The French organic certification was introduced in 1985 with “AB - Agriculture Biologique” mark, which is fulfills the EU regulation for organic food. The certification process is overseen a public institute "Agence française pour le développement et la promotion de l'agriculture biologique" (usually abbreviated "Agence bio"). The actual certification authorities include a number of different institutes.
The German national organic label was introduced in 2001. The “Bio label” has gained widespread popularity and its popularity extends to neighboring countries like Austria, Switzerland and France.
The EU-wide label for organic food has been mandatory throughout the EU Countries since July 2010 and become compulsory after 2 years of transition in 2012. The regulation organic products are grown derive from the guidelines of IFOAM EU countries acquired comprehensive organic legislation with the implementation of the EU-Eco-regulation (1992).
The National Organic Program (NOP) was enacted as federal legislation and it restricts the use of the term "organic" to certified organic producers. Certification is handled by state, non-profit and private agencies that have been approved by the USDA.
The IFOAM Standard is an internationally applicable organic standard born to create synergies and harmonization in the organic sector at global level. Bioagricert Organic Standard has been accredited by IFOAM since 1996.
The IFOAM Standard is an internationally applicable organic standard born to create synergies and harmonization in the organic sector at global level. Ecocert Organic Standard is developed based on the IFOAM Standard and Ecocert received IFOAM accreditation from IOAS since 1996.
ACT received IFOAM accreditation from IOAS in 2001. ACT is the first certification body in Asia to get this recognition. In this programme, the scope of certification that ACT can offer includes crop production, wild harvest, aquaculture, processing and handling, and commercial input certifications. Operators certified under this programme can use the ACT organic seal together with the label “IFOAM Accredited”. The ACT seal and IFOAM Accredited label must always accompany each other.
Agricultural products, products derived from natural resources, or manufactured products are exempted from the payment of Customs duties. However, export duty is payable on certain types of products. The tariff applicable to these products is listed under the relevant HS Commodity classification.
Some goods are subject to Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures (SPS measures). You may need to get a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Lao PDR has established an SPS Enquiry Point as required by the WTO SPS Agreement. You can contact the SPS Enquiry Point if you have any questions regarding Sanitary and Phytosanitary requirements.
Before exporting goods from Lao PDR you should ensure that they do not fall into the category of prohibited goods. Prohibited goods cannot be imported, exported, transited, sold or circulated in Laos.