Certification in Canada is governed by the Canadian Food-Inspection Agency and the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations – Part 13 Organic Products. The following documents, published in 2015, outline the requirements for organic certification in Canada under the Canadian Organic Regime (COR):
CAN/CGSB-32.310-2020 – General Principles and Management Standards
“Organic production is a holistic system designed to optimize the productivity and fitness of diverse communities within the agro-ecosystem, including soil organisms, plants, livestock and people. The principal goal of organic production is to develop operations that are sustainable and harmonious with the environment.”
CAN/CGSB-32.311-2020 – Permitted Substances List
“This standard, in conjunction with CAN/CGSB-32.310, is intended for certification and regulation to prevent deceptive practices in the marketplace. The certification process assesses operational compliance. Certification is granted to compliant product.”
Equivalency Arrangements:
Organic Equivalency Arrangements with Other Countries
COR-US Equivalency, COR-EU Equivalency, COR-JAS Equivalency
Additional Certification Information:
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- The CFIA Canadian Organic Office regularly issue CFIA Canadian Organic Office Guidance Documents.
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- To file a complaint regarding TCO Cert’s certification activities, please see the Complaints & Disputes Procedure.
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- CAEQ is the regulator in Quebec, which is necessary for all organic operators in Quebec. The website is here.
- Bio Suisse is a regulator in Switzerland. Information regarding Bio Suisse is on their website. Bio Suisse Checklists are available from TCO Cert’s Certification Coordinators and Chapter Administrators.
Compliance and Enforcement:
All organic certification holders under the Canada Organic Regime are required to comply with the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations, the Canada Agricultural Products Act or the issued organic certificate.
Certification bodies accredited by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency can suspend a holder’s certification if the holder has not complied with any provision of the Organic Products Regulations, 2009, the Canada Agricultural Products Act or the issued organic certificate.