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

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

Prescribed goods

Any product intended for export and marketed or labelled as:

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

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

You must source organic or biodynamic products for export from a certified 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 has a certificate of compliance. This must be issued by one of our approved certifying organisations.

This certification confirms that they prepare and handle produce to meet the national standard.

Goods must meet this standard to be eligible for export as organic or biodynamic products. This applies if:

• your export relies on the product being organic
• your products are labelled 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.

You will also need to get an organic produce certificate. Go to step 3.

To export goods as organic or biodynamic, you must have an organic produce certificate.

The organic produce certificate:

• assures the importing country that your product meets their requirements
• is required for each shipment.

You must request an organic produce certificate before departure from an approved certifying organisation.

There are a number of types of organic produce certificate. Your approved certifying organisation will tell you which one you need, based on your importing country.

You may also have to comply with other export laws. These vary based on the type of goods you are exporting. They are separate to requirements for organic or biodynamic products.

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 details in your organic produce certificate match all other export certification.