Korea-UK Organic Equivalency Arrangement
The arrangement between Republic of Korea and the UK became effective on January 1, 2021 pursuant to Article 25 of the Act on the Promotion of Environment-Friendly Agriculture and Fisheries and the Management of and Support for Organic Foods. (hereinafter referred to as “Korean Organic Food Act”)
As long as processed products that are certified as organic in either country meet the following requirements, the products may be labeled as organic in both countries without additional certification procedures.
1. Counterpart country: United Kingdom
2. The scope of recognition covers products which:
① are certified to the UK or Korean organic regulations and have their final processing within UK or Korea
② are “processed foods”, as defined by the Korean Food Code
③ contain at least 95% organic content
3. Effective period: December 31, 2024
4. Critical limits:
① Both the UK and Korean organic regulations prohibit using prohibited substances or methods (e.g. synthetic pesticides, GMO, or irradiation). The importing country’s audit and subsequent actions will be applied in case the use of prohibited substances during clearance distribution.
② The importing country’s regulations should be applied to labeling contents.
To export the UK organic food to Korea, NAQS Import Certificate should be issued via eNAQS Import Certificate which is required from Korea, and Great Britain’s Certificate of Inspection is required vice versa.
※ Import certificate/COI is issued by certification body of the exporting country.
List of the UK certification bodies