EN    EN  
 EUROPEAN  
COMMISSION 
Brussels, 24.3.2014  
COM(2014) 180 final 
ANNEXES 1 to 5 
  
ANNEXES 
to the 
Proposal for a 
 
REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PA RLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL 
 
on organic production and labelling of orga nic products, amending Regulation (EU) No 
XXX/XXX of the European Parliament and of the Council [Official controls Regulation] 
and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 834/2007 
 
{SWD(2014) 65 final} 
{SWD(2014) 66 final}   
EN 2   EN ANNEX I  
OTHER PRODUCTS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 2(1)  
– yeasts used as food or feed, 
– beer, 
– maté, 
– extracts, essences and concentrates of coffee, tea and maté and preparations 
with a basis of those products or with a basis of coffee, tea and maté; roasted 
chicory and other roasted coffee subsitutes, and extracts, essences and concentrates thereof, 
– fruit nectars, 
– cocao paste, butter, fat, oil and powder;  chocolate, and other food preparations 
containing cocoa, 
– sugar confectionery, 
– preparations of cereals, flour, star ch or milk; pastrycooks' products, 
– soups, 
– sauces, 
– cooked meals, 
– ice cream, 
– flavoured yoghurts, yoghurts containi ng added fruits, nuts or cocoa, 
– sea salt, 
– natural gums and resins, 
– pollen, 
– beeswax, 
– essential oils, 
– spirit drinks, provided that the ethyl alcohol used for the production of the 
spirit drinks is exclusively of agricultural origin.  
EN 3   EN ANNEX II  
SPECIFIC PRODUCTION RULES REFERRED TO IN CHAPTER III  
Part I: Plant production rules 
In addition to the production rules laid down in Ar ticles 7 to 10, the rules set out in this Part 
shall apply to organic plant production. 
1. General requirements 
1.1. Hydroponic production, which is a method of growing plants with their roots in a 
nutrient solution only or in an  inert medium to which a nutrient solution is added, is 
prohibited. 
1.2. All plant production techniques used shall pr event or minimise any contribution to 
the contamination of the environment. 
1.3. Conversion 
1.3.1.  For plants and plant products to be cons idered organic, the production rules laid 
down in this Regulation must  have been applied on the parcels during a conversion 
period of at least two years before sowing, or, in the case of grassland or perennial 
forage, at least two years be fore its use as feed from organic production, or, in the 
case of perennial crops other than forage, at least thre e years before the first harvest 
of organic products. 
1.3.2.  The competent authority may decide, in the cases where the land has been 
contaminated with products not authoris ed for organic production, to extend the 
conversion period beyond the peri od referred to in point 1.3.1. 
1.3.3.  In the case of treatment w ith a product not authorised  for organic production, the 
competent authority shall require a new c onversion period in accordance with point 
1.3.1. 
That period may be shortene d in the following two cases: 
(a) treatment with a product not authorised  for organic production as part of a 
compulsory control measure for pest s or weeds, including quarantine 
organisms or invasive species, impose d by the competent authority of the 
Member State; 
(b) treatment with a product not authorised  for organic production as part of 
scientific tests approved by the compet ent authority of the Member State. 
1.3.4.  In the cases referred to in points 1.3.2. and 1.3.3., the length of th e conversion period 
shall be fixed taking into account the following factors: 
(a) the process of degradation of the produc t concerned shall guarantee, at the end 
of the conversion period, an insignificant level of residues in the soil and, in the 
case of a perennial crop, in the plant; 
(b) the harvest following the treatment may not be sold with reference to organic 
production. 
1.3.5.  The specific conversion rules for land asso ciated with organic livestock production 
should be as follows: 
1.3.5.1.  The conversion rules shall apply to the whole area of the production unit on which 
animal feed is produced.  
EN 4   EN 1.3.5.2.  Notwithstanding point 1.3.5.1., the conversion pe riod may be reduced to one year for 
pasturages and open air areas us ed by non-herbivore species. 
1.4. Origin of plants including plant reproductive material 
1.4.1.  For the production of plants and plant products only organically produced plant 
reproductive material shall be used. To this end, the plant intended for plant 
reproductive material production and, where re levant, the mother plant shall have 
been produced in accordance w ith this Regulation for at least one generation, or, in 
the case of perennial crops, for at leas t one generation during two growing seasons. 
1.4.2.  Use of plant reproductive material no t obtained from organic production  
Plant reproductive material not obtained from organic production may be used only 
when it comes from a production unit in conve rsion to organic production or where it 
is justified for use in research, test in small-scale field trials or for genetic resources conservation purposes agreed by the competent authority of the Member State. 
1.5. Soil management and fertilisation 
1.5.1.  Organic plant production shall use tillage an d cultivation practices that maintain or 
increase soil organic matter, enhance soil stability and soil bi odiversity, and prevent 
soil compaction and soil erosion. 
1.5.2.  The fertility and biologi cal activity of the soil shall be maintained and increased by 
multiannual crop rotation including legumes and other green manure crops, and by 
the application of livestock manure or orga nic material, both pr eferably composted, 
from organic production. 
1.5.3.  Where the nutritional needs of plants ca nnot be met by measures provided for in 
points 1.5.1. and 1.5.2. only fertilisers and soil conditioners authorised for use in organic production pursuant to Article 19 may be used and only to the extent 
necessary. 
1.5.4.  The total amount of livestock manure, as defined in Council Directive 91/676/EEC
1, 
applied on the agricultura l holding, shall not exc eed 170 kg of nitrogen per 
year/hectare of agricultural area used. Th at limit shall only apply to the use of 
farmyard manure, dried farmyard manure and dehydrated poultry manure, composted 
animal excrements, including poultry manure, composted farmyard manure and liquid animal excrements. 
1.5.5.  Organic agricultural holdings may esta blish written cooperation agreements 
exclusively with other agricultural holdings  and enterprises which comply with the 
organic production rules, with the inte ntion of spreading surplus manure from 
organic production. The maximum limit as referred to in point 1.5.4., shall be 
calculated on the basis of all of the or ganic production units involved in such 
cooperation. 
1.5.6.  Preparations of micro-organisms may be used to improve the overall condition of the 
soil or the availability of nutrients in the soil or in the crops. 
1.5.7.  For compost activation appropriate plant-ba sed preparations or preparations of 
micro-organisms may be used. 
                                                
 
1 Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against 
pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (OJ L 375, 31.12.1991, p. 1).  
EN 5   EN 1.5.8.  Mineral nitrogen fertilis ers shall not be used. 
1.6. Pest and weed management 
1.6.1.  The prevention of damage caused by pest s and weeds shall rely primarily on the 
protection by: 
– natural enemies, 
– the choice of species, varietie s and heterogeneous material, 
– crop rotation, 
– cultivation techniques such as biofumigation, and 
– thermal processes such as solarisation and shallow steam treatment of the soil (to 
a maximum depth of 10 cm). 
1.6.2.  Where plants cannot be protected adequately  from pests by measures provided for in 
point 1.6.1. or in the case of an  established threat to a crop, only products authorised 
for use in organic production pursuant to Article 19 may be used and only to the 
extent necessary. 
1.6.3.  The traps or dispensers of products ot her than pheromones shall prevent the 
substances from being released into the environment and prevent contact between the 
substances and the crops being cultivated. Th e traps shall be collected after use and 
disposed of safely. 
1.7. Products  used for cleaning and disinfection 
With regard to cleaning and disinfecti on, only the products for cleaning and 
disinfection in plant production authorised  for use in organic production pursuant to 
Article 19 shall be used. 
2. Requirements for specific plants or plant products 
2.1. Rules on mushroom production 
For the production of mushrooms, substrates  may be used, if they are composed only 
of the following components: 
(a) farmyard manure and animal excrements: 
(i) either from agricultural holdings  producing according to the organic 
production rules; or 
(ii) referred to in point 1.5.3., only when the product referred to in point (i) is 
not available, provided that these farmyard manure and animal excrements do not exceed 25 % of the weight of total components of the 
substrate, excluding the covering mate rial and any added water, before 
composting; 
(b) products of agricultural orig in, other than those referred to in point (a), from 
agricultural holdings producing accordi ng to the organic production rules; 
(c) peat not chemically treated; 
(d) wood, not treated with chemi cal products after felling; 
(e) mineral products referred to in point 1.5.3., water and soil. 
2.2. Rules concerning the collection of wild plants  
EN 6   EN The collection of wild plants  and parts thereof, growing naturally in natural areas, 
forests and agricultural areas is consider ed as organic production provided that: 
(a) those areas have not, for a period of at least three years before the collection, 
received treatment with products other th an those authorised for use in organic 
production pursuant to Article 19; 
(b) the collection does not affect the stab ility of the natural habitat or the 
maintenance of the species in the collection area. 
Part II: Livestock production rules 
In addition to the production rules laid down in Articles 7, 8, 9 and 11, th e rules laid down in 
this Part shall apply to livestock production. 
1. General requirements 
1.1. Where the farmer producing livestock does not manage agricultural land and has not 
established a written cooperation agreement with another farmer, landless livestock 
production shall be prohibited. 
1.2. Conversion 
1.2.1.  The conversion period shall start at the ear liest when the farmer has notified his 
activity to the competent authorities and su bjected his holding to the control system 
in accordance with this Regulation. 
1.2.2.  Conversion periods specific to  the type of animal produc tion are set out in point 2. 
1.2.3.  Animals and animal products produced dur ing the conversion period shall not be 
marketed as organic. 
1.2.4.  Animals and animal products may be consider ed organic at the end of the conversion 
period if there is simultaneous conversion of the complete production unit, including 
livestock, pasturage or any land used for animal feed.   
1.3. Origin of animals 
1.3.1.  Organic livestock shall be born and ra ised on organic agri culturalholdings. 
1.3.2.  Animals existing on the agricultural hol ding at the beginning of the conversion 
period and their products may be deem ed organic after compliance with the 
applicable conversion period referred to in point 2. 
1.3.3.  With regard to the breeding of organic animals: 
(a) reproduction shall use natural methods; however, artificial insemination shall 
be allowed; 
(b) reproduction shall not be induced by tr eatment with hormones or similar 
substances, unless as a form of veterinary  therapeutic treatment in case of an 
individual animal; 
(c) other forms of artificial reproduction, such as cloning and embryo transfer, 
shall not be used; 
(d) the choice of breeds shall be appropriat e and shall contribute to the prevention 
of any suffering and to avoiding the need for the mutilation of animals. 
1.3.4.  In the choice of breeds or strains, account sh all be taken of the cap acity of animals to 
adapt to local conditions, without impairment of their welfare, their vitality and their  
EN 7   EN resistance to disease. In addition, breeds or  strains of animals shall be selected to 
avoid specific diseases or health problem s associated with some breeds or strains 
used in intensive production, such as por cine stress syndrome, pale-soft-exudative 
(PSE) syndrome, sudden death, spontaneous abortion and difficult births requiring 
caesarean operations. Preference shall be given to indigenous breeds and strains. 
1.3.5.  For breeding purposes, non-orga nically raised animals may be brought onto an 
agricultural holding when breeds are in dange r of being lost to farming in accordance 
with Annex IV to Commission Regulation (EC) No 1974/20062 and in that case 
animals of those breeds must not necessarily be nulliparous. 
1.4. Nutrition 
1.4.1.  General nutrition requirements  
With regard to nutrition the following rules shall apply: 
(a) feed for livestock shall be obtained primarily from the agricultural holding 
where the animals are kept or from othe r organic holdings in the same region; 
(b) livestock shall be fed with organic f eed that meets the animal's nutritional 
requirements at the various stages of its  development. Restricted feeding shall 
not be permitted in livestock production; 
(c) the keeping of livestock in conditions, or on a diet which may encourage 
anaemia, shall be prohibited; 
(d) fattening practices shall be reversible at any stage of the rearing process. Force-
feeding is forbidden; 
(e) with the exception of bees, livestock sh all have permanent access to pasture or 
roughage; 
(f) growth promoters and synthetic amino-acids shall not be used; 
(g) suckling animals shall be fed in preference on  maternal milk for a minimum 
period; 
(h) feed materials of mineral or igin, feed additives, certai n products used in animal 
nutrition and processing aids shall be us ed only if they have been authorised 
for use in organic producti on pursuant to Article 19. 
1.4.2.  Grazing of common land and transhumance 
1.4.2.1.  Organic animals may be grazed  on common land, provided that: 
(a) the common land is fully managed in accordance with this Regulation; 
(b) any non-organic animals which use the land concerned are derived from a 
production system equivalent to one of t hose provided for  in Articles 28 and 
30 of Regulation (EU) No 1305/20133; 
                                                 
