators should avoid endocrine disrupting , ozone depleting , and trihalomethane - forming compounds whenever possible . The use of cleaning compounds should minimize the disposal of effluent and the use of disinfectants . Gray water recycling for uses other than handling or processing food is preferred over either re - circulation or disposal . Standards shall require that : 11 . 1 . Operators shall take all necessary precautions to protect organic food against contamination by substances prohibited in organic farming and handling , pests , diseasecausing organisms , and foreign substances . 11 . 2 . Only water and substances that appear in Appendix 4 may be used in direct contact with organic food . 11 . 3 . Operations that use cleaners , sanitizers , and disinfectants on food contact surfaces shall use them in a way that maintains the food ’ s organic integrity . The operator is required to perform an intervening event between the use of any cleaner , sanitizer , or disinfectant and the contact of organic food with that surface , unless the substance is otherwise noted in Appendix 4 . Acceptable intervening events include a hot - water rinse , a sufficient flush of organic product that is not sold as organic , or adequate time for the substance to volatilize . [ Note : Appendix 4 is still under development and currently contains no sanitizers . A list will be developed . ] 11 . 4 . Operators shall prevent the residues of boiler water additives from direct contact with organic food by the use of entrained water , filters , traps , or other means that prevent steam in contact with organic foods from carrying such compounds . 12 . Processing of Textiles Draft Standards 12 . 1 . Scope The textile standards are applicable to all kinds of natural fiber products including , but not limited to : . yarn . fabrics . ready made clothes , clothing , rugs and furnishing textiles . non woven products These standards cover the processing of certified organic fibers and certified wild fibers . 12 . 2 . Raw Materials General Principles The raw materials in a textile product labeled as organic are 100 % organically produced . The processing of raw materials into fibers is done with consideration to the environment . The non textile raw materials in a textile product to be labeled as organic are harmless to the environment and humans , in production , use and disposal . The raw materials should contain the characteristics of the desired end product ( e . g . natural colored fibers , natural flame retardant ) . Recommendations Natural fibers should be used . Where no preferred alternative is available , the standard - setting organization may grant exceptions on a case by case basis . In all cases the standard - setting organization should regulate the contents and / or the emission of non - desirable substances in both textiles and non textile accessories . Standards shall require that : 12 . 2 . 1 . The use of cotton defoliants is prohibited . Field retting of flax and other fibers is permitted . If wet retting and steam retting is used , the standard - setting organization shall require appropriate wastewater treatment or use , to avoid water pollution . Mulberry trees for silk production shall be organically cultivated . If silk is certified , the standards shall include conditions for silkworm breeding and for reeling . Such standards shall require that : . All agents including disinfectants in silkworm cultivation , egg cultivation and reeling shall fulfill the requirements for processing as laid down in these standards . Hormones and veterinary treatments shall be regulated in line with IFOAM animal standards . Tensides used in silk degumming ( cocoon boiling ) shall be readily biodegradable ( OECD 301 ) , and shall be an appropriate waste water treatment Tensides used in wools scouring shall be readily biodegradable ( OECD 301 ) and there shall be an appropriate wastewater treatment . 12 . 2 . 2 . When needed to produce a long life quality , a certain function or fashion compatible with organic principles the standard - setting organization may allow the use of non certified materials on a case by case basis , according to the following conditions : Non certified natural fibers When a certified organic natural fiber is not available in the required quantity and quality , the standard - setting organization may allow non - certified natural fibers to be mixed with the certified fibers or used in certain details . The same type of fiber shall not be of certified organic and non - certified origin . When synthetic , regenerated cellulose or recycled fibers are used , the following are excluded : . halogen containing fibers ( chlorofiber , Teflon , etc . ) . fibers which are , or whose production is , hazardous to humans , workers or the environment The standards shall include lists of approved synthetics and their permitted percentages . The mixing in of non organic fibers shall be in accordance with IFOAM labeling standards ( Chapter 10 ) . 12 . 2 . 3 . The Standards shall require that products be not certified where non - textile accessories constitute the major part of the product , unless they have developed criteria for such details . Accessories shall not contain Cadmium at levels greater than 0 . 1 mg / kg . 12 . 3 . Processing in General General Principle All processing units should follow an integrated environmental management system Recommendation Processing should take place using appropriate techniques that will be least damaging to the environment . Standards shall require that : 12 . 3 . 1 . IFOAM standards for storage , separation , identification , hygiene and pest management apply . IFOAM standards for cleaning and sanitation , food additives and processing aids do not apply . The standards may permit individual exceptions for the requirements of separation in instances where such separation could lead to substantial environmental or economic disadvantages , and where there is no risk of the mixing of raw materials e . g . the possible contact of organic product with recycled fluids that have been previously used for conventional production ( mercerizing , sizing , rinsing , etc . ) When granting such exceptions , the standard - setting organization shall establish that there is no contamination by the actual process . 12 . 4 . Environmental Criteria for Wet Processing General Principle The wet processing of organic fibers into textiles prevents negative environmental impacts . Recommendations The standards should include conditions for the treatment of effluents and sewage regarding BOD and COD ( or TOC or TOD ) , heavy metals and phosphorus , as well as disposal of sewage sludge and solids . The quality of the waste treatment resulting from inputs used should be considered . Standards shall require that : 12 . 4 . 1 . Textile production units shall : . comply with national , state and local authority environment regulations . keep accurate , up to date records of the use of chemicals , energy , water consumption and wastewater treatment , including the disposal of sewage sludge and analysis of effluents . develop an environmental plan for improving the environmental performance of the production unit within one year after the initial certification if not previously developed . 12 . 4 . 2 . The certification body shall only certify production units where there is at least functioning internal or external sewage water treatment ( sedimentation , temperature , pH regulation ) . 12 . 4 . 3 . The certification body may apply these environmental criteria only to the processing of the certified textiles and not to the whole factory . 12 . 5 . Processing Inputs . General The use of chemical inputs ( dyes , auxiliaries , etc . ) in textile processing is restricted . The standards do not apply to lubricating oils for machinery , paints for machines and facilities and similar , unless they are likely to contaminate the fibers . General principles The processing of organic fibers utilizes only organic or natural substances . Where this is not possible the processing avoids the use of synthetic chemicals and substances that may pollute the environment or pose a hazard for workers or consumers . When assessing the environmental impact of input products , the total life cycle of the end product is considered . Recommendations Processing of organic textiles should avoid the use of synthetic chemicals , substances that are environmental pollutants and substances that pose a health or safety hazard for workers or consumers . The use of bio - accumulating input products and heavy metals should be avoided . Standards shall require that : 12 . 5 . 1 . All input products shall be declared by the operator . Relevant data assessment shall be made , including reference to material safety data sheets , etc . Preservatives shall always be declared . The operator shall have all recipes used on file and the inspector shall check them at every inspection to verify the non - use of prohibited inputs or compliance with limitations on use of restricted products . 12 . 5 . 2 . The standards shall include criteria for evaluation of input products . Such criteria shall consider both the biodegradability and the toxicity of the product and metabolites derived from biodegradation of the input product . Criteria should seek to comply with international accepted criteria . Biodegradability Toxicity for aquatic 28 days ( OECD 302 A ) organisms ( LC 50 or EC 50 or IC 50 for algae , waterfleas and fish ) May be approved < 70 % > 100 mg / l May be approved > 70 % 10 - 100 mg / l Prohibited < 70 % < 100 mg / l Prohibited < 1 mg / l The same rules should apply for metabolites . Considering the need for gaining more experience in the evaluation of input products , the standard - setting organization may use existing models or develop alternative models if these ensure satisfactory environmental performance . Such alternative models shall be published and the standard - setting organization shall document the results of such a model . In any case , products may not be used if they or their metabolites are either : . carcinogenic ( R 45 ) * . mutagenic ( R 46 ) . teratogenic ( R 60 - 63 ) . toxic to mammals . LD 50 < 2000 mg / kg shall not be permitted . known to be bio - accumulative and are not biodegradable ( < 70 % 28 d OECD 302 A ) . listed on the negative list in the list as below ( 8 . 5 . 3 . ) ( *) “ R ” refers to the European system as described in Reg . 92 / 32 / EEC In addition the standard - setting organization shall not approve the use of an input product if there are appropriate alternatives available that : . are natural . have less environmental impact 12 . 5 . 3 . The standards shall include a positive list of substances and a negative list , where substances not permitted by these Standards shall be identified . The following chemicals may not be present in any product at a level greater than 1 %: . . .- MES . antinomy . AOX - Absorbable halogenated hydrocarbons , and substances that can cause their formation . . APEO . DEHP . DTPA . EDTA . halogenated flame proof agents . heavy metals ( see also 8 . 6 . 6 ) . LAS . organo - chloride carriers . quarternary ammonium compounds ( DTDMAC etc . ) 12 . 6 . Special Regulations for Different Steps in Processing of textiles . Standards shall require that : Apart from the general criteria these special regulations for different steps apply : 12 . 6 . 1 . Spinning oils ( avivage ) and knitting oils ( needle oil ) shall be readily biodegradable or made from vegetable or animal origin . 12 . 6 . 2 . Sizes shall be ultimately degradable , or be recycled to a minimum of 75 %. 12 . 6 . 3 . Sodium hydroxide or other alkali is permitted for mercerizing , but shall be recycled to the highest possible extent . 12 . 6 . 4 . Chlorine and perborate bleaching agents shall not be permitted for bleaching , color removal or stain removal . 12 . 6 . 5 . Mordents may not contain heavy metals above the limits indicated under " dyestuffs ". 12 . 6 . 6 . The following dyes may be used : . dyes derived from plants ( CI 75 000 - 75 999 ) . mineral dyes not containing heavy metals The following are excluded : . heavy metal dyes . complex bonded metals in excess of 1 g metal / kg textile . . The standard - setting organization may grant limited exceptions for pigments containing copper if other alternatives are not available . . dyes capable of releasing aromatic amines that are known or suspected carcinogens . dyes that are , or are suspected of being , allergenic or carcinogenic For other dyestuffs the general criteria should be applied for evaluation of their use . Dyestuffs shall not contain more than : antimony 50 ppm arsenic 50 ppm barium 100 ppm lead 100 ppm cadmium 20 ppm chromium 100 ppm iron 2500 ppm copper 250 ppm manganese 1000 ppm nickel 200 ppm mercury 4 ppm selenium 20 ppm silver 100 ppm zinc 1500 ppm tin 250 ppm ( ETAD Agreement ) Note : While heavy metals as dyestuffs are prohibited , they can appear as contaminants inother dyes . The limits above relate to such contamination . Only printing methods based on water or natural oils are permitted . Aromatic solvents are prohibited . Color residues shall be recycled or disposed of in a safe way . 12 . 6 . 7 . No restrictions apply to mechanical and physical treatments . 12 . 6 . 8 . Standards shall include conditions to regulate other methods and treatments that shall at least satisfy the general criteria for chemicals . 12 . 7 . Labeling of textiles General principle The labeling should be correct and contain information useful to the consumer . Recommendation The standards should require that any substances known to cause allergies and which have been used during textile processing should be mentioned on the label . Standards shall require that : 12 . 7 . 1 . Labeling of textiles follows IFOAM standards on labeling ( see Chapter 9 ) with the following special regulations : . calculation by weight shall exclude weight of the non textile accessories ( buttons , zippers , etc . ) . materials in non - textile accessories shall be declared . information on labels required by applicable local labeling regulations shall be included . raw materials of textiles may be labeled “ made with ( …%) organically produced fibers ” provided at least 70 % of the fibers are certified organic . labeling of the final product as organic , other than reference to raw materials of agricultural origin , cannot occur until the standard - setting organization has developed a positive list of ingredients and processing aids 12 . 7 . 2 . Where the certified textile constitutes only part of the final product ( i . e . furniture ) the textiles may be declared according to this standard , but it shall be clear from the labeling that this only relates to the textile part of the product . Abbreviations in the textile standards LCICECColor Index COD Chemical Oxygen Demand 50 Effect concentration ( 50 % effect ) ETAD Ecological and Toxicological Association of the Dyestuff Manufacturing industries 50 Inhibition concentration ( 10 % inhibition ) 50 Lethal concentration ( 50 % mortality ) OECD Organisation of Economic Co - operation and Development TOC Total Organic Carbon TOD Total Oxygen Demand . .- MES . .- methyl ester sulfonate ( C 16 / 18 ) AOX Absorbable halogenated hydrocarbons , and substances that can cause their formation APEO Alkylphenoloxylate DEHP Diethylhexylphtalate DTPA Diethylenetriamine penta - acetate EDTA Ethylendiamine tetra - acetate LAS Linear alkyl benzene sulfonate PCB Polychlorinated Biphenyls PCP Pentachloephenol TCP Tetrachlorphenol 13 . Forest Management Draft Standards Introduction Forest management includes both timber extraction and harvesting of non - timber forest products . This includes products from both natural forest ( i . e . primary forest and well developed secondary forest ) and plantations . Production or harvesting of non - timber forest products is covered in chapter 4 and / or 4 . 8 . This chapter has the status of draft standards . 13 . 1 . Conversion to Organic Forest Management General Principle Conversion defines the process of developing a certifiable , viable and sustainable forest management system . The time between the start of organic management and certification of the production is known as the conversion period . Recommendations The total production should be converted to meet the requirements of the standards over a period of time . If a complete production unit is not converted simultaneously , then separate sections should be converted in such a way that these standards are met in full . Standards shall require that : 13 . 1 . 1 . Those responsible for production shall have a clear and documented management plan which includes how to proceed with conversion . This plan shall be updated when necessary , and shall include : . history and existing situation . a schedule for the progress of conversion . aspects and practices that shall be changed and implemented during conversion 13 . 1 . 2 . A minimum conversion period of 3 years shall apply to new plantation forest previously treated with fertilizers and / or pest and disease control not permitted by Appendix 1 and 2 of the IBS . 13 . 1 . 3 . The start of the conversion period shall be calculated from the date of application to the certification body or , alternatively , from the date of the last application of unapproved inputs providing the operator can demonstrate that standards requirements have been met from that date . Calculation of the conversion period may not start before the date of the last non - complying input or practice . 13 . 1 . 4 . No conversion period is required in case of natural and plantation forest that currently meets the full requirements of these Standards and has done so continuously for a period exceeding the conversion period stipulated in 13 . 1 . 2 . This shall be supported by documentary evidence . 13 . 2 . Environmental Impact General Principle Forest management conserves biological diversity and its associated values , water resources , soils and unique and fragile ecosystems and landscapes . Such management maintains the ecological functions and the integrity of the forest bio - system . Recommendations Forest management operations should encourage the efficient use of multiple products and service opportunities provided to ensure economic viability and to deliver a wide range of environmental and social benefits . Standards shall require that : 13 . 2 . 1 . An assessment of environmental impact shall be completed appropriate to the scale and intensity of forest management , and the uniqueness of the affected resources . The results of the assessment shall be adequately integrated into the management plan . Assessments shall include considerations at the landscape level as well as impacts of on - site processing facilities . All potential environmental impacts shall be assessed prior to site disturbance . 13 . 2 . 2 . Safeguards shall exist which protect rare , threatened and endangered species and their habitats ( e . g . nesting and feeding areas ) . Conservation zones and protected areas shall be established appropriate to the scale and intensity of forest management and the uniqueness of the affected resources . Ecologically damaging hunting , fishing , trapping and collecting shall be prohibited . 13 . 2 . 3 . Ecological functions and values that shall be maintained intact , enhanced or restored include : . forest regeneration and succession . genetic , species and ecosystem diversity . natural cycles affecting the productivity of the forest ecosystem 13 . 2 . 4 . Representative samples of existing ecosystems within the landscape shall be protected in their undisturbed natural state and recorded on maps . 13 . 3 . Maintenance of Natural Forest General Principle Primary forest , well developed secondary forests and sites of major environmental , social or cultural significance are conserved . Tree plantations or other land uses may not replace such areas . Standards shall require that : 13 . 3 . 1 . Trees planted in natural forests may supplement natural regeneration , fill gaps or contribute to the conservation of genetic resources . Such plantings shall not replace or significantly alter the natural ecosystem . 13 . 3 . 2 . The use of replanting as a technique for regenerating stands of certain natural forest types may be appropriate under certain circumstances . The standard - setting organization shall define acceptable tree planting areas and density . 13 . 3 . 3 . Where exotic species are introduced disturbance to the ecosystem shall be minimized and shall be evaluated by the certification body . 13 . 4 . Plantations General Principle Plantations are planned and managed in accordance with the forestry standards . As plantations can provide an array of social and economic benefits and can contribute to satisfying needs for forest products , they should complement the management of , reduce pressures on , and promote restoration and conservation of natural forests . Standards shall require that : 13 . 4 . 1 . The management objectives of the plantation including natural forest conservation and restoration objectives , shall be explicitly stated in a management plan . In order to enhance the conservation of biological diversity , native species shall be preferred over exotic species in the establishment of plantations and the restoration of degraded ecosystems . Exotic species shall be used only when it can be demonstrated that their performance will not severely imbalance the natural ecosystem and this shall be carefully monitored . 13 . 4 . 