Do organic imports from US to Canada require certification paperwork?

Hello,

I'm trying to clarify if under SFCR any food import from US to Canada will require organic certification paperwork with a statement “certified to US-Canada equivalency arrangement” at the customs.

From what I understand on this site: https://laws-lois.ju...37.html#docCont

Organic products imported into Canada needs to have the organic certificate at the customs if asked and be certified by one of the certifying bodies/agents as per USDA. Organic Products Regulations in Canada which originally needed that quotation for agricultural products was repealed in 2018 and only SFCR applies now

Excerpt from the site:

Import

• 357 (1) A food commodity that is imported and that is labelled with or advertised using an expression that is referred to in subsection 353(1) or (2) must

  • (a) meet one of the following requirements:

    • (i) be certified as organic under subsection 345(1),

    • (ii) be imported from a foreign state with which the Agency has entered into an agreement or arrangement regarding the import and export of organic products and be certified as organic, in accordance with the agreement or the arrangement, by an entity that is accredited by that foreign state, or

    • (iii) be imported from a foreign state with which the Agency has not entered into such an agreement or arrangement, but be certified as organic by an entity that is accredited by a foreign state that is referred to in subparagraph (ii) with the certification being in accordance with the agreement or arrangement referred to in that subparagraph;

  • (b) meet the requirements for the use of that expression under subsection 353(1) or (2), as the case may be; and

  • © meet the requirements of sections 354 and 355.

• Am i interpreting things wrongly? Any input would be really appreciated!

Thanks

Anika

Not too familiar with organic, but few searches shows this... hope this helps you to interpret the regulation bet US-Canada Organic equivalency

https://www.inspecti...8/1327896686073

https://www.inspecti...3/1327893932802

https://www.inspecti...9/1526652186496

https://www.inspecti...8/1311987760268

from the last link there are few more resources for United States equivalency

Thanks Majoy

 I looked into it and it seems, this policy has been in effect since 2009. See attached letter.

From what i gathered along with other import documents, Organic products imported to Canada also needs:

1. Organic Certificate
2. The statement “Certified to US-Canada equivalency arrangement” must accompany the shipment and may be added to the certificate, BOL, Purchase order or any other shipping documents.
3. Organic Certificate needs to be issued by equivalent certifying bodies as recognized by CFIA and USFDA (https://www.ams.usda.gov/resources/organic-certifying-agents

Originally I thought since Organic products regulations-2009 which originally refereed to that statement  was repealed in 2018(since SFCR came into force), that statement is no longer valid.

But referenced to that statement is also available in Canada organic Regime(COR).

attached letter