2 Commission Regulation (EC) No 1974/2006 of 15 December 2006 laying down detailed rules for the 
application of Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 on support for rural development by the 
European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) (OJ L 368, 23.12.2006, p. 15). 
3 Regulation (EU) No 1305/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on 
support for rural development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and 
repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1698/2005 (OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 487).  
EN 8   EN (c) any livestock products from organic an imals, whilst using this land, is not 
regarded as being from organic produc tion, unless adequate segregation from 
non-organic animals can be proved. 
1.4.2.2.  During the period of transhumance animal s may graze on non-organic land when 
they are being moved on foot from one gr azing area to another. The uptake of non-
organic feed, in the form of grass and ot her vegetation on which the animals graze, 
shall be allowed for a maximum of 35 da ys covering both the outward and return 
journeys. 
1.4.3.  In-conversion feed  
1.4.3.1.  For in-conversion agricultural holdings, up to  15 % of the total average amount of 
feed fed to livestock may originate from  the grazing or harvesting of permanent 
pastures, perennial forage pa rcels or protein crops, so wn under organic management 
on lands in their first year of  conversion, provided that th ey are part of the holding 
itself. Feed in their first year of conversion may not be used for the production of organic processed feed. When both in-conversio n feed and feed from parcels in their 
first year of conversion are being used, the total combined  percentage of such feed 
shall not exceed the maximum pe rcentages fixed in point 1.4.3.2. 
1.4.3.2.  For organic agricultural holdings, up to 20 % on average of the feed formula of 
rations may comprise in-conversion feed, namely feed from the second year of 
conversion. For in-conversion agricultural holdings, when the in-conversion feed 
come from the holding itself, this percentage may be increased to 100. 
1.4.3.3.  The figures in points 1.4.3.1. and 1.4.3.2. shall be  calculated annually as a percentage 
of the dry matter of f eed of plant origin. 
1.4.4.  Use of certain feed materials and substances in feed 
Only organic feed materials of animal or igin as well as feed materials and feed 
additives authorised for use in organic pr oduction pursuant to Artic le 19 may be used 
in the processing of organic feed and in the feeding of organic animals.  
1.5. Health care 
1.5.1.  Disease prevention 
1.5.1.1.  Disease prevention shall be based on br eed and strain selection, husbandry 
management practices, high quality feed a nd exercise, appropri ate stocking density 
and adequate and appropriate housing maintained in hygienic conditions. 
1.5.1.2.  The use of immunological veterinary me dicinal products shall be allowed. 
1.5.1.3.  The use of chemically synthesised allopa thic veterinary me dicinal products or 
antibiotics for preventive treatment shall be prohibited. 
1.5.1.4.  The use of substances to promote growth  or production (including antibiotics, 
coccidiostatics and other artificial aids for growth promotion purposes) and the use 
of hormones or similar substances to cont rol reproduction or for other purposes (e.g. 
induction or synchroni sation of oestrus), shall be prohibited. 
1.5.1.5.  Where livestock is obtained from non-or ganic units, special measures such as 
screening tests or quarantin e periods shall apply, dependi ng on local circumstances.  
EN 9   EN 1.5.1.6.  With regard to cleaning and disinfecti on, only the products for cleaning and 
disinfection in livestock buildings and installations authorised for use in organic production pursuant to Ar ticle 19 shall be used. 
1.5.1.7.  Housing, pens, equipment and utensils shal l be properly cleaned and disinfected to 
prevent cross-infection and the build-up of  disease carrying organisms. Faeces, urine 
and uneaten or spilt feed shall be removed as often as necessary to minimise smell 
and to avoid attracting insects or rodents. R odenticides (to be used only in traps), and 
the products authorised for us e in organic production purs uant to Article 19 may be 
used for the elimination of insects and othe r pests in buildings and other installations 
where livestock is kept. 
1.5.2.  Veterinary treatment 
1.5.2.1.  Where despite preventive measures to ensure animal health animals become sick or 
injured they shall be treated immediately. 
1.5.2.2.  Disease shall be treated im mediately to avoid suffering of the animal; chemically 
synthesised allopathic veterinary medicina l products including antibiotics may be 
used where necessary and under strict condi tions and under the re sponsibility of a 
veterinarian, when the use of phytotherape utic, homeopathic a nd other products is 
inappropriate. In particular restrictions with respect to  courses of treatment and 
withdrawal periods shall be defined. 
1.5.2.3.  Feed materials of mineral origin and nutritional additives authorised for use in 
organic production pursuant to Article 19 and phytotherapeutic and homeopathic 
products shall be used in preference to ch emically-synthesised allopathic veterinary 
treatment including antibiotics, provided that their therapeutic effect is effective for the species of animal, and the conditi on for which the treatment is intended. 
1.5.2.4.  With the exception of vaccinations, treatments for parasites and compulsory 
eradication schemes where an animal or group of animals receive more than three 
courses of treatments with chemically-synthesised allopathic veterinary medicinal products including antibiotics  within 12 months, or mo re than one course of 
treatment if their pr oductive lifecycle is less than one year, the livestock concerned, 
or produce derived from them, shall not be sold as organic products, and the livestock shall undergo the conversion periods referred to in points 1.2 and 2. 
1.5.2.5.  The withdrawal period between the last admi nistration of an all opathic veterinary 
medicinal product to an animal under normal conditions of use, and the production of 
organically produced foodstuffs from such an imals, is to be twice the  withdrawal 
period as referred to in Artic le 11 of Directive 2001/82/EC or, in a case in which this 
period is not specified, 48 hours. 
1.5.2.6.  Treatments related to the protection of human and animal health imposed on the 
basis of Union legislation shall be allowed. 
1.6. Housing conditions and husbandry practices 
1.6.1.  Insulation, heating and ventilation of the bui lding shall ensure th at air circulation, 
dust level, temperature, relative air humid ity and gas concentration, are kept within 
limits which ensure the well-being of the animals. The building shall permit plentiful natural ventilation and light to enter. 
1.6.2.  
Housing for livestock shall not be mandatory in areas with appropriate climatic 
conditions to enable animals to live outdoor s. Livestock shall ha ve permanent access  
EN 10   EN to open air areas, preferably pasture, when ever weather conditions and the state of 
the ground allow this, unless restrictions and obligations related to  the protection of 
human and animal health are imposed on the basis of Union legislation. Animals 
shall have access to shelters or shady ar eas to protect them from adverse weather 
conditions. 
1.6.3.  The stocking density in buildings shall pr ovide for the comfort, the well-being and 
the species-specific needs of the animals which, in particular, shall depend on the 
species, the breed and the age of the animal s. It shall also ta ke account of the 
behavioural needs of the anim als, which depend in partic ular on the size of the group 
and the animals' sex. The density shall ensu re the animals' welfare by providing them 
with sufficient space to stand naturally, move, lie down easily, turn round, groom 
themselves, assume all natural postures and make all natural movements such as stretching and wing flapping. 
1.6.4.  The minimum surface for indoor and outdoor areas, and other characteristics of 
housing for different species and categories of animals, shall be as set out in points 2.1.4., 2.2.4., 2.3.4. and 2.4.5. 
1.6.5.  Open air areas may be partially covered. Vera ndas shall not be considered as open air 
areas. 
1.6.6.  The total stocking density shall not exceed th e limit of 170 kg of organic nitrogen per 
year and hectare of agricultural area. 
1.6.7.  To determine the appropriate density of livestock referred to in point 1.6.6, the 
competent authority shall set out the livestock units equivalent to the limit referred to in point 1.6.6., following the figures laid dow n in each of the specific requirement by 
animal production. 
1.7. Animal welfare 
1.7.1.  All persons involved in keeping animals shall possess the necessary basic knowledge 
and skills as regards the health a nd the welfare needs of the animals. 
1.7.2.  Husbandry practices, including stocking densities and housing conditions shall 
ensure that the developmental, physiologi cal and ethological n eeds of animals are 
met. 
1.7.3.  The livestock shall have permanent access to open air areas, preferably pasture, 
whenever weather conditions and the state of  the ground allow this unless restrictions 
and obligations related to the protection of  human and animal health are imposed on 
the basis of Union legislation. 
1.7.4.  The number of livestock shall be limite d with a view to minimising overgrazing, 
poaching of soil, erosion, or pollution cause d by animals or by the spreading of their 
manure. 
1.7.5.  Where Article 8(5) and point  1.4.2.2. of this Part apply, organic livestock shall be 
kept separate from other livestock.  
1.7.6.  Tethering or isolation of livestock shall be  prohibited, unless for individual animals 
for a limited period of time, and in so far as this is justified for veterinary reasons. Competent authorities may author ise cattle in micro-enterprises to be tethered if it is 
not possible to keep the cattl e in groups appropriate to their behaviour requirements,  
EN 11   EN provided they have access to pastures durin g the grazing period, a nd at least twice a 
week access to open air areas wh en grazing is not possible.  
1.7.7.  Duration of transport of livestock shall be minimised. 
1.7.8.  Any suffering shall be kept to a mini mum during the entire life of the animal, 
including at the time of slaughter. 
1.7.9.  Mutilation of animals shall be prohibited. 
1.7.10.  Any suffering to the animals shall be re duced to a minimum by applying adequate 
anaesthesia and/or analgesia and by ca rrying out the operation only at the most 
appropriate age by qualified personnel. 
1.7.11.  Physical castration shall be allowed in or der to maintain the quality of products and 
traditional production practices but only under adequate anaesthesia or analgesia and by carrying out the operation on ly at the most appropriate  age by qualified personnel. 
1.7.12.  Loading and unloading of animals shall be ca rried out without the use of any type of 
electrical stimulation to coerce the animals. The use of allopathic tranquillisers, prior 
to or during transport, shall be prohibited. 
2. Requirements for specific livestock species 
2.1. Production of bovine, ovine and caprine animals 
2.1.1.  Conversion 
For bovine, ovine and caprine animals and th eir products to be considered organic, 
the production rules set out in this Regulation must have been applied for at least: 
(a) 12 months in the case of bovines animal s for meat production, and in any case 
at least three quarters of their lifetime; 
(b) six months in the case of ovine and cap rine animals and of animals for milk 
production. 
2.1.2.  Nutrition 
With regard to nutrition the following rules shall apply: (a) bovine, ovine and caprine animals shall have access to pasturage for grazing 
whenever conditions allow; 
(b) notwithstanding point (a), male bovine animals over one year old shall have 
access to pasturage or an open air area; 
(c) in cases where bovine, ovine and capr ine animals have access to pasturage 
during the grazing period and where the winter- housing system gives freedom 
of movement to the animals, the obliga tion to provide open air areas during the 
winter months may be waived; 
(d) except during the period each year when  the animals are under transhumance 
referred to in point 1.4.2.2., at least 90 % of  the feed shall come from the farm 
itself or in case this is not feasible, be produced in coop eration with other 
organic farms in the same region; 
(e) rearing systems for bovine, ovine and caprine animals shall be based on 
maximum use of grazing pasturage according to the availability of pastures in the different periods of the year. At leas t 60 % of the dry matter in daily rations  
EN 12   EN of bovine, ovine and caprine animals sha ll consist of roughage, fresh or dried 
fodder, or silage. A reduction to 50 % for animals in dairy production for a 
maximum period of three months in early lactation shall be allowed; 
(f) all suckling bovine, ovine and caprine an imals shall be fed in preference on 
maternal milk for a minimum period of three months for bovine animals and 45 
days for ovine and caprine animals. 
2.1.3.  Specific housing conditions 
With regard to the housing condition s the following rules shall apply: 
(a) housing of bovine, ovine and caprine animals shall have smooth, but not 
slippery floors. At least ha lf of the indoor surface area  as specified in the table 
on minimum surface areas for bovine, ovi ne and caprine animals set out in 
point 2.1.4., shall be solid, that is, not of  slatted or of grid construction; 
(b) the housing shall be provided with a comf ortable, clean and dry laying/rest area 
of sufficient size, consisti ng of a solid construction wh ich is not slatted. Ample 
dry bedding strewn with litter material shall be provided in the rest area. The litter shall comprise straw or other suitable natural material. The litter may be improved and enriched with any mineral pr oduct authorised as fertiliser or soil 
conditioner for use in organic produ ction pursuant to Article 19; 
(c) notwithstanding point (a) of  the first subparagraph of Article 3(1) and the 
second subparagraph of Article 3( 1) of Council Directive 2008/119/EC
4, the 
housing of calves in indivi dual boxes shall be forbi dden after the age of one 
week, unless for individual animals for a limited period of time, and in so far as 
this is justified for veterinary reasons. 
2.1.4.  Stocking density 
The number of bovine, ovine and caprine animals per hectare shall respect the 
following limits: 
Class or species Maximum number of animals per ha 
equivalent to 170 kg N/ha/year 
Calves for fattening 5 
Other bovine animals less than one year old 5 
Male bovine animals from one to less than two 
years old 3,3 
Female bovine animals from one to less than two 
years old 3,3 
Male bovine animals two years old or over 2 
Breeding heifers 2,5 
Heifers for fattening 2,5 
                                                 
