DEAS 456: 2023  
ICS 67.02 0 
 
© EAC 2023                                                                                                                          Third  Edition 2023   
 DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  
Organic production  – Requirements   
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 DEAS 456: 2023  
ii © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
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Violators may be prosecuted . DEAS 456: 2023  
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  iii 
 Contents  Page 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  vii 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  1 
4 General requirements for organic production  ................................ ................................ ...................  6 
4.1 Ecosystem  management  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  6 
4.1.1  General  principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 6 
4.1.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  6 
4.2 Soil and water conservation  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  7 
4.2.1  General  principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 7 
4.2.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  7 
4.3 Documentation and transparency  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 7 
4.4 Contamination  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 8 
4.4.1  General  principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 8 
4.4.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  8 
4.5 Inappropriate  technologies  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  8 
4.5.1  General  principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 8 
4.5.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  8 
4.6 Adherence  to relevant  legislation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 8 
4.7 Knowledge  about  organic  production  ................................ ................................ ...............................  8 
5 General requirements for crop production and animal husbandry  ................................ .................  9 
5.1 Split  production  and parallel production  ................................ ................................ ............................  9 
5.1.1  General  principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 9 
5.1.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  9 
5.2 Maintenance  of organic  management  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 9 
5.2.1  General  principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 9 
5.2.2  Recommendations  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................  9 
5.2.3  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  9 
6 Crop  production  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 9 
6.1 Choice  of crops  species and varieties  and propagation  of planting  materials  ...............................  9 
6.1.1  General  principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 9 
6.1.2  Recommendation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................  10 
6.1.3  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 10 
6.2 Breeding  of organic  varieties  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  10 
6.2.1  General  principles  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  10 
6.2.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 10 
6.3 Conversion  period  and requirements  ................................ ................................ .............................  11 
6.4 Farming  system  diversity  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  11 
6.4.1  General  principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 11 
6.4.2  Recommendation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................  11 
6.4.3  Require ments  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 11 
6.5 Soil fertility  management  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  12 
6.5.1  General  principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 12 
6.5.2  Recommendation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................  12 
6.5.3  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 12 
6.6 Pest,  disease  and weed  management  ................................ ................................ .............................  13 
6.6.1  General  principles  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  13 
6.6.2  Recommendation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................  13 
6.6.3  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 13 DEAS 456: 2023  
iv © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 6.7 Protected  cropping  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  14 
6.7.1  General  principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 14 
6.7.2  Recommendations  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  14 
6.7.3  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 14 
6.8 Mushroom production  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  14 
6.9 Avoiding contamination  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  14 
6.9.1  General principle ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 14 
6.9.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 14 
6.10  Draught  animals  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 15 
7 Animal  husbandry  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  15 
7.1 Animal origin and conversion period  ................................ ................................ ...............................  15 
7.1.1  General principle ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 15 
7.1.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 15 
7.2 Parallel/split  production  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  16 
7.3 Animal  management  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  16 
7.3.1  General principle ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 16 
7.3.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 16 
7.4 Breeding  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  17 
7.4.1  General principle ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 17 
7.4.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 17 
7.5 Mutilations  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  18 
7.5.1  General principle ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 18 
7.5.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 18 
7.6 Animal nutrition  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 18 
7.6.1  General principle ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 18 
7.6.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 18 
7.7 Veterinary medicine  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  19 
7.7.1  General principle ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 19 
7.7.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 20 
7.8 Transport and slaughter  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  21 
7.8.1  General principle ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 21 
7.8.2 Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 21 
8 Bee-keeping  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  21 
8.1 General principle ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 21 
8.2 Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 21 
9 Wild  harvested  products  and common/public  land management ................................ ..................  23 
9.1 General  principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 23 
9.2 Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 23 
10 Sustainable fisheries  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  23 
10.1  Sustainability of the fish stock  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  23 
10.1.1  General requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  23 
10.1.2  Fishing gear  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  23 
10.1.3  Reproduction capacity of the fishery  ................................ ................................ ...............................  24 
10.2  Fishing and transport boats  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  24 
10.2.1  General requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  24 
10.2.2  Boats  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  24 
10.2.3  Motors, fuel, hydraulic oil and lubricating greases  ................................ ................................ .........  24 
10.2.4  Bottom paints  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 24 
10.2.5  Training  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  24 
10.3  Fishing methods  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 24 
10.3. 1 General requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  24 
10.3.2  Adhering to laws and standards  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 25 
10.3.3  Storing  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  25 
10.3.4  Documentation of the fishing trip  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 25 
10.4  Handling, processing and transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 25 
10.4.1  General requi rements  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  25 
10.4.2  Buying and selling the catch  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  25 
10.4.3  Storage and transport of fish  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  25 DEAS 456: 2023  
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  v 
 10.4.4  By-products  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  26 
10.4.5  Waste  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  26 
11 Aquaculture production standards  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 26 
11.1  Conversion to organic aquaculture  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 26 
11.1.1  General principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 26 
11.1.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 26 
11.2  General aquaculture husbandry rules  ................................ ................................ ...............................  27 
11.2.1  General principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 27 
11.2.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 27 
11.3  Specific rules for aquaculture containment systems  ................................ ................................ ...... 27 
11.3.1  General principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 27 
11.3.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 27 
11.4  Aquatic plants  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 28 
11.4.1  General principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 28 
11.4.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 28 
11.5  Breeds and breeding  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  28 
11.5.1  General principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 28 
11.5.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 29 
11.6  Aquatic animal nutrition  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  29 
11.6.1  General principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 29 
11.6.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 29 
11.7  Aquatic animal health and welfare  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 30 
11.7.1  General principles  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  30 
11.7.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 30 
11.8  Aquatic animal transport and sl aughter  ................................ ................................ ...........................  30 
11.8.1  General principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 30 
11.8.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 30 
12 Processing and handling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  31 
12.1  General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  31 
12.1.1  General principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 31 
12.1.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 31 
12.2  Separation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  31 
12.3  Ingredients  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  31 
12.3.1  General principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 31 
12.3.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 32 
12.4  Processing methods  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  32 
12.4.1  General principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 32 
12.4.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 32 
12.5  Pest and disease control  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  33 
12.5.1  General principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 33 
12.5.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 33 
12.6  Packaging  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  34 
12.6.1  General principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 34 
12.6.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 34 
12.7  Cleaning, disinfecting, and  sanitizing of processing facilities  ................................ .......................  34 
12.7.1  General principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 34 
12.7.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 34 
13 Labelling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  34 
13.1  General  principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 34 
13.2  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 34 
14 Social  justice  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  35 
14.1  General  principle  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 35 
14.2  Recommendation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................  35 
14.3  Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 36 
Annex A (informative)  IFOAM principles of organic agriculture  ................................ ................................  38 
A.1 Pream ble ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  38 
A.2 The principle of health  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........................  38 DEAS 456: 2023  
vi © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 A.3 The principle  of ecology  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  39 
A.4 The principle  of fairness  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  39 
A.5 The principle  of care ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  39 
Annex B (informative)  List of substances which may be used in organic plant production  ..................  41 
Annex C (normative)  List of natural substances which shall not be used in organic plant 
production  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  44 
Annex D (normative)  List of additives and processing aids for organic food processing  .....................  45 
Annex E  (informative)  Indicative list of equipment cleansers and  equipment disinfectants  ................  48 
Annex F (informative)  Substances for pest and disease control and disinfection in livestock 
housing and equipment  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  49 
Bibliography  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  50 
 
 DEAS 456: 2023  
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  vii 
 Foreword  
Development of the East African Standards has been necessitated by the need for harmonizing requirements 
governing quality of products and services in the East African Community. It is envisaged that through 
harmonized standardization, trade barriers that are encountered when goods and services are exchanged 
within the Community will be removed.  
The Community has established an East African Standards Committee  (EASC)  mandated to develop and 
issue East African Standards  (EAS) . The Committee is composed of representatives of the National 
Standards Bodies in Partner States, together with the representatives from the public and private sector 
organizations  in the community .  
East African Standards are developed through  Technical Committees that are representative of key 
stakeholders including government, academia, consumer groups, private sector and other interested parties. 
Draft East African Standards are circulated to stakeholders through the National Standards B odies in the 
Partner States. The comments received are discussed and incorporated before finalization of standards, in 
accordance with the Principles and procedures for develop ment of East African Standards . 
East African Standards are subject to review, to  keep pace with technological advances. Users of the East 
African Standards are therefore expected to ensure that they always have the latest versions of the standards 
they are implementing .  
The committee responsible  for this document is Technical Committ ee EASC /TC 020, Agriculture and 
Agrochemicals . 
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be subject of patent 
rights. EAC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.  
This second ed ition cancels and replaces the first edition (EAS 456:2007), which has been technically revised.  DEAS 456: 2023  
viii © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 Introduction  
The history,  culture  and community  values  of East Africans  are embedded  in agriculture.  It is the most  
important  source  of livelihoods  for millio ns of East Africans.  The sustainable  management  of the 
agriculture  production  process  is therefore  crucial  if livelihoods  are to be sustained.  
Organic  agriculture  is a holistic  production  management  system,  which  promotes  and enhances  agro- 
ecosystem  healt h, including  bio-diversity,  biological  cycles  and soil biological  activity.  It seeks  to 
minimize  the use of  external  inputs,  avoiding  the use of synthetic  drugs,  fertilizers  and pesticides  and aims  at 
optimising  the health  and productivity  of interdependen t communities  of soil life, plants,  animals  and 
people.  It builds  on East Africa’s  rich heritage  of indigenous  knowledge  combined  with modern  science,  
technologies  and practices.  
The aims  of organic  agriculture  are summarised  in the four  principles  of health, ecology,  fairness  and care 
which  inspire  the worldwide  organic  movement.  See Annex  A. 
The East African  Organic  Production  Standard  (EAOPS)  has been  written  for organic  production  in East 
Africa  and has been  adapted  to conditions  in East Africa.  The purpose  is to have  a single  organic  standard  
for organic  agriculture  production  under  East African  conditions.  
This East African Organic  Production  Standard has  been  based on organic  standards  currently in place in  the 
region  as well as the I n t e r n a t io n a l  F e d e r a t i o n  o f  O r g a n ic  A g r ic u l t u r e  M o v em e n t s  
(IFOAM ) Standards  and the Codex  Alimentarius  guidelines  for the production,  processing,  labelling  and 
marketing  of organically  produced  foods.  
The East African  Organic  Production  Standard  can be used  for self-assessm ent by producers,  
declarations  of conformity  in the marketplace,  certification  by certification  bodies  in the region,  or other  
kinds  of verification.  If the standard  is used  for the purposes  of third-party  certification,  inspection  and 
certification  should  be carried  out in accordance  to international  norms,  such  as ISO Guide  65 or the 
IFOAM  Accreditation  Criteria.  If adherence  to the standard  is verified  through  other  mechanisms,  those  
mechanisms  shall adhere  to the principles  of competency,  integrity  and transparency.  
The standard  is intended  for the development  of organic  production  and trade  in the East African  region.  
The standards  can be a platform  for a common  label  for organic  products  in East Africa  using the East 
Africa n organic mark (Kilimo hai ma rk) and for developing  consumer  trust.  The standard  also formulates  
standpoints  which  can be used  in international  negotiations  on standards.  Further,  it can be a basis  for 
equivalence  agreements  with other  countries  and regions.  
The East  African Organic  Production Standard  has been  written  in a way to make  it easy  for the reader  and 
user  to access  and understand.  Because  of the need  for organic  agriculture  to be adapted  to local  
conditions,  the standard  is not overly  prescriptive.  The standard  covers  plant  production,  animal  
husbandry,  bee-keeping,  wild production  and processing,  aquaculture, sustainable  fisheries  and products  
therefrom,  regardless  of their  final use. In the future,  other  areas  will be incorporated  as the need  arises.  
Because  organic  agricu lture is dynamic,  and new knowledge  is continuously  being  generated,  this 
standard  will be revised  regularly  to incorporate  new knowledge.  The revisions  will involve  consultations  
with the stakeholders  
 FINAL DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  DEAS 456:2023  
 