2 . The design and layout of plantations shall promote the protection , restoration and conservation of natural forests , and not increase pressures on natural forests . Wildlife corridors , streamside zones and a mosaic of stands of different ages and rotation periods consistent with the scale of the operation shall be used in the layout of the plantation . The scale and layout of plantation blocks shall be consistent with forest patterns found within the natural landscape . 13 . 4 . 3 . Sufficient diversity shall be created in the composition of plantations to enhance economic , ecological and social stability . Such diversity may include the size and spatial distribution of management units within the landscape , the number and genetic composition of species , and their age classes and structures . 13 . 4 . 4 . The selection of species for planting shall be based on their overall suitability for the site and their compatibility with specified management objectives . To enhance the conservation of biological diversity , native species are preferred to exotic species in the establishment of plantations and the restoration of degraded ecosystems . Exotic species may be introduced only when their performance proves superior to native species and shall be carefully monitored to detect mortality , disease or insect outbreaks and , in particular , any adverse ecological impact . 13 . 4 . 5 . A proportion of the total plantation forest area and appropriate to the scale of the plantation shall be managed so as to ultimately restore the site to a natural forest cover . This area shall be representative of the total area and the standards shall specify minimum levels . 13 . 4 . 6 . Measures shall be taken to maintain or improve soil structure , fertility and biological activity . Chapter 4 . 4 of the IBS applies to fertilization and Chapter 2 . 2 of the IBS applies to water and soil conservation . These shall apply to plantation forest management . 13 . 4 . 7 . Measures shall be taken to prevent and minimize outbreaks of pests , diseases , fire and the introduction of invasive plants . only those fertilizer and crop protection products identified in Appendix 1 & 2 of the IBS may be used . To evaluate whether other products are acceptable additional to those already listed in the Appendices , the IFOAM guidelines on evaluation of inputs to organic agriculture shall be applied . The use of fire as a management tool shall be regulated in the management plan . Traditional knowledge on how and when to use fire in the landscape , shall be taken into account . 13 . 4 . 8 . Appropriate to the scale and diversity of the operation , monitoring of the plantation shall include regular assessment of its on - site and off - site ecological and social impacts concerning , for example , natural regeneration , effects on water resources and soil fertility , and impacts on the welfare and social well being of local peoples . No species shall be planted on a large scale until local trials and / or experience have shown that they are ecologically harmonious with the site , and do not have significant negative ecological impacts on other ecosystems . Special attention shall be paid to social issues of land acquisition for plantations , and in particular the protection of local customary rights of ownership , use or access . 13 . 5 . Non Timber Forest Products General Principle Non - timber forest products are integral parts of the forest ecosystem and are considered within management of the overall sustainability of the forest . Standards shall require that : 13 . 5 . 1 . These standards are used in conjunction with 2 . 4 . 13 . 5 . 2 . When non - timber forest products are taken from a forest , the ecological impact shall be assessed to identify products or harvesting methods that may : . endanger the productivity or existence of a species or variety . be detrimental to nutrient cycling . be harmful to wildlife . be necessary for subsistence use . When any animal products are being collected , animal welfare shall be taken into consideration . 13 . 5 . 3 . Where timber extraction is the priority in forest management , the management plan shall specify which products are to be collected and consider the long and short - term impact on non - timber forest products . 13 . 5 . 4 . Harvesting of non - timber forest products shall respect the cultural and religious significance of the forest and its organisms and products to local and indigenous communities . 13 . 5 . 5 . Non - timber forest product harvesting methods shall be appropriate to the species or species group . Agroforestry is permitted . III . IFOAM Accreditation Criteria for Bodies Certifying Organic Production and Processingapproved by the World Board , August 2002 Table of Contents Introduction _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 761 . Structure _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 811 . 1 . General Requirements _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 811 . 2 . Responsibility _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 811 . 3 . Impartiality and Objectivity _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 821 . 4 . Resources _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 842 . Accessibility and Scope _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 852 . 1 . Nondiscrimination _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 852 . 2 . Access to Services _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 862 . 3 . Certification Scope _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 863 . Quality System _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 873 . 1 . Quality Policy _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 873 . 2 . Quality System _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 883 . 3 . Quality Manual _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 883 . 4 . Internal Audits _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 893 . 5 . Complaints _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 894 . Confidentiality Provisions _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 904 . 1 . General _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 905 . Documentation and Document Control _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 905 . 1 . General _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 905 . 2 . Public Access to Information _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 905 . 3 . Document Control _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 915 . 4 . Records _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 916 . Application and Inspection Procedures _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 926 . 1 . Application Procedures _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 926 . 2 . Preparation for Inspection _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 936 . 3 . Visit Procedures _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 946 . 4 . Sampling and Testing * _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 946 . 5 . Inspection Report _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 956 . 6 . Record of Inspection _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 956 . 7 . Additional Requirements and Inspection Regime for Particular Standards _____ 967 . Certification Procedures _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 977 . 1 . General Requirements _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 977 . 2 . Certification Decisions _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 987 . 3 . The Certification Process _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 987 . 4 . Certificates * _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 987 . 5 . Surveillance _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 997 . 6 . Use of Licenses , Certificates and Marks of Conformity _____________________ 1007 . 7 . Sanctions _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 1017 . 8 . Appeals _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 1017 . 9 . Complaints to Certified Processors and Handlers _________________________ 1027 . 10 . Dual or Multiple Certification _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 1027 . 11 . Changes in Certification Requirements _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 1028 . Inspection and Certification for Particular Circumstances or Scope _______________ 1028 . 1 . Certification of Wild Products _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 1028 . 2 . Approval or Certification of Inputs * _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 1038 . 3 . Certification of Smallholder Groups * _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 1049 . Acceptance of Prior Certification _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 1069 . 1 . General Requirements for all Methods of Acceptance * ____________________ 1069 . 2 . Acceptance of Product based on Recognition of a Certification Body _________ 1069 . 3 . Acceptance of Product based on Document Review ________________________ 1079 . 4 . Acceptance of Applicants currently Certified by another Certification Body ___ 1079 . 5 . Certification Partnerships _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 10810 . Standards Development _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 10810 . 1 . General Requirements _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 10810 . 2 . Standards Review _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 108 * indicates a corresponding guidance note , see Annex 1 Introduction This is the 4 th edition of the Criteria , which were first approved by the General Assembly in 1992 . IFOAM seeks to continually improve these criteria . Revision occurs every few years and includes opportunity for input by interested parties . The current edition was distributed for public comment on two occasions and approved by the IFOAM World Board . The IFOAM Criteria together with the IFOAM Basic Standards establish the requirements for certification bodies seeking IFOAM accreditation . IFOAM accreditation is carried out under contract by the International Organic Accreditation Service Inc . ( IOAS ) , a US based company . The structure of the IOAS and procedures for IFOAM accreditation are laid down in the IFOAM Accreditation Program Operating Manual published by the IOAS . More detailed policies and procedures are set down in the IOAS Quality Manual and the IOAS Policy Manual . The criteria have been strictly based upon the requirements in ISO / IEC GUIDE 65 : 1996 ( E ) “ General requirements for bodies operating product certification systems ” . However , organic certification is certification of a process and not a product and this has required some adaptation . In addition these criteria include specific requirements concerning issues confronted by a certification body operating within the organic sector . The criteria are accompanied by guidance notes which provide further explanation of the requirements . Definitions The following definitions apply within the context of these criteria : Acceptance of Prior Certification The procedure by which a certification body accepts the certification of a product by another certification body , thereby enabling the use of or further processing by the certification body ’ s own operators . Accreditation Procedure by which an authoritative body gives a formal recognition that a body or person is competent to carry out specific tasks . Appeal Request by an operator for reconsideration of any adverse decisions made by the certification body related to its desired certification status . Certificate of conformity Document issued by a certification body , declaring that an operation is in conformity with the organic production or processing standards . Certification The procedure by which a third party gives written assurance that a clearly identified process has been methodically assessed such that adequate confidence is provided that specified products conform to specified requirements . Certification body The body that conducts certification . Certification Mark A certification body ' s sign , symbol or logo which identifies product ( s ) as being certified to the rules of a program operated by that certification body . Certification Program System operated by a certification body with its own rules and procedures and management for carrying out certification of conformity . Certification Scope The parameters defining the certification granted including the product or product types certified , where applicable the acreage and the applicable standards and certification program . Chain of Custody The concept that all relevant steps in the production chain including the growing , handling , processing and other processes detailed in section 2 . 3 of these criteria , have been inspected or certified as appropriate . Complaint An objection to the policies , procedures or performance of the certification body . A complaint may also be an objection to the performance or activities of a certified party lodged with the certification body by a third party . Conflict of interest The situation where an individual ' s capacity for objectivity is put at risk by financial or personal interests in conflict with their interest in conducting fair and impartial inspection or certification . Contracted Production or Processing The utilization of third parties by the operator for performing specific production or processing tasks . Conversion period The time between the start of the organic management and the certification of crops and / or animal husbandry as organic . Declaration of interest A declaration of personal and / or commercial interests in the organic industry made by those involved in the certification process to enable determination of an individual ’ s objectivity . Dual or multiple certification Certification of an operation by two ( dual ) or more ( multiple ) certification bodies . Evaluation Systematic assessment based on all relevant information obtained in order to make a decision . With reference to a certification decision this includes , but is not limited to , the inspection . Exception Permission granted to an operator by a certification body to be excluded from the need to comply with normal requirements of the standards . Exceptions are granted on the basis of clear criteria , with clear justification and for a limited time period only . Genetic Engineering A set of techniques from molecular biology ( such as recombinant DNA ) by which the genetic material of plants , animals , micro - organisms , cells and other biological units may be altered in ways or with results that could not be obtained by methods of natural reproduction or natural recombination . IFOAM Basic Standards International standards for standards of organic production and processing , established by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements . Input manufacturing Manufacturing of production or processing inputs . Input / output reconciliation An audit that assesses the output of organic product against the supply of ingredients or in the case of trading operations , the volume of sales against the volume of purchases . Inspection Body Body that performs inspection services on behalf of a certification body . Inspection Visit on site to verify that the performance of an operation is in accordance with the production or processing standards . Inspector Person appointed by a certification body or by an inspection body to undertake the inspection of an operator . Internal Audit A systematic periodic review and assessment of the objectives and performance of a program that is undertaken by the certification body itself . License An agreement or contract that grants a certified operator the right to use certificates or certification marks in accordance with the rules of that program . Operator An individual or business enterprise , responsible for ensuring that products meet and , if applicable , continue to meet , the requirements on which the certification is based . Parallel Production Any production where the same unit is growing , breeding , handling or processing the same products both in a certified organic quality and a not certified or non - organic quality . A situation with “ organic and “ in conversion “ production of the same product is also parallel production . Pre - assessment An inspection for the purpose of assessment , that is not intended to result in a certification decision . Precedent A certification decision concerning a new situation or set of circumstances that may serve to guide future decisions . Product Category A type of production defined in certification scope , such as crop production , input manufacturing , or aquaculture . Quality System Documented procedures which are established , implemented , and periodically audited to assure that production , handling , management , certification , accreditation and other systems meet specified requirements and outcomes by following standardized protocols . Sanctions Measures taken against certified operators who have failed to comply with the standards or other requirements of the certification body . Smallholder Group An organized group of small - scale producers with similar farming and production systems . The criteria in section 7 . 3 apply only to such groups when the certification applies to the group as a whole and when special inspection arrangements have been applied . Split Production Production , breeding , handling or processing of conventional , in conversion and / or organic in the same unit . Surveillance The measures undertaken to provide ongoing monitoring of an operator ’ s compliance with standards and certification requirements . Traceback audits An audit to verify that a product or its ingredients may be traced back to the original suppliers . Transaction Certificate Document issued by a certification body or by the operator , declaring that the specified lot or consignment of goods is derived from production that has been certified . Violation Infringement by a licensed operator against the standards , certification procedures or contractual obligations to the certification body . 1 . Structure 1 . 1 . General Requirements 1 . 1 . 1 . The certification body shall have a documented and effective structure and organization that provides confidence in its certification . 1 . 1 . 2 . The certification body shall have documents which demonstrate it is a legal entity . 1 . 1 . 3 . The certification body shall identify the management ( committee , group or person ) which shall have overall responsibility for all of the following : a . performance of testing , inspection , evaluation and certification as defined in this Guide , b . formulation of policy matters relating to the operation of the certification body , c . decisions on certification , d . supervision of the implementation of its policies , e . supervision of the finances of the body , f . delegation of authority to committees or individuals as required to undertake defined activities on its behalf , g . technical basis for granting certification , - 1 . 2 . Responsibility 1 . 2 . 1 . The certification body shall take full responsibility for all activities operated or sub - contracted out and maintain its responsibility for granting , maintaining , extending , suspending or withdrawing certification . 1 . 2 . 2 . The certification body shall not delegate authority for granting , maintaining , extending , suspending or withdrawing certification to an outside person or body . * 1 . 2 . 3 . The certification body shall have a documented description of its administration , including officers and responsibility . The certification body shall define clear lines of authority and responsibility and the accountability of staff and committees . 1 . 2 . 4 . The Governing Board shall remain responsible for certification decisions but may delegate authority for taking certification decisions to one or more certification committees . 1 . 2 . 5 . When activities are delegated to committees , such committees shall have clear responsibilities and rules of procedures . 1 . 2 . 6 . Where decisions are further delegated to individual certification officers , the certification body shall have reporting and review procedures that enables the Board or the certification committee to exercise control over and responsibility for such decisions . 1 . 3 . Impartiality and Objectivity 1 . 3 . 1 . The certification body shall have structures and procedures to enable it to be free to operate without undue influence from vested interests . 1 . 3 . 2 . The certification body shall be impartial . Inspection and certification shall be based on an objective assessment of relevant factors , following documented procedures . 1 . 3 . 3 . The certification body structure shall enable the participation of all parties significantly affected by the policies , principles and functioning of the certification system , in their development . * 1 . 3 . 4 . The certification body shall not provide any product or service which could compromise the confidentiality , objectivity or impartiality of its certification process and decision making , unless these are clearly separated in a manner that ensures that such compromise cannot occur . 1 . 3 . 5 . The certification body shall not engage in the marketing of certified products or promotion of individual products and shall have a procedure for responding to inquiries from the trade or consumers . The procedure shall ensure an equal treatment for all certified product . The certification body shall not solicit individual applications based on the needs of individual buyers . * 1 . 