4 Council Directive 2008/119/EC of 18 December 2008 laying down minimum standards for the 
protection of calves (OJ L 10, 15.1.2009, p. 7).  
EN 13   EN Dairy cows 2 
Cull dairy cows 2 
Other cows 2,5 
Goats 13,3 
Ewes 13,3 
The minimum surface areas indoors and outdoors and other characteristics of 
housing of bovine, ovine, and caprine animals shall be as follows: 
 Indoors area 
(net area available to animals) Outdoors area 
(exercise area, excluding 
pasturage) 
 Live weight 
minimum (kg) M2/head M2/head 
up to 100 1,5 1,1 
up to 200 2,5 1,9 
up to 350 4,0 3 Breeding and fattening 
bovine animals 
over 350 5 with a minimum of 
1 m2/100 kg 3,7 with a minimum of 
0,75 m2/100 kg 
Dairy cows  6 4,5 
Bulls for breeding  10 30 
 1,5 sheep/goat 2,5 Ovine and caprine animals 
 0,35 lamb/kid 2,5 with 0,5 per lamb/kid 
2.2. Production of equine animals 
2.2.1.  Conversion 
For equine animals and their products to be co nsidered organic, the production rules of this 
Regulation must have been  applied for at least: 
(a) 12 months, for meat production, and in any case at least thre e quarters of their 
lifetime; 
(b) six months in the case of animals for milk production. 
2.2.2.  Nutrition 
With regard to nutrition the following rules shall apply: (a) equine animals shall have access to pasturage for grazing whenever conditions 
allow; 
(b) in cases where equine animals have access to pasturage during the grazing 
period and where the winter-housing system  gives freedom of movement to the  
EN 14   EN animals, the obligation to provide open air areas during the winter months may 
be waived; 
(c) except during the period each year when  the animals are under transhumance 
as mentioned in point 1.4.2.2., at least 90 % of the feed sha ll come from the 
farm  itself or in case this is not feasib le, be produced in cooperation with other 
organic farms in the same region; 
(d) rearing systems for equine animals shal l be based on maximum use of grazing 
pasturage according to the availability of pastures in the different periods of the 
year. At least 60 % of the dry matter in daily rations of equine animals shall 
consist of roughage, fresh or  dried fodder, or silage; 
(e) all suckling equine animals shall be fed in preference on maternal milk, for a 
minimum period of three months. 
2.2.3.  Specific housing conditions 
With regard to the housing condition s the following rules shall apply: 
(a) housing of equine animals shall have sm ooth, but not slippery floors. At least 
half of the indoor surface area as specified in the table on minimum surface areas for equine animals set out in point  2.2.4., shall be soli d, that is, not of 
slatted or of grid construction; 
(b) the housing shall be provided with a comf ortable, clean and dry laying/rest area 
of sufficient size, consisti ng of a solid construction wh ich is not slatted. Ample 
dry bedding strewn with litter material shall be provided in the rest area. The litter shall comprise straw or other suitable natural material. The litter may be improved and enriched with any mineral pr oduct authorised as fertiliser or soil 
conditioner for use in organic pr oduction pursuant  to Article 19. 
2.2.4.  Stocking density 
The number of equine animals per hect are shall respect the following limit: 
Class or species Maximum number of animals per ha 
equivalent to 170 kg N/ha/year 
Equine animals over six months old 2 
The minimum surface areas indoors and outdoors and other characteristics of 
housing equine animals shall be as follows:   
 Indoors area 
(net area available to animals) Outdoors area 
(exercise area, excluding 
pasturage) 
 Live weight 
minimum (kg) M2/head M2/head 
up to 100 1,5 1,1 
up to 200 2,5 1,9 Breeding and fattening 
equine animals 
up to 350 4,0 3  
EN 15   EN over 350 5 with a minimum of 
1 m2/100 kg 3,7 with a minimum of 
0,75 m2/100 kg 
2.3. Production of porcine animals 
2.3.1.  Conversion 
For porcine animals and their products to be  considered organic, the production rules 
of this Regulation must have been applied for at least six months. 
2.3.2.  Nutrition 
With regard to nutrition the following rules shall apply: (a) at least 60 % of the feed shall come from the farm itself or in case this is not 
feasible, be produced in the same regi on in cooperation with other organic 
farms or feed operators; 
(b) all suckling porcine animals shall be fed in preference on maternal milk, for a 
minimum period of 40 days; 
(c) roughage, fresh or dried fodder, or silage shall be added to the daily ration for 
pigs. 
2.3.3.  Specific housing conditions 
With regard to the housing condition s the following rules shall apply: 
(a) housing of porcine animals shall have sm ooth, but not slippery floors. At least 
half of the indoor surface area as specified in the table on minimum surface areas for porcine animals se t out in point 2.3.4., shall be  solid, that is, not of 
slatted or of grid construction; 
(b) the housing of porcine animals shall be provided with a comfortable, clean and 
dry laying/rest area of su fficient size, consisting of  a solid construction which 
is not slatted. Ample dry bedding strewn with litter material shall be provided 
in the rest area. The litter shall comp rise straw or other suitable natural 
material. The litter may be improved and enriched with any mineral product 
authorised as fertiliser or soil conditioner for use in organic production pursuant to Article 19; 
(c) sows shall be kept in groups, except in the last stages of pregnancy and during 
the suckling period; 
(d) piglets shall not be kept on fl at decks or in piglet cages; 
(e) exercise areas shall permit dunging and rooting by porcine animals. For the 
purposes of rooting different substrates can be used. 
2.3.4.  Stocking density 
The number of porcine animals per hectare shall respect the following limits: 
Class or species Maximum number of animals per ha 
equivalent to 170 kg N/ha/year 
Piglets 74 
Breeding sows 6,5  
EN 16   EN Porcine animals for fattening 14 
Other porcine animals 14 
The minimum surface areas indoors and outdoors and other characteristics for 
housing porcine animals shall be as follows: 
 Indoors area 
(net area available to animals) Outdoors area 
(exercise area, excluding 
pasturage) 
 Live weight 
minimum (kg) M2/head M2/head 
Farrowing sows with piglets 
up to 40 days  7,5 sow 2,5 
up to 50 0,8 0,6 
up to 85 1,1 0,8 Fattening porcine animals 
up to 110 1,3 1 
Piglets over 40 days and 
up to 30 kg 0,6 0,4 
 2,5 female 1,9 Brood porcine animals 
 6 male 
 If pens are used for 
natural service: 10 
m2/boar 
 8,0 
2.4. Production of poultry 
2.4.1.  Conversion 
For poultry and their products to be consider ed organic, the production rules of this 
Regulation must have been  applied for at least: 
(a) 10 weeks for poultry for meat production, broug ht in before they are three days 
old; 
(b) six weeks in the case of poultry for egg production. 
2.4.2.  Origin of poultry 
Poultry shall either be reared until they re ach a minimum age or else shall come from 
slow-growing poultry strains as defined by the competent authority. Where slow-
growing poultry strains are not used by th e farmer the minimum age at slaughter 
shall be as follows: 
(a) 81 days for chickens; 
(b) 150 days for capons; 
(c) 49 days for Peking ducks;  
EN 17   EN (d) 70 days for female Muscovy ducks; 
(e) 84 days for male Muscovy ducks; 
(f) 92 days for Mallard ducks; 
(g) 94 days for guinea fowl; 
(h) 140 days for male turkeys and roasting geese; and 
(i) 100 days for female turkeys. 
2.4.3.  Nutrition 
With regard to nutrition the following rules shall apply: (a) at least 60 % of the feed shall come from the farm itself or in case this is not 
feasible, be produced in the same regi on in cooperation with other organic 
farms or feed operators; 
(b) roughage, fresh or dried fodder, or silage  shall be added to  the daily ration. 
2.4.4.  Specific housing conditions 
With regard to the housing condition s the following rules shall apply: 
(a) poultry shall not be kept in cages; 
(b) water fowl shall have a ccess to a stream, pond, lake or a pool whenever the 
weather and hygienic conditions permit in order to respect their species-
specific needs and animal welfare requi rements; when weather conditions do 
not permit, they shall have access to water which enables them to dip their 
head therein so as to clean plumage; 
(c) poultry shall have access to an open air area for at least one third of their life. 
Open air areas for poultry shall be ma inly covered with vegetation and be 
provided with protective facilities and permit fowl to have easy access to adequate numbers of drinking troughs; 
(d) where poultry are kept indoors due to rest rictions or obliga tions imposed on the 
basis of Union legislation, they shall permanently have access to sufficient 
quantities of roughage and suitable material  in order to meet their ethological 
needs; 
(e) buildings for all poultry shall meet the following conditions: 
(i) at least one third of the floor area sha ll be solid, that is, not of slatted or 
of grid construction, and covered with  a litter material such as straw, 
wood shavings, sand or turf; 
(ii) in poultry houses for laying hens, a sufficiently large part of the floor 
area available to the hens shall be available for the collection of bird 
droppings; 
(iii) poultry shall have pe rches of a size and number commensurate with the 
size of the group and of the birds as laid down in the table on the minimum surface areas indoors and outdoor s and other characteristics of 
housing for poultry production set out in point 2.4.5.;  
(iv) the external boundary of the house,  i.e. including a possible veranda, 
shall have exit/entry pop-holes of a si ze adequate for the birds, and those  
EN 18   EN pop-holes shall have a comb ined length of at least 4 m per 100 m² area of 
the house available to the birds. Where a veranda is present, the internal 
pop-holes between the house and the veranda shall have a combined length of 2 m per 100 m² area of th e house. Twenty-four hour access to 
the veranda must be allowed; 
(v) poultry houses shall be constructed in a manner allowing all birds easy 
access to open air area, i.e. the maxi mum distance from any point within 
the house to the nearest external pop- hole shall not be more than 15 m; 
(vi) multi-layer systems shall have no mo re than three levels of usable area 
including the ground floor. There shal l be no more than 1 m between 
levels or intermediate areas, such as  nesting areas. Higher tiers shall be 
capable of having manure removed by an automated system; 
(f) natural light may be supplemented by ar tificial means to provide a maximum 
of 16 hours light per day with a con tinuous nocturnal rest period without 
artificial light of at least eight hours; 
(g) buildings shall be emptied of livestock  between each batch of poultry reared. 
The buildings and fittings shall be clean ed and disinfected during this time. In 
addition, when the rearing of each batch of poultry has been completed, runs 
shall be left empty during a period to be established by the Member States in 
order to allow vegetation to grow b ack. These requirements shall not apply 
where poultry are not reared in batches, are not kept in ru ns and are free to 
roam, throughout the day. 
2.4.5.  Stocking density 
The maximum number of animals per hectare shall respect the following limits: 
Class or species Maximum number of animals per ha 
equivalent to 170 kg N/ha/year 
Broilers 580 
Laying hens 230 
The minimum surface area indoors and outdoors and other characteristics of housing 
for birds of the species Gallus gallus  shall be as follows: 
 Breeders/ 
parents Young stock Fattening birds Capons Layers 
Age Breeding 
birds  Pullets 
0-8 weeks Pullets 9-18 
weeks Starter 
0-21 days Finisher 
22 to 81 days 22-150 days Laying 
hens from 19 
weeks 
In house 
stocking 
rate (birds 
per m2 of 
usable 
area) for 
fixed and 6 birds 24 birds with 
a maximum 
of 21 kg 
liveweight/m² 15 birds with 
a maximum 
of 21 kg 
liveweight/m² 20 birds with 
a maximum 
of 21 kg 
liveweight/m² 10 birds with 
a maximum 
of 21 kg 
liveweight/m² 10 birds with 
a maximum 
of 21 kg 
liveweight/m² 6 birds  
EN 19   EN mobile 
houses 
Perch 
space (cm)     18 
Multi-
layer 
systems additional 
limits/m
2 
of ground floor area 
(including 
veranda if 24h 
access) 9 birds 36 birds 
excluding 
veranda area 22 birds Not normally applicable 9 birds 
Flock size 
limits 3.000 
including males 10,000* 3,300 10,000* 4,800 2,500 3,000 
Open-air 
run 
stocking 
rates 
(m2/bird), 
provided 
that the 
limit of 170 kg of 
N/ha/year 
is not exceeded 4 1 4 1 4 4 4 
* sub-dividable to produce 3x3000 or 2x4800 batches 
The minimum surface areas indoors and outdoors and other characteristics of 
housing for birds of species other than Gallus gallus shall be as follows: 
 Turkeys Geese Ducks Guinea 
fowl 
Type Male Female All Peking Male 
Muscovy Female 
Muscovy Mallard All 
In house 
stocking rate 
(birds per m2 of 
usable area) for 
fixed and 
mobile houses 10 with 
a 
maximu
m of 21 
kg 
liveweight/m² 10 with a 
maximu
m of 21 
kg 
liveweigh
t/m² 10 with a 
maximu
m of 21 
kg 
liveweig
ht/m² 10 with a 
maximum 
of 21 kg 
liveweigh
t/m² 10 with a 
maximum 
of 21 kg 
liveweigh
t/m² 10 with a 
maximum 
of 21 kg 
liveweigh
t/m² 10 with a 
maximum 
of 21 kg 
liveweight/
m² 10 with a 
maximum 
of 21 kg 
liveweigh
t/m² 
Perch space (cm) 40 40 Not 
normally 
applicablNot 
normally 
applicabl40 40 Not 
normally 
applicable 20  
EN 20   EN e e 
Flock size 
limits 2,500 2,500 2,500 4,000 
females 
3,200 
males 3,200 4,000 3,200 5,200 
Open air 
stocking rate 
(m2/bird) 
provided that 
the limit of 170 
kg of N/ha/year is not exceeded 10 10 15 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4 
2.4.6.  Access to open air areas 
With regard to access to open air areas the following rules shall apply: (a) poultry shall have access to an open air area for at least one third of their life. 
In particular, continuous daytime open air access shall be provided from as 
early an age as practica lly possible, whenever physiological and physical 
conditions allow, except in the case of  temporary restrictions imposed on the 
basis of Union legislation; 
(b) open air areas for poultry shall be mainly covered with vegetation composed of 
a diverse range of plants and be provided  with protective facilities and permit 
fowl to have easy access to adequa te numbers of drinking troughs. The 
vegetation on the open-air area must be  harvested and removed at regular 
intervals to reduce the potential for nutri ent surpluses. The open air areas shall 
not extend beyond a radius of 150 m from the nearest pop-hole of the poultry 
house. However an extension of up to 350 m from the nearest pop-hole of the 
poultry house is permissible provided that  a sufficient number of shelters and 
drinking troughs are evenly distributed throughout the whole open-air area with 
at least four shelters per hectare; 
(c) under conditions where feed availability from the range area is limited, due for 
instance to long term snow  cover or arid weather conditions, supplementary 
feeding of roughage must be incl uded as part of poultry diets; 
(d) where poultry are kept indoors due to rest rictions or obliga tions imposed on the 
basis of Union legislation, they shall permanently have access to sufficient 
quantities of roughage and suitable material  in order to meet their ethological 
needs. 
2.4.7.  Animal welfare 
Live plucking of poultry shall be prohibited. 
2.5. Beekeeping 
2.5.1.  Conversion 
Beekeeping products may be so ld with references to organic production only when 
the organic production rules set out in this Regulation have been complied with for at 
least one year.  
EN 21   EN During the conversion period the wax sha ll be replaced with wax coming from 
organic beekeeping. 
2.5.2.  Origin of bees 
Preference shall be given to the use of Apis mellifera  and their local ecotypes. 
2.5.3.  Nutrition 
With regard to nutrition the following rules shall apply: (a) at the end of the production season hives sha ll be left with sufficient reserves of 
honey and pollen to survive the winter;  
(b) the feeding of bee colonies  shall only be permitted where the survival of the 
hives is endangered due to climatic c onditions. Feeding sha ll be with organic 
honey, organic sugar syrups, or organic sugar. 
2.5.4.  Specific rules on disease prevention and veterinary treatment in beekeeping 
With regard to disease prevention and vete rinary treatment the following rules shall 
apply: 
(a) for the purposes of protecting frames, hi ves and combs, in particular from 
pests, only rodenticides (to be used only in traps), and appropriate products 
authorised for use in organic produc tion pursuant to Article 19 shall be 
permitted; 
(b) physical treatments for disinfection of ap iaries such as steam or direct flame 
shall be permitted; 
(c) the practice of destroying the male br ood shall be permitted only to isolate the 
infestation of Varroa destructor;  
(d) if despite all preventive measures, the colonies become sick or infested, they 
shall be treated immediately and, if nece ssary, the colonies may be placed in 
isolation apiaries; 
(e) formic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid a nd oxalic acid as well as menthol, thymol, 
eucalyptol or camphor may be used in cases of infestation with Varroa 
destructor ; 
(f) if a treatment is applied with chemically synthesised allopathic products, 
during such a period, the col onies treated shall be place d in isolation apiaries 
and all the wax shall be replaced w ith wax coming from organic beekeeping. 
Subsequently, the conversion period of one year laid  down in point 2.5.1. shall 
apply to those colonies; 
(g) point (f) shall not apply to products au thorised for use in organic production 
pursuant to Article 19. 
2.5.5.  Specific housing conditions in beekeeping 
With regard to the housing condition s the following rules shall apply: 
(a) apiaries shall be placed in areas wh ich ensure nectar and pollen sources 
consisting essentially of organically pr oduced crops or, as appropriate, of 
spontaneous vegetation or non-organically  managed forests or crops that are 
only treated with low envi ronmental impact methods;  
EN 22   EN (b) apiaries shall be kept at sufficient dist ance from sources that may lead to the 
contamination of beekeeping products or  to the poor heal th of the bees; 
(c) the siting of the apiaries shall be such that, within a radius of 3 km from the 
apiary site, nectar and pollen sources  consist essentially of organically 
produced crops or spontaneous vege tation or crops treated with low 
environmental impact methods equivalent  to those as provided for in Articles 
28 and 30 of Regulation (EU) No  1305/2013 which cannot affect the 
qualification of beekeeping production as  being organic. These requirements 
do not apply where floweri ng is not taking place, or  the hives are dormant; 
(d) the hives and materials used in beekeepi ng shall be made basically of natural 
materials presenting no risk of contamination to the environment or the apiculture products; 
2.5.6.  Specific rules on practices in beekeeping 
With regard to beekeeping practices  the following ru les shall apply: 
(a) the beeswax for new foundations shall come from organic production units; 
(b) only natural products such as  propolis, wax and plant oi ls may be used in the 
hives; 
(c) the use of chemical synthetic repe llents shall be pr ohibited during honey 
extraction operations; 
(d) the use of brood combs shall be prohibited for honey extraction; 
(e) beekeeping shall not be considered as organic when practiced in regions or 
areas designated by Member States as regions or ar eas where organic 
beekeeping is not practicable. 
2.5.7.  Animal welfare 
With regard to animal welfare the following rules shall apply: (a) the destruction of bees in the combs as  a method associated with the harvesting 
of beekeeping products shall be prohibited; 
(b) mutilation such as clipping the wings of queen bees shall be prohibited. 
Part III: Production rules for seaweed and aquaculture animals 
1. Definitions 
For the purposes of this Part, the following definitions shall apply:
 
