Organic Production Regulation

Regulation (EU) 2018/848 establishes a comprehensive framework for organic production and labelling across the European Union. Its primary objectives are to ensure fair competition, maintain consumer trust, and uphold high environmental and animal welfare standards.

The regulation sets strict rules for plant and animal production, aquaculture, processing, and imports. It defines permitted inputs, prohibits synthetic chemicals, and requires traceability and certification throughout the supply chain. It also introduces measures to prevent contamination and fraud, ensuring that products marketed as organic meet uniform EU standards.

Key provisions include promoting biodiversity, soil health, and sustainable resource use. The regulation supports closed-loop systems in farming and encourages practices that minimize environmental impact. By harmonizing rules across Member States, it strengthens the integrity of the EU organic label and contributes to the Union’s sustainability and climate objectives.

Relevance to bio-waste and/or circular bioeconomy:

The regulation supports circular economy principles by promoting closed-loop systems in organic farming. It encourages composting and the use of bio-waste as organic fertilizer, reducing reliance on synthetic inputs. These practices enhance resource efficiency, improve soil health, and contribute to sustainable nutrient cycles, aligning with EU goals for waste valorisation and climate-friendly agriculture.

 EU

Full title: Consolidated text: Regulation (EU) 2018/848 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2018 on organic production and labelling of organic products and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007

Publication date: 2018 (consolidated 2025)

Instrument type: Regulation

Binding for EU MS: Yes

Keywords: organic farming, bio-waste, composting, organic fertilizer, circular economy, closed-loop systems, resource efficiency, sustainable agriculture, soil health, reduced chemical inputs