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  1 
 Organic product ion – Requirements   
1 Scope  
This Draft East African Standard provides requirements for organic production. It covers plant production, 
animal husbandry, aquaculture, sustainable  fisheries, bee -keeping, the harvesting of wild products, and the 
processing and labelling of the products therefrom . It does not cover procedures for verification such as 
inspection or certification of products.  
2 Normative references  
There are no normative references in this document.  
3 Terms and definitions  
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and d efinitions apply.  
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:  
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp  
3.1 
biodiversity  
variety  of life: it includes  genetic  diversity  (that is , diversity  within  and among  species),  species  diversity  
(that is , the number  and variety  of species),  and ecosystem  diversity  (total  number  of ecosystem  types)  
3.2 
bio-fouling  
unwanted accumulation of microbial, plant or animal materials or organisms on man -made surfaces  
3.3 
breeding  
selection of plants or animals to reproduce  or to  further  develop desired characteristics  in succeeding  
generations  
3.4 
by-catch  
any non -targeted species in sustainable fishery  and aq uaculture  
3.5 
buffer  zone  
clearly defined and identifiable boundary area bordering an organic production site and adjacent areas that is 
established to avoid contact with substances which shall not be used according to this standard  
3.6 
child  
person  under  the specified  age in the respective  national  legislations.  In cases  involving employment in 
hazardous sectors, child denotes a person under the age of 18 years   
2 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 3.7 
child  labour  
any employment  that interferes  with the legal  rights  of a child and culturally  appropriate  educational  needs  
3.8 
contamination  
contact of organic product, facilities and/or land with a substance (s) prohibited for organic production and/or 
handling  
3.9 
conventional  
any material,  production,  or processing  practice  that is not organic  or organic  “in-conversion”  
3.10 
conversion  period  
time between the start of the organic management and the acceptance of crops and animal husbandry as 
organic  
3.11 
crop  rotation  
practice  of alternating  the species  or families  of annual  and/or  biennial  crops grown  in a certain  field in a 
pattern  or sequence  so as to break  weed,  pest and disease  cycles  and to maintain  or improve  soil 
fertility  and the content  of organic  matter  
3.12 
feral animals  
animals that have escaped from domestication and have reverted t o the wild state  
3.13 
food  additive  
any substance  not normally  consumed  as a food by itself and not normally  used  as a typical  
ingredient of  the food,  whether or  not it  has nutritive  value, the intentional addition  of which to food for  a 
technological  (including  organoleptic)  purpose  in the manufacture,  processing,  preparation,  treatment,  
packing,  packaging,  transport  or holding  of such  food results,  or may be reasonably  expected  to result,  
(directly  or indirectly)  in it or its by-products  becoming  a compon ent of or otherwise  affecting  the 
characteristics  of such  foods.  The term does  not include  contaminants,  or substances  added  to food for 
maintaining  or improving  nutritional  qualities,  or sodium  chloride . 
3.14 
food  fortification  
addition  of one or more  essential  nutrients  to a food,  whether or not  it is normally contained in  the food,  for 
the purpose  of preventing  or correcting  a demonstrated  deficiency  of one or more  nutrients  in the population  or 
specific  population  groups  
3.15 
genetic  engineering  
set of modern biotechnology techniques that involve: the application of in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo nucleic acid 
techniques, including recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA) and introduction of 
nucleic acid into cells or organelles; or edi ting, altering, modifying, deleting or adding DNA or RNA or any 
molecular components affecting their micro - or macrostructure or function directly or indirectly (for example, 
through epigenetic modifications of gene expression or by other means); fusion of  cells; which are not 
techniques used in traditional breeding and selection  
3.16 
Genetically  Modified  Organism  (GMO)  
plant, animal  or microbe  that has been  transformed  by genetic  engineering   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  3 
 3.17 
green  manure  
plant  at active vegetative stage that is incorp orated  into the soil  for the purpose  of soil improvement  and 
which  may include  spontaneous  crops  or weeds  
3.18 
habitat  
area over which  a plant  or animal  species  naturally  exists;  the area where  a species  occurs , for exampl e, 
seashore,  riverbank,  woodland,  and grassland .  
3.19 
high  conservation  value  area 
area that has been identified as having outstanding and critical importance due to its environmental, 
socioeconomic, biodiversity or landscape values  
3.20 
homeopathic  treatment  
treatment  of disease  based  on administration  of remedies  prepared  through  successive  dilutions  of a 
substance  that in larger  amounts  produces  symptoms  in healthy  subjects  similar  to those  of the disease  itself 
3.21 
hydroponic  systems  
crop production  systems  in inert media  and/or  water  solutions  using  dissociated  nutrients  (in suspension  
or solution)  as prime  source  of nutrient  supply.  Growing  crops  in water  only is not considered  a hydroponic  
system  
3.22 
ingredient  
any substance,  including  a food additive,  used  in the manufacture  or preparation  of food and non-food  
products  and present  in the final product  (although  possibly  in a modified  form)  
3.23 
intractable residues  
vegetative crop material left on a field after a crop is harvested, pruned or processed  that is difficult to manage  
3.24 
irradiation  (ionizing  radiation)  
high energy emissions from radio nucleotides, capable of altering a product’s molecular structure for the 
purpose of controlling microbial contaminants, pathogens, parasites and pests in food, preserving food or 
inhibiti ng physiological processes such as sprouting or ripening, or for the purpose of inducing mutations for 
selection and breeding  
3.25 
label  
any written,  printed  or graphic  representation  that is present  on a product,  accompanies  the product  or is 
displayed  near the product  
3.26 
manure  
organic material that is used to fertilize land, usually consisting of the faeces and urine of domestic and non -
domestic animals , with or without litter such as straw, hay or bedding  
3.27 
nanomaterials  
substances  deliberately  designed,  engineered  and produced  by human  activity  to be in the nanoscale  
range  (approx .1 nm - 300 nm) because  of very specific  properties  or compositions  (for exampl e, shape,  
surface  properties,  or chemistry) that  result  only in that nanoscale.  Incidental  particles  in the nanoscale  
range  created during traditional  food processing  such as homogenization,  milling,  churning,  and freezing,  and 
naturally  occurring  particles  in the nanoscale  range  are not intended  to be included  in this definition   
4 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 3.28 
operator  
individual  or organization  responsible  for ensuring  that the production  system  and the products  meet  this 
standard  
3.29 
organic  agriculture  
holistic production management system, which promotes and enhances agro -ecosystem health, including bio -
diversity, bio logical cycles and soil biological activity. It seeks to minimize  the use of external inputs, avoiding 
the use of synthetic drugs, fertilizers and pesticides and aims at optimising the health and productivity of 
interdependent communities of soil l ife, pla nts, animals and people  
3.30 
organic  product  
product  which has  been produced, processed  and handled in  compliance  with this standard  
3.31 
organic fish  
fishery products produced under natural conditions following organic agriculture principles and are not 
exposed to any protective additives or genetic engineering and fed with feeds prepared with natural materials. 
Organic fish can be produced in oceans, domestic waters, pools, net cages, barrages, lakes, rive rs, ponds, 
fish traps and farms  
3.32 
organic  seed  and planting  material  
seed and planting material that is produced under certified organic management  
3.33 
parallel  production  
any production  in which  the same  unit is growing,  breeding,  handling  or processing  the same  products  in both 
an organic and a  non-organic system.  A situation with  organic and  in-conversion  production  of the same  
product  is also parallel  production  
3.34 
precautionary approach  
set of measures that provides for prevention of potential damage or harm to human health and/or the 
environmen t from introduction of technologies and practices whose safety has not been sufficiently proven  
3.35 
processing  aid 
any substance  or material,  not including  apparatus  or utensils,  and not consumed  as a product  ingredient  by 
itself,  intentionally  used  in the processing  of raw materials,  the product  or its ingredients,  to fulfill a certain  
technical  purpose  during  treatment  or processing  and which  may result  in the non-intentional  but 
unavoidable  presence  of residues  or derivatives  in the final product.  This includes  filtration  auxiliaries  and 
solvents  used  for extraction  
3.36 
propagation  
reproduction of  plants by sexual  (that is, seed) or asexual  (that is, cuttings,  root division)  means  
3.37 
ruderal  
plant  growing  in waste  places,  along  roadsides  or in rubbish  
3.38 
sanitize  
to adequately  treat produce  or product contact  surfaces  by a process  that is effective  in destroying  or 
substantially  reducing  the numbers  of vegetative  cells of microorganisms  of public  health  concern,  and 
other  undesirable  microorganisms,  but without  adversely  affecting  the product  or its safety  for the consumer   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  5 
 3.39 
soil 
natural  living  ecosystem  that develops  on the surface  of the earth  as a result  of the influence  of climate,  
topography,  biological  activity,  time,  and sometimes  cultivatio n. Soil is composed  of air, water,  minerals,  
organisms  and organic  matter  and is connected  to the outermost  layer  of the earth  
3.40 
soil fertility  
potential  capacity  of the soil to supply  nutrients  required  for plant  growth   
3.41 
soil health  
continued  capa city of the soil to function  as a vital living  system,  within  ecosystem  and land use boundaries,  to 
sustain  biological  productivity,  maintain  the quality  of air and water  environments,  and promote  plant,  animal  
and human  health.  Soil health  is the ability  of soil to perform  according  to its potential  and changes  over time 
due to human  use and management  or to natural  events  
3.42 
soil quality  
functional  capacity  of the soil, within  ecosystem  and land use  boundaries,  to sustain  biological  productivity,  
mainta in environmental  quality  and promote  plant,  animal,  microbial  and human  health.  Soil quality  is a 
function  of its biological,  physical  and chemical  properties,  many  of which  are a function  of soil organic  matter  
content,  which  influence  the capacity  of soil to perform  crop production  and environmental  functions,  including  
the absence  of contaminants  
3.43 
spawning biomass  
combined weight of all individuals in a fish stock that are capable of reproducing  
3.44 
split production  
where  only part of the farm or processing  unit is organic.  The remainder  of the property  can be non-
organic,  and/or  in conversion.  Also see parallel  production  
3.45 
substrate  
substance  that an organism  grows  in and lives upon  
3.46 
sustainable fishery  
fishery that is managed to produce org anic fish products and other services in an ecologically sound manner 
and socio -economically equitable for the present and future generations  
3.47 
synthetic  
manufactured by chemical and industrial processes . Includes products  not found  in nature  or simulat ion of 
products  from natural  sources  (but not extracted  from natural  raw materials)  
3.48 
 pesticide  
 product  intended  to prevent,  eliminate , repel  or control  a pest 
3.49 
traceability  
documented movement of an organic product from its production system to f inal use   
6 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 3.50 
ghost fishing  
accidental capture of aquatic organisms b y fishing gear (usually gillnets, or traps, pots, etc.) that has been lost 
or discarded into the sea and which continues to entangle or trap aquatic animals  
3.51 
protected  cropping  
  the production of horticultural crops within, under or sheltered by structures to provide modified growing 
conditions and/or protection from pests, diseases and adverse weather  conditions . In its broadest definition, 
protected cropping includes the use of gree nhouses and glasshouses, shade houses, screen houses and crop 
top structures.  
 
3.52 
organic matter  
biomass of animals and plants. For this reason, only products that are solely derived from plant and animal 
biomass may be identified or described as "organi c".  
3.53 
compost  
well decomposed organic wastes obtained from  composted livestock and/or plant materials supplemented 
with only natural products.  
 