(1) ‘closed recirculation aquaculture facil ity’ means a facility where aquaculture 
takes place within an enclosed environment on land or on a vessel involving the recirculation of water, and depend ing on permanent external energy input 
to stabilise the environment for the aquaculture animals; 
(2) ‘energy from renewable sources’ mean s renewable non-fossil energy sources 
such as wind, solar, geothermal wave, tidal, hydropower, landfill gas, sewage treatment plant gas and biogases; 
(3) ‘hatchery’ means a place of breeding, hatching and rearing through the early 
life stages of aquaculture animals, finfish and shellfish in particular;  
EN 23   EN (4) ‘nursery’  means a place where an intermed iate production system is applied 
between the hatchery and grow-out st ages. The nursery stage is completed 
within the first third of  the production cycle with the exception of species 
undergoing a smoltification process; 
(5) ‘pollution’ means the direct or i ndirect introduction into the aquatic 
environment of substances or energy as  defined in Directive 2000/60/EC of the 
European Parliament and of the Council5 and in Directive 2008/56/EC of the 
European Parliament and of the Council6, in the waters to which those 
Directives apply, respectively; 
(6) ‘polyculture’ means the rearing of two or more species usually from different 
trophic levels in the same culture unit; 
(7) ‘production  cycle’ means the lifespan of an  aquaculture animal or seaweed 
from the earliest life stage (fertilised eggs  in the case of aqua culture animals) to 
harvesting; 
(8) ‘locally grown species’  means species which are neither alien nor locally absent 
species under Council Regulation (EC) No 708/20077, as well as the species listed 
in Annex IV to that Regulation; 
(9) ‘stocking  density’ means the live weight of aquaculture animals per cubic metre 
of water at any time during the grow-out phase and in the case of flatfish and 
shrimp the weight per square metre of surface.  
2. General requirements  
2.1. Operations shall be situated in locations that are not subject to contamination by 
products or substances not authorised for us e in organic production, or pollutants that 
would compromise the organic nature of the products. 
2.2. Organic and non-organic production units sh all be separated ad equately and in 
accordance with the minimum separation distances set by Member States, where such minimum separation distances have been  set. Such separation measures shall be 
based on the natural situation, separate water distribution sy stems, distances, the tidal 
flow, the upstream and the downstream lo cation of the organi c production unit. 
Seaweed production shall not be considered as organic when practiced at locations or 
in areas designated by Member State author ities as locations or areas which are 
unsuitable for organic aquaculture or seaweed harvesting. 
2.3. An environmental assessment proportionate to the production unit shall be required 
for all new operations applyi ng for organic production a nd producing more than 20 
tonnes of aquaculture products per year to ascertain the conditions of the production unit and its immediate environment and lik ely effects of its operation. The operator 
shall provide the environmental assessment to the control authority or control body. 
The content of the environmental assessment shall be based on Annex IV to 
                                                
