Step-by-step guide to exporting organic and biodynamic goods

You need to understand how your goods are defined by law, as export requirements differ.

Organic goods that are prescribed goods

Any goods intended for export that are labelled or described, or including ingredients that are labelled or described, as:

• organic
• biodynamic
• biological
• ecological
• other similar wording*

*Includes goods that are described as ‘in conversion to organic or bio-dynamic’.

We regulate prescribed goods. To export goods as organic or similar, go to Step 2.

You must source organic or bio-dynamic goods for export from a certified organic supplier. Each producer, processor or handler involved in organic goods must be certified for export.

You can:

• apply for organic certification
• find a certified producer or processor.

Check if your producer or processor is certified organic. This certification must be issued by one of our approved certifying bodies.

This certification confirms that the producer or processor prepares and handles goods in accordance with the requirements of the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce.

Goods must meet this standard to be eligible for export as organic or bio-dynamic goods. This applies if:

• your export relies on the goods being organic
• your goods are labelled or described as organic.

You must meet all requirements set by your importing country.

Before you export:

• check our Manual of Importing Country Requirements (Micor)
• talk to your importer about organic requirements
• check organic market access advice notices.

You will also need to obtain an organic goods certificate. Go to step 4.

To export goods as organic or bio-dynamic, you must have an organic goods certificate.
The organic goods certificate:

• ensures that Australian organic goods have been subject to a regulatory system that guarantees the organic production system underpinning the organic claims.
• provides assurance to the importing country that the goods have been produced in accordance with Australia’s organic export regulatory framework and importing country requirements,
• is a mandatory export certificate that is required for each consignment.

You must request an organic goods certificate from an approved certifying body, which must be issued prior to the export of the goods.

You may also have to comply with other export laws. These vary based on the type of goods you are exporting, and are separate to the requirements for organic or bio-dynamic goods.

Check export requirements for:

• Dairy products
• Eggs and egg products
• Fish and fish products
• Live animals
• Meat and meat products
• Plants and plant products

Make sure the details in your organic goods certificate match all other export certification.