3 . 6 . Certification bodies shall ensure that activities of related bodies do not affect the confidentiality , objectivity and impartiality of its certifications . * 1 . 3 . 7 . The body making or ratifying certification decisions shall be free from any commercial , financial and other pressures that might influence decisions ; a structure where members are chosen to provide a balance of diverse stakeholder interests and where no single interest predominates shall be deemed to satisfy this provision ; Such diversity shall include that at least one general interest is represented such as consumers , scientists or environmentalists . * 1 . 3 . 8 . Payment of inspection fees and expenses shall be made through the certification body or contracted inspection body and not directly to the inspector by the operator . * 1 . 3 . 9 . The fee structure shall be such that a decision to not grant certification does not result in unreimbursed costs to the certification body . 1 . 3 . 10 . The certification body shall have procedures for appeals and complaints . See section 3 . 5 and 7 . 8 . * Division of function 1 . 3 . 11 . The certification body shall have clear division of the functions of inspection , certification and appeals . 1 . 3 . 12 . Persons responsible for a decision that is being appealed may not be involved in the decision on that appeal . * 1 . 3 . 13 . The certification body shall ensure that each decision on certification is taken by person ( s ) different from those who carried out the inspection . Where pre - assessment of production to identify areas of nonconformity is performed as an optional fee paying part of the certification process , different personnel shall carry out the inspection and the pre - assessment . Consulting and advising 1 . 3 . 15 . Certification bodies shall not provide consultancy services to operators . 1 . 3 . 16 . Specific advice given by inspectors to operators shall be limited to explanations of the standards or certification requirements . This information shall not be offered for additional fees and shall not prescribe solutions . 1 . 3 . 17 . Certification bodies may provide general information ( training , newsletters , seminars , advice concerning regulatory requirements etc . ) for additional fees , provided this service shall be offered to all certified operators in a nondiscriminatory manner . Conflicts of interest of individuals 1 . 3 . 18 . A declaration of interest updated annually by the Board and all persons involved in certification , inspection and appeals shall be on file at the certification body ’ s ( or inspection body ’ s ) office . Such declarations shall take into account both direct and indirect interests and the certification body shall decide on what constitutes a conflict . * 1 . 3 . 19 . All persons with a conflict of interest shall be excluded from work , discussion and decisions in all stages of the certification process related to the potential conflict . The exclusion of such persons should be recorded in minutes or other records . * 1 . 3 . 20 . The certification body shall require persons engaged in inspection or certification to agree in writing to abstain from participating in work for operators with whom they have personal relations or to those with whom they have had business relationships ( either trade or advisory ) in the past two years . The certification body shall require persons engaged in inspection to report on any new interests regarding the operation for a period of one year after the inspection . The certification body shall determine whether the new relations may have affected the impartiality of any work submitted . * 1 . 4 . Resources Financial resources 1 . 4 . 1 . The certification body shall have the financial stability and resources required for the operation of a certification system . 1 . 4 . 2 . The certification body shall make adequate provision to cover liabilities which may arise from its operational activities . Personnel resources 1 . 4 . 3 . The certification body shall employ or contract a sufficient number of personnel who have the necessary education , training , technical knowledge and experience for performing certification functions relating to the type , range and volume of work performed . 1 . 4 . 4 . The certification body shall have documented recruitment requirements for senior staff and inspectors regarding necessary education , training , technical knowledge and experience in organic agriculture and / or processing . In the case of inspectors the certification body shall specify the type of inspections for which the inspector has been employed based on these factors . 1 . 4 . 5 . Personnel shall have available clear job descriptions describing their duties and responsibilities . 1 . 4 . 6 . Personnel shall have the competence and up - to - date , documented work instructions to enable them to perform their various functions . 1 . 4 . 7 . The body or committee responsible for making certification decisions shall ensure that all certification decisions are based on competence in all areas for which certification is granted . * 1 . 4 . 8 . The certification body shall require all personnel involved in the certification process to sign a contract or other document by which they commit themselves to the rules and procedures of the certification body Training 1 . 4 . 9 . The certification body shall have a documented training policy , including initial and ongoing training , for all personnel including staff , both employed and contracted inspectors , and committee members sufficient to ensure continued competence . 1 . 4 . 10 . The certification body shall ensure that prior to undertaking inspection , new inspectors have at least successfully completed a training course in inspection of organic operations and undergone a defined on - site apprenticeship period . Personnel records 1 . 4 . 11 . Records of the qualifications , training and performance reviews of all personnel shall be maintained by the certification body in accordance with the requirements in 5 . 4 . 6 . Subcontractors 1 . 4 . 12 . The integrity , competence and transparency of any sub - contracted components of the certification system remain the responsibility of the certification body 1 . 4 . 13 . When a certification body subcontracts work related to certification to an external body , or person , an agreement covering the arrangements shall be drawn up . This shall include the requirement to comply with all relevant aspects of these criteria . 1 . 4 . 14 . The certification decision shall not be subcontracted . * 1 . 4 . 15 . The certification body shall ensure that operators are informed of subcontracting arrangements prior to application . 1 . 4 . 16 . The certification body shall apply the requirements in 1 . 4 . 12 to 1 . 4 . 15 above when it uses , for granting its own certification , work performed by another certification body . Specific criteria for such cases are set down in section 9 of this document . * 2 . Accessibility and Scope 2 . 1 . Nondiscrimination 2 . 1 . 1 . The policies and procedures which govern the operation of the certification body shall be nondiscriminatory . The administration of those policies and procedures shall not discriminate in any way against particular applicants . 2 . 2 . Access to Services 2 . 2 . 1 . The certification body shall make its services accessible for all applicants whose activities fall within its declared field of application . Certification requirements , inspections and decisions shall be confined to the scope of the certification being granted . 2 . 2 . 2 . Access to certification shall not be conditional upon the size of the supplier or membership of any association or group , nor shall certification be conditional upon the number of certificates already issued by the certification body . 2 . 2 . 3 . The fee structure shall be standardized and available on request . 2 . 2 . 4 . The certification body shall state under its declared field of application , those languages in which it operates . 2 . 3 . Certification Scope 2 . 3 . 1 . Organic certification shall be granted solely on the basis of conformity with specified published standards . The standards used by the certification body shall cover all production systems or product categories certified . Certification Scope and the chain of custody 2 . 3 . 2 . The certification body shall not issue any license to affix its mark or issue any certificate for any product unless it is assured of the chain of custody of the product to that point . Where steps in the production chain have been certified by other certification bodies , the criteria in section 9 shall be applied . * 2 . 3 . 3 . Any entity that has produced , processed , packaged or affixed a label referring to the organic production method to a product shall have been certified . Subcontracted production ( see below ) shall have been inspected . * 2 . 3 . 4 . The certification body is not obliged to have a system for inspection of products that are further handled after being packed in the final consumer package . * 2 . 3 . 5 . Any entity that has previously sold the product shall have been certified except when the product had been received packaged for final consumer use . * 2 . 3 . 6 . Certification bodies shall conduct a risk assessment to determine the necessity for , or frequency of , inspection of all storage facilities including port facilities . Where this reveals a need for inspection to protect organic integrity , inspection shall be done . * 2 . 3 . 7 . The certification body shall require that the party owning the product at the point of transport be responsible for maintaining the organic integrity in the transport process , unless transport operations are certified in their own capacity . * 2 . 3 . 8 . For certified product not in its final packaging the certification body ' s responsibility shall extend to the point where the product is sold to an operator certified by a different entity . * Certification scope and contracted production or processing 2 . 3 . 9 . The certification body shall have policies and procedures for regulating contracted production or processing , where the contracted party is not required to be certified in their own right . A certification body may not issue a certificate of any type to the contracted operator . * 2 . 3 . 10 . The policy shall prescribe the circumstances where the contracted party is not required to be themselves certified . This shall preclude the contracted party from marketing certified products themselves and require the manufacturing process , the raw materials supply , and the sales to be under the control of the certified licensee . This shall normally mean that the contracted party does not take title of the product . * 2 . 3 . 11 . The contracted party shall be inspected at least annually according to the certification body ’ s normal inspection procedures ; * 2 . 3 . 12 . The certification body shall require that the certified operator shall be held fully responsible for the contracted production or processing and be subject to sanctions in the event of noncompliance of the contracted parties ; * 2 . 3 . 13 . The certification body shall require that the contracted party have a contractual relationship with the certification body that includes clauses regarding compliance to the standards , obligation to provide information , and access to the certification body . This may either be achieved through a direct contract between the parties or by an agreement between the operator and the contracted party in which the contracted party binds itself directly to the certification body . * 2 . 3 . 14 . The certification body shall require that each contracted party has the current version of the applicable standards and a general description of the certification program . * 3 . Quality System 3 . 1 . Quality Policy 3 . 1 . 1 . The management of the certification body having executive responsibility for quality shall define and document its policy for quality and its objectives for , and commitment to , quality . 3 . 1 . 2 . The management shall ensure that this policy is understood , implemented and maintained at all levels of the organization . 3 . 2 . Quality System 3 . 2 . 1 . The certification body shall operate an effective quality system in accordance with the relevant elements of these criteria and appropriate for the type , range and volume of work performed . This quality system shall be documented and the documentation shall be available to , and understood by , the certification body staff . 3 . 2 . 2 . The certification body shall ensure effective implementation of the documented quality system , procedures and instructions . Certification bodies shall demonstrate a high degree of competency and consistency in the practical application of their policies and procedures . 3 . 2 . 3 . The certification body shall designate a person having direct access to its highest executive level who , irrespective of other responsibilities , shall have defined authority for ensuring that a quality system is established , implemented and maintained in accordance with these criteria , and reporting on the performance of the quality system to the body ' s management for review and as a basis for improvement of the quality system . * 3 . 2 . 4 . The certification body shall demonstrate adequate arrangements for continuous quality improvement 3 . 3 . Quality Manual 3 . 3 . 1 . The quality system shall be documented in a comprehensive Quality Manual and associated quality procedures , and the manual shall contain or refer to at least the following : a ) a quality policy statement ; b ) a brief description of the legal status of the certification body , including the names of its ownersand , if different , names of the persons who control it ; c ) the names , qualifications , experience and terms of reference of the Board of Directors , seniorexecutive and other certification personnel , both internal and external ; d ) an organization chart showing lines of authority , responsibility and allocation of functionsstemming from the senior executive ; e ) a description of the organization of the certification body , including details of the management ( committee , group or person ) identified in 1 . 1 . 3 ; f ) the policy and procedures for conducting management reviews ; g ) administrative procedures including document control ; h ) the operational and functional duties and services pertaining to quality , so that the extent and limitsof each person ' s responsibility are known to all concerned ; i ) the procedure for the recruitment , selection and training of certification body personnel andmonitoring of their performance ; j ) a list of its approved subcontractors and the procedures for assessing , recording and monitoringtheir competence ; k ) its procedures for handling nonconformities and for assuring the effectiveness of any correctiveand preventive actions taken ; l ) the procedures for evaluating products and implementing the certification process , including theconditions for issue , retention and withdrawal of certification documents , and the controls over the useand application of documents employed in the certification of products ; m ) the policy and procedure for dealing with appeals and complaints ; n ) its procedures for conducting internal audits . 3 . 4 . Internal Audits 3 . 4 . 1 . The certification body shall conduct periodic internal audits covering all procedures in a planned and systematic manner , to verify that the certification system is implemented and is effective . The certification body shall ensure that : a . personnel responsible for the audited functions are informed of the outcome of the audit ; b . corrective actions are taken in a timely and appropriate manner ; c . the results of the audit are documented . * 3 . 4 . 2 . The program ’ s management shall review its system at defined intervals . Records of such reviews shall be maintained . * 3 . 4 . 3 . The certification body shall conduct performance reviews of all personnel including employed inspectors at least annually . Records of the outcome shall be maintained . * 3 . 4 . 4 . In the case of frequently used contracted inspectors the inspector shall be given periodic feedback on performance 3 . 5 . Complaints 3 . 5 . 1 . The certification body shall have procedures for consideration of complaints brought by operators or third parties concerning its performance or concerning the compliance of certified operators with the standards . 3 . 5 . 2 . Complaints shall be dealt with in a timely and efficient manner . 3 . 5 . 3 . When a complaint is resolved , a documented resolution shall be made . The complainant shall be informed of the general outcome of the complaint in way which does not prejudice the confidentiality of the party concerned . " 3 . 5 . 4 . The certification body shall a . keep a record of all complaints and resulting corrective actions related to certification ; b . take appropriate subsequent action ; * c . document the action taken and its effectiveness . * 4 . Confidentiality Provisions 4 . 1 . General 4 . 1 . 1 . The certification body shall have adequate arrangements to ensure confidentiality of the information regarding specific operators obtained in the course of its certification activities at all levels of its organization , including committees , contracted bodies and individuals . * 4 . 1 . 2 . This shall include the establishment of a confidentiality policy and the requirement for all personnel to sign a confidentiality agreement . This policy shall specify the type of information that is not covered by confidentiality , such as name and address , and third parties that may have access to the information such as accreditation bodies . 4 . 1 . 3 . Except as required in these criteria or by law , or otherwise permitted in the certifiers published rules , information gained in the course of certification activities about a particular product or supplier shall not be disclosed to a third - party without the written consent of the supplier . Where the law requires information to be disclosed to a third - party , the supplier shall be informed of the information provided as permitted by the law . * 5 . Documentation and Document Control 5 . 1 . General 5 . 1 . 1 . The certification body shall document its certification system , make appropriate documents available to the public on request and demonstrate control over all documents issued 5 . 2 . Public Access to Information 5 . 2 . 1 . The certification body shall make publicly available , through print and or electronic media , up to date information on the following : a . information , where relevant , describing the authority under which the certification body provides its certification service ; * b . the rules and procedures , or a description of the procedures for evaluation of the inspection report and approval , continuation or extension of certification ; c . the rules and procedures suspension and withdrawal of certification d . the standards ; e . a description of the certification body ’ s sources of income and clear indications of the fees charged to applicants and current licensed operators ; f . a description of the rights and duties of applicants and suppliers of certified products , including requirements , restrictions or limitations on the use of the certification body ' s logo and on the ways of referring to the certification granted ; g . procedures for handling complaints and appeals ; h . a current list of certified operators , including name and location and the scope of the certification ; i . a listing of contracted production shall also be available although this may be a general list without linkage to the certified operator . * 5 . 3 . Document Control 5 . 3 . 1 . The certification body shall maintain a documented system for the control of all documentation relating to the certification system and shall ensure that : a . the current issues of the appropriate documentation are available at relevant locations ; b . all changes of documents are covered by the correct authorization ; c . all changes are processed in a manner which will ensure direct and speedy action ; d . superseded documents are removed from use throughout the organization and its agencies ; e . all affected parties are notified of changes ; f . there is a register of all appropriate documents with the respective issue identified ; g . there is a determination of which documents are available to the public and which are not ; h . documentation clearly indicates its date of implementation . * 5 . 4 . Records 5 . 4 . 1 . The certification body shall maintain a records system and have policies and procedures governing their management . The records shall be identified , managed and disposed of in such a way as to ensure the integrity of the process and the confidentiality of the information 5 . 4 . 2 . The certification body shall produce and make publicly available an annual report summarizing the certification activities of the previous year including elements such as the extent of the certification activities . 5 . 4 . 3 . Operator files shall be up to date and contain all relevant information , including history , and product specifications . The certification body shall have available relevant data for all certified production units , including any contracted parties and members of grower groups . 5 . 4 . 4 . The records shall demonstrate the way in which each certification procedure was applied , including inspection reports and outcome of imposed sanctions . 