 
5 Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a 
framework for Community action in the field of water policy (OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1). 
6 Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a 
framework for Community action in the field of marine environmental policy (Marine Strategy Framework Directive) (OJ L 164, 25.6.2008, p. 19). 
7 Council Regulation (EC) No 708/2007 of 11 June 2007 concerning use of alien and locally absent 
species in aquaculture (OJ L 168, 28.6.2007, p. 1).  
EN 24   EN Directive 2011/92/EU of the Europ ean Parliament and of the Council8. If the unit has 
already been subject to an equivalent assessment, then its use shall be permitted for this purpose. 
2.4. The operator shall provide a sustainable management plan proportionate to the 
production unit for aquaculture and seaweed harvesting. 
2.5. The plan shall be updated annually and shall detail the environmental effects of the 
operation, the environmental monitoring to be  undertaken, and list measures to be 
taken to minimise negative impacts on the surrounding aquati c and terrestrial 
environments, including, where applicable , nutrient discharge into the environment 
per production cycle or per annum. The plan shall record the surveillance and repair 
of technical equipment. 
2.6. Aquaculture and seaweed business operators sh all draw up as part of the sustainable 
management plan a waste reduction schedule to be put in place at the commencement of operations. Where possible, the use of re sidual heat shall be limited to energy 
from renewable sources. For seaweed harvesting a once-off biomass estimate shall be undertaken at the outset. 
3. Requirements for seaweed 
In addition to the general production rules laid down in Articles 7, 8, 9 and 12, and 
where relevant in Section 2, the rules laid down in this Section 3 shall apply to the 
collection and production of seaw eed. Those rules shall apply mutatis mutandis  to 
the production of all multi-c ellular marine algae or phytoplankton and micro-algae 
for further use as feed for aquaculture animals. 
3.1. Conversion 
3.1.1.  The conversion period for a seaweed harv esting site shall be six months. 
3.1.2.  The conversion period for a seaweed cultivatio n unit shall be a period of six months 
or one full production cycle, whichever is the longer. 
3.1.3.  During the conversion period, the aquacult ure holding may be split into clearly 
separated units which are not all manage d under organic production. As regards 
seaweed production, the same species may be involved, provided that there is 
adequate separation between the units. 
3.2. Production rules for seaweed 
3.2.1.  The collection of wild seaweeds and parts th ereof, growing naturally in the sea, is 
considered as organic production provided that: 
(a) the growing areas are of high ecologica l status as defi ned by Directive 
2000/60/EC 
9, and are not unsuitable from a health point of view. 
(b) the collection does not affect significantly the stability of the natural ecosystem 
or the maintenance of the sp ecies in the collection area. 
                                                 
