The European Union organic logo serves as a unified visual identity for organic products originating from within the EU. This distinctive symbol is designed to simplify the process for consumers to recognize authentic organic items and simultaneously assist farmers in effectively marketing their products throughout the European Union.
The use of the organic logo is strictly regulated. It is exclusively permitted on products that have undergone and successfully passed organic certification by an authorized control agency or body. This certification confirms adherence to stringent standards governing production, processing, transportation, and storage methods. Specifically, for a product to bear the EU organic logo, it must contain a minimum of 95% organic ingredients. Furthermore, the remaining 5% must also comply with rigorous conditions. A key principle is that the same ingredient cannot be present in both organic and non-organic forms within a single product.
In addition to the prominent EU organic logo, mandatory labeling includes a code number identifying the certifying control body. Moreover, the label must specify the geographical location where the agricultural raw materials comprising the product were farmed.
Mandatory and Optional Use of the Organic Logo
For most pre-packaged organic food products within the EU, displaying the organic logo is not just encouraged—it’s a legal requirement. These regulations are crucial for preventing consumer confusion and reinforcing trust in the integrity of organic food. Furthermore, the standardized use of the logo assists authorities in efficiently conducting inspections and maintaining market oversight.
When the logo must be used:
- Pre-packaged EU organic food products: All such products produced and marketed as organic within the European Union are legally obligated to display the logo.
Situations where the logo can be used optionally:
- Imported organic products: Products imported from outside the EU may use the logo if they conform to EU regulations concerning organic imports.
- Non-pre-packaged organic products: While not mandatory, the logo can be used on organic products that are not pre-packaged.
- EU organic products in third-country markets: European organic producers exporting to countries outside the EU may choose to use the logo.
- Public information campaigns: The logo can be incorporated into campaigns aimed at educating the public about organic schemes, provided its use is not misleading or suggestive that a non-organic product meets organic standards.
Instances where the logo cannot be used:
- Products with less than 95% organic ingredients: If the organic content falls below this threshold, the logo is prohibited.
- Mass catering operations: Establishments like restaurants and hospitals are excluded from using the logo.
- Products outside organic rules’ scope: Items such as cosmetics or products derived from hunting and fishing, which are not governed by organic regulations, cannot bear the logo.
- Products ‘in conversion’: During the period when organic farming methods are newly implemented and the land or animal chain may still contain non-organic substances, products are considered ‘in conversion’ and ineligible for the logo.
Guidelines for Displaying the Organic Logo
Strict rules govern the visual presentation of the EU organic logo to ensure consistency and legibility:
- Size Specifications: The logo’s dimensions must be no smaller than 13.5mm in width and 9mm in height. However, for very small packaging where this is impractical, a reduced size of 9mm by 6mm is permitted.
- Color Palette: The logo must adhere to the standard green and white color scheme. Deviations are only allowed when using a single-color printer.
- Stylization Restrictions: The logo must be displayed in its original form without any stylization. Modifications such as transparent backgrounds or 3D effects are not permitted.
For comprehensive details and visual examples on the correct usage of the organic logo, refer to the official user manual dedicated to the EU organic logo.
