Certification

Organic produce is controlled all over the world; even if there are places with no legal regulations in place, the inspection and certification of organic produce in these countries is the responsibility of private certification bodies. The basic standards of organic produce are the same all over the world, and members of the organic movement have come together to formulate the IFOAM basic standards. Although there are differences between different standards, the consumer can be safe in the knowledge that all the certification systems that are based on legal regulations (e.g. EU, USA, Japan) and IFOAM's accredited private certification systems guarantee that organic principles have been implemented.

Organic regulations (ETY) no:2092/91 and (EY) no:1804/1999 are currently in force within the EU. These govern the minimum requirements for all organic products which are produced and / or sold in the EU. The regulations apply to all EU member states. Every part of the chain of organic production is subject to the control system, and everyone must also commit to follow the organic standards and be registered in the control system. Every farm that embarks on organic production and new organic food business is subject to an initial inspection and subsequent annual inspections.

The control and inspection of organic production in the EU is either the responsibility of the official authorities or the private control organisation(s) that have been accredited by the member country's Ministry of Agriculture. Most countries follow the latter control model where one or several private certification bodies control and certify organic products.

In Finland Organic products are certified by the Finnish Food Safety Authority (EVIRA). This certification body controls businesses that handle the manufacturing, preparation, importation and wholesale selling of organic products. EVIRA has a register of these businesses and official annual inspections are performed of e.g. production areas, the preparation process and book-keeping.

The practical supervision of the production conditions in Finnish farms is the responsibility of regional TE centre provincial departments. The production of foodstuffs is supervised by EVIRA, which also acts alongside the customs authorities to oversee imports from third countries (i.e. from outside EU). Responsibility for the supervision of organic alcohol products lies with the National Product Control Agency for Welfare and Health (STTV). The Åland Islands also has its own organic control system which is run by the region's government.

Every organic product that is produced or packed in Finland carries the code of the certification authorities in association with the impoter or manufacturer.

The primary production control code is FI-A,
Processed food (and feed) FI-B.

Organic products that have been certified to the EU's organic standards have the right to use the EU organic seal.

In addition to the minimum requirements set out by the EU, there may also be stricter conditions laid down by local organisations in each EU member state. These organisations regulate the use of their own organic seals.