8 Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the 
assessment of the effects of certain  public and private projects on the environment (OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, 
p. 1). 
9 Directive 2006/113/EC of the Eu ropean Parliament and of the Co uncil of 12 December 2006 on the 
quality required of shellfish waters (OJ L 376, 27.12.2006, p. 14).  
EN 25   EN 3.2.2.  The cultivation of seaweeds shall take place in coastal areas with environmental and 
health characteristics at least equivalent to  those outlined in point 3.2.1(a) in order to 
be considered organic. In addition th e following production rules shall apply: 
(a) sustainable practices shall be used in all stages of  production, from collection 
of juvenile seaweed to harvesting; 
(b) to ensure that a wide gene-pool is maintained, the coll ection of juvenile 
seaweed in the wild sha ll take place on a regular basis to supplement indoor 
culture stock; 
(c) fertilisers shall not be used except in indoor facilities and only if they have 
been authorised for use in organic production for this purpose. 
3.3. Seaweed cultivation 
3.3.1.  Seaweed culture at sea shall only utilis e nutrients naturally occurring in the 
environment, or from organic aquacultu re animal production, preferably located 
nearby as part of a polyculture system. 
3.3.2.  In facilities on land where external nutrient sources are used, the nutrient levels in the 
effluent water shall be verifiably the same, or lower, than the inflowing water. Only 
nutrients of plant or mineral origin aut horised for use in organic production pursuant 
to Article 19 may be used. 
3.3.3.  Culture density or operational intensity sh all be recorded and shall maintain the 
integrity of the aquatic environment by ensuring that the maximum quantity of 
seaweed which can be supported without nega tive effects on the environment is not 
exceeded. 
3.3.4.  Ropes and other equipment used for growi ng seaweed shall be re -used or recycled 
where possible. 
3.4. Sustainable harvesting of wild seaweed 
3.4.1.  A once-off biomass estimate shall be undertak en at the outset of  seaweed harvesting 
3.4.2.  Documentary accounts shall be maintained in the unit or premises and shall enable 
the operator to identify and the control au thority or control body to verify that the 
harvesters have supplied only wild seaweed produced in accordance with this Regulation. 
3.4.3.  Harvesting shall be carried out in such a way that the amounts harvested do not cause 
a significant impact on the state of the aqua tic environment. Measures shall be taken 
to ensure that seaweed can regenerate and by-catches are prevented, such as harvest 
technique, minimum sizes, ages, reproductive  cycles or size of remaining seaweed. 
3.4.4.  If seaweed is harvested from a shared  or common harvest area, documentary 
evidence shall be available that the total harvest comp lies with this Regulation. 
4. Requirements for aquaculture animals 
In addition to the general production rules laid down in Article 7, 8, 9 and 12, the 
rules laid down in this Section 4 shall apply to species of fish, crustaceans, 
echinoderms and molluscs, as referred to  in point 4.1.5.10. Those rules also shall 
apply mutatis mutandis  to zooplankton, micro-crustacean s, rotifers, worms and other 
aquatic feed animals. 
4.1. General requirements  
EN 26   EN 4.1.1.  Conversion 
4.1.1.1.  The following conversion periods for aquacult ure production units shall apply for the 
following types of aquaculture facilities in cluding 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 convers ion period of 12 
months; 
(c) for facilities that have been draine d, cleaned and disinfected a conversion 
period of six months; 
(d) for open water facilities including those producing bivalve molluscs, a 
conversion period of three months. 
4.1.1.2.  During the conversion period, the aquacult ure holding may be split into clearly 
separated units which are not all manage d under organic production. As regards the 
production of aquaculture animals, the same species may be involved provided that there is adequate sepa ration between the units. 
4.1.2.  Origin of aquaculture animals 
4.1.2.1.  With regard to the origin of the aquaculture animals the following rules shall apply: 
(a) organic aquaculture shall be based on the rearing of  young stock originating 
from organic broodstock and organic holdings; 
(b) locally grown species shall be used a nd breeding shall aim to give strains 
which are more adapted to production c onditions, ensuring good animal health 
and welfare and good utilisation of feed resources. Documentary evidence of 
their origin and treatment shall be provi ded for the control authority or control 
body; 
(c) species shall be chosen which are robus t and can be produced without causing 
significant damage to wild stocks; 
(d) wild caught or non-organic aquaculture animals may be  brought into a holding 
with a view to improving genetic stoc k. Such animals shall be kept under 
organic management for at least three months before they may be used for breeding. 
4.1.2.2.  The following rules shall appl y with regard to breeding:   
(a) the use of hormones and hormone derivates shall be prohibited; 
(b) artificial production of monosex strains, except by hand sorting, induction of 
polyploidy, artificial hy bridisation and cloning shall not be used; 
(c) the appropriate strains shall be chosen; 
(d) where appropriate, specie s-specific conditions fo r broodstock management, 
breeding and juvenile produc tion shall be established. 
4.1.3.  Nutrition 
4.1.3.1.  With regard to feed for fish and crus taceans and echinoderms: the following rules 
shall apply:  
EN 27   EN (a) animals shall be fed with feed that m eets the animal's nutritional requirements 
at the various stages of its development; 
(b) feeding regimes shall be designe d with the following priorities: 
(i) animal health and welfare; (ii) high product quality, including th e nutritional composition which shall 
ensure high quality of the final edible product; 
(iii) low environmental impact; 
(c) the plant fraction of feed shall originat e from organic production and the feed 
fraction derived from aquatic animals sh all originate from organic aquaculture 
or sustainable exploita tion of fisheries; 
(d) in the case of non-organic feed materials from plant origin, feed materials from 
animal and mineral origin, feed additiv es, certain products used in animal 
nutrition and processing aids shall be us ed only if they have been authorised 
for use in organic production under this Regulation; 
(e) growth promoters and synthetic amino-acids shall not be used; 
(f) only feed materials of mineral origin au thorised for use in organic production 
pursuant to Article 19 may be used in organic aquaculture; 
(g) only feed additives, certain products used  in animal nutrition and processing 
aids as referred to in point 1.4.4. of Part  II may be used in organic aquaculture. 
4.1.3.2.  The following rules shall apply with regard  to bivalve molluscs and other species 
which are not fed by man but feed on natural plankton: 
(a) such filter-feeding animals shall receive all their nutritional requirements from 
nature except in the case of juveniles reared in hatcheries and nurseries; 
(b) the growing areas shall be of high eco logical status as defined by Directive 
2000/60/EC.  
4.1.3.3.  Specific rules on feed for carnivorous aquaculture animals 
Feed for carnivorous aquaculture animal s shall be sourced with the following 
priorities: 
(a) organic feed of a quaculture origin; 
(b) fish meal and fish oil fro m organic aquaculture trim mings sourced from fish, 
crustaceans or molluscs; 
(c) fish meal and fish oil and ingredients of  fish origin derived from trimmings of 
fish, crustaceans or molluscs already caught for human consumption in sustainable fisheries; 
(d) fish meal and fish oil and ingredients of  fish origin derived from whole fish, 
crustaceans or molluscs caught in sustaina ble fisheries and not used for human 
consumption; 
(e) organic feed materials of plant or animal  origin; plant material shall not exceed 
60% of total ingredients. 
4.1.3.4.  Specific rules on feed for certain aquaculture animals  
EN 28   EN Fish in inland waters, penaeid shrimps and freshwater prawns and tropical freshwater 
fish shall be fed as follows:  
(a) they shall be fed with feed natura lly available in ponds and lakes; 
(b) where natural feed is not available in suffi cient quantities as re ferred to in point 
(a), organic feed of plant origin, preferably grown on the farm itself or seaweed 
may be used. Operators shall keep docum entary evidence of the need to use 
additional feed; 
(c) where natural feed is supplemented in acco rdance with point (b) the feed ration 
of species  as referred to in po int 4.1.5.10. (g) and of siamese catfish 
(Pangasius spp.) may comprise a maximum of  10 % fishmeal or fish oil 
derived from sustainable fisheries. 
4.1.4.  Health care 
4.1.4.1.  Disease prevention 
With regard to disease preventi on the following rules shall apply: 
(a) disease prevention shall be based on keep ing the animals in optimal conditions 
by appropriate siting, taking into account, inter alia , the species’ requirements 
as to good water quality, flow and ex change rate, optimal design of the 
holdings, the application of good husba ndry and management practices, 
including regular cleaning and disinfection of prem ises, high quality feed, 
appropriate stocking density, and breed and strain selection; 
(b) the use of immunological veterina ry medicines is allowed; 
(c) an animal health management plan shall detail biosecurity and disease 
prevention practices including a written  agreement for health counselling, 
proportionate to the production unit, with qualified aquaculture animal health services who shall visit the farm at a fr equency of not less than once per year 
and not less than once every two years in the case of bivalve shellfish; 
(d) holding systems, equipment and utensi ls shall be properly cleaned and 
disinfected; 
(e) bio-fouling organisms shall be remove d only by physical means or by hand and 
where appropriate returned to the sea at a distance from the farm; 
(f) only substances for cleaning and disinf ection of equipment and facilities 
authorised for use in organic producti on pursuant to Article 19 may be used. 
(g) with regard to fallowing the following rules shall apply: 
(i) the competent authority shall determine whether fallowing is necessary 
and the appropriate duration which sh all be applied and documented after 
each production cycle in open water containment systems at sea;  
(ii) it shall not be mandatory for bivalve mollusc cultivation; 
(iii) during fallowing the cage or other st ructure used for aquaculture animal 
production is emptied, disinfected a nd left empty before being used 
again; 
(h) where appropriate, uneaten fish-feed, faeces and dead animals shall be 
removed promptly to avoid any risk of  significant environmental damage as  
EN 29   EN regards water status quality, minimise disease risks, and to avoid attracting 
insects or rodents; 
(i) ultraviolet light and ozone may be us ed only in hatcheries and nurseries; 
(j) for biological control of ectoparasites pref erence shall be given to the use of 
cleaner fish. 
4.1.4.2.  Veterinary treatments 
The following rules shall apply with regard to veterinary treatments: 
(a) disease shall be treated immediatel y to avoid suffering to the animal; 
chemically synthesised allopathic ve terinary medicinal products including 
antibiotics may be used where necessa ry, under strict conditions and under the 
responsibility of a veterinarian, when the use of phytotherapeutic, homeopathic 
and other products is inappropriate. Wh ere appropriate, re strictions with 
respect to courses of treatment and w ithdrawal periods shall be defined; 
(b) treatments related to the protection of human and animal health imposed on the 
basis of Union legislation shall be allowed; 
(c) when despite preventive measures to ensure animal health, according to point 
4.1.4.1., a health problem arises, veterina ry treatments may be used in the 
following order of preference: 
(i) substances from plants, animals or  minerals in a homoeopathic dilution; 
(ii) plants and their extracts not  having anaesthetic effects; and 
(iii) substances such as trace elements, metals, natural immunostimulants or 
authorised probiotics; 
(d) the use of allopathic treatments shall be limited to two courses of treatment per 
year, with the exception of vaccinations  and compulsory eradication schemes. 
However, in the cases of a production cycl e of less than a year a limit of one 
allopathic treatment applies. If the indicated limits for allopathic treatments are exceeded the aquaculture animals concerned shall not be sold as organic products; 
(e) the use of parasite treatments, not including compulsory control schemes 
operated by Member States, shall be limite d to twice per year or once per year 
where the production cycle is less than 18 months; 
(f) the withdrawal period for allopathic veterinary treatments and parasite 
treatments in accordance with point (d), including treatments under compulsory control and eradication schemes, sha ll be twice the withdrawal period as 
referred to in Article 11 of Directive 2001/82/EC or, in a case in which this 
period in not specified, 48 hours; 
(g) whenever veterinary medicinal products ar e used, such use shall be declared to 
the control authority or the control body before the animals are marketed as 
organic. Treated stock sha ll be clearly identifiable. 
4.1.5.  Housing conditions and husbandry practices  
4.1.5.1.  Closed recirculation aquaculture animal pr oduction facilities shall be prohibited, with 
the exception of hatcheries and nurseries or for the production of species used for 
organic feed organisms.  
EN 30   EN 4.1.5.2.  Artificial heating or cooling of water shall only be permitted in hatcheries and 
nurseries. Natural borehole water may be used to heat or cool water at all stages of 
production. 
4.1.5.3.  The husbandry environment of the aquacultur e animals shall be designed in such a 
way that, in accordance with their species specific needs, the aquaculture animals 
shall: 
(a) have sufficient space for their wellbei ng and, where appropriate, a minimum 
stocking density; 
(b) be kept in water of  good quality with, inter alia , an adequate flow and 
exchange rate, sufficient oxygen levels a nd keeping a low level of metabolites; 
(c) be kept in temperature and light conditions in accordance with the 
requirements of the species and having regard to the geographic location. 
In the case of freshwater fish, the bottom t ype shall be as close as possible to natural 
conditions. 
In the case of carp, the bottom shall be natural earth. 
4.1.5.4.  The design and construction of aquatic cont ainment systems shall provide flow rates 
and physiochemical parameters that safegua rd the animals’ heal th and welfare and 
provide for their behavioural needs.  
4.1.5.5.  Rearing units on land shall m eet the following conditions: 
(a) for flow-through systems it shall be possi ble to monitor and control the flow 
rate and water quality of both in-flowing and out-flowing water; 
(b) at least five percent of the perimeter (“land-water interf ace”) area shall have 
natural vegetation. 
4.1.5.6.  Containment systems at sea shal l meet the following conditions: 
(a) they shall be located where water flow , depth and water-body exchange rates 
are adequate to minimise the impact  on the seabed and the surrounding water 
body; 
(b) they shall have suitable cage design, cons truction and maintenance with regard 
to their exposure to the operating environment. 
4.1.5.7.  Containment systems shall be designed, loca ted and operated to minimise the risk of 
escape incidents. 
4.1.5.8.  If fish or crustaceans escape, appropriate action shall be taken to reduce the impact 
on the local ecosystem, including recap ture, where appropriate. Documentary 
evidence shall be maintained. 
4.1.5.9.  For aquaculture animal production in fis hponds, tanks or raceways, farms shall be 
equipped with either natural-filter beds , settlement ponds, biological filters or 
mechanical filters to collect waste nutrient s or use seaweeds or animals (bivalves and 
algae) which contribute to improving the qual ity of the effluent. Effluent monitoring 
shall be carried out at regular  intervals where appropriate. 
4.1.5.10.  Stocking density   
EN 31   EN In considering the effects of the stocking density on the welfare of produced fish, the 
condition of the fish (such as fin damage , other injuries, growth rate, behaviour 
expressed and overall health) and th e water quality shall be monitored. 
The stocking density shall be as se t out by species or group of species: 
(a) Organic production of salmonids in fresh water: 
Species concerned: brown trout (Salmo trutta) – rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus 
mykiss) – American brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) – salmon (Salmo salar) 
– charr (Salvelinus alpinus) – grayling (Thymallus thymallus) – American lake 
trout (or grey trout) (Salvelinus namaycush) – huchen (Huchohucho) 
 