5 . 4 . 5 . Separate records shall be kept for major violations and resulting sanctions , precedents , exceptions , appeals , and complaints , in a way that enables easy retrieval of data . * 5 . 4 . 6 . All records shall be safely stored and held secure and in confidence to the operator , for a period not less than five years or for the period stipulated in relevant governmental and regional regulations where this exceeds five years . * 5 . 4 . 7 . Inspection reports , certification decisions , certificates and other relevant records shall be signed by the authorized person . * 5 . 4 . 8 . The certification body shall have a policy and procedures concerning access to these records consistent with its confidentiality requirements . 5 . 4 . 9 . The record keeping system shall be transparent and enable easy retrieval of information 5 . 4 . 10 . Operators shall have the right to have copies of inspection findings and other documentation related to the certification of their production , unless the documents are confidential ( i . e . filed complaints , confidential section of inspection reports ) . * 6 . Application and Inspection Procedures 6 . 1 . Application Procedures Information for applicants 6 . 1 . 1 . The certification body shall ensure that each applicant or re - applicant has at the time of application : a . a current version of the applicable standards ; b . an adequate description of the inspection , certification and appeals procedures ; c . a sample copy of the contract or license agreement ; d . a copy of the fee schedule ; Application form 6 . 1 . 2 . The certification body shall require completion of an official application form , signed by the applicant or a duly authorized representative of the applicant . This shall determine at least the following information : a . the scope of the desired certification including the production and area to be certified , and in cases where the certification body offers more than one certification program , the standards against which the product is to be certified . b . Sufficient information about the production system to enable appropriate assignment of the inspector and proper preparation by the inspector c . A statement as to whether they have been denied certification by another certification body and the requirement to submit information regarding actions taken to correct the deficiencies leading to the denial . Operator obligations 6 . 1 . 3 . The certification system shall be based on written agreements and clear responsibilities with all parties involved in the chain of production of a certified product . 6 . 1 . 4 . The certification body shall require the operator to sign statements in the application form or elsewhere , obliging them to : a . agree to comply with the requirements for certification including a commitment to comply with the standards , and to supply any information needed for evaluation of the production to be certified ; b . provide the right of access to all appropriate facilities including any non - organic production in the unit , or related ( by ownership or management ) units in the proximity to both certification and accreditation personnel ; * c . provide access to all relevant documentation including financial records to both certification and accreditation personnel . Operator documentation 6 . 1 . 5 The certification body shall specify , in application documentation or elsewhere , the documentation to be maintained by the operator to enable verification of compliance . This shall specify which records shall be available and require that they be held in a form that enables verification to take place . * 6 . 1 . 6 The certification body shall require documented procedures defining the manner of production or processing where the absence of such procedures could adversely affect the organic quality . * 6 . 1 . 7 . Documents required by 6 . 1 . 5 and 6 . 1 . 6 shall be kept for a minimum of five years . 6 . 2 . Preparation for Inspection Review 6 . 2 . 1 . Before proceeding with the evaluation , the certification body shall conduct a review of the application for certification to ensure that the requirements for certification are clearly understood . 6 . 2 . 2 . In some circumstances ( operation of multiple certification programs , international operations located in regions not usually covered by the certifier ) , the certification body shall assess whether it has the capability to perform the certification service with respect to the scope of the certification sought and , if applicable , the location of the applicant ' s operations and any special requirements such as the language used by the applicant . 6 . 2 . 3 . The certification body shall provide the inspector with sufficient information to properly prepare for the inspection . This includes at least the application form , previous inspection findings , a description of activities / processes , maps / plans , product specifications , and used inputs , previous conditions and sanctions . Assignment of inspector 6 . 2 . 4 . The certification body , or the sub - contracted inspection body shall assign personnel appropriately qualified to perform the tasks for the specific inspection . Operators shall have neither the right to choose nor to recommend inspectors . 6 . 2 . 5 . The assignment of the inspector shall take into account any possible conflict of interest in line with criterion 1 . 3 . 19 . 6 . 2 . 6 . The assignment of the inspector shall ensure that the same inspector shall as a rule not be assigned to an operator for more than 3 consecutive years and under no circumstances for more than 4 years . 6 . 2 . 7 . Operators shall have the right to be informed about the identity of the inspector before the inspection visit , and to raise objections related to any potential conflict of interest . This shall not apply to unannounced inspections . 6 . 3 . Visit Procedures 6 . 3 . 1 . The management systems of the applicant shall be evaluated against the specified standards and certification requirements . 6 . 3 . 2 . Inspection procedure shall follow a decided protocol to facilitate a nondiscriminatory and objective inspection procedure . 6 . 3 . 3 . The inspection procedure shall be documented and shall at least include : * a . assessment of production or processing system of operator by means of visits to facilities , fields , and storage units ; b . identification and investigation of areas of risk ; c . review of records and accounts ; d . production / sales reconciliation on farms ; and input / output reconciliation , and traceback audits in processing and handling ; e . interviews with responsible persons including an exit interview ; f . verification that changes that have taken place in the standards and rules of the certification body have been effectively implemented by the operator ; g . residue sampling in accordance with the certification body ’ s sampling policy ; h . verification that previously imposed conditions have been fulfilled . 6 . 3 . 4 . The inspection , including document review , shall include non organic units where there is reason for so doing . 6 . 4 . Sampling and Testing * 6 . 4 . 1 . The certification body shall have documented policies and procedures on residue testing , genetic testing ( see 6 . 7 . 11 . ) and other analysis that shall at least include : a . indication of the cases in which samples shall be taken ; b . the requirement that where use of a substance prohibited by the standards is suspected samples shall be taken for analysis ; * c . the requirement that where standards set limits on residues or contamination in products , inputs or soil , analysis shall be made as appropriate ; d . instructions to inspectors on sampling requirements and methods ; e . post - sampling procedures ; f . indication of responsibility for payment of sampling . 6 . 4 . 2 . Analyses shall be done by competent laboratories ( accredited laboratories , where official accreditation exists ) . 6 . 4 . 3 . If laboratory procedures are employed , the certification body shall document the following : a . the sampling protocol ; b . the testing procedures ; c . acceptable labs used to conduct such analysis . 6 . 5 . Inspection Report 6 . 5 . 1 . Inspection reports shall cover relevant aspects of the production standards , adequately validate the information provided by the operator and indicate any non - conformities . 6 . 5 . 2 . Inspection reports and written documentation shall provide sufficiently comprehensive information for the certification body to make competent and objective decisions 6 . 5 . 3 . Inspection reports shall follow a decided format to facilitate a non - discriminatory , objective and comprehensive analysis of the production system 6 . 5 . 4 . Reports shall be designed to allow for elaboration and analysis by the inspector in cases of partial compliance or lack of clarity in the standards . 6 . 5 . 5 . The report shall contain an assessment of risk as well as the inspectors ’ observations regarding conformity with standards . Inspectors shall be able to make recommendations regarding nonconformities but shall not be required to make an overall judgment of whether the operator should be certified . * 6 . 6 . Record of Inspection 6 . 6 . 1 . The certification body shall require inspectors to record what occurred during the inspection visit . This shall at least include : a . date and duration of inspection ; b . persons interviewed ; c . fields and facilities visited ; d . Type of document audits conducted ( input / output ; yield / sales ; traceback etc ) . 6 . 7 . Additional Requirements and Inspection Regime for Particular Standards Conversion period 6 . 7 . 1 . The certification body shall verify full application of the standards for a period no less than that stated in the IFOAM Basic standards , prior to certification . Full application shall as a rule require active management . * 6 . 7 . 2 . Verification of full application of standards shall normally require that at least the minimum period stated in the IFOAM Basic standards shall take place following the application for certification . * 6 . 7 . 3 . Inspection shall occur during the conversion period to verify compliance with standards . 6 . 7 . 4 . Exceptions to 6 . 7 . 2 above shall be on the basis of indisputable documented evidence that full application of the standards has occurred . This shall be verified by inspection . * Split production * 6 . 7 . 5 . The certification program shall have additional requirements and inspection regimes when split production occurs to safeguard that the products are not be mixed or contaminated . * 6 . 7 . 6 . The certification body shall require and verify by inspection : * a . that prohibited materials are stored in separate locations from those where organic products are handled ; b . that the documentation regarding the production or processing and sales is well managed and makes clear distinctions between certified and not certified products ; c . that the measures taken to safeguard against the risk to the organic integrity is understood at all levels of the operation . Parallel production * 6 . 7 . 7 . If a farm is engaged in parallel production , the certification body shall require that in addition to the requirements for split production above : * a . non organic ( or conversion ) crops , livestock and produce and organic crops , livestock and produce are of different varieties and are visually distinguishable . Exceptions shall only be granted on a case by case basis in accordance with the requirements in 6 . 7 . 8 . b . accurate production estimates are recorded and shall be checked against sales records ; c . the inspection includes visits to the non - organic fields and / or processing units . 6 . 7 . 8 . In cases where an exception has been granted to the requirements for producers in 6 . 7 . 7 . a . : * a . Inspections shall occur at critical times . This shall normally include inspections at the time of harvest or during processing . b . Inspections shall occur more frequently than once a year whether scheduled or unannounced Genetically engineered products 6 . 7 . 9 . The certification body shall implement a system to inspect and verify that genetically engineered organisms and their products or derivatives are not used in certified organic production and or / processing as required by the IFOAM Basic Standards . 6 . 7 . 10 . The certification body shall make available to operators information regarding those products , varieties , species and ingredients known by the certification body to be at risk of being genetically engineered . 6 . 7 . 11 . For each of these risk areas , the certification body shall adopt one or more of the following measures : a . review of signed statements verifying that the product is not genetically engineered ; b . and / or testing to defined limits ; c . and / or inspection of suppliers . d . and / or other measure ( s ) determined by the certifier to be appropriate and as defined in the certifier ’ s policies and procedures , consistent with this criterion . 6 . 7 . 12 . Where the certification body identifies substantial risk of contamination with genetically modified organisms , they shall require measures to minimize it . 7 . Certification Procedures 7 . 1 . General Requirements 7 . 1 . 1 . The certification body shall specify conditions under which it grants and the procedures for granting certification 7 . 1 . 2 . The certification body shall have procedures to a . grant , maintain , withdraw and , if applicable , suspend certification , b . extend or reduce the scope of certification , c . re - evaluate , in the event of changes significantly affecting the product ' s specification , or changes in the standards to which compliance of the product is certified , or changes in the ownership , structure or management of the supplier , if relevant , or in the case of any other information indicating that the product may no longer comply with the requirements of the certification system . 7 . 1 . 3 . The documented certification policies and procedures shall include all procedural steps in processing the application , until final certification . 7 . 1 . 4 . The certification body shall execute its certification activities in compliance with all its stated procedures and standards . 7 . 2 . Certification Decisions 7 . 2 . 1 . All certification decisions , including those concerning the maintenance of certification , shall be objectively and transparent and be recorded in such a way as to enable the decision to be traced back . 7 . 2 . 2 . Compliance with standards shall result in the issue of a certification document which provides full information on the nature and validity of the certification . 7 . 2 . 3 . Certification decisions , including the scope , shall be recorded and clearly communicated to the operator . 7 . 2 . 4 . When certification is denied , the reasons shall be clearly stated . 7 . 2 . 5 . If exceptions are granted there shall be criteria and procedures for granting exceptions . Exceptions shall be clearly limited in time and the rationale for any exception shall be properly recorded ( see also 5 . 4 . 5 ) . 7 . 2 . 6 . The certification body shall have the right to impose conditions . Mechanisms for monitoring compliance with conditions and restrictions shall be in place . 7 . 2 . 7 . In cases where the certification body has permitted an operator frequent recourse to substance or practices that are restricted in standards , conditions to minimize such usage shall be imposed . 7 . 2 . 8 . When a subjective judgment is required to determine compliance these shall be based on criteria and procedures . 7 . 3 . The Certification Process 7 . 3 . 1 . The procedures shall ensure : a . that the certification status of all operators and their production and , where relevant , the scope of existing certification , be indicated throughout the certification process ; b . that processing of inspection reports and certification decisions shall be done in a timely manner ; c . that processing of any issue related to violations of standards shall be done with highest priority . * 7 . 4 . Certificates * Certificates of conformity 7 . 4 . 1 . The certification body shall issue certificates confirming conformity of a certified operation . These shall include at least : a . the name and address of the operator ; b . the name and address of the certification body ; c . the program under which the operator is certified ; d . the scope of the certification including reference to the applicable standards , the products or product categories , and the certification status ( conversion or organic ) of each . e . the date of issuance ; f . the period of validity . Transaction certificates 7 . 4 . 2 . Where the certification body issues transaction certificates itself ( self - declarations ) , or provides forms for operators to issue self declared certificates , the certification body shall ensure that certificates contain sufficient information to prevent fraudulent usage . This shall at least include : a . the seller ; b . the buyer ; c . the date of delivery and / or date of transaction ; d . the date of issuing the certificate ; e . a clear indication of the product and the quantity and its certification status ; f . lot numbers and other identification ( marks ) of the products ; g . reference to an invoice or bill of lading if present at the time of certificate issuance ; h . an indication of the certification body and the applicable standard ; i . a statement from the operator that the product is produced according to the applicable standards . Where for logistic or other reason this is not possible at the time of issuance of the certificate , this shall be obtained and integrated into the certification body documentation within six weeks . 7 . 4 . 3 . The certification body shall take reasonable measures to verify that the information provided is correct , including verifying accumulative totals of certificates issued against production estimates . 7 . 4 . 4 . In the case of operator self declarations the certification body shall require that copies of issued transaction certificates be retained by the operator for 5 years and be available to the CB if required . Such transaction certificates shall be audited at the annual inspection . 7 . 4 . 5 . Copies of all issued transaction certificates shall be stored in a manner that enables easy retrieval and audit of information on each operator . 7 . 5 . Surveillance Frequency of scheduled inspections 7 . 5 . 1 . The certification body shall have a written policy on inspection frequency which shall require that : inspection of certified operators and of subcontracted operators occurs at least annually . * 7 . 5 . 2 . There shall be provisions for additional scheduled inspections . The criteria or circumstances when more than one inspection will be scheduled per year shall be documented and shall be based on risk analysis taking into account factors such as the type of production ; the operators record of compliance ; and complexity of production . * 7 . 5 . 3 . Timing of inspections shall not be so regular as to become predictable . Unannounced visits 7 . 5 . 4 . The certification body shall have a documented policy requiring unannounced visits that includes the minimum number ( percentage ) to be carried out annually . This is in addition to the scheduled inspections referred to in 7 . 5 . 1 . and 7 . 5 . 2 . above . * 7 . 5 . 5 . Certification bodies shall secure the rights to conduct such unannounced visits . * 7 . 5 . 6 . Unannounced inspections shall be without forewarning . 7 . 5 . 7 . The basis for selection of operators to be subject to such inspections shall be defined and include both random and targeted selection . 7 . 5 . 8 . A record of unannounced visits shall be maintained . Notification of changes in licensee ’ s operation and extension of scope . 7 . 5 . 9 . The certification body shall have procedures for extension and updating certification . 7 . 5 . 10 . The certification body shall require operators to sign contracts , agreements or affidavits obliging them to notify the certification body of any changes such as modification to the products , the manufacturing process , extension of acreage , management or ownership . 7 . 5 . 11 . The certification body shall have procedures for assessing the announced changes as well as procedures for re - inspection when necessary . The operator shall not be allowed to release certified products resulting from such changes until the certification body has notified the operator accordingly . 7 . 6 . Use of Licenses , Certificates and Marks of Conformity 7 . 6 . 1 . The certification body shall exercise control over the use of its licenses , certificates and marks of conformity ( logo , seal ) , including a requirement for pre - approval of labels . 7 . 6 . 2 . The certification body shall have documents which demonstrate its ownership or control of the certification mark , when such a mark exists . 7 . 6 . 3 . The certification body shall establish rules concerning the use of its mark or other reference to the certification . These criteria shall require that the operator only makes claims regarding certification which are consistent with the scope of the certification that has been granted . 7 . 6 . 4 . Certification bodies shall actively investigate fraudulent situations of which they gain knowledge . 7 . 6 . 5 . Incorrect references to the certification system or misleading use of licenses , certificates or marks shall be dealt with by suitable remedial actions . 