Originally set for 1 January 2021, the entry into application of Regulation (EU) No 2018/848 on organic production and the labelling of organic products was postponed to 1 January 2022 at the request of the European Commission. This new regulation "aims to ensure fair competition and (...) to maintain the confidence that consumers place in products labelled (...) organic". Like all organic products distributed, processed, produced or imported within the European area and in France, organic tea is affected by this development. Here is what the new organic regulations 2021-2022 will mean for your habits.
New Organic Regulations 2021-2022: Strengthened Inspection System
Organic farms are subject to at least one compliance inspection per year. Random unannounced inspections may be added on top of this. This frequency can be extended to every 24 months, provided an organic farm has met all compliance requirements for three consecutive years.
The Same Organic Standards for Producers Outside the EU from 2022
The new organic regulations 2021-2022 introduce stricter import rules. Producers from third countries will now be required to meet the same standards as producers within EU member states. This initiative has two goals:
- to establish fair competition between producers across EU member states;
- to offer consumers a harmonised standard of quality for organic products sold within the European area, whether produced inside the EU or not.
An Expanded List of Organic-Eligible Products by 2022
The list of products and production methods eligible for European organic certification has been extended. Among the newly included products:
- salt;
- cork;
- beeswax;
- yerba mate;
- vine leaves;
- palm hearts;
- essential oils not intended for food use;
- wool;
- raw hides;
- silkworm cocoons;
- natural gums and resins.
Clearer Labelling for Better-Informed Organic Consumers from 2022
The new organic regulations 2021-2022 introduce clearer labelling requirements for organic products. Labels must state the origin of agricultural raw materials and identify the relevant inspection body. The EU organic logo must also be prominently displayed on products.
New Organic Regulations 2021-2022: Soil-Free Farming Prohibited
Under the new European organic farming regulation, since plants must be nourished primarily by the soil ecosystem, certain production and farming methods are prohibited. These include:
- hydroponic farming;
- growing in containers, bags or trays;
- enclosed growing beds.
Some soil-free production and farming methods are exempt from this ban, including:
- sprouted seeds;
- chicory;
- potted ornamental plants;
- potted aromatic plants;
- seedlings for transplanting.
New Organic Regulations 2021-2022: What Changes for Organic Tea Aromas
The new regulation approved by the European Commission places organic products containing aromas under a stricter framework. Only aromas derived from natural flavouring substances and composed of at least 95% organic ingredients may be used in organic products. With this new European regulation now in force, AB-certified tea sold in France may only use organic aromas in its production. Natural aromas are no longer permitted in processed organic products.
