Directive 10-06: Approved for use in organic agriculture
On this page
- 1.0 Purpose and scope
- 2.0 Authority
- 3.0 Background
- 4.0 Roles and responsibilities
- 5.0 Activities
- 6.0 Inquiries
Intended for: CFIA designated CVBs, CFIA accredited CBs and all operations under Canada Organic Regime
Effective Date: July 08, 2019
2nd Revision
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Canada Organic Regime
1400 Merivale Road
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0Y9
1.0 Purpose and scope
This directive outlines the requirements for certification of organic products when inputs bear the claim "permitted for use" or "approved for use in organic agriculture" and clarifies authorities provided to certification bodies (CBs) under the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR).
2.0 Authority
Reference documents:
- Organic production systems: permitted substances lists (CAN/CGSB 32.311)
- The Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR)
3.0 Background
Pursuant to Division 4 of the SFCR, CFIA accredited certification bodies are responsible for the certification of food commodities and organic product packaging and labelling certification. The SFCR does not provide the authority for CBs to certify, approve or permit non-agricultural products or services.
Claims that a product is "permitted or approved" for use in organic agriculture production implies that the product complies with the PSL. Many substances in the PSL have restrictions on their use which would not be accurately reflected in such an "approval or certification." These claims may be considered misleading as they may imply that the product was approved or permitted in accordance with Canadian Organic Standards or that there is government oversight when this is not the case. It is the responsibility of the operator and the CB to ensure that inputs in organic products comply with the SFCR.
4.0 Roles and responsibilities
CFIA accredited certification bodies will be responsible for the application of this directive. They are responsible for ensuring that inputs in the production of organic products comply with the SFCR.
CFIA designated conformity verification bodies will be responsible for monitoring the certification activities of the CFIA accredited certification bodies.
5.0 Activities
Certification bodies
As per sections 345 and 348 of the SFCR, CBs must verify that all inputs used in the production and processing of organic products are those set out in, and used in the manner described in CAN/CGSB 32.311.
This includes the verification of inputs or products bearing claims such as: "approved" or "permitted for use in organic agriculture."
Conformity verification body
CVB shall review the verification procedures and records during each onsite audit of the certification body.
6.0 Inquiries
Inquiries concerning this directive should be addressed to the Canada Organic Regime.
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