Production system Ongrowing farm system s must be fed from open systems. 
The flow rate must ensure a minimum of 60 % oxygen saturation for stock and must ensure their comfort and the 
elimination of production effluent. 
Maximum stocking density Salmonid species not listed below 15 kg/m
3 
Salmon 20 kg/m3 
Brown trout and Rainbow trout 25 kg/m3 
Arctic charr 20 kg/m3 
(b) Organic production of salmonids in sea water: 
Species concerned: salmon (Salmo salar) , brown trout (Salmo trutta) - rainbow 
trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) 
 
Maximum stocking 
density 10 kg/m3 in net pens 
(c) Organic production of cod (Gadus morhua)  and other Gadidae, sea bass 
(Dicentrarchus labrax) , sea bream (Sparus aurata) , meagre (Argyrosomus 
regius) , turbot (Psetta maxima [= Scopthalmus maximux]) , red porgy (Pagrus 
pagrus [= Sparus pagrus]) , red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus)  and other Sparidae, 
and spinefeet (Siganus spp.)  
 
Production system In open water containm ent systems (net pens/cages) with 
minimum sea current speed to provide optimum fish welfare or in open systems on land. 
Maximum stocking density For fish other than turbot: 15 kg/m
3 
 For turbot: 25 kg/m
² 
(d) Organic production of sea bass,  sea bream, meagre, mullets (Liza, Mugil) and 
eel (Anguilla spp. ) in earth ponds of tidal areas and costal lagoons 
 
Containment system Traditional salt pans transformed into aquaculture 
production units and similar earth ponds in tidal areas 
Production system There shall be adequa te renewal of water to ensure the 
welfare of the species,  At least 50 % of the dike s must have plant cover  
EN 32   EN  
Wetland based depuration ponds required 
Maximum stocking density 4 kg/m
3 
(e) Organic production of sturgeon in fresh water: 
Species concerned: Sturgeon family ( Acipenseridae ) 
 
Production system Water flow in each rearing unit shall be sufficient to ensure 
animal welfare  Effluent water to be of equiva lent quality to incoming water 
Maximum stocking 
density 30 kg/m3 
 
(f) Organic production of fish in inland waters: 
Species concerned: carp family (Cyprinidae) and other associated species in 
the context of polyculture , including perch, pike, cat fish, coregonids, sturgeon 
 
