The European Union’s organic logo, often referred to as the Euro Logo, serves as a unified visual marker for organic products across the EU. Its primary aim is to simplify the identification of organic goods for consumers while simultaneously assisting farmers in marketing their certified products throughout the European Union.
This distinctive euro logo is exclusively reserved for products that have undergone rigorous certification as organic by an authorized control agency or body. This certification process guarantees adherence to stringent standards encompassing production, processing, transportation, and storage methods. To bear the logo, products must contain a minimum of 95% organic ingredients, with the remaining percentage also complying with strict criteria. Crucially, the same ingredient cannot be present in both organic and non-organic forms within a certified product.
Alongside the EU organic logo, mandatory labeling includes the code number of the certifying control body and information regarding the origin of the agricultural raw materials used in the product.
Mandatory and Optional Use of the Euro Organic Logo
For most pre-packaged organic food products produced and sold within the EU, displaying the euro logo is not just recommended—it’s compulsory. This mandatory usage is designed to eliminate consumer confusion, bolster confidence in organic food integrity, and facilitate effective inspections by regulatory authorities.
Specifically, the euro logo must be used on:
- All pre-packaged EU food products that are produced and marketed as organic within the European Union.
Beyond these mandatory applications, the logo can be used on a voluntary basis in several scenarios:
- Imported products that meet EU standards for organic imports.
- Non-pre-packaged organic products.
- EU organic products marketed in countries outside the EU.
- Educational campaigns aimed at increasing public awareness about organic schemes, provided it’s used responsibly and doesn’t mislead consumers into thinking non-organic products meet organic standards.
Conversely, there are specific instances where the euro logo cannot be used:
- Products with less than 95% organic ingredients.
- Services in mass catering establishments like restaurants and hospitals.
- Products outside the scope of organic regulations, such as cosmetics or items from hunting and fishing.
- Products classified as ‘in conversion,’ indicating a transition period where organic practices are newly implemented and the soil or animal chain might still contain non-organic substances.
Guidelines for Displaying the Euro Logo
Strict rules govern the visual presentation of the euro logo to maintain its integrity and recognition:
- Size Regulations: The standard logo dimensions are a minimum of 13.5 mm in width and 9 mm in height. For exceptionally small packaging, reduced dimensions of 9mm by 6mm are permissible.
- Color Scheme: The logo must adhere to the standard green and white color palette. Exceptions are only allowed for single-color printing situations.
- Stylization Restrictions: The logo’s design must remain unchanged. Modifications like transparent backgrounds or 3D effects are prohibited.
For detailed instructions on the proper display of the euro logo, refer to the official user manual.
EU organic farming logo user manual (PDF)
Accessing Euro Logo Files for Download
For various needs, the euro logo is available for download in multiple file formats:
