Differences in organic fruit and vegetable certificates between the USA and european union countries

Abstract

This article provides a comparative analysis of organic fruit and vegetable certification systems in the United States and the European Union. The study examines the requirements of the United States Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program (USDA NOP) and the organic production and labelling system established under Regulation (EU) 2018/848. Differences are identified in certification bodies, production rules, requirements for organic product composition, labelling, inspection, import documentation, and traceability mechanisms. The analysis shows that, although the two systems share similar overall objectives, their regulatory approaches and certain practical mechanisms differ. While the US system distinguishes between categories such as “100 Percent Organic,” “Organic,” and “Made with Organic,” the European Union places particular emphasis on the 95% threshold for organic status and the use of the EU Organic logo. The organic equivalence arrangement between the United States and the EU facilitates trade between the two markets, provided that the relevant conditions are met, despite differences between their certification systems. The article also develops practical recommendations for Uzbekistan's organic fruit and vegetable exports based on the requirements of these two systems.