4 General requirements for organic production  
4.1 Ecosystem  management  
4.1.1  General  principle  
Organic farmi ng shall maintain the quality and sustainability of the ecosystems   
4.1.2  Requirements  
4.1.2.1 Operators  shall design  and implement  measures  to maintain  and improve  landscape  and 
enhance  biodiversity  quality,  by maintaining  on farm  wildlife  refuge  habitats  or establishing  them  where  
none  exist.  Such  habitats  may  include,  but are not limited  to: 
a) extensive  grassland  such  as moorlands,  reed land or dry land;  
b) in general,  all areas  which  are not under  rotation  and are not heavily  manured:  extensive  pastures,  
meadows,  extensive  grassland,  extensive  orchards,  hedges,  hedgerows,  edges  between  
agriculture  and forest  land,  groups  of trees  and/or  bushes,  and forest  and woodland;  
c) ecologically  rich fallow  land or arable  land;  
d) ecologically  diversified  (extensive)  field margins;  
e) waterways,  pools,  springs,  ditches,  floodplains,  wetlands,  swamps  and other  water rich  areas  which  
are not used  for intensive  agriculture  or aquaculture  production;  
f) areas  with ruderal  flora; and  
g) wildlife  corridors  that provide  linkages  and connectiv ity to native  habitat.   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  7 
 4.1.2.2 Clearing  or destruction  of High Conservation  Value  Areas  is prohibited.  Farming  areas  installed  
on land that has been  obtained  by clearing  of High  Conservation  Value  Areas  in the preceding  five years  
shall not be considered  compliant  with this standard.  
4.1.2.3 The operator shall demonstrate care for biodiversity throughout the farm holding.  
4.1.2.4 Culturally or legally protected primary ecosystems, such as primary forests and wetlands, shall 
not be cleared or drained for th e purpose of establishing production according to this standard.  
4.1.2.5 To the extent possible and appropriate to the crop and the conditions, trees shall be present in 
the fields.  
NOTE  Older, fruiting trees are especially important to insects and birds.  
4.1.2.6 Natural boundaries such as hedges, paths and ditches should be encouraged.  
NOTE  Hedges, paths and ditches  act as important wildlife corridors through agricultural land, help to maintain a 
diverse ecology, and provide a habitat for many beneficial  animals and insects and shelter for livestock.  
4.2 Soil and water conservation  
4.2.1 General  principle  
Organic farming methods shall conserve and improve the soil, maintain water quality and use water efficiently 
and responsibly  
4.2.2 Requirements  
4.2.2.1  Soil conservation shall be an integral part of the organic farming system. In order to prevent 
erosion by wind and water, the operator shall take measures appropriate to the specific local conditions of 
climate, soil, slope and land use. Examples are the use of windbreaks, soil cover, cover crops, minimum 
tillage, fallowing (with vegetation cover), mulching, terraces and contour planting.  
4.2.2.2  Operators  shall prevent  or remedy  soil and water  salinization  where  these  pose  a problem.  
4.2.2.3  Land  preparat ion by burning  vegetation  or crop residues  is prohibited. Exceptions  may be granted  
in cases  where  burning  is used  to suppress  the spread  of disease,  to stimulate  seed  germination,  to remove  
intractable  residues,  or other  such exceptional  cases ; in which c ase, b urning of vegetation shall be restricted 
and controlled to protect organic matter and biodiversity . 
4.2.2 .5 Operators  shall not deplete  nor excessively  exploit  water  resources,  and shall  seek  to preserve  
water  quality.  Where possible  operators should  recycle  rainwater  and monitor  water  extraction.   
4.2.2.6  Operators shall return nutrients, organic matter and other resources  removed  from the soil 
through  harvesting  by the recycling,  regeneration  and addition  of organic  materials  and nutrients.  
4.2.2.7  Stocking  densities  and grazing  shall not degrade  land or pollute  water  resources.  This applies  
also to all manure  management  and applications.  
4.3 Documentation and transparency  
4.3.1 The operator shall maintain records of the production, appropriate for t he scale of production and the 
ability of the operator.  
4.3.2 The operator shall give interested parties relevant information about the production.  
4.3.3 The operator shall maintain a system for traceability of organic products.   
8 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 4.4 Contamination  
4.4.1  General principle  
All relevant  measures  shall be  taken  to ensure  that organic  soil, water resources, air  and organic  products  
are protected  from contamination.  
4.4.2  Requirements  
4.4.2.1 The operator  shall employ  measures  including  barriers  and buffer  zones  to avoid  potential  
contamination  and limit contaminants  in organic  products.  
4.4.2.2 The operator  shall avoid  using  chemical  products  that may endanger  human  health  or the 
environment.  Where  there  are products  that are considered  to be less harmful,  they shall be used. The  
operator shall  take relevant precautionary  measures  to avoid  the contamination  of organic  sites and 
products.  Where  there  is a reasonable  suspicion  of substantial  contamination  by, for example,  soil, water,  air, 
inputs  or ingredients,  appropriate  actions  shall be taken.  
Litter  and production  waste,  both on farms  and in processing,  shall be handled  in such  a way that they  do not 
contaminate  the organic  products  or the environment.  
Chemical  products  shall be properly  labelled,  safely  stored and disposed of.  
4.4.2.3 Contamination  of organic  products  that results  from circumstances  beyond  the control  of the 
operator  may alter the organic  status  of the operation,  the product  or both.  
4.5 Inappropriate  technologies  
4.5.1  General  principle  
Organic  agriculture  and aquaculture  are based  on the principle s that  shall prevent  significant  risks by 
adopting  appropriate  technologies   . 
4.5.2  Requirements  
4.5.2.1 Genetically  modified  organisms  or their derivatives  shall not be used  or introduced  through  
negligence  or oversight.  This includes  animals,  seed,  propagation  material,  farm inputs  such  as 
fertilizers,  soil conditioners  and crop-protection  materials.  
4.5.2.2  inputs, Ingredients,  additives  or processing  aids derived  from GMOs  shall not be used  in 
organic  p r o d u c t i o n ( i n c l u d i n g  s p l i t  o r  p a r a l l e l )  a n d  processing  and shall  be traced  
back  one step in the biological  chain  from which  they are produced  to verify  that they are not derived  from 
GMOs   
4.5.2.3 The use of nanomaterials  is prohibited  in organic  production  and processing,  including  in 
packaging  and product  contact  surfaces.  No substance  allowed  under  this standard  shall be allowed  in nano  
form.  
4.6 Adherence  to relevant  legislation  
The operator  shall act in accordance  with relevant  Partner State s’ organic agriculture and other regulation s. 
4.7 Knowledge  about  organic  production  
The operator  shall ensure  that all persons  involved  in organic  production  have  adequate  knowledge  of organic  
production  and the relevant  parts  of this standard.   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  9 
 5 General requi rements for crop production and animal husbandry  
5.1 Split  production  and parallel  production  
5.1.1  General  principle  
The whole  farm,  including  livestock,  is converted  to organic  management  practices  according  to the 
standards  over a period  of time.  
5.1.2  Requirements  
5.1.2 .1 If the whole farm is not converted (split production) the organic and conventional parts of the farm 
shall be clearly and continuously separated.  
5.1.2 .2 Simultaneous  production  of the same  products  (parallel  production)  is only permit ted where  
such  production  is undertaken  in a way that allows  clear,  continuous  and verifiable  separation  of all 
operations  and products  claimed  as organic.  Organic  and non-organic  units  in parallel  production  shall  be 
physically  and operationally  separated . 
5.1.2 .3 Land converted to organic production shall not be alternated between organic and conventional 
production  within periods less than the conversion time . 
5.1.2 .4 A crop which is grown both as organic and non -organic (conventional or in -conversion) o n the 
same farm shall not be sold as organic unless the production is managed in a way that allows clear and 
continuous separation of the organic and non -organic production ( for exampl e, the varieties for the organic 
and non -organic crop differ in such a w ay that they can easily be distinguished from each other).  
5.1.2 .5 Prohibited  materials in A nnex C and those not listed in A nnex B  shall not be stored  where  
organic  products  are grown  and handled.  
5.2 Maintenance  of organic  management  
5.2.1  General  princip le 
Organic  production  systems  shall require  an ongoing  commitment  to organic  production  practices.  
5.2.2  Recommendations  
In case  of split or parallel  production,  the operator  should  demonstrate  continuous  efforts  towards  bringing  
the entire  farm under  organic management,  such  as increasing  the size of the organic  operation  relative  to 
the conventional  or adopting  organic  practices  in the conventional  operation.  
5.2.3  Requirements  
M a n a g e m e n t  o f  organic production  system  shall not rely upon  continuous  switchi ng between  
organic  and conventional.  
6 Crop  production  
6.1 Choice  of crops  species and varieties  and propagation  of planting  materials  
6.1.1  General  principle  
Species  and varieties  cultivated  in organic  agriculture  systems  shall be  selected  for adaptabilit y to the local 
soil and climatic  conditions , tolerance  and resistance  to pests  and diseases.   
10 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 6.1.2  Recommendation  
Operators  should  give preference  to organically  bred varieties  (varieties  from organic  breeding  programs ) 
when  available.  
6.1.3  Requirements  
6.1.3.1  Operators  shall use organically  produced  seed  and planting  material whenever  available  in 
appropriate  varieties  and quality.  When  organic  seed and  planting  materials  are not available  in sufficient  
quantity  or quality  for the required  variety  or equivalent  varieties,  in conversion  materials  may be used.  
When  none  of these  are available,  conventional  materials  may be used provided  that they have  not been  
treated  with post-harvest  pesticides  not otherwise  permitted  by this standard. Where  postharvest  chemical 
treatment is prescribed by law for phytosanitary  purposes , treated  seed  and plant ing material  may be used . 
6.1.3.2  All use of chemically treated seeds, seedlings and planting materials shall be documented . 
6.1.3.3  non-organic  seeds  and planting  materials  shall be propagated  under  organic  management  for 
one generation,  in the case  of annuals,  and for perennials,  two growing  periods,  or 18 months,  whichever  is 
the longer,  before  being  certified  as organic  seed  and plant  material.  
6.1.3.4  Propagation  may be based  on generative  propagation  (seeds)  as well as vegetative  propagation  
derived  from various  plant  organs  for example,  
a) partitioned  tubers,  scales,  husks;  
b) partitioned  bulbs,  bulbs,  offset  bulbs  etc.; 
c) layer,  cut and graft shoots;  
d) rhizomes; and  
e) merist em culture.  
6.1.3.5  All multiplication  practices  on the farm,  except  meristem  culture,  shall be under  organic  
management.  
6.1.3.6  Vegeta tive propagation  materials,  breeding  materials  and substrates  shall only consist  of 
substances  listed  in Annex B.  
6.2 Breeding  of organic  varieties  
Explanatory  Note:  This section  refers  to breeding  of organic  varieties,  not simply  use or production  of organic  
seeds  from regular  (conventional)  varieties.  
6.2.1  General  principles  
Organic  plant  breeding  and variety  development  shall be  sustainable  and enhance  genetic  diversity  and 
rely on natural  reproductive  ability.  It s h a l l  aim for new varieties  particularly  suited  for organic  production  
systems.  Organic  plant  breeding  is based  on viable  plants  that can establish  a viable  relationship  with the 
living  soil. Organic  varieties  are obtained  by an organic  plant  breeding  program.  
6.2.2  Requirements  
6.2.2.1  To produce  organic  varieties,  plant  breeders  shall select  their varieties  under  organic  conditions  
that comply  with the require ments  of this standard.  All multiplication  practices  except  meristem  culture  
shall be under  certified  organic  management.   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  11 
 6.2.2.2  Organic  plant  breeders  shall develop  organic  varieties  only on the basis  of genetic  material 
that has not been  contaminated  by products  of genetic  engineering.  
6.2.2.3  Organic  plant  breeders  shall disclose  the applied  breeding  techniques  used  to develop  an 
organic  variety.  
6.2.2.4  The genome  is respected  as an impartible  entity.  Technical  interventions  into the genome  of 
plants  shall not b e  allowed  (for example,  ionizing  radiation;  transfer  of isolated  DNA,  RNA,  or proteins).  
6.2.2 .5 The cell is respected  as an impartible  entity.  Technical  interventions  into an isolated  cell on an 
artificial  medium  shall not be allowed  (for exampl e, genetic  engineering  techniques;  destruction  of cell walls  
and disintegration  of cell nuclei  through  cytoplast  fusion).  
6.2.2.6  The natural  reproductive  ability  of a plant  variety  is respected  and maintained.  This excludes  
techniques  that reduce  or inhib it the germination  capacities  (for example,  terminator  technologies).  
6.3 Conversion  period  and requirements  
6.3.1 The conversion  period  for land shall be a minimum  of one year of management  according  to this 
standard.  If land that has been  in fallow  for at least  one year is brought  into production,  no conversion  
period  shall apply  for that land.  
6.3.2 The conversion  period  may be extended  depending  on past land use (for example,  heavy  use of 
pesticides  with a risk of contamination  of products  and the natur e of contaminants).  
6.3.3  Crops  harvested  less than 24 months  after the application  of a prohibited  input  to crop or soil 
shall not be used  or sold as organic . 
6.4 Farming  system  diversity  
6.4.1  General  principle  
The development  of living  soils is the foundation  of organic  production.  Soil health  and quality  are the basis  
of soil management  practices  and are critical  to successful  insect pest,  disease  and weed  management.  
Organic  growing  systems  are soil-based,  care  for the soil and surrounding  ecosystems,  provide  support  for 
a diversity  of species,  are based  on nutrient  recycling  and mitigate  soil and nutrient  losses.  
6.4.2  Recommendation  
The operator  is encouraged  to use and preserve  indigenous  breeds,  varieties  and species  of plants  and 
animals.  
6.4.3  Requirements  
Diversity  in plant  production,  organic  matter,  soil fertility,  microbial  activity  and soil and plant  health  shall be 
stimulated  by crop rotation,  intercropping,  agro-forestry  and other  appropriate  measures.  
For annual  crops,  crop rotation  shall be practiced.  
For perennial  crops,  other  plants  shall be intercropped.  For perennial  crops  that are grown  as 
monocultures  where  intercropping  is not possible  (for example , sugarcane),  other  means  to secure  diversity  
shall be applied  to the growing  system.   
12 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 6.5 Soil fertility  management  
6.5.1  General  principle  
Organic  farming  returns  microbial,  plant  or animal  material  to the soil to increase  or at least  maintain  its 
fertility  and biological  activity.  
6.5.2  Recommendation  
The fertility  program  should  be based  on material  of microbial,  plant  or animal  origin,  such  as green  manure,  
compost  or mulch,  obtained  through  the following  sources  in this order  of priority:  
a) organically  produced  on the farm;  
b) of organic  quality,  obtained  from the surrounding  farms  or natural  environment; and  
c) other  inputs  allowed  under Annex B.  
 Organic fertilizers   and soil conditioners  should  be applied  in a way that does  not harm  soil, water,  and 
biodiversity  (see 6.5.3.3).  This should  be evaluated  through  the use of appropriate  indicators,  such  as: 
a) no significant  accumulation  of heavy  metals  or phosphorus  in the soil; 
b) no significant  contribution  to the eutrophication  of water  bodies;  
c) balanced  nutrient  supply  and release  as compared  to the nutrient  needs; and  
d) maintenance  or increase  in soil carbon  content  over time.  
6.5.3  Requirements  
6.5.3 .1 Soil organic  matter,  microbial  activity  and general  soil health  and fertility  shall be improved  
if low and maintained  or improved  if satisfactory.  The operator  shall minimize  accumulation  of heavy  
metals  and other  pollutants  in the soils.  
6.5.3 .2 Material  of microbial,  plant  or animal  origin  shall form the basis  of the fertility  program.  
Maintenance  of fertility  may not rely solely  on off farm  inputs.  
6.5.3 .3 Organic fertili zers and soil conditioners  shall be applied  in a way that does  not harm  soil, water,  
and biodiversity.  
6.5.3 .4 Material  applied  to the land or crop shall be in accordance  with Annex B.  Fertility  amendments  in 
A n n e x  B  that are rapidly  available  to the plants  are exceptionally  allowed  only as a necessary  
complement  when  other  fertility  building  techniques  have  been  applied  and are insufficient. Human  excrement  
shall be handled  in a way that reduces  risk of pathogens  and parasites  and shall not be applied  within  six 
months  of the harvest  of annual crops for human consumption with edible portions in contact with the  soil. 
6.5.3 .5 Mineral  fertilizers  shall only be used  in a program  addressing  long term  soil fertility  needs  
together  with other  techniques  such  as organic  matter  additions,  green  manures,  crop rotations  and 
nitrogen  fixation  by plants.  Their  use shall be justified  by appropriate  soil and leaf analysis  or diagnosed  by 
an independent  expert.  
6.5.3 .6 Mineral  fertilizers  shall be applied  in the form in which  they are naturally  composed  and 
extracted  and shall not be rendered  more  soluble  by chemical  treatment.  
6.5.3 .7 Chilean  nitrate  (sodium nitrate)  and all synthetic  fertilizers,  including  urea,  are prohibited.   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  13 
 6.5.3 .8 The production  of terrestrial  plants  shall be soil based.  The produ ction  of such  crops  in 
hydroponic  systems  is prohibited.  “Soil based”  means that apart  from the propagation  or seedling  stages,  a 
plant  shall spend  its life in the soil. For herbs,  flowers  and ornamentals  in pots that are sold directly  to the 
final consume r, the Certification Body  can allow  production  on permitted  growing  media.  
6.5.3 .9 The removal  of soil from the farm is prohibited.  Incidental  removal  of soil when  harvesting  
crops  is permitted.  
6.6 Insect pest, disease  and weed  management  
6.6.1  General  principles  
Organic  farming  systems  apply  biological  and cultural  means  to prevent  unacceptable  losses  from pests,  
diseases  and weeds.  They  use crops  and varieties  that are well adapted  to the environment  and a 
balanced  soil fertility  program  to maintain  fertile soils with high biological  activity,  locally  adapted  rotations,  
companion  planting,  green  manures,  functional  biodiversity,  habitat  management,  beneficial  organisms  
and other  recognized  organic  practices  as described  in this standard.  
6.6.2  Recommendat ion 
In case  operators  need  to use commercial ly formulated  inputs,  preference  should  be given  to formulations  
approved  for use in organic  agriculture  by a specialized  organic  material  review  organization/program.  
6.6.3  Requirements  
6.6.3 .1 The organic  produ ction  system  shall include  biological,  cultural  and mechanical  mechanisms  to 
manage  i n s e c t  pests,  weeds  and diseases.  These  include:  
a) choice  of appropriate  species  and varieties;  
b) appropriate  rotation  programs , intercropping  and companion  planting;  
c) mechanica l cultivation;  
d) protection  of natural  enemies  of pests  through  provision  of favourable  habitat,  such  as hedges,  
nesting  sites and ecological  buffer  zones  that maintain  the original  vegetation  to house  pest 
predators;  
e) natural  enemies  including  release  of predators  and parasites;  
f) application of heat;  
g) mulching  and mowing;  
h) grazing  by animals;  
i) mechanical  controls  such  as traps,  barriers,  light and sound; and  
j) on-farm preparations  from local plants,  animals  and microorganisms.  
6.6.3 .2 When  the measures  in 6.6.3  are not sufficient,  insect pest,  disease  and weed  management  
substances  permitted  under  Annex B,  Table B.2 may be used.  
6.6.3 .3 Thermal  sterilization  of soils is prohibited.  Exceptions  may be granted  to protected  cropping  
structures  in instances  of severe  disease  or pest infestation  that cannot  be otherwise  remedied  through  
measures  in 6.6.1, 6.6.2 and 6.6 .3.4.  
14 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 6.6.3 .4 Active  ingredients  of natural  origin  in inputs  for insect pest,  disease,  weed  or growth  
management  may be used  unless  listed  in Annex  C. 
6.6.3 .5 Non-active  ingredients,  such  as carriers  and wetting  agents,  shall not be carcinogens,  
teratogens,  mutagens  or neurotoxins.  
6.7 Protected  cropping  
6.7.1  General  principle  
All the rules  on crop production  apply  to protected  cropping,  including  those  conce rning  conversion  period  
(6.3), diversity  of crop production  (6.4),  and soil fertility  and fertilization  (6.5).  light,  air and water  are 
essential  components  of organic  plant  production.  
6.7.2  Recommendations  
Energy used for light and climate  control  shoul d be from renewable  resources . Technologies  that reduce  
energy  consumption  should  be used.  
6.7.3  Requirements  
6.7.3.1  Artificial  light is only allowed  for plant  propagation  and as a complement  to sunlight  to extend  
the day length  to a maximum  of 16 hours. 
6.7.3.2  Operators  shall monitor  record  and optimize  any energy  used  for artificial  light,  heating,  
cooling,  ventilation,  humidity  and other  climate  control.  
6.8 Mushroom production  
6.8.1 The culture  substrate  for mushrooms  shall be constituted  of organic  ingredients  such  as organic  
grain,  seed -cakes  and straw. Where organic  substrates are not commercially  available  in sufficient  quality and 
quantity, ingredients  from conventional  production  or of natural  origin  which  do not pose  a risk of 
contamination  may be used.  
6.8.2 Inputs  used  in mushroom  production  shall be in accordance  with 6.1, 6.5 and 6.6. 
6.9 Avoiding contamination  
6.9.1  General principle  
All relevant measures are taken to ensure that organic soil and organic products are protected from 
contamina tion. 
6.9.2  Requirements  
6.9.2.1  The operator shall monitor crops, soil, water, and inputs for risks of contamination by prohibited 
substances and environmental contaminants.  
6.9.2.2  Machines, equipment and tools such as seed drills, fertilizer spreaders a nd spraying equipment 
from conventional farming systems shall be thoroughly cleaned of potentially contaminating materials before 
being used on organically managed areas.  
6.9.2.3  For synthetic structure coverings, mulches, fleeces, insect netting and silag e wrapping, only 
products based on polyethylene and polypropylene or other polycarbonates, and biodegradable materials (for 
example, starch based), are permitted. These shall be removed from the soil after use and shall not be burned 
on the farmland.   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  15 
 6.9.2 .4 Where there is an apparent and substantial risk of contamination from adjacent farms, the 
operator shall implement measures, including barriers and buffer zones, to avoid or limit the contamination.  
6.9.2. 5 Treatment of animals against ticks and other e ctoparasites shall be administered in such a way 
that the risk of the contamination of crop land is minimized.  
6.10 Draught  animals  
Draught animals, when used in organic plant production, shall be treated according to th e animal 
management standards (7 .3). Working conditions for draught animals shall not be adverse to the health and 
development of the animal . 
7 Animal  husbandry  
7.1 Animal origin and conversion period  
7.1.1  General principle  
Organic animals shall be  born and raised on organic holdings. Anima l husbandry systems that change from 
conventional to organic production require a conversion period.  
7.1.2  Requirements  
7.1.2.1  All the requirements of this standard for land and animals shall be met for the duration of the 
conversion period before the re sulting product may be considered as organic. Land and animals may be 
converted simultaneously.  
7.1.2.2  The animal husbandry and individual animals brought into a herd shall undergo a conversion 
period according to the following:  
Type  of production  Species  Length  of conversion  period  
Meat  production  Cows  12 months  
Poultry  45 days  
Sheep,  goats,  pigs 3 months  
Rabbits  45 days  
Dairy  production  All species  3 months  
Eggs  All species  45 days  
 
