Organic equivalency arrangements are part of the Government of Canada’s ongoing commitment to eliminate trade barriers and increase consumer access to a variety of organic foods.
The CFIA announced that, effective February 15, 2023, the Canada – Mexico Organic Equivalency Agreement came into effect. Canada and Mexico signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) recognizing the 2 national organic systems as equivalent.
Under Appendix II Section 1(i) C of the MOU, a Mexican organic product Is required to be accompanied by an organic certificate and an export certificate, issued by a certification body that is under supervision of AGRICULTURA, through SENASICA, and is accredited and approved in compliance with the LPO.
Under the US-Canada Organic Equivalence Arrangement (USCOEA), Organic products certified to the Mexican Organic Standard and imported to Canada cannot be re-exported to the United States (U.S.) or used as an ingredient in processed products exported to the U.S.
Organic products certified to the Mexican Organic Standard and imported to Canada may be used as ingredients in processed products certified under the Canada Organic Regime and exported to other countries.
Refer to Overview: Canada Mexico Organic Equivalency Arrangement (CMOEA) for additional details, including an export certificate template and instructions.