7 . 6 . 6 . The certification body shall have documented detailed procedures for responding to use of its name or mark or certificates by uncertified parties . Such procedures shall include all steps and include the possibility of legal action . 7 . 6 . 7 . The certification body shall have documented procedures for withdrawal and cancellation of contracts , certificates and certification marks . These procedures shall require the operator to discontinue use of certification and certification marks . 7 . 6 . 8 . Certification bodies shall ensure that corrective actions related to misuse of licenses , certificates and marks have been effective . 7 . 7 . Sanctions 7 . 7 . 1 . The certification body shall have a documented range of sanctions including measures to deal with minor infractions of the standards . 7 . 7 . 2 . Documented procedures for imposing such measures shall be in place . 7 . 7 . 3 . Where an infringement , that affects the organic integrity is found , the certification body shall require that the certification mark or any other indication of the certification is removed from the entire production run affected by the infringement concerned . 7 . 7 . 4 . Where a serious violation is made by the operator , the certification body shall withdraw certification from the operator for a specified period . 7 . 7 . 5 . The certification body shall have procedures for immediate withdrawal of certification in cases where the inspector detects manifest infringements or fraudulent activity . * 7 . 7 . 6 . A record of sanctions imposed shall be maintained in line with criterion 4 . 4 . 5 . 7 . 8 . Appeals 7 . 8 . 1 . The certification body shall have procedures for the consideration of appeals against its decisions to grant or remove certification . * 7 . 8 . 2 . Appeals and complaints shall be dealt with in a timely and efficient manner . 7 . 8 . 3 . When an appeal is decided , a documented resolution shall be made and forwarded to the appellant . 7 . 8 . 4 . The certification body shall : a . keep a record of all appeals ( see also 5 . 4 . 5 . ); b . take appropriate subsequent action ; c . document the action taken and its effectiveness 7 . 9 . Complaints to Certified Processors and Handlers 7 . 9 . 1 . The certification body shall require that the operator takes appropriate action on complaints related to the compliance with certification requirements . 7 . 9 . 2 . The certification body shall require the operator to keep a record of the above complaints and the corrective action taken ( see also 5 . 4 . 5 ) . 7 . 10 . Dual or Multiple Certification 7 . 10 . 1 . In cases of dual or multiple certification with the same certification scope , the certification body shall supply the other certification body ( or bodies ) with copies of transaction certificates or information regarding sales and inform them in event of decertification . The certification body shall request the same information from the other certification body ( or bodies ) . 7 . 11 . Changes in Certification Requirements 7 . 11 . 1 . The certification body shall ensure that each certified operator be notified of changes in the relevant procedures without unnecessary delay . 7 . 11 . 2 . The certification body shall have procedures for the verification of operators ' implementation of the required changes . 8 . Inspection and Certification for Particular Circumstances or Scope 8 . 1 . Certification of Wild Products 8 . 1 . 1 . If the certification body includes wild product within their certification scope , they shall have documented requirements and an inspection regime that at least requires that : a . the operator managing the harvesting or gathering of the products shall be clearly identified ; b . the operator issue instructions to the collectors and any local agents ( middlemen ) , that at least defines the area of collection and informs them about the standards and other requirements for certification ; c . the collectors sign statements that they have followed the instructions ; d . the operator has records of all collectors , and the quantities bought from each collector ; e . any middlemen be under contract to the operator ; * f . the area of production be properly identified on appropriate maps , and be large and distinct enough to reduce the risk of commingling with non certified production . The certification body shall require that the responsible operator be subject to all the normal certification requirements . 8 . 1 . 3 . The inspection regime shall at least include : g . interviews with the collectors , or a representative sample ; h . visit to an appropriate proportion of the certified area ; i . visits to and interviews of any middlemen ; j . gathering of relevant information about the area of collection from interviews of landowners and other parties ( environment agencies , NGOs etc . ). 8 . 2 . Approval or Certification of Inputs * Approval systems for brand name inputs 8 . 2 . 1 . Where a certification body issues lists or in any other way approves brand name products without formal certification it shall document at least the following measures : a . the application procedure , including the necessary documents to be submitted by the applicant ; b . the procedure to be followed in evaluating the products compliance with the certification body ’ s standards ; c . the decision making authority ; d . the length of time for which approval is granted and the requirements for the manufacturer to report changes in composition or other relevant factors ; e . a clear statement of the nature and guarantee of the approval which statement shall appear in the listing . * 8 . 2 . 2 . The certification body may receive payment for its work in assessment but shall not receive any non - work related payments such as advertising endorsement payments . 8 . 2 . 3 . Approval systems shall not allow for any indication of the approval on the product itself . Certification of brand name inputs 8 . 2 . 4 . Where a certification body issues certificates or allows the use of its certification mark on input products , in addition to the measures in 7 . 2 . 1 above , the certification body shall document the inspection and certification procedures . This shall clearly indicate : a . the inspection frequency which may be less than annual but no less than once every 3 years ; b . the requirements other than the composition of the product that will be checked during inspection and evaluated in making the certification decision . * 8 . 2 . 5 . The mark used in 8 . 2 . 4 . may not be the same logo as used for identification of organic produce or suggest that it is organic ( from biological origin ) unless it is . 8 . 3 . Certification of Smallholder Groups * 8 . 3 . 1 . Certification bodies that do not require annual inspection of individual growers in smallholder groups shall have policies and procedures to verify compliance of the group and the individual growers . The policy and procedures shall at least comply with the following criteria . Scope 8 . 3 . 2 . The certification body shall limit the scope of such systems to groups that fulfill the following criteria : a . the group shall be constituted of operations with similar production systems ; * b . large farming units , processing units and traders shall not be included in the inspection arrangements for such groups and shall be inspected annually by the certification body and be individually certified . Simple processing and storage units may be included ;* c . the group shall be large enough and have sufficient resources to support a viable internal control system that assures compliance of individual operators with production standards in an objective manner ; * d . the group shall have coordinated marketing , to enable oversight of the product flow . General requirements 8 . 3 . 3 . The policies and procedures for smallholder group certification systems shall require that at least a . the certified entity shall be the group as a whole . This means that individual operators may not use the certification independently ( by marketing as individual producers outside of the group ) ; b . an effective and documented internal control system shall be in place inspections of all operators for compliance with production standards shall be carried out by the internal control system at least annually . 8 . 3 . 4 . The certification body shall require the management body of the group to sign a written contract specifying the responsibilities of the group and of the internal control system . This shall include the requirement that the management obtain signed obligations from all operators to comply with the standards and to permit inspections . 8 . 3 . 5 . The certification body shall ensure that all operators have access to a copy of the standards or the relevant sections of standards presented in a way adapted to their language and knowledge . * Inspection by the certification body 8 . 3 . 6 . Annual ( or more frequent ) inspection of the group shall be carried out by the certification body . 8 . 3 . 7 . The inspection visit shall include both inspection for compliance with the standards and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control system . 8 . 3 . 8 . Inspection of a sample of operators shall be undertaken to fulfill both the functions in 8 . 3 . 7 . 8 . 3 . 9 . The percentage of operators subject to inspection shall take into account the number of operations involved and their size as well as the degree of uniformity , the production system and the management structure . The certification body shall specify how it determines the number of growers to be inspected . In cases of groups with less than 1000 operators this shall not be less than 5 % or 6 , whichever is the higher . In cases of groups with more than one thousand operators this shall not be less than 5 % or 100 , whichever is the lower . Evaluation of the Internal Control 8 . 3 . 10 . In evaluating the internal control system the certification body shall assure that : a . internal inspections of all operators have been carried out at least annually ; new operators are only included after internal inspections , according to procedures agreedwith the certification body ; b . sample inspections ( see 8 . 3 . 8 ) shall be carried out with the relevant documents from theinternal control at hand , and the methods and results of the internal control shall be comparedwith the results of the inspection to determine whether the inspections of the internal control system have adequately addressed the compliance of operators ; c . instances of noncompliance have been dealt with appropriately by the internal control andaccording to a documented system of sanctions ; d . adequate records of inspections have been maintained by the internal control system ; e . internal records match the findings of the certification body ’ s own sample inspections ; f . the operators understand the standards . 8 . 3 . 11 . The evaluation shall include a witness audit i . e . the inspector shall witness a number of internal control inspections . Grower Group Records 8 . 3 . 12 . In addition to certification records of the groups as a whole , the certification body shall maintain basic data on all operators . 8 . 3 . 13 . Certification bodies shall have a standardized form to be completed and updated by the smallholder group management . The form shall include identification , name , location ( at least on an area map ) , year of entrance into the certification system , date of last internal and external inspection , number of hectares , cash crops , and yield estimates . Responsibility and Sanctions 8 . 3 . 14 . The certification body shall hold the group as a whole ( the certified entity ) responsible for compliance of all operators . 8 . 3 . 15 . The certification body shall have a clear sanctions policy in event of noncompliance by the group and / or its operators . Failure of the internal control system to detect and act on noncompliances shall invoke sanctions on the group as a whole . This shall also include provisions for withdrawal of certification from the group where the internal control system has been found to be ineffective . 9 . Acceptance of Prior Certification 9 . 1 . General Requirements for all Methods of Acceptance * 9 . 1 . 1 . The certification body shall take full responsibility for recognizing the certification as equivalent to its own . 9 . 1 . 2 . The certification body shall ensure that any accepted product has been subjected to equivalent requirements as product certified by itself . 9 . 1 . 3 . Acceptance of prior certification on the basis of the criteria in 9 . 2 and 9 . 3 shall only be for acceptance of product for use by the certification body ’ s own operators and shall not confer certification status to the operator supplying the product . Acceptance of prior certification of operators seeking certification status shall only be granted on the basis of the criteria in 9 . 4 . * 9 . 1 . 4 . The procedures and responsibility for granting recognition shall be clearly documented . 9 . 2 . Acceptance of Product based on Recognition of a Certification Body 9 . 2 . 1 . The certification body shall maintain a formal register of recognized certification bodies . The register shall be subject to periodic review and updated when necessary and shall be available on request . 9 . 2 . 2 . Inclusion in the register shall only be on the basis of at least one of the following : a . IFOAM accreditation ; b . An assessment of equivalency based on a recent and adequate evaluation visit and report conducted either by the certification body granting acceptance or by an appropriate third party . The assessment shall include the equivalency of policies and procedures ; relevant production standards and the performance of the other certification body as noted during the visit . The assessment and decision to include a certification body on the register shall be documented , and shall show that criteria equivalent to these criteria have been used ; c . An equivalent accreditation performed by an accreditation body contracted to perform IFOAM accreditation or an accreditation body with whom the contracted body has signed an agreement . Where such accreditation does not include assessment of compliance with the IFOAM Basic Standards , the certification body shall conduct a standards equivalency assessment . 9 . 2 . 3 . Documentation of the registered certification bodies , including standards , inspection and certification procedures and evaluation reports , shall be kept . 9 . 2 . 4 . A comprehensive contract ( unilateral , bilateral or multilateral ) with recognized certification bodies that regulates the obligations of the parties shall be drawn up . . The contract shall at least contain the following provisions : * a . the scope of the mutual recognition , specifying the applicable programs of the certification bodies and any exclusions ; b . the procedures and conditions for how a product certified by one party will be accepted by the other ; c . obligation to inform the other party in case of loss of accreditation or approval by regulatory authorities ; d . the obligation for parties to inform each other of major program or standards changes . 9 . 3 . Acceptance of Product based on Document Review 9 . 3 . 1 . In the absence of a equivalency agreement or contract of recognition , the certification body shall only accept previous certification on a case by case review of the product in question . 9 . 3 . 2 . The basis of the acceptance shall be an assessment of the information contained in the previous inspection report , last inspection decision and other relevant documents against the standards and certification requirements of the accepting certification body . Acceptance may only be granted if steps have been taken with the other responsible certification body to ensure that the information is accurate , complete and up to date and that no late infringements have occurred . 9 . 3 . 3 . The procedures and responsibility for assessment and decision making shall be documented and follow the normal certification procedure . 9 . 3 . 4 . Acceptance of such products shall be for a defined period . 9 . 4 . Acceptance of Applicants currently Certified by another Certification Body 9 . 4 . 1 . Certification of an operator may be transferred from another certification body provided all of the following requirements are met : a the other certification body is currently IFOAM accredited ; b a contract as detailed in 9 . 2 . 4 . has been established with the other certification body ; the operator is currently certified by the other certification body and intends to remain certified by them ( dual certification ) . 9 . 4 . 2 . Where the conditions in 9 . 4 . 1 . are met the operator may be certified without prior inspection provided that the requirements in 9 . 4 . 3 . are met at the next scheduled inspection . 9 . 4 . 3 . Inspections of the operator shall be carried out by the certification body itself or may be subcontracted to the other certification body . In cases where the inspection is subcontracted the certification body shall identify any substantial differences between its standards and those of the other certification body and ensure that compliance with these different standards is verified at the inspection visit and documented in the inspection report . 9 . 4 . 4 . The certification body shall make its own certification decisions based on inspection reports . 9 . 4 . 5 . Appropriate records shall be kept . 9 . 4 . 6 . Where the requirements of 9 . 4 . 1 and 9 . 4 . 3 are not met , acceptance of the operator ' s current or prior certification shall be limited to the exemption from conversion requirements . Exemption shall only be granted following assessment of relevant historical records , including a recent inspection report , obtained from the other certification body . 9 . 5 . Certification Partnerships 9 . 5 . 1 . Joint ventures , partnerships and similar forms of cooperation with other certification bodies shall comply with the relevant criteria for acceptance of product ( 9 . 1 to 9 . 4 ) and for subcontracting ( 1 . 4 . 12 . to 1 . 4 . 15 . ). 9 . 5 . 2 . The certification body shall take full responsibility for any work done on their behalf by the partner . 9 . 5 . 3 . The certification decision shall not be “ subcontracted ” to the partner . 9 . 5 . 4 . The arrangement between the certification bodies shall be documented . 10 . Standards Development 10 . 1 . General Requirements 10 . 1 . 1 . Standards shall either meet or exceed the current IFOAM Basic Standards . * 10 . 1 . 2 . Standards , or the relevant sections of standards , shall be presented in a way adapted to the language and knowledge of operators for all languages declared in the certification body ’ s field of application ( See also 2 . 2 . 4 . ). * 10 . 2 . Standards Review 10 . 2 . 1 . The standards shall be reviewed regularly . 10 . 2 . 2 . The certification body shall have adequate procedures for enabling input concerning revisions from affected parties and shall take these into account . * 10 . 2 . 3 . The body responsible for review of standards shall be clearly identified and shall evidence sufficient qualifications or experience to be competent to carry out its functions , or utilize external experts as a means to achieve competency . 10 . 2 . 4 . The certification body shall ensure that each certified operator be notified of changes in the standards without unnecessary delay . 10 . 2 . 5 . The certification body shall have a policy for the normal time periods allowed for implementation of new standards by the operators . Where necessary , an additional time period shall be allowed for operators to implement specific major changes to the standards . In such cases the time for implementation shall be clearly stated . * III . Annex 1 : IFOAM Accreditation Criteria Guidance Notes Table of Contents Introduction _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 1131 . Structure _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 1131 . 2 Responsibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1131 . 3 Impartiality and Objectivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1131 . 4 . Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1142 . Accessibility and Scope _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 1152 . 3 Certification Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1153 . Quality System _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 1153 . 2 . Quality System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1153 . 4 . Internal Audits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1163 . 5 . Complaints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1164 . ConfidentialityProvisions _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 1164 . 5 . Confidentiality Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1165 . Documentation and Document Control _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 1165 . 2 . Public Access to Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1165 . 3 . Document Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1165 . 4 . Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1176 . Application and Inspection Procedures _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 1176 . 1 . Application Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1176 . 3 . Visit Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1176 . 4 . Sampling and Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1176 . 5 . Inspection Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1186 . 7 . Additional requirements and inspection regime for particular standards . ...... 1187 . Certification Procedures _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 1187 . 3 . The certification process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1187 . 4 . Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1197 . 5 . Surveillance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1197 . 7 . Sanctions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1197 . 8 . Appeals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1198 . Inspection and Certification for Particular Circumstances or Scope ________ 1198 . 1 . Certification of Wild Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1198 . 2 . Approval or Certification of Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1198 . 3 . Certification of Smallholder Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1209 . Acceptance of Prior Certification _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 1209 . 1 . General requirements for all methods of acceptance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 1209 . 2 . Acceptance based on Recognition of a Certification Body . . . . . . . . ......................... 12110 . Standards Development _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _________________________ 12110 . 1 . General Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 12110 . 2 Standards Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 121 Introduction These guidance notes are provided to explain the meaning and purpose of the criteria , and to provide background information to explain the context of a particular section of criteria or a particular criterion . In short that are provided to enhance understanding of the criteria . Certification bodies are required to implement the criteria in line with the guidance notes unless the same effect can be shown to have been achieved by alternative methods . The guidance notes do not constitute binding interpretations or remove an accreditation body ’ s rights and responsibilities to exercise its judgment in applying the criteria . The criteria require that the certification body has an effective quality system in accordance with the relevant elements of the criteria and which is appropriate for the type , range and volume of work performed . It is recognized that new programs , and programs operating in economically less favored areas may have less developed quality systems . It is also recognized that cultural , traditional and social conditions may result in varying solutions . Regulations or other official demands may also make it difficult or even illegal to fulfill a certain criterion . In such cases it is the prerogative of the accreditation body to determine the acceptability of the certification body ’ s alternative solution , based on whether the integrity of organic production and certification is maintained , and whether the purpose of the specific criterion is met . 1 . Structure 1 . 2 . Responsibility 1 . 2 . 2 . An outside body or person would normally include anybody that is a separate legal entity even if linked in some way . This would not mean that assessment and evaluation cannot be undertaken by a contracted party , but that the formal certification decisions mentioned may not . 1 . 3 . Impartiality and Objectivity 1 . 3 . 3 . The purpose of this criterion is expressed in 1 . 3 . 1 . It is meant to ensure by structural means , that vested interests are unable to exert undue influence This can be provided by a system of participatory democracy where the Board is elected by a broad based constituency of stakeholders . Stakeholders would generally be understood to mean more than only the certified operators - in the case of organic certification consumers , environmentalists , researchers and the like would also be considered stakeholders . In the absence of a Board elected by stakeholders the certification body would need to institute some other method of ensuring sufficient influence of the stakeholders over the certification system . An Advisory Board with sufficient powers to achieve the purpose would be one such method . 1 . 3 . 5 . The procedure should specify the nature of the information that may be supplied , limiting this to information related to the certification of the product as opposed to the marketing of the product . 1 . 3 . 6 . Related bodies would mean any separate entity that is structurally linked to the certification body by , for example , common ownership , shared directors etc . In the case of organic certification bodies this could be a producer association or other association responsible for establishing the certification body . The criterion does not prohibit the relationship but requires analysis of whether the other body may exert influence in manner that compromises the impartiality and objectivity of the certification decisions . If so , measures must be taken to ensure this does not occur . 1 . 3 . 7 . This does not mean that individuals on the Board or committee ( the decision making body ) cannot have commercial , financial or other interests . It means that the committee as a whole may not . To ensure this a balance of interests is necessary . 1 . 3 . 8 . The criterion is not referring to future income which is clearly effected by a decision to not certify . The criterion means that costs already incurred , such as the inspection , should have been charged and not be linked to whether the applicant is certified or not . 1 . 3 . 10 . This does not preclude a procedure where the decision is first referred back to the certification committee for review prior to enacting the formal appeals procedure . 1 . 3 . 12 . This does not mean that the certification committee or personnel that made the decision being appealed may not be heard at the appeal , but they may not sit on the appeal committee . 1 . 3 . 18 . The declaration should be of all interests that relate to the organic sector . The certification body should decide which , if any , of these interests are of sufficient concern to question the individual ’ s ability to be impartial and therefore to warrant the precautionary measure of declaring them to result in a conflict of interest . 1 . 3 . 19 . The certification body ’ s responsibility is not only to determine conflict of interest , but to then use this list in its operation to ensure exclusion of the individual in cases where conflict exists . 1 . 3 . 18 to 1 . 3 . 20 : In Criteria 1 . 3 . 18 and 1 . 3 . 19 the certification body takes responsibility for managing any conflict of interest . In 1 . 3 . 20 the individual is also required to be responsible . The purpose of the second sentence in 1 . 3 . 20 is to prevent an individual from contracting to do future work while engaged in the inspection or certification process ( a clear conflict of interest ) without this immediately being known to the certification body , so that others may be assigned to the case . 1 . 4 . Resources 1 . 4 . 7 . The certification body should ensure that there is competence on all categories for which certification is granted . This may be on the certification committee itself or at staff level . 1 . 4 . 14 . This can be stated in the application documents and be part of what the applicant agrees to in signing the application . 1 . 4 . 16 . In the same way that the certification body remains responsible for subcontracted work , it also is responsible when it accepts previous certification . It exercises that responsibility by the measures in 1 . 4 . 12 to 1 . 4 . 15 . The criteria in section 8 have elaborated these requirements for specific forms of acceptance . 2 . Accessibility and Scope 2 . 3 . Certification Scope 2 . 3 . 2 . to 2 . 3 . 8 . : This section of the criteria regulates the requirements for certification bodies with regard to the whole production chain . The production chain includes the farmers , storage units , processing units , packers , brokers , wholesalers , transport companies and retailers . These criteria establish when either certification or inspection is required . These functions shall either have been carried out by the certification body itself or their certification should be approved in accordance with the criteria in section 8 . 2 . 3 . 5 . Any entity that has previously sold the product would normally mean any entity that has issued an invoice . 2 . 3 . 6 . Exceptions to the requirement for inspections may be made if a risk assessment based on the kind of storage , the product , the packaging , the prevailing storage practices ( e . g . fumigation ) and the period of storage has determined that further inspections are not necessary . Exceptions may also be made in the case of storage by common carriers and storage in customs houses . 2 . 3 . 8 . The certification body shall however take action where there is reason to believe that the certifier ’ s own standards have been or may be violated in later handling stages . An example of such a situation is fumigation in import harbors , etc . 2 . 3 . 9 . to 2 . 3 . 14 . : This section establishes criteria applicable when a certified entity ( or applicant ) has sub - contracted production to an operation which is not certified . ( For example , a certified processor subcontracts with a storage , handling , or processing facility which is not certified in its own right . ) It also applies to situations where a processor or trader has subcontracted producers . 2 . 3 . 12 . The contract between the certification body and the operator should specify the liability with respect to sanctions , unless this is already stated in the general sanctions policies . 2 . 3 . 13 . Where the certification body chooses not to have a direct contract with the contracted party it should ensure that the contract between the operator and contracted party legally binds the contracted party to the certification body and the specified requirements . This shall mean that the contracts between the operator and the subcontractor shall be obtained in order to verify these points . 3 . Quality System 3 . 2 . Quality System 3 . 2 . 3 . This may be the Executive Director or other senior personnel provided this responsibility is clearly stated . 3 . 4 . Internal Audits 3 . 4 . 1 . Periodic would normally mean at least annual . In a planned and systematic manner would mean according to a procedure similar to that used by external bodies in evaluating an organization . Examples would be the evaluation process used in IFOAM Accreditation , ISO 10011 - 1 etc . 3 . 4 . 1 . and 3 . 4 . 2 . : The first of these criteria requires auditing to check that the system is being implemented . The second calls for review of whether the policies and procedures are effective in achieving the goals . 3 . 4 . 3 . Where work is organized in teams this may be team review . 3 . 5 . Complaints 3 . 5 . 4 . b . & c . These criteria require that complaints should not merely be resolved but that the certification body should review the complaint to determine whether the complaint indicates a structural or procedure fault and , if so , to remedy it . 3 . 5 . 4 b requires the certification body to review whether the corrective action taken has solved the identified problem . 4 . Confidentiality Provisions 4 . 1 . Confidentiality Provisions 4 . 1 . 1 . The system shall be transparent while records pertaining to operators remain confidential . 4 . 1 . 3 . Certification bodies subject to voluntary ( non regulatory ) accreditation should specify in their policy and in papers signed by the operator ( such as the application form ) that the accreditation body shall have access to their documentation . 5 . Documentation and Document Control 5 . 2 . Public Access to Information 5 . 2 . 1 . Make available does not mean these have to be distributed only that they should be supplied if requested . It also does not mean that a charge may not be levied . Note that point b , e , f and g refer to descriptions or summaries and not necessarily the formal policies or procedures themselves . 5 . 2 . 1 . a . This authority may be regulatory where a certification body has been approved under a government regulation . Authority may also be derived from the voluntary nature of the program or from linked producer or trader associations . 5 . 3 . Document Control 5 . 3 . 1 . A procedural document would normally need to be in place in order to ensure these requirements are met . 5 . 4 . Records 5 . 4 . 5 . Such information should be available both in the producer ’ s file as well in a separate record , or registered in a database system . ( 8 . 4 . 2 ) . The purpose of this criteria is for those involved in certification to have access to the file in order to ensure consistency in decision making . 5 . 4 . 6 . The records that should be maintained for the specified period would include not only the operator ’ s records , but also records of the certification body ’ s personnel and relevant activities such as internal audits . 5 . 4 . 7 . This may be an electronic signature . 5 . 4 . 10 . This right should be communicated to operators . 6 . Application and Inspection Procedures 6 . 1 . Application Procedures 6 . 1 . 4 . b . The criterion requires the right of access , but does require that this right be exercised in all cases . Certification bodies should be able to inspect any part of an operation whether organic or not if they have reason to do . The criteria require that the right be fully exercised in cases of parallel production . 6 . 1 . 5 . These criteria refer not only to the required documentation but also to the way in which it is kept . This must allow for the specified audits to be carried out within the timeframe of an inspection . 6 . 1 . 6 . Although this is more likely to apply in processing operations it may also apply to farming operations . Conversion plans , farm plans and management plans to reduce dependence on restricted products would constitute such procedural documents . 6 . 3 . Visit Procedures 6 . 3 . 3 . An exception to this may be made in the case of unannounced visits that are made in addition to the scheduled visit . Such visits may be targeted to specific concerns or to check compliance with conditions of the certification . 6 . 4 . Sampling and Testing Testing is not the basis of organic certification as it is certification of process not products . However testing is of value and the certification body shall have documented policies and procedures on residue testing , genetic testing and other analyses that meet these requirements . 6 . 4 . 1 . b . The " use of " means the deliberate utilization of a substance . For issues related to unintentional contamination , refer to the IFOAM BS as well as criteria 6 . 4 . 1 . c . , 6 . 7 . 5 . and 6 . 7 . 12 . 6 . 5 . Inspection Report 6 . 5 . 5 . The criterion prohibits requiring an inspector to make an overall judgment of whether the unit should be certified or not . The overall judgment is a function of certification and not of inspection and would contravene criterion 1 . 3 . 11 . if it was required of the inspector . The criterion does not prohibit the inspectors from providing an overall recommendation but does prohibit the certification body from requiring this of them . The actions in 6 . 7 . 5 . are an exception based on the emergency nature of the case and the overriding need to prevent fraud . 6 . 7 . Additional requirements and inspection regime for particular standards 6 . 7 . 1 . Full application of standards should normally mean active organic management not just absence of use of prohibited materials . 6 . 7 . 2 . The IFOAM Basic Standards define organic as a management system . Certification should not occur unless this organic management system is fully in place . In order to verify this the certification body should normally not grant retrospective conversion prior to the application for certification and should require the conversion period stated in the standards to monitor the system . 6 . 7 . 4 . If exceptions to the criterion 6 . 7 . 2 . are granted it shall be on the basis of sound and incontrovertible evidence that full application of the standards has occurred for a period at least as long as the minimum conversion period specified in the IFOAM Basic Standards . Sound evidence shall , in addition to documentation , include an inspection visit prior to certification in which the existing and prior management system is evaluated . Affidavits and other documentary evidence shall not on their own be considered sufficient evidence . 6 . 7 . 5 . to 6 . 7 . 8 . Split production and parallel production The criteria include requirements for two situations that may occur in organic operations . Split production is the term used when a unit is not fully dedicated to organic production processing or handling and is also producing , processing or handling conversion or non organic produce . This is regardless of whether these are the same product or different product . If they are the same product this is termed parallel production . Parallel production is a particular form of split production . As parallel production is a higher risk situation , specific criteria in addition to those for split production have been specified . The requirements for parallel production are in addition to those for split operations . 6 . 7 . 7 . and 6 . 7 . 8 . In all parallel production on farms 6 . 7 . 7 . b . and c . shall be required . In addition 5 . 7 . 7 . a . must be enforced or - if an exception is granted to this provision - then the operator must be subject to the requirements in 6 . 7 . 8 . 7 . Certification Procedures 7 . 3 . The certification process 7 . 3 . 1 . This criteria requires that the current certification status ( certified , conversion , non - organic ) of all product or production , is stated on all forms and document used through the certification process . Where the certification body operates more than one certification program , the applicable scope should also be stated . 7 . 4 . Certificates Certificates are the final and essential results of the certification body ’ s services . Certificates are issued for different purposes , e . g . a ) confirm conformity of an operation for its production or processing activities ( certificates of conformity ) ; b ) confirm conformity for a defined transaction of products , referring to specified standards . This could be other than the certifiers own standards in the case of export to regulated markets . 7 . 5 . Surveillance 7 . 5 . 1 . Annual means the calendar year . 7 . 5 . 2 . This could be done on a case by case basis or according to the type of operation . 7 . 5 . 4 . This should be at least 5 %. 7 . 5 . 5 . This should be included in agreements or other documentation signed by the operator . 7 . 7 . Sanctions 7 . 7 . 5 . This may include immediate withdrawal by the inspector as an emergency measure especially where fraud is suspected or where this is required by law , provided this is ratified by the certification body at the earliest possibility . The procedure for such withdrawal must be clearly documented . 7 . 8 . Appeals 7 . 8 . 1 . Appeals may be lodged by the operator subject to a decision or by a third party . However in the context of these criteria appeals refers to decisions regarding certification status . Third party statements concerning compliance of operators with the requirements may be considered complaints and dealt with under the complaints procedures . 8 . Inspection and Certification for Particular Circumstances or Scope 8 . 1 . Certification of Wild Products 8 . 1 . 1 . e . Middlemen in this context refers to agents or tribal authorities who may act as initial collection or storage points . 8 . 2 . Approval or Certification of Inputs Certification bodies are required under the IFOAM standards to have lists of generic inputs . The criteria 8 . 2 . 1 . and 8 . 2 . 3 . apply to certification bodies who have produced lists of branded ( proprietary ) products to assist their operators in determining whether they meet the generic list . The criterion 8 . 2 . 4 . and 8 . 2 . 5 . are additional requirements applicable when the certification body certifies the product , allowing the operator to indicate the certification status on product , and thereby making a claim to the general public . 8 . 2 . 1 . e . The statement should include the limitations of the approval - for example that it does not imply effectiveness of the product . 8 . 2 . 4 . b . The inspection should verify compliance with relevant standards such as those related to separation of product , pollution resulting from the process and contamination . 8 . 3 . Certification of Smallholder Groups This system of certification has evolved from the need to devise a system of control in economically disadvantaged regions that takes account of the economic realities and the risk . It should be applied only in cases where production from the individual operations is small and the organizational criteria of 8 . 3 . 2 . are met . 8 . 3 . 2 . a . This criterion does not limit the arrangement to farmers . Small scale processing organized collectively may also be included provided the other criteria in 8 . 3 . 2 . are met . 8 . 3 . 2 . b . This does not mean that these excluded units may not be part of the structure of the group - for example be part of the cooperative . The criterion refers to the way in which they shall be treated by the certification body with respect to inspection and certification . The criteria do not specify what “ large ” means as this will differ from country to country and depend on the type of production . The certification body must determine this on a case by case basis and whether to establish the limit by acreage or sales . 