7.1.2.3  Animals  shall be raised  organically  from birth.  Where  organic  livestock  is not available,  
conventional  animals  may be brought  in, according  to the following  maximum  age limits:  
a) 2-day-old chicks  for meat  production;  
b) 18-week -old hens  for egg production;  
c) 2 weeks  old for any other  poultry;  
d) 3 months  old for piglet s; 
e) 3 months  old for calves;   
16 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 f) 3 months  for goats  and sheep; and  
g) Older  animals  may be brought  in for breeding  only.  
7.2 Parallel/split  production  
Products  from the same  type of animal  and the same  type of production  which  are both organic  and non-
organic  (conventional  or in-conversion)  on the same  farm shall not be sold as organic  unless  the production  
is done  in a way that allows  for the clear  and continuous  separation and identification  of the organic  and 
non-organic  productions.  
7.3 Animal  management  
7.3.1  General p rinciple  
Organic livestock husbandry is based on the harmonious relationship between land, plants and livestock, 
respect for the physiological and behavioural needs of livestock and the feeding of good quality organically 
grown feedstuffs. Stockin g rates for livestock should be appropriate for the region in question taking into 
consideration the body size/weight of the breeds maintained, feed production capacity, stock health, nutrient 
balance, and environmental impact.  
7.3.2  Requirements  
7.3.2 .1 The operator shall ensure that the environment, the facilities, stocking density and flock/herd size 
provides for the behavioural needs of the animals.  
7.3.2 .2 In particular, the operator shall ensure the following animal welfare conditions:  
a) sufficient free  movement and opportunity to express normal patterns of behaviour, such as space to 
stand naturally, lie down easily, move around freely, groom themselves, sleep and nest comfortably, 
as well as assume all natural postures and movements such as stretching etc.; 
b) sufficient fresh air, water, feed, thermal comfort and natural daylight, to satisfy the needs of the 
animals;  
c) access to resting areas, shelter and protection from sunlight, temperature, rain, mud and wind 
adequate to reduce animal stress;  
d) provision o f suitable materials and areas for exploratory and foraging behaviours;  
e) in addition to these general welfare conditions for all animal categories, provisions for specific animal 
groups also have to be taken into account, for example, for cattle social groo ming and grazing; for 
pigs rooting, separate lying, activity/dunging and feeding areas, free farrowing, group housing; for 
poultry nesting, wing stretching/flapping, foraging, dust bathing, perching and preening.  
NOTE  Animals whose management system requir es outdoor tethering to make use of grazing can still be 
managed in compliance with these requirements.  
7.3.2 .3 Herd animals shall not be kept in isolation from other animals of the same species. This provision 
does not apply to small herds for mostly self -sufficient production. Operators may isolate male animals, sick 
animals and those about to give birth.  
7.3.2 .4 Construction materials and methods and production equipment that might significantly harm 
human or animal health shall not be used.  
7.3.2 .5 Oper ators shall manage pests and diseases in livestock housing and shall use the following 
methods according to these priorities:   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  17 
 a) preventative methods such as disruption, elimination of habitat and access to facilities;  
b) mechanical, physical and biological meth ods; 
c) substances (other than pesticides) used in traps; and  
d) substances listed in Annex F of this standard.  
NOTE  Other products may be used if required by law for the control of notifiable diseases.  
7.3.2.6  When animals are housed, the operator shall ensure that: 
a) where animals require bedding, adequate natural materials are provided.  
b) building construction provides for insulation, heating, cooling and ventilation of the building, ensuring 
that air circulation, dust levels, temperature, relative air humidity, and gas concentrations are within 
levels that are not harmful to the livestock ; 
c) no animals shall be kept in closed cages ; 
d) animals are protected from predation by wild and feral animals ; 
e) animals are regularly visited and monitored ; and  
f) when welfare and heal th problems occur, appropriate management adjustments are implemented ( for 
example,  reducing stocking density).  
7.3.2.7  All animals shall have unrestricted and daily access to pasture or a soil based open air exercise 
area or run, with vegetation, whenever  the physiological condition of the animal, the weather and the state of 
the ground permit. Such areas may be partially covered. Animals may temporarily be kept indoors because of 
inclement weather, health condition, reproduction, specific handling require ments or at night. Lactation shall 
not be considered a valid condition for keeping animals indoors.  
7.3.2.8  The maximum hours of artificial light used to prolong natural day length shall not exceed a 
maximum that respects the natural behaviour, geographica l conditions and general health of the animals. For 
laying hens, a minimum daily rest period of eight continuous hours without artificial light shall be respected.  
7.4 Breeding  
7.4.1  General principle  
Breeds are adapted to local conditions.  
7.4.2  Requireme nts 
7.4.2.1  Breeding systems shall be based on breeds that can reproduce successfully under natural 
conditions.  
7.4.2.2  Artificial insemination is permitted.  
7.4.2.3  Embryo transfer techniques and cloning are prohibited.  
7.4.2.4  Hormones are prohibited to induce ovulation and birth unless applied to individual animals for 
medical reasons and under veterinary supervision.   
18 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 7.5 Mutilations  
7.5.1  General p rinciple  
Organic farming respects the animals’ distinctive characteristics.  
7.5.2  Requirements  
7.5.2.1  Mutilations are prohibited.  
7.5.2.2  The following exceptions may b e used only if animal suffering is minimized and anaesthetics are 
used where appropriate:  
a) castrations;  
b) tail docking of lambs;  
c) dehorning  at young age within one year; and 
d) ringing, except for pigs . 
7.6 Animal nutrition  
7.6.1  General principle  
Organic animals receive their nutritional needs from organic forage and feed of good quality.  
7.6.2  Requirements  
7.6.2.1  Animals shall be fed on organic feed.  
Operators may feed a limited percentage of non -organic feed under specific conditions in the following cases:  
a) organic feed is of inadequate quantity or quality;  
b) areas where organic agriculture is in early stages of development; and  
c) grazing of non -organic grass or vegetation during seasonal migration.  
7.6.2.2 Animals shall be fed 100 %  organic feedstuff. Where the quantity or quality of commercially 
available organic feed is inadequate, the daily maximum percentage of non -organic feed shall be 40 %, 
calculated on a dry -matter basis.  
7.6.2.3  Animals shall be  offered a balanced diet that provides all of the nutritional needs of the animals in 
a form allowing them to exhibit their natural feeding and digestive behaviour.  
7.6.2.4  More than 50 % of the feed shall come from the farm unit itself, surrounding natura l grazing 
areas, or be produced in cooperation with other organic farms in the region.  
NOTE  Exceptions may be permitted in regions where organic feed production is in an early stage of development or 
temporarily deficient, or in cases of unpredictably low crop production on the farm or in the region.  
7.6.2.5  For the calculation of feeding allowances only, feed produced on the farm unit during the first year 
of organic management may be classed as organic. This refers only to feed for animals that are being 
produced within the farm unit. Such feed may not be sold or otherwise marketed as organic.  
  
