Organic Certification in China

Overview and Governing Framework

Organic certification in China is a mandatory, government-regulated system for products labeled and sold as "organic" within the country. The primary goals are to ensure food safety, promote ecological agriculture, and standardize the market.

Key Governing Bodies:

• China National Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA): The top-level regulator under the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR). It accredits certification bodies, develops rules, and oversees the entire system.

• Accredited Certification Bodies (CBs): Over 60 organizations (e.g., Beijing Wuzhijian, Nanjing National Organic, OFDC) are accredited by CNCA to conduct on-ground inspections and issue certificates.

• Standard-Setting: The core mandatory national standard is GB/T 19630-2019 ("Organic Product" standard), which covers production, processing, labeling, and management systems.

The Certification Process

Achieving certification is a rigorous, multi-step process that typically takes 1-3 years from initial application to final certification.

1. Application and Documentation Review

• A producer/processor submits an application to a CNCA-accredited Certification Body (CB).

• Required documents include:

  • Detailed production/processing operation plan.

  • Farm/base history (must demonstrate no prohibited substances for the past 3 years).

  • Complete list of inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, feed, additives).

  • Maps, records, and a full description of the production and supply chain.

2. Transition (Conversion) Period

• Agricultural land must undergo a minimum 24-month (2-year) conversion period before harvest can be certified as organic. For perennial crops (except pastures), it's 36 months.

• During this period, all organic standards must be followed, but the product cannot be sold as "organic."

3. On-site Inspection

• A qualified inspector from the CB conducts a thorough audit:

  • Field/Production Inspection: Evaluates soil health, irrigation water, seed sources, pest/weed/disease management, buffer zones, and risk of contamination from conventional farms.

  • Processing Facility Inspection: Checks for prevention of commingling and contamination, cleaning methods, and traceability systems.

  • Record Audit: Verifies all input purchase records, production logs, harvest records, and sales records for at least the past 3 years.

4. Sampling and Testing

• The inspector collects samples of soil, water, and/or final products for mandatory testing at accredited labs to verify the absence of prohibited substances (e.g., synthetic pesticides, GMOs).

5. Certification Decision and Issuance

• The CB's certification committee reviews the inspection report and lab results.

• If compliant, a China Organic Certificate is issued. This certificate is valid for one year and is tied to specific products and a specific production scope/area.

Key Requirements and Standards (GB/T 19630)

The national standard sets strict rules:

• Prohibited Inputs: No synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, GMOs, or ionizing radiation.

• Soil Fertility: Must be maintained through crop rotation, green manure, and compost.

• Animal Husbandry (if applicable): Requires organic feed, access to outdoors/pasture, and prohibits routine antibiotics/hormones.

• Processing: At least 95% of ingredients (by weight) must be certified organic. Strict rules prevent commingling with non-organic products.

• Traceability: A complete, documented chain of custody from farm to final product is mandatory.

Labeling and Market Supervision

Organic Labels:

1. China Organic (中国有机产品) Label: The primary label for domestically produced certified organic products. It features the Chinese word "有机" (organic).

2. Organic (有机) Label: A label that may be used under specific conditions.

3. CNCA Organic Mark: Products must also display the unique 17-digit organic code assigned by the certification body. Consumers can verify this code on the CNCA's Food and Agricultural Product Certification Information System website.

For Imported Products:

• Must be certified by a CB accredited by CNCA OR come from a country/region that has an organic equivalence agreement with China (e.g., a mutual recognition arrangement). They must then carry the Chinese organic label.

Supervision and Penalties:

• CNCA and local market supervision bureaus conduct random market surveillance and testing.

• Penalties for fraudulent use of the organic label are severe, including high fines (often calculated as multiples of the illegal turnover), confiscation of products, and public exposure.

Recertification and Ongoing Compliance

• Annual Recertification: The certificate is only valid for one year. To renew, the operator must undergo a full annual inspection and document review.

• Unannounced Inspections: Certification bodies are required to perform a certain percentage of unannounced inspections annually.

• Notification of Changes: Operators must immediately notify their CB of any changes to operations, inputs, or management that could affect compliance.

Summary: Key Takeaways

• Mandatory and Regulated: Selling a product as "organic" in China without CNCA-managed certification is illegal.

• Rigorous Process: Involves a 2-3 year conversion, detailed documentation, on-site inspection, and product testing.

• Annual Cycle: Certification must be renewed every year via a full inspection.

• Dual-Check System: Look for both the official organic label and the 17-digit code for verification.

• Separate from "Green" & "Pollution-Free": China has a tiered system: "Pollution-Free" < "Green Food" < "Organic." Only "Organic" meets international organic standards.

For businesses, working with a knowledgeable consultant and a reputable, CNCA-accredited certification body is essential for navigating this complex and strictly enforced system.

Net Weight: 159g / 5.64 OZ
Country of Origin: China