8 . 3 . 2 . c . The criterion refers to the two factors that the size of the group should ensure - sufficient resources and impartiality . The certification body must determine whether the group is large enough to satisfy these factors . 8 . 3 . 3 . b . This does not mean that those personnel responsible for the internal control must have visited the individual at least once during the year - it means they must have done so with the specific purpose of checking compliance with standards . 8 . 3 . 5 . See guidance note under 10 . 1 . 2 . 9 . Acceptance of Prior Certification 9 . 1 . General requirements for all methods of acceptance It is not a requirement of organic certification that all elements of the production chain or that all inputs be certified by the same certification body . Feedstuffs , ingredients in multi - ingredient products , bulk food for prepacking may all have been certified by a certification body different from that determining the certification of the product at the end or in the middle of the food chain . This section of the criteria establishes the acceptable methods for the acceptance of the prior certification , and the requirements for each of these methods . These requirements may also be applicable where a certification body operates more than one organic certification program according to different standards . In such cases , the acceptance of products certified under one program for use by operators under the IFOAM accredited program shall be subject to the criteria in so far as a document review to check compliance with the appropriate standards is necessary . The general requirements apply to both acceptance based on recognition of a certification body and acceptance based on document review . 9 . 1 . 3 . Criteria 9 . 2 . and 9 . 3 . establishes the requirements for permitting use by the certification body ' s certified operators of a product previously certified by another certification body . There is a measure of equivalency of procedures , policies and standards . This does not confer certification rights to the original operator . The criteria in 9 . 4 . establish the requirements when an operator certified by another certification body seeks full certification and the associated rights . 9 . 2 . Acceptance based on Recognition of a Certification Body 9 . 2 . 4 . In addition to the requirements listed , the contract should also contain the right to review the other party ’ s performance ; the right to have access to relevant information ; regulation of confidentiality and dispute settlement provisions . 10 . Standards Development 10 . 1 . General Requirements 10 . 1 . 1 . Certification bodies may use standards established and published by themselves or by other parties . However , in the case of IFOAM accreditation , it is a requirement that these standards shall meet or exceed the IFOAM Basic Standards . As a consequence , IFOAM accredited certification bodies using standards published by other parties shall have contractual arrangements with the standard setting body , in which the standard setting body agrees to make any necessary amendments to ensure continued compliance . Whether using own standards or third party standards , the standard setting procedure must comply with the requirements of section of these criteria . 10 . 1 . 2 . The certification body shall make standards and relevant documentation available in these languages and shall itself have sufficient personnel to conduct certification in the same manner in all languages of operation . Certification bodies shall not certify operators who are not sufficiently conversant with the languages of operation . Standards shall be presented in a way congruent with the knowledge of the operators . In the case of illiterate operators this may mean tape recordings , illustrations or other nonwritten forms . 10 . 2 Standards Review 10 . 2 . 2 . This does not include changes required by law where proposals from interested parties would be of no consequence . 10 . 2 . 5 . This criterion requires the certification body to have a documented “ normal ” period for implementation of new standards by operators . However it is recognized that a specific new or amended standard may require a longer period . If this is the case this additional period must be clearly stated and communicated in the standards themselves . IV . IFOAM Relevant Policies for the Organic Guarantee System Table of Contents 20 Policy for revision of the IFOAM Basic Standards … … … … … … … … . …….. 122 21 Policy for urgent standards revision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 124 25 Policy on variations in standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 125 28 Policy regarding interpretation of IFOAM Norms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 126 42 IFOAM approval of other standards ( other than IBS ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . ......................... 128 47 Policy for new work items in the IFOAM Basic Standards . . . . . . ......................... 133 48 Policy for the implementation of changes to the IFOAM Norms . ..................... 136 Policy for revision of the IFOAM Basic Standards Scope This policy sets the procedure for revision of standards . Procedures For each revision the SC shall present a plan for the revision , subject to the approval of the WB / Executive Board ( EB ) . The SC may choose to revise new areas , or areas significantly revised , of the BS independently from the revision of the main body of the standards . SC proposed standards changes , or new standards proposals , will be circulated to the membership normally in a minimum of two drafts for consideration and comment . Special consideration will be given to opinions on the standards from the IOAS and Accredited Certification Bodies or other IFOAM bodies representing special expertise . In addition to the circulation to the membership , circulation will be done to relevant non - IFOAM members , regulatory bodies , international environmental and consumer organisations , and UN organs . Drafts will further be available for anybody asking for them . In addition to this procedure there may be the possibilities to further enhance the consultation by calling a special standards conference or installing focus groups to deal with specific aspects of the standards . The SC will review the comments and take due consideration of the suggestions . Comments from members and others to the suggested revised standards should be made public . The final recommendation for standards changes will be submitted to the WB , with a summary of the most critical issues and the SCs rationale for its proposal . The World Board shall develop procedures to ensure that the decision making of the IFOAM Basic Standards are based on democratic principles and efforts to achieve consensus . Any change in the basic principles ( section B . 1 . " The Principal Aims of Organic Production and Processing ") would have to be approved by the GA . If standards are approved by the WB , they shall be ratified at the next GA . The World Board and the relevant committees shall report and seek the endorsements of the GA on the revision process of the IFOAM norms . At each GA the members should be given the opportunity to give guidance for the future development of the norms . This policy and the resulting procedures shall be subject to GA 2005 review . First approved by the General Assembly in Basel , September 2000 Amended by the General Assembly in Victoria , August 2002 Policy for revision of the IFOAM Basic Standards # 20 Annexe 1 Purpose To set a policy for regular revisions of IFOAM Basic Standards . In addition to this policy there are specific policies developed for the - urgent revision of standards - development of new areas Policy Based on the policy for revision of the IFOAM Basic Standards the World Board is required to develop procedures for decision making based on an effort to achieve consensus and democratic principles . Decision making procedures The following procedure apply : . .. The Standards Committee produces a Committee Final Draft which is presented to the Norms Management Committee for approval ( only refer to procedural approval . not content ) . . .. The Committee Final Draft is sent out to the membership by the NMC . Motions to the Final Draft . .. Membership can react with motions to NMC within 2 months from date of mailing the Committee Final Draft . .. NMC , Motion presenter and SC consult in a ‘ contact group ’ ( process managed by the OGSC ) with aim of resolving conflicts and reaching consensus . . .. If no resolution is reached , the motion will go to membership as presented . . .. If resolution is reached , and the content of the agreed text is not substantially different than the text in the Committee Final Draft , the agreed text will replace the original text . If the agreed text is substantially different than the text in the Committee Final Draft it should be presented as a motion . . .. 1 st ballot , must include total package including SC recommended text and all motions . . .. Quorum for vote shall be 25 % of IFOAM members ( this relates to the total of members submitting a vote , even if they don ’ t vote on all motions ) . .. Decision based on simple majority on each motion . .. If a Quorum is not reached , the WB will decide Decision on the IFOAM Basic Standards . .. Final Draft can then go to 2 nd ballot , incorporating outcome of first ballot . .. Quorum for vote as above shall be 25 % of IFOAM members . .. Decision as above based on simple majority . .. If a Quorum is not reached , the WB will decide The Norms Management Committee is mandated to develop more detailed procedures . Procedure in principle agreed by the WB 0109 in Lithuania Policy for urgent standards revision Purpose Considering the fast development and the regulatory function of the IFOAM Basic Standards ( IBS ) in relationship to accreditation there are situations where the need for a revision of the IBS warrants that the normal procedures for standards revisions ( as outlined in the policy for standards revision ) are set aside . Therefore an " urgent standards revision procedure " is installed . Policy The WB is authorised to invoke and complete an urgent standards revision based on the following : - Contradictions within the Basic Standards or between the standards and the accreditation criteria - Issues that could severely damage IFOAM ' s credibility as standard setter - Issues that could severely damage the credibility of organic products in the public ’ s perception - Issues that are creating serious problems in the accreditation process or the accreditation status of a substantial number of certifiers - Issues that would severely affect the implementation of the IFOAM Accreditation Programme In all cases the matter shall have such urgency that it couldn ’ t be handled through the normal standards revision procedure . Issues that have been under clear debate during the latest standard revision process cannot normally be considered under this procedure , unless important new arguments / evidence are brought forward . Procedures The procedure can be invoked on the request of the : The IFOAM Standards Committee or the International Organic Accreditation Services ( IOAS ) . The proposal shall be submitted to the World Board ( WB ) . The WB will first determine if the matter is of such an urgency , that it should be dealt with by the special procedure for urgent standard revision . When assessing this , the WB shall use the policy outlined above . Any such proposal shall be posted in the Internal Letter for public comment , and put to consultation to relevant IFOAM bodies . Any party shall have at least 6 weeks to reply to the proposal and deadlines shall be indicated . Replies shall be communicated to the SC that shall make a final recommendation to the WB . The WB , when initiating the process , shall decide whether the final decision can be taken by the Executive Board , and under which conditions . The decision must be approved by a 2 / 3 majority . The implementation procedure will be clearly defined by the WB . The WB shall report the use of the urgent standards revision procedure to the General Assembly . Any standards revision resulting from the use of this policy will be confirmed according to the normal standards confirmation procedures . Approved by the World Board in Italy , October 1999 and amended by the World Board in Feb 2000 . Approved by the General Assembly in Basel , Switzerland , September 2000 Policy on variations in standards Purpose To clarify why and how variations can be accommodated within the IFOAM Organic Guarantee System . Introduction - Organic agriculture is based on a close interaction between man , agriculture and the local ecological conditions . Therefore , organic agriculture is carried out differently in different areas . To a certain extent this also applies to how certification shall be done ( e . g . grower group certification ) . It is a delicate balance to combine this need for regional variations with the international harmonisation that is needed for trade , fair competition and consumer trust in organic . IFOAM is committed to develop its own guarantee system in such a way that it endeavours to achieve this balance . - The world wide proliferation of standards has certain disadvantages as they consume a lot of resources , has the potential of creating trade barriers and may confuse interested parties . At the same time the development of standards is a major achievement of the organic movement and represents a consensus building process that is valuable . National or regional standards are often a way for the organic movement to achieve respect and acceptance . Policy 1 . The IFOAM Basic Standards contain the guidelines and principles required to set standards in compliance with IFOAM Basic Standards ( standards for standards ) . There shall only be one IFOAM standard . 2 . IFOAM supports the establishment of voluntary consensus national or regional standards , based on the IFOAM Basic Standards , for use by multiple certification bodies . 3 . IFOAM supports the concept of regional variations while in the same time acknowledging the need for harmonisation . In order to achieve this IFOAM will : . Clarify in the IFOAM Basic Standards and in the IFOAM Accreditation Criteria that variations may be acceptable as long as they are consistent with the general aims of the Standards and Accreditation Criteria . . Formulate criteria for variations in IFOAM Basic Standards and in the IFOAM Accreditation Criteria . . Install a procedure for approval of national or regional standards . These standards shall not carry IFOAM ’ s name , until the World Board has developed rules for any such case . A certifier using such approved standards would not need to submit them for assessment when applying for IFOAM Accreditation . Approved by the General Assembly in Basel , Switzerland , September 2000 28 Policy regarding interpretation of IFOAM norms Purpose The purpose of this policy it to define the procedures for interpretations of IFOAM Norms ( Basic Standards and Accreditation Criteria ) in relation to the IFOAM Accreditation process . Scope limitation There is a demand also for IFOAM to provide guidance or interpretations to certification bodies or others drafting standards . The relationship between such guidance and the accreditation process still needs to be clarified ; in addition the resources available to the Standards Committee ( SC ) are far too limited to allow for offering such a service at this moment . Therefore this policy doesn ’ t apply to that scenario . Policy 2 A . Norm interpretations are made on two basic levels . 1 . IFOAM Accredited Certifying Bodies ( ACB ) make their own interpretations of IFOAM Norms in cases where the Norm has no specific requirements and / or principles . 2 . In the cases where the Norms identify specific requirements and / or principles to be implemented by the certification body , there may be a need for interpretation on the global level . Such cases include , but are not limited to , situations in which the norms are ambiguous or are causing problems in the accreditation process . Interpretations shall be requested and given before final accreditation decisions are made on the respective issue . Interpretations of IFOAM Norms shall be made according to transparent , fair , functional and competent procedures . The procedures below apply to this level of interpretation . B . Decisions on interpretations ( A 2 ) are made by the Norms Management Committee ( NMC ) . C . The NMC is required to define detailed procedures based on the general procedures given below . Procedure 1 . The International Organic Accreditation Service ( IOAS ) , the CC , the SC or an IFOAM Accredited or Applicant Certification Body may identify the need for interpretation and request an interpretation . 2 . The request is registered with the NMC . The NMC defines the needs regarding each request on an case by case basis and assigns the work of interpretation to the relevant body ( the SC or the CC ) . All interpretation requests are considered urgent and the NMC establishes a time frame for the process of each request accordingly . The administration of the process is the responsibility of the Organic Guarantee System Manager ( OGSM ) . 3 . The assigned body formulates an opinion on the interpretation . The basis for the opinion shall be clearly recorded . A copy shall be sent to relevant parties , including the body making the request . These parties shall give any comments to the Norms Management Committee . 2 Note , the policy does not apply in the following cases : - When there are contradictions within the IFOAM norms , the Urgent Standards Revision Policy applies . - For appeals consult the IOAS policy on appeals . 4 . The Norms Management Committee will make a decision on the interpretation taking into account all input . 5 . Notification of interpretations : All relevant bodies shall be notified of the result , including the rationale . Copies are always provided to IFOAM Head Office , the IOAS and the SC . Incorporation in IFOAM norms In the next revision of the IFOAM Norms , the interpretations shall be incorporated and / or clarified to the extent possible . Register of interpretations A transparent register of all interpretations shall be established and administered by the NMC ( or a body assigned by the NMC ) . once an interpretation is incorporated in the norms or made redundant it shall be taken off the register . Revising interpretations A procedure for revising the interpretations shall be established by the NMC . Approved by the World Board , Victoria , Canada , May 2002 IFOAM approval of other standards ( other than IBS ) Purpose The purpose of this policy is to set the procedure for approval of standards . This is based on the decision by the IFOAM General Assembly in Basel 2000 to : “ Install a procedure for approval of national or regional standards . These standards shall not carry IFOAM ’ s name until the WB has developed rules for any such use . A certifier using such approved standards would not need to submit them for assessment when applying for IFOAM Accreditation . ” Policy - The WB can approve standards as fulfilling the requirements of IFOAM Basic Standards and the criteria for variations as outlined in Annex 2 . - A certifier using such standards does not need to submit them for assessment when applying for IFOAM Accreditation . If , in addition to these standards , certifiers also use their own standards , these standards will have to be assessed as part of the IFOAM Accreditation process . Procedures The following procedures apply : Action Responsible body Submission of application , including payment of fee Applicant Screening of application for completeness , and forwarding to the Project Office , see below IOAS Identifying variations / difference IOAS Forwarding to the SC Evaluating / assessing differences SC Forwarding to the applicant Feed - back from applicant of preliminary assessment to the SC Applicant Copy sent to the IOAS to allow for comments ( 2 weeks ) Final assessment SC an executive summary of the deliberations from the SC to the WB copy to Applicant and the IOAS to allow for final comment ( 2 weeks ) Final ruling WB or an assigned WB Committee Notification of result Project Office The Project Office is managed by the OGSM , under supervision of the Norms Management Committee ( NMC ) . Application The applicant shall submit an English translation of the standards . Submitted standards shall follow the format of IFOAM Basic Standards . Alternatively the applicant shall submit a matrix that shows where the relevant regulations of the IFOAM Basic Standards are found in the applicant ’ s standards . Fees The approval procedure shall be financed by a fee that is set by the NMC and amended from time to time . See Annex 1 . Indication that a standard is approved by IFOAM In a standard that has been approved according to this procedure , the following text may appear : “ This standard has been approved by IFOAM as fulfilling the requirements of the IFOAM Basic Standards . This does not imply that a product certified by a certifier using this standard is in any way endorsed or recognised by IFOAM , unless the certification agency is also accredited by IFOAM . ” [ date ] . The standard may not include IFOAM in its name or have IFOAM