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  19 
 7.6.2.6  The following substances are prohibited in the diet:  
a) farm animal by -products (for example, abattoir waste) to ruminants;  
b) slaughter products of the same spec ies; 
c) all types of excrements including droppings, dung or other manure;  
d) feed subjected to solvent extraction (for example, hexane) or the addition of other chemical agents;  
e) synthetic amino acids and amino acid isolates;  
f) urea and other synthetic nitrogen co mpounds;  
g) synthetic growth promoters or stimulants;  
h) synthetic appetizers;  
i) preservatives, except when used as a processing aid;  
j) artificial colouring agents; and  
k) antibiotics.  
7.6.2.7  Animals may be fed with vitamins, trace nutrient elements and supplements fr om natural sources  
with permissible level of contaminants . 
7.6.2.8  Synthetic vitamins, minerals and supplements not exceeding 5 % (w/w) of the total feed may be 
used when natural sources are not available in sufficient quantity and quality.  
7.6.2.9  All rum inants shall have daily access to roughage. Ruminants shall be grazed throughout the 
entire grazing season(s).  
NOTE  Ruminants may be fed with organic carried fresh fodder during the grazing season where weather and soil 
conditions do not permit grazing. Th e organic carried fresh fodder shall not exceed 20  % of the amount of forage grazed 
during the grazing season. Animal welfare shall not be compromised.  
7.6.2.10  Fodder preservatives such as the following may be used:  
a) bacteria, fungi and enzymes;  
b) natural pr oducts of food industry;  
c) plant based products; and  
d) vitamins and minerals subject to the order of preference in 7.6.2.7 and 7.6.2.8.  
NOTE  Synthetic chemical fodder preservatives such as acetic formic and propionic acid are permitted in severe 
weather condit ions.  
7.7 Veterinary medicine  
7.7.1  General p rinciple  
Organic management practices promote and maintain the health and wellbeing of animals through balanced 
organic nutrition, stress -free living conditions and breed selection for resistance to diseases, pa rasites and 
infections.   
20 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 7.7.2  Requirements  
7.7.2.1  The operator shall take all practical measures to ensure the health and wellbeing of the animals 
through preventative animal husbandry practices such as:  
a) selection of appropriate breeds or strains of anima ls; 
b) adoption of animal husbandry practices appropriate to the requirements of each species, such as 
regular exercise and access to pasture and/or open fair runs, to encourage the natural immunological 
defence of animal to stimulate natural immunity and tol erance to diseases;  
c) provision of good quality organic feed;  
d) appropriate stocking densities; and  
e) grazing rotation and management.  
7.7.2.2  If an animal becomes sick or injured despite preventative measures, that animal shall be treated 
promptly and adequatel y, if necessary,  in isolation and in suitable housing. Operators shall give preference to 
natural medicines and treatments, including homeopathy, Ayurvedic medicine and acupuncture.  
7.7.2.3  Use of synthetic allopathic veterinary drugs or antibiotics will c ause the animal to lose its organic 
status. Producers shall not withhold such medication were  doing so will result in unnecessary suffering of the 
livestock.  
The animal may retain its organic status if:  
a) the operator can demonstrate compliance with 7.7.1;  
b) natural and alternative medicines and treatments are unlikely to be effective to cure sickness or injury, 
or are not available to the operator;  
c) chemically synthesized allopathic veterinary medical products or antibiotics are used under the 
supervision of a veterinarian;  
d) withdrawal periods shall be not less than double of that required by legislation, or a minimum of 14 
days, whichever is longer; and  
e) this exception is granted for a maximum of three courses of remedial treatments with chemically 
synthesized al lopathic veterinary medicinal products or antibiotics within 12 months, or one course of 
treatment if the productive lifecycle of the animal is less than one year.  
7.7.2.4  Prophylactic use of any synthetic allopathic veterinary drug is prohibited.  
7.7.2.5  Substances of synthetic origin used to stimulate production or suppress natural growth are 
prohibited . 
7.7.2.6  Vaccinations are allowed only in the following cases:  
a) when an endemic disease is known or expected to be a problem in the region of the farm and where 
this disease cannot be controlled by other management techniques; or  
b) when a vaccination is legally required.   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  21 
 7.8 Transport and slaughter  
7.8.1  General p rinciple  
Organic animals are subjected to minimum stress during transport and slaughter.  
7.8.2  Requirements  
7.8.2.1  Animals shall be handled calmly and gently during transport and slaughter.  
7.8.2.2  The use of electric prods and other such instruments is prohibited.  
7.8.2.3  Organic animals shall be provided with conditions during transportation and sla ughter that reduce 
and minimize the adverse effects of stress, loading and unloading, mixing different groups of animals, extreme 
temperatures and relative humidity. The type of transport shall meet the specific needs of the species being 
transported.  
7.8.2.4 The operator shall ensure an adequate food and water supply during transport and at the 
slaughterhouse.  
7.8.2.5  Animals shall not be treated with synthetic tranquilizers or stimulants prior to or during transport.  
7.8.2.6  Each animal or group of animal s shall be identifiable at each step in the transport and slaughter 
process.  
7.8.2.7  Slaughterhouse journey times shall not exceed eight hours. Where there is no certified organic 
slaughterhouse within eight hours travel time, an animal may be transported for a longer period if the animals 
are given a rest period and access to water.  
7.8.2.8  Those responsible for transportation and slaughtering shall avoid contact (sight, sound or smell) 
of each live animal with dead animals or animals in the killing proces s. 
8 Bee-keeping  
8.1 General principle  
Beekeeping is an important activity that contributes to enhancement of the agriculture and forestry production 
through the pollinating action of bees.  
8.2 Requirements  
8.2.1 The operator shall not place hives within a  foraging distance (5 km) of fields or other areas with a high 
contamination risk (for example, conventional fields, industrial zones and highways).  
8.2.2 The areas within a 3  km radius of the hives shall consist of organically managed fields, uncultivated  
land and/or wild natural areas in a way that ensures access to sources of honeydew, nectar and pollen that 
meets organic crop production requirements sufficient to supply all of the bees’ nutritional needs.  
8.2.3  The hives shall consist primarily of natur al materials and present no risk of contamination to the 
environment or the bee products. Use of construction materials with potentially toxic effects is prohibited.  
8.2.4  At the end of the production season, hives shall be left with reserves of honey and pollen sufficient for 
the colony to survive the off -season. Any supplementary feeding in response to unexpected need shall be 
carried out only between the last honey harvest and the start of the next nectar or honeydew flow period. In 
such cases, organic h oney or organic sugar shall be used.   
22 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 8.2.5  Bee colonies may be converted to organic production. Introduced bees shall come from organic 
production units when available. Bee products may be sold as organically produced when the requirements of 
this standard  have been complied with for at least one harvest cycle.  
8.2.6  During the conversion period, the wax shall be replaced by organically produced wax, except where 
no prohibited products have been previously used in the hive and where is no risk of contaminat ion of wax. In 
cases where all the wax cannot be replaced during a one -year period, the conversion period shall be 
extended to cover the full replacement of the wax.  
8.2.7  For pest and disease control the following are permitted:  
a) lactic acid ; 
b) formic acid;  
c) oxalic acid ; 
d) acetic acid;  
e) sulfur;  
f) natural essential oils (for example, menthol, eucalyptol, camphor);  
g) Bacillus thuringiensis ; and  
h) steam, direct flame and caustic soda for hive disinfection.  
8.2.8  Where preventative measures fail, veterinary medicinal produ cts maybe used provided the following 
are adhered to:  
a) preference is given to phyto -therapeutic and homeopathic treatment;  
b) if allopathic chemically synthesized medicinal products are used, the bee products shall not be sold as 
organic; and  
c) treated hives sha ll be placed in isolation and undergo a conversion period of one year.  
8.2.9  The practice of destroying the male brood is permitted only to contain infestation with Varroa (mites).  
8.2.10  The health and welfare of the hive shall be primarily achieved by hy giene and hive management.  
8.2.11  The destruction of bees in the combs as a method of harvesting of bee products is prohibited.  
8.2.12  Mutilations, such as clipping of the wings of queen bees, are prohibited.  
8.2.13  Artificial insemination of queen bees is  permitted.  
8.2.14  The use of chemical synthetic bee repellents is prohibited. The use of smoke should be kept to a 
minimum. Acceptable smoking materials should be natural or from materials that meet the requirements of 
this standard . 
8.2.15  Honey temperat ures shall be maintained as low as possible, and not exceed 45 ºC, during the 
extraction and processing of products derived from bee keeping.  
8.2.16  Used engine oil shall not be used for pest control.   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  23 
 9 Wild  harvested  products  and common/public  land manage ment  
9.1 General  principle  
Organic  management  prevents  degradation  of common  biotic  and abiotic  resources,  including  areas  used  
for rangeland,  fisheries,  forests,  and forage  for bees,  as well as neighbouring  land,  air and water.  
9.2 Requirements  
9.2.1  Wild harvested  products  shall only be derived  from a sustainable  growing  environment.  
Products  shall not be harvested  at a rate that exceeds  the sustainable  yield of the  ecosystem,  or 
threatens  the existence of  plant, fungal  or animal  species,  including  those  not directly  exploited.  
9.2.2 Operators  shall harvest products  only from a clearly defined  area where  prohibited  substances  
have  not been  applied for a minimum of three years.  
9.2.4 The collection  or harvest  area shall be at an appropriate  distance  from  conventional  farming  or 
other  pollution  sources  in order  to avoid  contamination.  
9.2.5 The operator  who manages  the harvesting  or gathering  of common  resource  products  shall be 
familiar with  the defined  collecting  or harvesting  area,  including  the impacts  of collectors  not involved  in the 
organic  scheme.  
9.2.6  Operators  shall take measures  to ensure  that wild, sedentary  aquatic  species  are collected  only 
from areas  where  the water  is not contaminated  by substances  prohibited  in these  standards.  
10 Sustainable  fisheries  
10.1 Sustainability of the fish stock  
10.1.1  General requirements  
10.1.1.1  A fishery shall be managed in a manner that does not lead to over -fishing of the exploited species 
populations and, for those species populations that are already dimini shed; the fishery shall be managed in a 
manner that demonstrably leads to their recovery.  
10.1.1.2  The fishery shall be managed at catch levels that continually maintain the high productivity of the 
target species population(s) and associated ecological co mmunity relative to its potential productivity.  
10.1.1.3  Where the exploited species populations are depleted, the fishery shall be managed in such a 
way that recovery and rebuilding is allowed to occur to a specified level consistent with the precautiona ry 
approach and the ability of the species populations to produce long -term potential yields within a specified 
time frame.  
10.1.1.4  Fishing shall be carried out in a manner that does not alter the age or genetic structure or sex 
composition to a degree t hat impairs reproductive capacity.  
10.1.2  Fishing gear  
10.1.2.1  Fishing gear shall conform to the fishing regulations in the respective Partner States ’. 
10.1.2.2 Design and mode of operation of gear shall avoid long -lasting or irreversible damage to the 
environment (such as damage to sensitive biotopes). The fishing gear shall be that which minimizes by -
catches of birds, rare or protected animals and by -catches of undersized fish or other (fish) species that 
appear in considerable numbers.   
24 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 10.1.2.3 Gear sha ll mainly catch mature individuals of the target species  in accordance with the respective 
Partner States’ fishing regulations.  
10.1.2.4 Damaged gear shall be taken ashore for repairs or destruction.  
10.1.3  Reproduction capacity of the fishery  
10.1.3.1  The collective fishery pressure on a stock shall not exceed its production capacity or endanger 
the balance in the ecosystem.  
10.1.3.2  The fishery management shall evaluate and consider effects of fishing on fish stocks and the 
aquatic environment when decidi ng on a fishery. Such assessments of the size of stock shall apply the 
precautionary approach.  
10.1.3.3  A fishery management shall assess the reproduction capacity of the stock using internationally 
recognized stock assessment methods.  
10.1.3.4  A fishery s tock shall contain the minimum critical spawning biomass  and shall not exceed the 
critical mortality. Biological data such as size and distribution of fish in samples and estimates of fish stock 
biomass shall provide the basis for assessing the spawning bi omass and fish mortality.  
10.2 Fishing and transport boats  
10.2.1  General requirements  
The operations of boats shall be well planned in order to cause the least possible environmental impact that 
may result from the operation or maintenance of engines and  from activities, such as fishing and transport . 
10.2.2  Boats  
Boats shall be officially registered as per respective national fishing regulations.  
10.2.3  Motors, fuel, hydraulic oil and lubricating greases  
Fishing and transporting boats with two -stroke eng ines shall change to a four -stroke engine when replacing an 
engine. Hydraulic oils used on -board shall preferably be eco -labelled. Impure fuel shall be not used in fishing 
boats. Environmentally friendly fuel, oils and greases shall be used where available . 
10.2.4  Bottom paints  
Paints containing toxic substances such as tin or lead shall not be used for painting the bottom of fishing 
boats.  
10.2.5  Training  
All primary stakeholders involved in a sustainable fishery shall be trained and made well aware of st andards 
and other requirements for sustainable fisheries. Trainings shall be documented.  
10.3 Fishing methods  
10.3.1  General requirements  
10.3.1.1  The fishing method shall be as environmentally friendly as possible. The methods shall not 
severely disturb t he untargeted wildlife, vegetation and the overall fishing environment.  
10.3.1.2  Fishing methods shall be traceable to avoid ghost fishing  or fish killed by lost fishing gear.   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  25 
 10.3.1.3  The methods shall keep by -catches, non -target size and/or sex of the t arget species reduced to a 
permitted minimum as per respective Partner States’ fishing regulations.  
10.3.2  Adhering to laws and standards  
All fisheries shall be carried out according to the applicable legislation. If authorities prohibit certain fishing 
arts, close a fishing area, change legal sizes for fish to be landed or impose measures regarding transport or 
processing of the fish, these measures automatically also apply to the sustainable fishery, fishery boats, crew, 
and the other part of the product ion chain . 
10.3.3  Storing  
10.3.3.1  The catch shall be put on ice as soon as possible and shall never be stored in direct sunlight.  
10.3.3.2  The catch shall be handled in a manner that promotes safety and quality of fish and fisheries 
products.   
10.3.4  Documentation of the fishing trip  
It shall be documented where the catch was taken. If a whole lake is included without exceptions this is not 
needed.  
10.4 Handling, processing and transport  
10.4.1  General requirements  
 For processing and handling to ensure  sustainable fisheries , the following shall apply :  
a) additives and other raw materials such as processing aids and flavour enhancers not originating from 
the lake, shall come from natural sources or be produced with environmentally adapted methods;  
b) disposal o f waste shall meet the highest possible requirements for sorting and recycling. Transport 
and processing shall aim to reduce energy consumption and use the best available fuels and 
technologies;  
c) minimal infrastructure and a proper registration at the prima ry landing sites on -the-lake shall be 
available to ensure proper handling of the fish immediately after the catch (for example, by cooling or 
by application of life -keeping devices) to enhance product safety and quality;  
d) handling of fish from a sustainable  fishery from fishing, transportation, processing to point of sale shall 
be traceable; and  
e) processors of sustainable fish shall have a clear environmental policy with targets, both in short and 
long terms as well as an action plan to reach the targets. Doc umentation shall contain defined 
objectives.  
10.4.2  Buying and selling the catch  
All fish in sustainable fishery shall be landed on designated landing sites and only handled by designated 
individuals.  
10.4.3  Storage and transport of fish  
10.4.3.1  Between fishing ground and processor, preservation of fish is only allowed by cooling. Fish 
should be kept at temperatures of 7 ºC or lower. Ice used for cooling shall be of potable water quality and shall 
not contain any unallowed additives.   
26 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 10.4.3.1  Contaminate d ice (for example, with soil or chemicals) shall not be used.  
10.4.4  By-products  
The processor should strive to process all fish by -products into products used for human consumption or 
animal feed or other products.  
10.4.5  Waste  
The operator shall have d ocumented environmental measures. Waste shall be collected, stored and further 
treated so that it does not contaminate the environment. Waste shall be recycled where it is possible or 
otherwise stored or destroyed in an environmentally -friendly way.  
11 Aquaculture production standards  
11.1 Conversion to organic aquaculture  
11.1.1  General p rinciple  
Conversion in organic aquaculture production  shall reflect the diversity of species and production methods.  
11.1.2  Requirements  
11.1.2.1  Operators shall comply w ith all the relevant general requirements of clauses 5 and 7 . 
11.1.2.2 Organic aquaculture shall be based on the rearing of young stock originating from organic brood 
stock and organic holding, when young stocks from organic brood stock or holding are not available non -
organically produced animals may be brought on to holding under specific conditions.  
11.1.2.3 Breeds adapted to the local conditions shall be chosen. Natural breeding behaviours, settlements 
and hatching are desirable traits.  
11.1.2.4 The hus bandry practices including feeding, design of the installations, stocking densities and 
water quality shall ensure that the developmental, physiological and behavioural needs of the animal are met.  
11.1.2.5 The husbandry practices shall minimize negative e nvironmental impact from the holdings 
including the escape of the farmed stock.  
11.1.2.6 Organic aquatic animals shall be kept separate from the conventional aquatic animals.  
11.1.2.7 Personnel keeping aquatic animals shall possess the necessary knowledge and skills as regards 
the health and needs of the aquatic animals.  
11.1.2.8 The conversion period for aquaculture production units shall apply for the following types of 
aquaculture facilities including the existing aquaculture animals:  
a) for facilities that  cannot be drained, cleaned and disinfected a conversion period of 24 months;  
b) for facilities that have been drained or fallowed a conversion period of 12 months;  
c) for facilities that have been drained, cleaned and disinfected a conversion period of 6 months ; and  
d) for open water facilities 3  month s conversion period . 
11.1.2.8 Production units shall be located at an appropriate safe distance  from contamination sources and 
conventional aquaculture.   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  27 
 11.1.2.9  Polyploidy and genetically engineered aquatic species s hall not be allowed.  
11.2 General aquaculture husbandry rules  
11.2.1  General p rinciple  
Organic aquaculture management maintains the biodiversity of natural aquatic ecosystems, the health of the 
aquatic environment, and the quality of surrounding aquatic an d terrestrial ecosystem . 
11.2.2  Requirements  
11.2.2.1  The husbandry environment of the aquaculture animals shall be designed in such way that it is in 
the accordance with their species specific needs.  
11.2.2.2  The aquaculture animals shall:  
a) have sufficient  space for their wellbeing;  
b) be kept in water of good quality with sufficient oxygen levels:  
c) be kept in temperature and light conditions in accordance with the requirements of the species and 
having regard to the geographical location;  
d) in case of freshwater  the bottom type shall be as close as possible to natural conditions;  
e) organic aquatic animals shall not be grown in both plastic and concrete tanks; and  
f) in case of carp the bottom shall be natural earth.  
11.2.2.3 The stocking density  shall be species speci fic. In considering the effect of stocking density on the 
welfare of the farmed fish, the condition of the fish (such as fin damage, other injuries, growth rate, behaviour 
expressed and overall health) and the water quality shall be monitored.  
11.2.2.4  The design and construction of the production systems shall provide flow rates and 
physiochemical parameters that safeguard the animal health and welfare and provide for their behavioural 
needs.  
11.2.2.5  Production systems shall be designed, located and opera ted to minimize the risk of escape 
incidents.  
11.2.2.6  If fish or crustaceans escape, appropriate actions shall be taken to reduce the impact on the local 
ecosystem including recapture where appropriate. Documentary evidence shall be maintained.  
11.3 Speci fic rules for aquaculture containment systems  
11.3.1  General p rinciple  
Organic aquaculture containment systems should ensure that aquaculture animal’s  health, welfare is catered 
for and the environment is maintained nearer to its natural state.  
11.3.2  Requ irements  
11.3.2.1  Closed recirculation aquaculture animal production systems facilities are prohibited with the 
exception of hatcheries and nurseries or production of species used for organic feed production.  
11.3.2.2  Rearing units on land shall meet the f ollowing conditions:   
28 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 a) for flow through systems it shall be possible to monitor and control the flow rate and the water quality 
of both inflowing and out flowing water; and  
b) at least 5 % of the perimeter (land water interface) area shall be having natural veg etation . 
11.3.2.3  Production systems in the lakes and sea shall:  
a) be located where water flow, depth and water body exchanges rates are adequate to minimize the 
impact on the lake bed or sea bed and the surrounding water body; and  
b) have suitable cage design,  construction and maintenance with regard to their exposure to the 
operating environment.  
11.3.2.4  Artificial heating or cooling of water shall only be permitted in the hatcheries and nurseries, 
natural borehole water may be used to vary temperature of wat er at all stages of production.  
11.4 Aquatic plants  
11.4.1 General principle  
Organic aquatic plants are grown and harvested sustainably without adverse impacts on natural areas.  
11.4.2 Requirements  
11.4.2.1 Aquatic plant production shall be situated in loc ations that are not subject to contamination by 
products or substances not authori zed for organic production or pollutants that would compromise the organic 
nature of the product . 
11.4.2.2 Aquatic plants culture at the lake or sea shall only utilize nutrie nts naturally occurring in the 
environment or from organic aquaculture animal production, preferably located nearby as part of polyculture 
system.  
11.4.2.3 In facilities on land where external nutrients sources are used, the nutrients levels in the effluen t 
water shall be verifiably the same or lower than the inflowing water, only nutrients of plant or animal origin 
shall be used.  
11.4.2.4 Culture density  or operational intensity shall maintain the integrity of the aquatic environment by 
ensuring that the m aximum quantity of the aquatic plants which can be supported without negative effects on 
the environment is not exceeded.  
11.4.2.5 Bi-fouling organisms shall be removed only by physical means or by hand and where appropriate 
returned to the lake or sea at distance from farm.  
11.4.2.6 Cleaning of the equipment and facilities shall be carried out by physical or mechanical measures 
and permitted substances in Annex E.  
11.4.2.7 Harvest of aquatic plants shall not disrupt the ecosystem or degrade the collection area or the 
surrounding aquatic and terrestrial environment.  
11.5 Breeds and breeding  
11.5.1  General p rinciple  
Organic aquaculture is based on the rearing of aquaculture animals of young stock originating from organic 
brood stock or holding.   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  29 
 11.5.2  Require ments  
11.5.2.1 Native species shall be used and breeding shall aim to give strains which are more adapted to 
farming conditions, good health and good utilisation of feed resources (Documentary evidence of their origin 
and treatment shall be provided for th e control body or control authority).  
11.5.2.2 When organic aquatic animals are not available, for breeding purposes or genetic improvement of 
the stock wild caught or non -organic animals may be brought into holding, such animals shall be kept for 
under or ganic management for at least three months before they are used for breeding.  
11.5.2.3 When organic aquaculture juvenile animals are not available for out -growing purpose non -organic 
aquaculture juveniles may be introduced into holding. At least the latter  two thirds of the duration of the 
production cycle shall be maintained under organic management.  
11.5.2.4 With regards to breeding of organic aquaculture animals the following shall not be allowed : 
a) artificial induction of polyploidy ; 
b) artificial hybridisa tion; 
c) cloning and;  
d) production of monosex strains except by hand sorting.  
11.5.2.5 Appropriate strains shall be chosen and species -specific  conditions for brood stock management 
breeding and juvenile production shall be established.  
11.5.2.3 Aquatic animal production systems shall use breeds and breeding techniques suited to the region 
and the production method.  
11.6 Aquatic animal nutrition  
11.6.1  General p rinciple  
Organic aquatic animals receive their nutritional needs from good quality, organic sources.  
11.6.2  Requirements  
11.6.2.1 The organic aquaculture animals shall be fed with feed that meets the animals’ nutritional 
requirements at the various stages of development.  
11.6.2.2 Plant fraction of the feed shall originate from organic production and feed f raction derived from 
aquatic animals shall originate from sustainable exploitation of fisheries.  
11.6.2.3 In case of non -organic feed material from plant origin, feed material from animal and mineral 
origin, feed additives certain products used in animal n utrition and processing shall be used only if they have 
been authorized for use in organic production . 
11.6.2.4 In the absence of organic feed fishmeal and fish oil from non -organic aquaculture animals’ 
trimmings or trimmings as fish for human consumption may be used for transitional period, such feed should 
not exceed 30 % of the daily ration . 
11.6.2.5 Growth promoters and synthetic amino acids shall not be used.  
11.6.2.6 The dietary requirements for aquatic animals shall comply with the requirements of 7. 7.2.4 and 
7.7.2.5.  
11.6.2.7 Use of water containing human excrement is prohibited.   
30 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 11.7 Aquatic animal health and welfare  
11.7.1  General p rinciples  
Organic management practices promote and maintain the health and wellbeing of animals through balanced 
organ ic nutrition, stress free living conditions appropriate to the species and breed selection for resistance to 
diseases, parasites and infections.  
11.7.2  Requirements  
11.7.2.1 Disease shall be prevented based on keeping the animal in optimal conditions by ap propriate 
siting, optimal design of the holdings, the application of good husbandry and management practices, including 
regular cleaning and disinfection of the premises, high quality feed, appropriate stocking densities and breed 
and strain selection.  
11.7.2.2  Disease shall be treated immediately to avoid suffering to the animal; chemical synthesised 
allopathic veterinary medicinal products including antibiotics may be used where necessary and under strict 
conditions, when the use of phototherapeutics, ho meopathic and other products is inappropriate.  
11.7.2.3 Prophylactic use of veterinary drugs is prohibited.  
11.7.2.4 Operators shall use natural methods and medicines, as the first choice, when treatment is 
necessary. Use of chemical allopathic veterinary drugs and antibiotics is prohibited for invertebrates.  
11.7.2.5 Hormones and growth promoters are prohibited for use to artificially stimulate growth or 
reproduction.  
11.7.2.6 Stocking densities shall not compromise animal welfare.  
11.7.2.7 Operators shall  routinely monitor water quality, stocking densities, health, and behaviour of each 
cohort (school) and manage the operation to maintain water quality, health, and natural behaviour  
11.8 Aquatic animal transport and slaughter  
11.8.1  General principle  
Orga nic aquatic animals are subjected to minimum stress during transport and slaughter.  
11.8.2  Requirements  
11.8.2.1 Operators shall comply with relevant requirements of 7.8.  
11.8.2.2 The operator shall handle live organisms in ways that are compatible with th eir physiological 
requirements.  
11.8.2.3 Operators shall implement defined measures to ensure that organic aquatic animals are provided 
with conditions during transportation and slaughter that meet animal specific needs and minimize the adverse 
effects of:  
a) diminishing water quality;  
b) time spent in transport;  
c) stocking density;  
d) toxic substances; and   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  31 
 e) escape.  
11.8.2.4 Aquatic vertebrates shall be stunned before killing. Operators shall ensure that equipment used to 
stun animals is sufficient to remove sensate ab ility and/or kill the organism and is maintained and monitored.  
11.8.2.5 Aquatic animals shall be handled, transported and slaughtered in a way that minimizes stress and 
suffering, and respects species specific needs.  
12 Processing and handling  
12.1 Genera l 
12.1.1  General p rinciple  
Organic processing and handling provide  consumers with nutritious, high-quality  supplies of organic products, 
and organic farmers with a market without compromise to the organic integrity of their products.  
12.1.2  Requirements  
12.1.2.1  Handlers and processors shall not comingle organic products with non -organic products.  
12.1.2.2  Handlers and processers shall ensure traceability in the organic processing and handling chain.  
12.1.2.3  All organic products shall be clearly identified  as such and processed, stored and transported in a 
way that prevents substitution by or contact with conventional products through the entire process.  
12.1.2.4  When nonorganic products are prepared or stored in the preparation unit, the operator shall 
inform the control body.  
12.1.2.5  The handler or processor shall take all necessary measures to prevent organic products from 
being contaminated by pollutants and contaminants, including the cleaning, decontamination, or if necessary,  
disinfection of faciliti es and equipment.  
12.1.2.6  The handler or processor shall identify and minimize risks of environmental pollution resulting 
from their activity.  
12.1.2.7  Processors shall respect the principles of good manufacturing practices. This shall include 
maintaining  appropriate procedures based on identification of critical processing steps.  
12.2 Separation  
12.2.1 The integrity of organic products shall be maintained throughout the phases of post -harvest handling, 
storage, processing and transport.  
12.2.2 All organic  products shall be clearly identified as organic. Throughout the entire process of storage 
and transportation, the products shall be stored and transported in a way that prevents their contact or mixing 
with non -organic products.  
12.3 Ingredients  
12.3.1  General principle  
Organic processed products are made from organic ingredients.   
32 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 12.3.2  Requirements  
12.3.2.1 All ingredients used in an organic processed product shall be organically produced except for 
those additives and processing aids that appear in Anne x D. 
In cases where an ingredient of organic origin is commercially unavailable in sufficient quality or quantity, 
operators may use nonorganic raw materials, provided that:  
a) they are not genetically engineered or contain nanomaterials;  
b) the current lack of availability in that region is officially recognized or prior permission from the control 
body is obtained; and  
c) the requirements in 12.1.2.3 shall be met.  
12.3.2.2 Using organic and nonorganic forms of the same ingredient in a single product is prohibited.  
12.3.2.3 Water and salt may be used as ingredients in the production of organic products and are not 
included in the percentage calculations of organic ingredients.  
12.3.2.4 Minerals (including trace elements), vitamins and similar isolated ingredients sh all not be used 
unless their use is legally required or where severe dietary or nutritional deficiency can be demonstrated in the 
market to which the particular batch of product is destined.  
12.3.2.5 Preparations of microorganisms and enzymes commonly used  in food processing may be used, 
with the exception of genetically engineered microorganisms and their products. Cultures that are prepared or 
multiplied in -house shall comply with the requirements for the organic production of microorganisms.  
12.3.2.6 For the production of organic microorganisms for processed food and feed, only organically 
produced substrate shall be used.  
12.4 Processing methods  
12.4.1  General p rinciple  
Organic processing and handling shall provide the consumer with high quality supplies  of organic products 
without compromising the  integrity of the product (s) and protects the environment.  
12.4.2  Requirements  
12.4.2.1  Techniques used to process organic products shall be biological, physical, and mechanical in 
nature. Any additives, process ing aids, or other material that reacts chemically with organic products or 
modifies it shall be organically produced or appear in Annex D and shall be used in accordance with noted 
restrictions.  
12.4.2.2  Substances and techniques shall not be used that:  
a) reconstitute  properties  lost by the processing  and storage  of organic products;  
b) conceal negligent processing;  or 
c) may otherwise be misleading as to the true nature of these products. Water may be used for 
rehydration or reconstitution.  
12.4.2.3  Solvents used  to extract organic products shall be either organically produced or food grade 
substances that appear on Annex D consistent with the annotation.  
12.4.2.4  Irradiation is not permitted for any ingredient or the final product.   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  33 
 12.4.2.5  Filtration equipment s hall not contain asbestos, or utilize techniques or substances that may 
contaminate the product. Filtration agents and adjuvants are considered processing aids and therefore shall 
appear in Annex D.  
12.4.2.6  The following conditions of storage are permitte d (for allowed substances in these conditions, see 
Annex D):  
a) controlled atmosphere;  
b) temperature control;  
c) drying; and  
d) humidity regulation.  
12.4.2.7  Intentional manufacture or use of nanomaterials in organic products is prohibited.  
12.4.2.8  Equipment surfac es and utensils that might come into contact with organic products shall be free 
of nanomaterials, unless there is verified absence of contamination risk.  
12.5 Pest and disease control  
12.5.1  General p rinciple  
Organic products are protected from pests and diseases by the use of Good Manufacturing Practices that 
include proper cleaning, sanitation and hygiene, without the use of synthetic chemical pest control treatments 
or irradiation.  
12.5.2  Requirements  
12.5.2.1 Handlers and processors shall manage pests and shall use the following methods according to 
these priorities:  
a) preventative methods such as disruption, elimination of habitat and access to facilities;  
b) mechanical, physical and biological methods, including visual detection, sound, ultrasound, light a nd 
UV light, temperature control, controlled atmosphere and diatomaceous earth.  
c) substances according to the annexes of this standard;  
d) substances (other than pesticides) used in traps.  
12.5.2.2 Prohibited pest control practices include, but are not limited  to, the following substances and 
methods:  
a) pesticides not contained in Annex B.2;  
b) fumigation  with ethylene  oxide,  methyl  bromide,  aluminium phosphide or other substance not 
contained in Annex D; and  
c) ionizing radiation . 
12.5.2.3 The direct use or applicatio n of a prohibited method or material renders that product no longer 
organic. The operator shall take necessary precautions to prevent contamination, including the removal of 
organic products and related packaging materials from the storage or processing fa cility, and measures to 
decontaminate the equipment or facilities. Application of prohibited substances to equipment or facilities shall 
not contaminate organic product handled or processed therein. Application of prohibited substances to  
34 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 equipment or faci lities shall not compromise the organic integrity of product handled or processed therein and 
shall be documented to attest this.  
12.6 Packaging  
12.6.1  General p rinciple  
Organic product packaging shall use  safe and quality packaging materials according to the nature of the 
products that  minim ize the adverse impacts on the product and on the environment.   
 
