2010-07 - Certification requirements when operators are transferring from a private certification scheme

Date issued: 24 January 2011
AQIS Notice Number: 2010/7
AQIS File Number: AFFA01/7727
Date of Effect: Immediate
Date of Expiry: Until further notice
AQIS contact: Julie Crockett, switchboard: + 61 2 6272 3933
Distribution Category: Approved Certifying Organisations
Instruction issued under: Export Control (Organic Produce Certification) Orders

Purpose

1. To advise of the requirements for operators wishing to transfer from a private certifying scheme to an AQIS Approved Certifying Organisation.

Background

2. For an operator to be certified organic or bio-dynamic to the National Standard for Organic   and Bio-Dynamic Produce the process under Section 6 of the National Standard applies.

3. The certification process for producers (as per Section 3 of the National Standard) follows these steps:

Issues

4. Private certifying schemes (schemes not recognised by an AQIS approved certifying organisation) or Alternative Certification programs are not subject to the same requirements under the National Standard for Organic and Bio-Dynamic Produce and the AQIS Administrative Arrangements.

5. Private organic standards allow the use of inputs that are not compatible with the National Standard or importing country requirements.

6. To maintain market access, all:

a. operators  from small producer schemes or Alternative Certification programs  must undertake and successfully complete the requirements of Section 3.2 of the National Standard; and
b. produce or products from private certifying schemes or Alternative Certification programs must not enter the Australian export chain.

Instruction

AQIS Approved Certifying Organisations are to:

1. Note the information.
2. Ensure the QM system reflects these requirements.
3. Advise AQIS of non-compliance including notification all operators that have been granted certification without complying with the National Standard requirements.