Canada-South Korea Organic Equivalency Arrangement

Canada-South Korea Organic Equivalency Arrangement

October 18, 2024
South Korea Flag photo by Daniel Bernard

Canada-South Korea Organic Equivalency

Canada has had an equivalency arrangement with South Korea since October 31, 2023. This arrangement applies to processed organic products that have last been handled or processed in Canada or South Korea. 

 

South Korea's Import Requirements

Canada does have a signed organic equivalence agreement with South Korea; however, products certified under CAN/CSGB 32.312 (Aquaculture) are excluded from the scope of the agreement. 

Organic products imported into Korea must meet the definition of processed food as per the Korean Food Code, must contain a minimum of 95 percent organic content, and must have their final handling and/or processing within Canada. These products: 

  • must be a paraffin-free beekeeping product, 
  • must not be an agriculture product grown with growth regulators,
  • may be subject to residue testing. This testing may include testing for prohibited substances and prohibited methods.

In processed foods, Canadian ingredients can be used, and so can organic products that have been imported into Canada from a third-party country with whom Canada has an equivalency arrangement. As with handled products, the final processing and packaging of processed organic products must occur in Canada.

A valid organic certificate from a CFIA accredited certification body must accompany all imports to South Korea. An electronic NAQS (National Agricultural Products Quality Management Service) import certificate is also required. Labels on any imports into South Korea must comply with South Korea's labelling requirements. Either the South Korea Organic logo or the Canadian Organic logo or both can be displayed on these products.

 

Canada's Import Requirements

Organic products that are processed in South Korea are deemed equivalent to those handled and processed in Canada and are able to be imported into Canada. These organic products may originate in South Korea or in a country with an equivalency arrangement, but final handling and processing must have occurred in South Korea.

Imported South Korean products must be accompanied by a valid organic certificate issued by a NAQS accredited certification body and a CFIA export certificate attesting to the compliance of the terms of the Canada South Korea Equivalency Arrangement. The labels on imported South Korean organic products may bear the Canada Organic logo and must meet all Canadian labelling requirements. 

Learn more information on the details of the Canada South Korea Organic Arrangement here.