12.6.2  Requirements  
12.6.2 .1 Operators shall not use packaging material that may contaminate organic products. This includes 
reused bags or containers tha t have been in contact with any substance likely to compromise the organic 
integrity. Packaging materials, and storage containers, or bins that contain a synthetic fungicide, preservative, 
fumigant, or nanomaterials are prohibited.  
12.6.2 .2 Operators shall  demonstrate efforts to minimize packaging and/or choose packaging materials with 
minimum environmental impact. The total environmental impact of production, use and disposal of packaging 
shall be considered.  
12.6.2.3  Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and aluminium  should be avoided.  
12.7 Cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing of processing facilities  
12.7.1  General p rinciple  
Organic  products  are safe,  of high quality,  and free of substances  used  to clean,  disinfect,  and sanitize  
the processing  facilities.  
12.7.2  Requirements  
12.7.2.1  Operators  shall take all necessary  precautions  to protect  organic  products  against  
contamination  by substances  prohibited  in organic  farming  and handling,  pests,  disease  causing  organisms,  
and foreign  substances.  
12.7.2.2  Water  and subs tances  that appear  in A n n e x  E , may be used  as equipment  cleansers  and 
equipment  disinfectants  that may come  into direct  contact  with the product.  
12.7.2.3  Operations  that use other  cleaners,  sanitizers,  and disinfectants  on product  contact  surfaces  
shall use them  in a way that does  not contaminate  the product.  The operator  shall perform  an 
intervening  event  between  the use of any cleaner,  sanitizer,  or disinfectant  and the contact  of organic  product  
with that surface  sufficient  to prevent  residual  contamina tion of that organic  product.  
13 Labelling  
13.1 General  principle  
Organic  products  are clearly  and accurately  labelled  as organic.  
13.2 Requirements  
13.2.1  Products  produced  in accordance  with this standard  may be labelled  as organic.   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  35 
 13.2.2 Labels  shall identify  the following:  
a) the person  or company  legally  responsible  for the product; and  
b) the body  that assures  conformity  to this organic  standard.  
13.2.3 Processed  products  shall be labelled  according  to the following  minimum  requirements:  
a) Where  95 %  to 100 % of the ingredients  (by weight)  are organic,  the product  may be labelled  as 
“ORGANIC”;  
b) Where  less than 95 %  but not less than 70 %  of the ingredients  (by weight)  are organic,  these  
products  cannot  be labelled  as “organic”,  but phrases  such  as “MADE  WITH  ORGANIC  
INGREDIENTS”  can be used,  provided  the proportion  of organic  ingredients  is clearly  stated; and  
c) Where  less than 70 %  of the ingredients  (by weight)  are organic,  the product  cannot  be labelled  as 
“organic”,  nor bear phrases  such  as “made  with organic  ingredients”  on the package  front,  nor bear 
any certification  body  seal,  national  logo,  or other  identifying  mark  which  represents  organic  
certification  of a product  or product  ingredients,  but individual  ingredients  may be called  “organic”  
in the ingredi ents list. 
13.2.4 All ingredients  of a multi -ingredient  product  shall be listed  on the product  label  in order  of 
their weight  percentage.  It shall be apparent  which  ingredients  are of organic  certified  origin  and which  
are not. All additives  shall be listed with their full name.  If herbs  and/or  spices  constitute  less than  2 % of 
the total weight  of the product,  they may be listed  as “spices”  or “herbs”  without  stating  the percentage.  
13.2.5 In-conversion  ingredients  may be used  in multi -ingredient  feed.  However,  the ingredient  list 
shall identify  their status  and the total percentages  of “in- conversion”,  organic  and nonorganic  ingredients  on 
a dry matter  basis.  
13.2.6 Multi -component  products,  live or unprocessed  (such  as vegetable  boxes)  may be sold or 
marketed  as organic  only if all the components  are organic.  
13.2.7 The label  for in-conversion  products  shall be clearly  distinguishable  from the label  for organic  
products.  Only single  ingredient  plant  products  may be labelled  as “in-conversion”.  
14 Social  justice  
14.1 General  principle  
Social  justice  and social  rights  are an integral  part of organic  agriculture  and processing.  The fairness  
principle  of organic  agriculture  emphasizes  that those  involved  in organic  agriculture  should  conduct  human  
relationship s in a manner  that ensures  fairness  at all levels  and to all parties  involved at all times.   
14.2 Recommendation  
Operators  should  positively  and actively  encourage  the collective  organization  of their employees  or 
contracted  smallholders.  
Permanent  employe es and their families  should  have  access  to education,  transportation  and health  services.  
Operators  should  respect  the rights  of indigenous  peoples,  and should  not use or exploit  land whose  
inhabitants  or farmers  have  been  or are being  impoverished,  dispo ssessed,  colonized,  expelled,  exiled  or 
killed,  or which  is currently  in dispute  regarding  legal  or customary  local rights  to its use or ownership.  
Organic  operations  should  make  a positive  social  and cultural  contribution  over and above  legal  obligations.  
This could  be in one or several  of the following  areas:   
36 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 a) education  and training  
b) research  and innovation  
c) supporting  the local and wider  community  
d) enhancing  rural development  
14.3 Requirements  
14.3.1 Production  that violates  human  rights  and social  justice  requirements  in this clause  cannot  be 
declared  organic.  
14.3.2 Operators  shall not violate  indigenous  land rights.  
14.3.3 Operators  shall not use forced  or involuntary  labour  or apply  any pressure  such  as retaining  part 
of the workers’  wages,  property  or documents.  
14.3.4 Operators  shall not interfere  with the right of their employees,  suppliers,  farmers  and contractors  
to organize  and to bargain  collectively,  free from  interference,  intimidation  and retaliation.  
14.3.5 Operators  shall provide  their employee s and contractors  equal  opportunity  and treatment,  and shall 
not act in a discriminatory  way.  
14.3.6 Operators  shall have  a disciplinary  procedure  with a system  of warning  before  any suspension  or 
dismissal.  Workers  dismissed  shall be given  full details  of reasons  for dismissal.  
14.3.7 Employees  shall be granted  the right to take at least  one day off after six consecutive  days  of 
work.  Operators  shall not require  workers  to work  more  than the contracted  hours  and the national  or 
regional  sectorial  legislati on. Overtime  shall be remunerated  in the form of supplementary  payments  or 
time off in lieu. 
14.3.8 Operators  shall never  require  an employee  to work  who is ill or requiring  medical  attention  and 
shall not sanction  an employee  for the sole fact of missing  work  due to illness.  
14.3.9  The operator shall not hire child labour. Children may work on their family’s farm or a neighbouring 
farm provided that such work is not dangerous to their health and safety and does not jeopardize their 
educational, moral, soci al and physical development. Such work shall be supervised by adults and authorized 
by a legal guardian . 
14.3.10  Operators  shall pay employees  wages  and benefits  that meet  legal  minimum  requirements  of the 
operation’s  jurisdiction  or, in the absence  of this minimum,  the sectorial  benchmark.  
14.3.11  Operators  shall provide  written  terms  and conditions  of employment  to both  permanent  and 
temporary  employees,  in a language  and presentation  understandable  to the worker.  The terms  and 
conditions  shall specify  at least:  
a) wages;  
b) frequency  and method  of payment;   
c) location,  type and hours  of work;  
d) recognition  of workers’  freedom  of association;   
e) disciplinary  procedure;  
f) health  and safety  procedure;   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  37 
 g) eligibility  and terms  of overtime,  holiday  pay, sickness  benefit  and other benefits  such  as maternity  
and paternity  leave;  and 
h) worker’s  right to terminate  employment.  
14.3.12  Operators shall ensure that the workers understand the terms of their employment contract. Operators 
shall respect the terms of the contract in good fai th, including timely payment of wages.  
14.3.13  In cases  where:  
a) the operator is unable to write;  
b) workers  are hired  for periods  of less  than six  days; and  
c) emergency  labour  is needed  to address unpredictable  problems,  
oral mutual  agreements  on the terms  and conditions  of employment  are sufficient.  
14.3.14 Operators  shall ensure  adequate  access  to potable  water.  
14.3.15  Operators  shall provide  appropriate  safety  training  and equipment  to protect  workers  from noise,  
dust,  sunlight  and exposure  to chemicals  or other hazards  in all production  and processing  operations.  
14.3.16 Operators  shall provide  residential  employees  with habitable  housing  and access  to potable  
water;  to sanitary  and cooking  facilities  and to basic  medical care. If  families reside  on the  operation,  the 
operator  shall also  enable  access  to basic  medical  care for family  members  and to school  for children.  
14.3.17 Operators  shall comply  with minimum  national  social  requirements  in the countries  of operation.  
14.3.18 Operators  with more  than f ive employees  shall have  a written  employment  policy  and maintain  
records  to demonstrate  full compliance  with the requirements  of this section.  Workers  will have  access  to 
their own files. 
14.3.19 Requirements  in this section  apply  equally  to all workers  on the operation  regardless  of how they 
are employed,  except  for subcontractors  performing  non-production core  business functions  such as  
plumbing, machine  repair, or  electrical  work.  
  
