Definitions of Key Terms
- Certification: Procedure for official attestation by accredited bodies that products and systems conform to organic standards.
- DA Regulatory Agency: Specific bureaus under DA responsible for regulation (e.g., BAI, BFAR, BPI, NDA).
- Establishment: Facilities involved in production, handling, packaging etc. of organic products excluding administrative areas.
- Label and Labeling: Information on product containers or accompanying materials intended to provide product details.
- Licensing: Approval process allowing operations in organic primary and postharvest production.
- Misbranding: Misleading labeling or advertising unsupported by reliable evidence.
- Non-Food Product: Agricultural/fishery products not intended for direct human consumption.
- Official Accreditation: Formal recognition of certifying bodies' competency by DA-BAFS.
- Organic Certificate: Assurance issued by accredited certifying bodies confirming compliance with organic standards.
- Organic Certifying Body (OCB): Entity responsible for verifying organic compliance.
- Postharvest and Primary Food: Food types based on stage of production and processing.
- Postmarket Surveillance: Activities monitoring safety and quality post market authorization.
- Registration: Process of recording producers and facilities in official lists maintained by DA Regulatory Agencies.
Scope of the Circular
- Applies to all agriculture and fishery establishments certified by DA-BAFS-accredited organic certifying bodies.
- Excludes registration of organic inputs (fertilizers, microorganisms) and processed/pre-packaged organic food regulated by other rules.
Specific Responsibilities of DA Regulatory Agencies
- Revising or establishing registration procedures for certified organic establishments.
- Processing and approving applications with complete requirements including organic certification.
- Conducting verification to ensure compliance with applicable standards before registration.
- Issuing Certificates of Registration (COR) with uniform content, signed by relevant Directors.
- Regularly updating DA-BAFS with the list of registered establishments.
- Conducting licensing activities as mandated.
Specific Responsibilities of DA-BAFS
- Inform DA Regulatory Agencies on organic agriculture matters.
- Maintain and publicly update the official list of registered organic establishments.
- Perform monitoring and postmarket surveillance to ensure compliance.
- Handle appeals and complaints related to organic establishments.
- Maintain and share relevant databases for enforcement purposes.
Registration Guidelines
- Establishments must register before marketing or promoting organic products.
- COR must list all allowed organic products and is valid for three years.
- Certified organic products undergo validation by DA Regulatory Agencies and DA-BAFS.
- Import/export of organic products requires proper permits issued by concerned DA Regulatory Agencies.
Fees
- Applicants must pay registration and licensing fees as prescribed by the relevant DA Regulatory Agency fee schedule.
Grounds for Disapproval of Registration
- Failure to meet Philippine National Standards or relevant requirements.
- Submission of false information, misrepresentation, or withholding relevant data contrary to organic agriculture laws and standards.
Grounds for Revocation of Certificate of Registration (COR)
- Revocation of organic certification by the Organic Certifying Body (OCB).
- Failure to submit updated organic certificates within allowed extension.
- Non-compliance with organic standards or misbranding of products.
- Misrepresentation in submitted documents.
Renewal and Extension of COR
- Renewal follows procedures of the concerned DA Regulatory Agency.
- Extension up to two months allowed if there is a pending renewal of organic certification.
- Extension requests require written approval and a certification from the OCB confirming ongoing renewal process.
- Failure to renew within extension causes COR to expire retroactively.
Labeling Requirements for Registered Organic Products
- Labels must include name/logo/seal of the Organic Certifying Body.
- Display the "Organic" mark provided by DA-BAFS.
- Include OCB accreditation number and registration number.
- Advertisements and promotional material must align with registered claims and COR documentation.
Monitoring and Postmarket Surveillance
- Conducted by Organic Agriculture Validation Team (OAVT) to ensure compliance and prevent fraud.
- Applies to locally produced and imported organic products.
- Follows approved guidelines for validation processes.
Administrative Sanctions
- Revocation of COR.
- Delisting or blacklisting from DA-BAFS official list of registered organic establishments.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect remaining provisions that can be separated.
Repealing Clause
- Supersedes and modifies inconsistent previous guidelines and circulars.
Effectivity
- The Circular takes effect 15 days after publication in official gazette or newspaper and filing with the National Administrative Register.