EU Regulations on Organic Production and Certification
Introduction organic agriculture
Certification Process
- Application & Re-Application
The operator submits a completed Application Form to bio@gsci-services.de to apply or renew certification.
to the application, click here
- Application Review & Contract
GSCI reviews the application, may ask for further information, and provides an offer. Once approved, the operator receives a certification contract to sign and submit.
- Submission of Organic Project Description
After receiving the contract, GSCI provides the Organic Project Description form to the operator. The operator fills it out and submits it along with the necessary documents and certification fee.
- Operator’s Response & Audit Preparation
GSCI reviews the operators’ documents and provides feedback. An auditor is assigned, and the audit is scheduled. The operator submits any additional documents and prepares for the audit.
- Annual Audit
The first audit is always announced. A GSCI auditor conducts an on-site assessment, carefully reviewing all aspects of the organic operation and providing findings before leaving. Samples may be taken for analysis, and the auditor submits a comprehensive report to GSCI.
- Report Review & Certification Decision
GSCI reviews the audit report and any applicable lab test results. The operator is then informed of the findings.
No non-compliances (NCs) found: Certification is granted, and the certificate is issued.
NCs found: The operator must submit corrective actions. If resolved within the deadline, certification is granted.
Unresolved NCs: GSCI may impose sanctions (Denial, Suspension, Revocation).
The operator can withdraw their certification request at any time under specific conditions.
- Ongoing Surveillance
After certification, regular and additional audits (announced or unannounced) are conducted, and samples may be taken to ensure continued compliance.
This process ensures that all certified operations maintain compliance with organic standards