38 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 Annex A  
(informative)  
 
IFOAM principles of organic agriculture  
A.1 Preamble  
These  principles  are the roots  from which  organic  agriculture  grows  and develops.  They  express  the 
contribution  that organic  agriculture  can make  to the world  and a vision  to improve  all agriculture  in a global  
context.  
Agriculture  is one of humankind’s  most basic  activities  because  all people  need  to nourish  themselves  daily.  
History,  culture  and community  values  are embedded  in agriculture.  The principles  apply  to agriculture  in 
the broadest  sense,  including  the way people  tend soils,  water,  plants  and animals  in order  to produce,  
prepare  and distribute  food and other  goods.  They  concern  the way people  interact  with living  landscapes,  
relate  to one another  and shape  the legacy  of future  generations.  
The principles  of Organic  Agriculture  serve  to inspire  the organic  movement  in its full diversity.  They  guide  
IFOAMs  development  of positions,  programs  and standards.  Furthermore,  they are presented  with a vision  
of their world -wide adoption.  
Organic  agriculture  is based  on following principles:  
a) principle  of health; 
b) principle  of ecology;  
c) principle  of fairness; and  
d) principle  of care.  
Each  principle  is articulated  through  a statement  followed  by an explanation.  The principles  are to be used  as 
a whole.  They  are composed  as ethical  principles  to inspire  action.  
A.2 The principle of health  
Organic  agriculture  should  sustain  and enhance  the health  of soil, plant,  animal, human  and planet as  one 
and indivisible.  
This principle  points  out that the health  of individuals  and communities  cannot  be separated  from the health  
of ecosystems ; healthy  soils produce  healthy  crops  that foster  the health  of animals  and people.  
Health  is the wholeness  and integrity  of living  systems.  It is not simply  the absence  of illness,  but the 
maintenance  of physical,  mental,  social  and ecologica l well-being.  Immunity,  resilience  and regeneration  
are key characteristics  of health.  
The role of organic  agriculture,  whether  in farming,  processing,  distribution,  or consumption,  is to sustain  
and enhance  the health  of ecosystems  and organisms  from the smallest  in the soil to human  beings.  In 
particular,  organic  agriculture  is intended  to produce  high quality,  nutritious  food that contributes  to 
preventive  health  care and well-being.  In view of this it should  avoid  the use of fertilizers,  pesticides,  
animal drugs  and food additives  that may have  adverse  health  effects.   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  39 
 A.3 The principle  of ecology  
Organic  agriculture  should  be based  on living  ecological  systems  and cycles,  work  with them,  emulate  them  
and help sustain  them.  
This principle  roots  organic  agriculture  within  living  ecological  systems.  It states  that production  is to be 
based  on ecological  processes,  and recycling.  Nourishment  and well-being  are achieved  through  the 
ecology  of the specific production environment. For example, in the case of  crops this is  the living  soil; for 
animals  it is the farm ecosystem;  for fish and marine  organisms,  the aquatic  environment.  
Organic  farming,  pastoral  and wild harvest  systems  should  fit the cycles  and ecological  balances  in nature.  
These  cycles  are universal  but their operation  is site-specific.  Organic  management  shall be adapted  to local 
conditions,  ecology,  culture  and scale.  Inputs  should  be reduced  by reuse,  recycling  and efficient  
management  of materials  and energy  in order  to maintain  and improve  envir onmental  quality  and conserve  
resources.  
Organic  agriculture  should  attain  ecological  balance  through  the design  of farming  systems,  establishment  
of habitats  and maintenance  of genetic  and agricultural  diversity.  Those  who produce,  process,  trade,  or 
cons ume organic  products  should  protect  and benefit  the common  environment  including  landscapes,  
climate,  habitats,  biodiversity,  air and water.  
A.4 The principle  of fairness  
Organic  agriculture  should  build  on relationships  that ensure  fairness  with regard  to the common  
environment  and life opportunities.  
Fairness  is characterized by  equity, respect, justice  and stewardship of the  shared world, both  among  people  
and in their relations  to other  living  beings.  
This principle  emphasizes  that those  involved  in organic agriculture  should  conduct  human  relationships  
in a manner  that ensures  fairness  at all levels  and to all parties ; farmers,  workers,  processors,  
distributors,  traders  and consumers.  Organic  agriculture  should  provide  everyone  involved  with a good  
quality of life, and contribute  to food sovereignty  and reduction  of poverty.  It aims  to produce  a sufficient  
supply  of good  quality  food and other  products.  
This principle  insists  that animals  should  be provided  with the conditions  and opportunities  of life that accord  
with their physiology,  natural  behaviour  and well-being.  
Natural  and environmental  resources  that are used  for production  and consumption  should  be managed  
in a way that is socially  and ecologically  just and should  be held in trust for future  generations.  
Fairness  requires  systems  of production,  distribution  and trade  that are open  and equitable  and account  
for real environmental  and social  costs.  
A.5 The principle  of care 
Organic  agriculture  should  be managed  in a precautionary  and responsible  manner  to protect  the health  
and well-being  of current  and future  generations  and the environment.  
Organic  agriculture  is a living  and dynamic  system  that responds  to internal  and external  demands  and 
conditions.  Practitioners  of organic  agriculture  can enhance  efficiency  and increase  productivity,  but this 
should  not be at the risk of jeopardizing  health  and well-being.  Consequently,  new  technologies  need  to 
be assessed  and existing  methods  reviewed.  Given  the incomplete  understanding  of ecosystems  and 
agriculture,  care shall be taken.   
40 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 This principle  states  that precaution  and responsibility  are the key concerns  in management,  development  
and technology  choices  in organic  agriculture.  Science  is necessary  to ensure  that organic  agriculture  is 
healthy,  safe and ecologically  sound.  
However,  scientific  knowledge  alone  is not sufficient.  Practical  experience,  accumulated  wisdom  and 
traditional  and indigenous  knowledge  offer valid solutions,  tested  by time.  Organic  agriculture  should  prevent  
significant  risks by adopting  appropriate  technologies  and rejecting  unpredictable  ones,  such  as genetic  
engineering.  Decisions  should  reflect  the values  and needs  of all who might  be affected,  through  
transparent  and participatory  processes.  
  
