Organic Standards, Directives & Manuals

Organic Standards, Directives & Manuals

Welcome to the PACS organic resource and information directory.  Use this page to access and download organic industry standards and regulations. 

ORGANIC STANDARDS & DIRECTIVES ORGANIC MANUALS INPUTS

 

If you are ready to learn more about PACS step-by-step process to organic certification, please visit our Learn page or contact us directly.

 

Organic Standards,
Directives
& Regulations

Understanding the Canadian Organic Standards is critical in maintaining organic compliance.

 

Standards
National & Provincial Guidelines

Use the links below to download Canadian Standards Handbooks below. To access copies of the BC Certified Organic Program manuals, please go to COABC’s website.

COR Standards & Regulations

GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND MANAGEMENT STANDARDS
CAN/CGSB 32.310-2020

This is the basic guideline for all forms of organic production, including crops, livestock and processed (prepared) organic foods.

 

PERMITTED SUBSTANCES LISTS
CAN/CGSB 32.311-2020

This is the government-approved list of substances that can be used in the production of organic products of all types. It does not include Brand Name products but, rather, individual substances. Products (inputs) must always be approved by PACS prior to use.

 

AQUACULTURE – GENERAL PRINCIPLES AND MANAGEMENT STANDARDS
and PERMITTED SUBSTANCES LISTS CAN/CGSB 32.312-2018

SAFE FOOD FOR CANADIANS REGULATIONS,
PART 13 - ORGANIC PRODUCTS

 

BCCOP Standards & Regulations

 

BCCOP Operator's Manual

 

Equivalency Arrangements

Use the links below to understand the requirements for importing and exporting organic products with the trading partners.

Costa Rica

European Union

Japan

Switzerland

United States

Mexico

CFIA
Memos & Directives

The CFIA periodically releases Memos and Directives which provide supporting information to the COR Operating Manual and/or Safe Food for Canadians Regulations – Part 13 (previously Organic Product Regulations (OPR))  Please use the link below to see the the most current releases.

Guidance Documents

Organic Production
& Operator Manuals

Manuals
Organic Operators

Use the links below to download the Canada Organic Regime Operation Manual. 

PACS clients may contact our office to request copies of the following in-house manuals which outline the programs offered by PACS and the processes required for certification:  PACS Certification Procedures Manual, PACS Handbook for Organic Operators, PACS Quality Manual, Low Risk Assessment 

CANADA ORGANIC REGIME OPERATING MANUAL: ENGLISH

CANADA ORGANIC REGIME OPERATING MANUAL: FRENCH

This is a collection of policies and procedures that relate to organic activities applicable to the Canada Organic Regime (COR) developed by the Government of Canada.