printed on the cover apart from in the above mentioned text . Revision and update When an approved standard is revised it must be submitted for re - assessment . Detailed procedures for this to be developed . When the IFOAM Basic Standards Approved by the World Board , Lithuania , September 2001 Policy # 42 : Annex 1 DRAFT Fee schedule for approval of standards . The following fees apply : Fee Euro 1 st application fee ( Project Office ) 500 Identifying variations / difference 50 / hour technical ( IOAS ) work Evaluating / assessing differences ( SC ) 50 / hour technical work + 500 for committee time Registration fee ( WB and Project 1000 Office ) Annual fee None Re - application fee Same ? Upon submission of application a cost estimate shall be forwarded to the applicant . The applicant shall accept the cost estimate in writing before the process proceeds . Policy # 42 : Annex 2 Criteria for Variations Introduction Organic agriculture is based on a close interaction between humans , agriculture and the local ecological conditions . Therefore , organic agriculture can be implemented differently in different places . IFOAM sets and regularly revises the international IFOAM Basic Standards ( IBS ) . The IBS reflect the current state of organic production and processing methods in parts of the world where organic agriculture has progressed and developed . The IBS is not a final statement but rather a work in progress to contribute to the development of organic agriculture throughout the world . It provides a framework for certification bodies / standardizing organizations worldwide to develop their own certification standards . These will take into account local conditions and may well be more detailed than the IBS . The requirements of the IBS shall be implemented by certification bodies / standardizing organizations . Requirements that are not relevant to conditions under which the standards are used , do not need to be incorporated . There may be conditions where climate , geographical , technical problems as well as economic , regulatory or cultural factors , require variation to IBS requirements . Conditions where organic agriculture is only beginning or have not developed sufficiently may also require variation to IBS requirements . The criteria for variations in IFOAM Basic Standards are developed from IFOAM ’ s policy on variations in standards in order to allow variations in IBS requirements where acceptable conditions related to the above apply . The variations are to be achieved without prejudice to fair competition , consumer trust in organic and international harmonization necessary for international trade . Scope The Criteria for Variations ( CV ) are based on IFOAM ’ s policy on variations in standards . The purpose of the CV is to describe how and under what conditions , variations to the IBS may or may not be allowed . The CV are applicable where standards have been elaborated and variations to specific requirements are allowed for in the IBS . These do not include draft standards . The CV may be used in conjunction with , but not replace criteria in appendix 3 and 5 of the IBS for additional inputs , additives and processing aids . The CV are developed to serve as guidance for the purpose of objective assessment for variant standards for certification without prejudice to fair competition , consumer trust in organic and international harmonization necessary for international trade . The CV shall be used by IFOAM in its approval of national and / or regional certification standards for use by multiple CBs . Criteria for admissible conditions and variations The need for variation to IBS requirements may be due to a number of reasons , e . g . fundamental climate conditions , geographical conditions , technical problems , economic conditions , regulatory conditions , cultural factors as well as conditions where organic agriculture is only beginning or has not developed sufficiently . Conditions , however , shall only be admissible for consideration on meeting the following criteria . Need and necessity The need and necessity for the variation shall be established on at least one of the following : . . the relevant IBS requirement is ineffective and / or inappropriate for organic production or processing under the condition ( s ) specified . . . the relevant IBS requirement prevents the development of organic production or processing under the condition ( s ) specified . . the relevant IBS requirement prohibits compliance to legitimate sector regulations and product requirements under the condition ( s ) specified . . . the relevant IBS requirement contradicts religious or cultural beliefs of producers and processors . Justification and supporting reasons Justification and supporting reasons for the variation shall meet the following : . . Compliant methods to the expected requirement of the IBS are not achievable or feasible . . . The variation supports suitable alternative organic practices for the relevant production or processing under the condition ( s ) specified . . . The alternative methods of production and processing systems are compliant with the Principle Aims of IBS and do not contradict the general principles in the chapter of the relevant requirement . Conditions for admissible variations All of the following conditions are important and are not listed in order of importance . Consistent to the principal aims of organic production and processing . . Variations shall only be accepted if they are consistent with the principal aims of organic production and processing as elaborated in the IBS and do not contradict the general principles in the chapter of the relevant requirement . Sound and verifiable support for variation . . Variations shall only be accepted if sound and verifiable justification is established . Improvement . . Variations shall only be accepted if they enforce practices representing distinguishable improvement over conventional production and processing systems . International harmonization . . Variations shall not be accepted where they reflect an insufficient level of compliance for international harmonization necessary for international exchange and trade . . . Variations shall not be accepted in cases where they result in substantially distorted trade . Application Organization Organizations submitting variant standards for approval shall be National or Regional standardizing organizations working with the voluntary consensus principle ( in compliance to IFOAM Accreditation Criteria for standard setting ) for organic standards for use by multiple certification bodies . Submission Each variation to an IBS requirement should be submitted separately . However the variation may be presented and assessed as part of the bigger process for related standards . Scope Variant standards must specify the conditions and / or the geographical scope under which they will apply Re - evaluation Variations are subject to evaluation and review in line with the development and revision of the IBS . Impartiality Variations allowed for a specific country or region shall also be allowed to all other countries or regions where relevant conditions apply . Limitations Variations , where appropriate , may be subject to a phase out time period to be set accordingly . Annex 2 approved by the World Board , Victoria , Canada , May 2002 Policy for new work items in the IFOAM Basic Standards Policy The introduction of new areas or new parts of the IFOAM Basic Standard shall be based on a clear need and rationale , and show benefits for the organic sector . Proper consultations shall be undertaken before a new work item shall be introduced . Sufficient resources must be available before the development starts . Decisions about a new work item are made by the membership by written ballot , the IFOAM World Board or the General Assembly . Definitions A new area means that new categories of production or products are covered by the standards , e . g . wild fish and cosmetics . A new part means new requirements within production areas already covered , i . e . regulations re waterfor irrigation , regulation of energy use , regulation of workers ’ rights . A new work item is used as the common word for both these situations . Procedure The following procedures apply for the proposal stage for a new work item , i . e . until it has been decided that the standards shall be developed . After that decision a new work item is developed , consulted and decided as all other standards revisions . A new work item proposal is a proposal for : - a new standard - i . e . a new area - a new part of an existing standard A new work item proposal can be made by either : - 3 IFOAM members ; - the Standards Committee ;- any other recognised IFOAM groupThe originator of the new work item proposal shall : . Make an outline of what aspects such a standard should cover ; . Nominate a project leader ; . Submit a report that , to the extent possible , responds to the checklist in Annexe 1 The proposal shall be submitted to the Norms Management Committee , which may ask for additional information or clarifications before proceeding . The NMC is responsible for that any further consultation are carried out , and for managing the decision making procedure . The Norms Management Committee shall propose revisions of this policy to the WB as needed . The Norms Management Committee shall developed detailed procedures to be followed as needed . Decision making The NMC shall assess the proposal according to the guideline outlined in Annexe 1 , and make a recommendation . If the NMCs opinion is that the proposal is clearly irrelevant or inadequate it may reject the proposal , giving the reasons . If the recommendation is negative , i . e . that no new work item shall be initiated , the NMC shall forward that to the WB which may decide to reject the proposal . If the recommendation is positive shall the NMC send out the proposal , together with its own assessment to IFOAM members for voting by written ballot . Acceptance requires : 1 . Approval by a simple majority of the IFOAM members voting by ballot provided that at least 25 % of the members have voted . If less than 25 % of the members have caste a vote the IFOAM World Board shall decide . Or 2 . Decision by an IFOAM GA ( when timing is appropriate for raising the issue at the GA ) Carrying out the work The work shall not commence until there is a commitment by at least 3 IFOAM members approving the work item to participate actively in the development of the project , i . e . to make an effective contribution at the preparatory stage , by nominating technical experts and by commenting on working drafts . Policy for new work items in the IFOAM Basic Standards # 47 Annexe 1 Guidelines for decision about a new work item Note : at the moment the annexe only contain the Guidelines . The NMC shall develop the guidelines based on the practical experience gained from using the checklists . The checklists are not giving definitive guidance for the decision to be made , i . e . a “ yes ” to a certain question or a “ no ” to another does not prevent the NMC to look at the wider picture when assessing a proposal . Pending the development of clear criteria , the NMC shall make sound judgements of the overall effect of the proposal in the light of the relevant checklist . Checklist for a new area When assessing the benefit of new areas there are wider issues to consider such as if the area is consistent with a holistic approach to the development of organic production systems , and will IFOAM Basic Standards in this area help to improve the everyday lives of farmers , processors , workers , and consumers . Such judgements are by nature quite subjective . The questions below have more concrete answers : 1 . Is there any risk that existing organic production or products are compromised by the introduction of a new area ? Will the meaning of organic be blurred or diluted ? Will the new products “ compete ” with other products already covered by the standards ? 2 . Are there already national / local standards developed ? 3 . Is there consumer / market demand for this area to be certified organic ? 4 . Will IFOAM Basic Standards in this area help the exchange of organic products ? 5 . Is there an emerging international trade in such products ? Is IFOAM ' s participation needed to facilitate global cooperation ? 6 . Does IFOAM and IFOAM members have sufficient expertise in the area ? 7 . Does IFOAM have a sufficient number of members active in the area to have credibility as a standard - setter ? 8 . Does IFOAM have sufficient resources to make a new standard ? Are X organizations willing to contribute time and expertise ? Are there special funds available ? 9 . Are there relevant stakeholders outside IFOAM that needs to be consulted in the development of the standards ? If so how will they be identified and consulted ? 10 . Are other international standard setting bodies active in the area ? Risk of duplication ? Opportunity for co - operation ? 11 . How will the new area of the standards help promote organic production ? 12 . Will a new standard area be dependent on the development of additional or specific certification procedures and therefore require additional criteria for certification ? Checklist for a new part of a standard 1 . Are there already national / local standards developed ? 2 . Is there consumer / market demand for this standard ? 3 . Does IFOAM have sufficient expertise in the area ? 4 . Does IFOAM have sufficient resources to make a new standard ? Are X organizations willing to contribute time and expertise ? Are there special funds available ? 5 . How will the new area of the standards help promote organic production ? 6 . What are the practical implications of the introduction of a new standard on the existing production ( i . e . an impact analysis of costs for implementation by producers , procedures and cost for verification by certification bodies , impact in the market etc . ) Approved by the Executive Board , Tholey - Theley , Germany , April 2002 Policy for implementation of changes to the IFOAM Norms Purpose To clarify when changes to the IFOAM Norms shall have been adopted and implemented by the Accredited Certification Bodies . Policy Changes to Standards shall be adopted by Accredited Certification Bodies within two years . The certification body must implement newly adopted standards according to their normal implementation policies and procedures . Changes to the Accreditation Criteria shall be implemented by the Accredited Certification Bodies within two years . In case where the new criteria require changes at operator level , the certifier may specify an implementation period for operators , provided that the need can be justified . Specific standards or criteria may be assigned a shorter or longer implementation period in the normative document itself . The establishment of such periods shall be included in the consultation and revision process of the normative documents . Procedures The IOAS is developing any procedures needed for the implementation of changes . Approved by the Executive Board , Tholey - Theley , Germany , April 2002 The IFOAM Accreditation ProgramWhat is the IFOAM Accreditation Program ? It is primarily a means of ensuring fair and orderly trade in organic products . Accreditation ensures equivalency of certification bodies world - wide by confirming whether they meet IFOAM Norms - the Criteria for Certification Bodies and the IFOAM Basic Standards . But it is more than this , much more . ... Why should my organization become IFOAM accredited ? There are many reasons but the main ones are : IFOAM Norms are set by the IFOAM membership , a fully democratic structure open to all who work in the field of organic agriculture and production . This means that standards and operating requirements are set by the people who live them day to day and whose livelihood depends upon them . The mechanism is transparent and global . Becoming IFOAM Accredited is a support for maintaining the integrity of organic standards and enforcement . IOAS is an international accreditor . In fact the IOAS is one of a small number of sector specific , international accreditors that have stumbled upon a novel solution to international equivalence problems . Equivalence is not an issue when the same accreditor oversees all certification bodies . If all certification bodies around the world became IFOAM Accredited , or if governments more fully used the services of IOAS , equivalence problems that farmers and processors world - wide experience day to day would become a thing of the past . Becoming IFOAM Accredited is a step towards a common sense trade system for organic products . IOAS expertise . IOAS is solely committed to organic agriculture which means that all its resources are applied in this field . All its professional staff , its Board and Accreditation Committee members are experts in this field and are drawn from across the world . Becoming IFOAM Accredited means that you will be subject to a rigorous but empathetic evaluation . For many certification bodies , IFOAM Accreditation simply makes them better organizations . We have government approval . Isn ’ t that enough ? Its true that governments are increasingly interested in regulating the organic sector and that ’ s a good thing if they provide a backdrop of enforcement . Unfortunately the trend is towards individual countries developing their own standards and approval procedures and requiring other countries to demonstrate equivalence . A recipe for confusion and high cost - a cost which is inevitably borne by organic products . Many people are also concerned that leaving organic standards and regulation solely in the hands of governments , considering the many constituencies they must satisfy , is not the best way of maintaining high organic standards . How does the IFOAM Accreditation Program relate to governments ? IFOAM and the IOAS actively invite government involvement in the Accreditation Program and encourage them to use our expertise and services . Two or more duplicating accreditation systems across the world does not make sense . Currently , one Board member and one Accreditation Committee member of the IOAS are from government structures . Many regulatory systems also use compliance reports prepared by the IOAS on IFOAM accredited certification bodies , for instance , the EU Regulation 2092 / 91 . The reports provide a basis for import authorisations issued by the EU Member State authorities . IOAS is also in discussion with several governments concerning sub - contracting certification body oversight to the IOAS . We understand governments ’ caution in working with a small private NGO but we believe it is just a matter of time before common sense prevails . Who oversees IOAS ? At present oversight of IOAS is through annual audit by IFOAM . In 2000 , IOAS invited an independent evaluator to assess the operation of the IFOAM Accreditation Program against ISO 61 , the International Standards Organisation guidelines for the operation of an accreditation body . This demonstrated full compliance . In 2002 the IOAS is to be subjected to an evaluation by the National Institute of Science and Technology in the USA , an organization which verifies an accreditation body ’ s performance to enable acceptance by government . In 2002 we are also initiating our membership to the International Accreditation Forum , a global organization of accreditors who conduct reciprocal peer review as a basis for mutual recognition . What ' s involved in the accreditation process ? Documentation from certification bodies is submitted for screening against the IFOAM requirements . Normally the screening will indicate required improvements which are rectified by the applicant . An evaluation visit is made by an IOAS evaluator who compiles a report . This report then is assessed by an IOAS Accreditation Committee which makes the final accreditation decision . Accredited bodies are subject to continuous review through annual surveillance visits and complete re - evaluation every four years . The IOAS also has the power to investigate any complaints against an accredited certifier . What does it cost ? The annual cost to a certification body will vary according to your annual income from inspection and certification activities but is generally in the region of US $ 4000 to $ 6000 . Large bodies will pay more and the very smallest bodies a little less . The costs during the first year of application will be higher than the normal annual charge as it will include the costs of application and assessment and the evaluation visit . Information on how this is calculated and a current fee structure is included in the application pack . How can we demonstrate our accreditation ? An accreditation list is published by the IOAS office and is available from the IOAS web site ( see below ) . As IFOAM Accreditation is primarily a business to business guarantee , accredited certifiers are required to indicate on operator and product certificates to which products IFOAM Accreditation applies . Accredited certification bodies may make their status known on their letterheads , and their publicity material . Since 1999 IFOAM Accredited certification bodies have been able to sublicense the use of the IFOAM Seal to operators . The Seal is the mark of organic integrity around the world and allows consumers to directly see on product packaging the mark of what is becoming the Global Organic Guarantee . ACCREDITED 사업자 정보 표시 | | | 사업자 등록 번호 : -- | TEL : -- | 사이버 몰의 이용 약관 바로 가 기