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  41 
 Annex B  
(normative)  
 
List of subst ances which may be used in organic plant production  
The list is indicative,  that is,  there  may be other  substances  that may be used  in organic  production  
according  to this standard  as long as they follow  the criteria  in the IFOAM  Standards  or CAC/GL  32. 
Table B.1 — Fertilizers  and soil conditioners  
Description,  compositional  requirements  of substance  Conditions  for use 
Plant  and animal  origin  Farmyard manure, slurry, and urine   
Guano   
Source -separated human excrement from separated sources 
which are mo nitored for contamination  Not to be d i r e c t l y  a p p l i e d  
on edible  parts.  
Not to be applied  later than six 
weeks  before  harvest.  
Vermicastings   
Blood meal, meat meal, bone, bone meal   
Hoof and horn meal, feather meal, fish and fish products, wool, 
fur, h air, dairy products   
Biodegradable processing by -products, plant or animal origin ( for 
example,  by-products of food, feed, oilseed, brewery, distillery or 
textile processing)   
Crop and vegetable residues, mulch, green manure, cover crops 
(leguminous cr ops such as lablab and mucona), straw   
Wood, bark, sawdust, wood shavings, wood   ash, wood charcoal   
Seaweed and seaweed products   
Peat (prohibited for soil conditioning)  Excluding  synthetic  additives;  only 
for inclusion  in potting  mixes  
Plant prep arations and extracts   
Compost made from ingredients listed in this annex, spent 
mushroom waste, humus from worms and insects, urban 
composts from separated sources which are monitored for 
contamination   
ii) Mineral origin  Basic slag   
Calcareous and m agnesium amendments   
Limestone, gypsum, marl, maerl , chalk, sugar beet lime, calcium 
chloride   
Magnesium rock, kieserite and Epsom salt (magnesium 
sulphate)   
Mineral potassium  (for example,  sulphate of potash, muriate of 
potash, kainite, sylvanite, p atentkali)  Shall  be obtained  by physical  
procedures  but not enriched  by 
chemical  processes  
Natural phosphates   
Pulverized rock, stone meal    
42 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 Description,  compositional  requirements  of substance  Conditions  for use 
Clay ( for example,  bentonite, perlite, vermiculite, zeolite)   
Sodium chloride   
Trace elements, micronutrie nts  
Sulphur   
iii) Microbiological  Biodegradable processing by -products of microbial origin  (for 
example,  by-products of brewery or distillery processing)   
Microbiological preparations based on naturally  occurring 
organisms   
iv) Others  Biodynamic pre parations   
Calcium lignosulfonate   
 
Table  B.2 — Crop  protectants  and growth  regulators  
Description,  compositional  requirements  of substance  Conditions  for use 
i) Plant  and animal  
origin  Algal  preparations   
Animal  preparations  and oils  
Beeswax   
Chitin nematicides  (natural  origin)   
Coffee  grounds   
Corn  gluten  meal  (weed  control)   
Dairy  products  (for example,  milk, casein)   
Gelatine   
Lecithin   
Natural  acids  (for example,  vinegar)   
Neem  (Azadirachta  indica )  
Plant  oils (for example,  castor  oil)  
Plant  preparations  and plant  teas (for example,  chilli,  
tithonia  (Africa  sunflower),  Tagetes  spp., Mexican  
marigold)   
Plant -based  repellents   
Propolis   
Pyrethrum  (Chrysanthemum  cinerariaefolium ) The synergist  piperonyl  butoxide  shall not be 
used.  
Quassia  (Quassia  amara )  
Rotenone  (Derris  elliptica , Lonchocarpus  spp., 
Thephrosia  spp.) Studies  show  a link between  rotenone  and 
Parkinson’s  disease;  therefore,  any use 
should  be limited  and include  precautionary  
measures.  Ryania  (Ryania  speciosa )   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  43 
 Description,  compositional  requirements  of substance  Conditions  for use 
Sabadilla   
Seaweed,  seaweed  meal,  and seaweed  extracts   
Tobacco  tea (pure  nicotine  shall not be used)   
ii) Mineral  origin  Chloride  of lime  
Clay (for example,  bentonite,  perlite,  vermiculite,  
zeolite)   
Copper  salts (for example,  sulph ate, hydroxide,  
oxychloride,  octanoate  Max 8 kg/ha  per year  (on a rolling  average  
basis)  
Diatomaceous  earth   
Light  mineral  oils (paraffin)   
Lime  sulphur  (calcium  polysulfide)   
Potassium  bicarbonate   
Potassium  permanganate   
Quicklime   
Silicate s (for example,  sodium  silicates,  quartz)   
Sodium  bicarbonate   
Sulphur   
iii) Micro -organisms  Fungal preparations   
Bacterial preparations ( for example,  Bacillus 
thuringiensis )  
Release of parasites, predators, and sterilized 
insects   
Viral prepar ations ( for example,  granulosis virus)   
iv) Others  Biodynamic  preparations   
Calcium  hydroxide   
Carbon  dioxide   
Ethyl  alcohol   
Homeopathic  and ayurvedic  preparations   
Iron phosphates  (for use as molluscicide)   
Sea salt and saltwater   
Soda   
Soft soap   
Sulphur  dioxide   
v) Traps, barriers, 
repellents  Physical  methods  (for example,  chromatic  traps,  
mechanical  traps)   
Mulches,  nets  
Pheromones  (in traps  and dispensers  only)   
  
44 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 Annex C  
(normative)  
 
List of natural substances which are restr icted in organic plant 
production  
This list contains natural substances which are restricted  in organic  production  according  to this standard.  
 
Table C .1 — Natural  substances  which  may not be used  in organic  plant  production  
Description, compositional requ irements of 
substance  Comments  
Nicotine  (pure)  Tobacco tea is allowed;  however;  safety  measures  shall 
be taken  to reduce  skin contact  
Chilean  nitrate  Chilean nitrate  (sodium  nitrate)  may not be used  on 
certified  organic  farms  because  it contains  sodium  
which could  build  up and be harmful  to the crop 
  
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  45 
 Annex D  
(normative)  
 
List of additives and processing aids for organic food processing  
The list is indicative,  that is,  there  may be other  substances  that may be used  in organic  production  
according  to this standard  as long as they follow  the criteria  in the IFOAM  Standards  or CAC/GL  32. 
Table D .1 — Additives  and processing  aids for organic  food  processing  
International  
Numbering  
System  (INS)  Product  Additive  Processing  
aid Limitation/note  
INS 153 Wood  ash X  Traditional  cheeses  
INS 170 Calcium  carbonate  X X  
INS 181 Tannin   X Only for wine 
INS 184 Tannic  acid  X Filtration  aid for wine 
INS 220 Sulphur  dioxide  X  Only for wine 
INS 224 Potassium  metabisulphite  X  Only for wine 
INS 270 Lactic  acid X X  
INS 290 Carbon  dioxide  X X  
INS 296 L-malic  acid X X  
INS 300 Ascorbic  acid X   
INS 306 Tocopherols,  mixed natural  
concentrates  X   
INS 322 Lecithin  X X  
INS 330 Citric  acid X X  
INS 331 Sodium  citrates  X   
INS 332 Potassium  citrates  X   
INS 333 Calcium  citrates  X   
INS 334 Tartaric  acid and salts X X Only for wine 
INS 335 Sodium  tartrate  X X  
INS 336 Potassium  tartrate  X X  
INS 341 Mono  calcium  phosphate  X  Only for “raising  flour”  
INS 342 Ammonium  phosphate  X  Restricted  to 0.3 gm/L  in wine 
INS 400 Alginic  acid X   
INS 401 Sodium  alginate  X   
INS 402 Potassium  alginate  X   
INS 406 Agar  X   
INS 407 Carrageenan  X   
INS 410 Locust  bean  gum X    
46 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 International  
Numbering  
System  (INS)  Product  Additive  Processing  
aid Limitation/note  
INS 412 Guar  gum X   
INS 413 Tragacanth  gum X   
INS 414 Arabic  gum X  Only for milk products,  fat products,  
confectionary,  sweets,  eggs  
INS 415 Xanthan  gum X  Only fat, fruit and vegetable  products  and 
cakes  and biscuits  
INS 416 Karaya  gum X   
INS 440 Pectin  X  Unmodified  
INS 500 Sodium  carbonates  X X  
INS 501 Potassium  carbonates  X X  
INS 503  Ammonium carbonates  X  Only for cereal products, confectionery, cakes 
and biscuits  
INS 504  Magnesium carbonates  X   
INS 508  Potassium chloride  X   
INS 509  Calcium chloride  X X  
INS 511  Magnesium chloride  X X Only for soybean products  
INS 513  Sulphuric  acid  X pH adjustment of water  during sugar 
processing  
INS 516  Calcium sulphate  X  For soybean products, confectionery and in 
bakers' yeast  
INS 517  Ammonium sulphate  X  Only for wine, restricted to 0.3 mg/l  
INS 524  Sodium hydroxide  X X For sugar proces sing and for the surface 
treatment of traditional bakery products  
INS 525  Potassium hydroxide   X pH adjustment for sugar processing  
INS 526  Calcium hydroxide  X X Food additive for maize  and tortilla flour; 
processing aid for sugar  
INS 551  Silicon dioxid e (amorphous)   X For wine,  fruit and vegetable processing  
INS 553  Talc  X  
INS 901  Beeswax   X  
INS 903  Carnauba wax   X  
INS 938  Argon  X   
INS 941  Nitrogen  X X  
INS 948  Oxygen  X X  
 Activated carbon   X  
 Bentonite   X Only for fruit and vegetable pro ducts  
 Casein   X Only for wine  
 Diatomaceous earth   X Only for sweeteners and wine  
 Egg-white albumen   X Only for wine  
 Ethanol   X  
 Gelatine   X Only for wine, fruit, and vegetables   
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  47 
 International  
Numbering  
System  (INS)  Product  Additive  Processing  
aid Limitation/note  
 Hazelnut shells   X  
 Isinglass   X Only for wine  
 Kaolin   X  
 Perlite  X  
 Preparations of bark   X  
 Vegetable oil   X Greasing  or releasing agent  
 Water   X  
 
  
48 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 Annex E  
(informative)  
 
Indicative list of equipment cleansers and  equipment disinfectants  
Table E .1 — Equipment cleansers and  equipment disinfectants  
Product  Limitation/note  
Acetic acid   
Alcohol, ethyl (ethanol)   
Alcohol, isopropyl (isopropanol)   
Calcium hydroxide (slaked lime)   
Calcium hypochlorite  An intervening event or action shall occur 
to eliminate risks of contamination  
Calcium oxide (quicklime)   
Chloride of lime (calcium oxychloride, calcium chloride, 
and calcium hydroxide)   
Chlorine dioxide  An intervening event or action shall occur 
to eliminate risks of contamination  
Citric acid   
Formic acid   
Hydrogen peroxide   
Lactic acid   
Natural essenc es of plants   
Oxalic acid   
Ozone   
Peracetic acid   
Phosphoric acid  Only for dairy equipment  
Plant extracts   
Potassium soap  An intervening event or action shall occur 
to eliminate risks of contamination  
Sodium carbonate   
Sodium hydroxide (caustic sod a) An intervening event or action shall occur 
to eliminate risks of contamination  
Sodium hypochlorite  An intervening event or action shall occur 
to eliminate risks of contamination  
Sodium soap  An intervening event or action shall occur 
to eliminate risks  of contamination  
  
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved  49 
 Annex F  
(informative)  
 
Substances for pest and disease control and disinfection in livestock 
housing and equipment  
Product  
Alkali carbonates  
Calcium oxide (lime, quicklime)  
Caustic potash (potassium hydroxide)  
Caustic soda (sodium h ydroxide)  
Citric, peracetic acid, formic, lactic, oxalic and acetic acid  
Cleaning and disinfection products for teats and milking facilities  
Ethanol and isopropanol  
Hydrogen peroxide  
Iodine  
Milk of lime (slack lime, cal, pickinglime, hydrated lime, s laked lime) = calcium hydroxide  
Natural essences of plants  
Nitric acid (dairy equipment)  
Phosphoric acid (dairy equipment)  
Potassium and sodium soap  
Sodium carbonate  
Sodium hypochlorite ( for example,  as liquid bleach)  
Water and steam  
  
50 © EAC  2023 – All rights reserved  
 Bibliography  
[1] CAC/GL 32,  Codex Alimentarius — Guidelines for the production, processing, labelling, and  marketing 
of organically produced foods  
[2] The IFOAM Norms for Organic Production and Processing Version 2014  FDEAS 456: 2023    
 
© EAC 2023  – All rights reserved