Impact of EU Organic-Certification Regulation on Organic Exports from China

Abstract

Empirical studies have underlined the importance of technical trade barriers in the agricultural sector. For organic products, national differences in standards, certification and accreditation systems could act as a major non-tariff barrier for export-oriented countries, particularly developing countries, which could eventually fail to benefit from the increasing market opportunities for organic products in developed countries. This paper presents the results of a study on the impact of EU organic-certification legislation on organic exports from China, where the lack of an equivalent system forces Chinese organic exports to enter the international market through multi-certification or special import permits. This results in an increase in certification and transaction costs, as products accepted in one country may not be accepted in another. The paper also reports on the recent legislative developments to establish a national certification and accreditation system for organic products in China.