Production system In fishponds which shall periodically be fully drained and in 
lakes. Lakes must be devo ted exclusively to organic 
production, including the growi ng of crops on dry areas. 
 The fishery capture area must  be equipped with a clean 
water inlet and of a size to pr ovide optimal comfort for the 
fish. The fish must be stored in clean water after harvest. 
 Organic and mineral fertilisation of the ponds and lakes shall be carried out with only fertilisers and soil conditioners authorised for use in organic production pursuant to Article 19 with a maximum application of 20 kg nitrogen/ha.  Treatments involving synthetic chemicals for the control of hydrophytes and plant coverage pr esent in production waters 
shall be prohibited.  Areas of natural vegetation shall be maintained around inland water units as a buffer zone for external land areas 
not involved in the production operation in accordance with 
the rules of orga nic aquaculture. 
 For grow-out ‘polyculture’ shall be used on condition that the criteria laid down in the present specifications for the 
other species of lakes fish are duly adhered to.  
Production yield The total production of species is limited to 1500 kg of fish 
per hectare per year.  
EN 33   EN (g) Organic production of penaeid sh rimps and freshwater prawns 
(Macrobrachium spp.): 
Establishment of 
production unit/s Location to be in sterile clay areas to minimise 
environmental impact of pond construction. Ponds to be built with the natural pre-existing clay. Mangrove destruction shall not be permitted. 
Conversion time Six months per pond, co rresponding to th e normal lifespan 
of a produced shrimp. 
Broodstock origin A minimum of half the broodstock shall be domesticated 
after three years ope rating The remainder is to be pathogen 
free wild broodstock originating from sustainable fisheries. A compulsory screening to be implemented on the first and second generation prior to introducing to the farm. 
Eyestalk ablation Is prohibited. 
Maximum on farm stocking densities and production limits Seeding: maximum 22 post larvae/m
2 
 Maximum instantaneous biomass: 240 g/m
2 
(h) Molluscs and echinoderms: 
Production systems Long-lines, rafts, bot tom culture, net bags, cages, trays, 
lantern nets, bouchot poles and other containment systems. 
 For mussel cultivation on rafts the number of drop-ropes shall not exceed one per squa re meter of surface area. The 
maximum drop-rope length shall not exceed 20 m. Thinning-out of drop-ropes shal l not take place during the 
production cycle, however sub- division of drop ropes shall 
be permitted without increasing stocking density at the outset. 
(i) Tropical fresh water fish: milkfish (Chanos chanos) , tilapia ( Oreochromis 
spp.), siamese catfish ( Pangasius spp.): 
Production systems Ponds and net cages 
Maximum stocking 
density Pangasius: 10 kg/m3 
 Oreochromis: 20 kg/m
3 
4.1.6.  Animal welfare 
4.1.6.1.  All persons involved in keeping aquacultu re animals shall possess the necessary 
basic knowledge and skills as regards the he alth and the welfare needs of the animals 
4.1.6.2.  Handling of aquaculture animals shall be  minimised, undertaken  with the greatest 
care and proper equipment and protocols us ed to avoid stress and physical damage 
associated with handling procedures. Broods tock shall be handled in a manner to 
minimise physical damage and stress a nd under anaesthesia where appropriate. 
Grading operations shall be kept to a mi nimum and as required to ensure fish 
welfare. 
4.1.6.3.  The following restrictions shall appl y to the use of artificial light:  
EN 34   EN (a) for prolonging natural day-length it sh all not exceed a maximum that respects 
the ethological needs, geogr aphical conditions and gene ral health of  produced 
animals, this maximum shall not exceed 16 hours per day, except for 
reproductive purposes; 
(b) abrupt changes in light intensity shall be avoided at the changeover time by the 
use of dimmable lights or background lighting. 
4.1.6.4.  Aeration is permitted to ensure animal we lfare and health, unde r the condition that 
mechanical aerators are preferably powered by renewable energy sources. 
4.1.6.5.  The use of oxygen is only permitted for uses linked to animal health and welfare 
requirements and critical periods of producti on or transport, in the following cases: 
(a) exceptional cases of temperature rise or  drop in atmospheric pressure or 
accidental pollution; 
(b) occasional stock management procedures such as sampling and sorting; 
(c) in order to assure the su rvival of the farm stock. 
4.1.6.6.  Appropriate measures shall be taken to keep  the duration of transport of aquaculture 
animals to a minimum. 
4.1.6.7.  Any suffering shall be kept to a mini mum during the entire life of the animal, 
including at the time of slaughter. 
4.1.6.8.  Slaughter techniques shall render fish im mediately unconscious and insensible to 
pain. Handling prior to slaughter shall be performed in a way that avoids injuries 
while keeping suffering and stress at a mi nimum. Differences in  harvesting sizes, 
species, and production sites must be take n into account when considering optimal 
slaughtering methods. 
4.2. Specific rules for molluscs 
4.2.1.  Origin of seed 
With regard to the origin of seed the following rules shall apply: (a) wild seed from outside the boundaries of  the production unit may be used in 
the case of bivalve shellfish, provided that there is no significant damage to the environment, it is permitted by local legi slation and the wild seed comes from: 
(i) settlement beds which are unlikel y to survive winter weather or are 
surplus to requirements; or 
(ii) natural settlement of shellfish seed on collectors; 
 (b) for the cupped oyster, Crassostrea gigas , preference shall be given to stock 
which is selectively bred to  reduce spawning in the wild; 
(c) records shall be kept of how, where and when wild seed was collected to allow 
traceability back to the collection area. 
4.2.2.  Housing conditions and husbandry practices 
With regard to the housing conditions a nd husbandry practices the following rules 
shall apply:  
EN 35   EN (a) production may be carried out in the same  area of water as organic finfish and 
seaweed production in a polyculture system to be documented in the 
sustainable management plan. Bivalve molluscs may also be grown together 
with gastropod molluscs, such as periwinkles, in polyculture; 
(b) organic bivalve mollusc production shall ta ke place within areas delimited by 
posts, floats or other clear markers and shall, as appropriate, be restrained by net bags, cages or other man made means; 
(c) organic shellfish farms shall minimise ri sks to species of conservation interest. 
If predator nets are used their desi gn shall not permit diving birds to be 
harmed. 
4.2.3.  Cultivation 
With regard to cultivation the following rules shall apply: (a) cultivation on mussel ropes and other methods listed in point 4.1.5.10 (h) may 
be eligible for organic production; 
(b) bottom cultivation of molluscs is only permitted where no significant 
environmental impact is caused at the collection and growing sites. The evidence of minimal environmental impact  shall be supported by a survey and 
report on the exploited area to be pr ovided by the operator to the control 
authority or control body. The report shall be  added as a separa te chapter to the 
sustainable management plan. 
4.2.4.  Management 
With regard to management the following rules shall apply: (a) production shall use a stocking density not in excess of that used for non-
organic molluscs in the locality. So rting, thinning and stocking density 
adjustments shall be made according to the biomass and to ensure animal welfare and high product quality; 
(b) biofouling organisms shall be removed by physical means or by hand and 
where appropriate returned to the sea away from mollusc farms. Molluscs may 
be treated once during the production cy cle with a lime solution to control 
competing fouling organisms. 
4.2.5.  Specific cultivation rules for oysters 
Cultivation in bags on trestles shall be permitted. These or other structures in which 
the oysters are contained shall be set out so as to avoid the formation of a total barrier 
along the shoreline. Stock shall be positioned carefully on the beds in relation to tidal 
flow to optimise production. Production shall meet the requirements set out in point 
4.1.5.10. (h). 
Part IV: Processed food and processed feed production rules 
In addition to the general produc tion rules laid down in Articl es 7, 9 and 13, the rules laid 
down in this Part shall apply to processed food and processed feed.  
1. General requirements for the producti on of processed food and feed  
EN 36   EN 1.1. Food and feed additives, processing aids and other substances and ingredients used 
for processing food or feed and any proces sing practice applied, such as smoking, 
shall respect the principles of good manufacturing practice10. 
1.2. Operators producing processed food or feed  shall establish and update appropriate 
procedures based on a systematic identif ication of critical processing steps. 
1.3. The application of the procedures referred to  in point 1.2. shall gu arantee at all times 
that the produced processed produc ts comply with this Regulation. 
1.4. Operators shall comply with and implement the procedures referred to in point 1.2., 
and in particular shall: 
(a) take preventive measures to avoid th e risk of contamination by unauthorised 
substances or products; 
(b) implement suitable cleaning measures, m onitor their effectiveness and record 
these operations; 
(c) guarantee that non-organic products are not placed on the market with an 
indication referring to  organic production. 
1.5. The preparation of processed or ganic products shall be kept separate in time or space 
from non-organic products. When non-organi c products are also prepared or stored 
in the preparation unit con cerned, the operator shall:  
(a) inform the control authority or control body accordingly; 
(b) carry out the operations continuously until the complete run has been dealt 
with, separated by place or time from  similar operations performed on non-
organic products; 
(c) store organic products, before and after the operations, separate by place or 
time from non-organic products; 
(d) keep available an updated register of all operations and qua ntities processed; 
(e) take the necessary measures to ensure identification of lots and to avoid 
mixtures or exchanges w ith non-organic products; 
(f) carry out operations on organic produc ts only after suitable cleaning of the 
production equipment. 
1.6. Products, substances and techniques that reco nstitute properties that are lost in the 
processing and storage of organic food, that correct the results of  negligence in the 
processing of organic food or that otherwise may be misleading as to the true nature 
of products intended to be marketed as organic food shall not be used. 
2. Requirements for the production of processed food 
2.1. The following conditions shall apply to th e composition of organic processed food: 
(a) the product shall be produced mainly from  agricultural ingredients; in order to 
determine whether a product is produced mainly from agricultural ingredients, added water and salt 
shall not be taken into account; 
                                                 
10 Good manufacturing practices (GMPs) as defined  in Article 3(a) of Commission Regulation (EC) N° 
2023/2006 of 22 December 2006 on  good manufacturing practice for materials and articles intended to 
come into contact with food (O.J. L 384, 29.12.2006, p. 75)  
EN 37   EN (b) only those food additives, processing aids , flavourings, water, salt, preparations 
of micro-organisms and food enzymes, mi nerals, trace elements, vitamins, as 
well as amino acids and ot her micronutrients in f oodstuffs for particular 
nutritional uses authorised for use in or ganic production pursua nt to Article 19 
may be used; 
(c) an organic ingredient shall not be presen t together with the same ingredient in 
conversion or  in non-organic form; 
(d) food produced from in-conversion crops sh all contain only one crop ingredient 
of agricultural origin. 
2.2. Use of certain products and subs tances in processing of food  
2.2.1.  Only the products and substan ces as referred to in  point 2.1(b) as well as the products 
and substances referred to in points 2.2.2, 2.2.4. and 2.2.5., may be used in the processing of food, with the exception of pr oducts and substances of the wine sector, 
for which point 2 of Part V shall apply, and of yeast for which point 1.3 of Part VI 
shall apply. 
2.2.2.  In the processing of food, the use of the following products and substances shall be 
allowed:  
(a) preparations of micro-organisms a nd food enzymes normally used in food 
processing; however food enzymes to be used as food additives have to be 
authorised for use in organic production pursuant to Article 19; 
(b) substances, and products as defined in Article 3(2)(b ) and (d) of Regulation 
(EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council
11 labelled 
as natural flavouring substances or natural flavouring preparations, in 
accordance with Articles 15(1)(e) an d Article 16 of that Regulation;. 
(c) colours for stamping meat and eggshells  in accordance with   Article 17 of 
Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the Eu ropean Parliament and of the 
Council12; 
(d) drinking water and salt (with sodium chlo ride or potassium chloride as basic 
components) generally used in food processing; 
(e) minerals (trace elements included), vitamins, aminoacids, and micronutrients, 
only authorised as far their use is lega lly required in the foodstuffs in which 
they are incorporated. 
2.2.3.  For the purpose of the calculation referred to  in Article 21(3), the following rules 
shall apply: 
(a) certain food additives authorised for use in organic production pursuant to 
Article 19 shall be calculated as agricultural ingredients; 
(b) preparations and substances referred to in point 2.2.2. shall no t be calculated as 
agricultural ingredients; 
                                                 
11 Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on 
flavourings and certain food ingredients with flavouring properties for use in and on foods and 
amending Council Regulation (EEC) No 1601/91, Regulations (EC) No 2232/96 and (EC) No 110/2008 and Directive 2000/13/EC (OJ L 354, 31.12.2008, p. 34). 
12 Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on 
food additives (OJ L 354, 31.12.2008, p. 16).    
EN 38   EN (c) yeast and yeast products shall be calcu lated as agricultural ingredients. 
2.2.4.  The following non-organic agricu ltural ingredients may be us ed in the processing of 
organic food: 
(a) animal products: 
(i) aquatic organisms, not originating from aquaculture, and permitted in 
non-organic foodstuffs preparation; 
(ii) gelatin;  (iii) casings; 
(b) unprocessed vegetable products as well as products derived therefrom by 
processing: 
(i) edible fruits, nuts and seeds: 
– cola nuts Cola acuminata ; 
 (ii) edible spices and herbs: 
– horseradish seeds Armoracia rusticana ; 
– safflower flowers Carthamus tinctorius ; 
– watercress herb Nasturtium officinale ; 
(iii) miscellaneous: 
– algae, including seaweed; 
(c) processed vegetable products: 
(i) sugars, starches and other pr oducts from cereals and tubers: 
– rice paper; 
– starch from rice and waxy mai ze, not chemically modified; 
(ii) miscellaneous: 
– rum, only obtained from cane sugar juice. 
2.2.5.  Fats and oils whether or not refined, but not chemically modified, may be used in 
their non-organic form if they are derived from plants other than: 
– cocoa Theobroma cacao;  
– coconut Cocos nucífera;  
– olive Olea europaea;  
– sunflower Helianthus annuus;  
– palm Elaeis guineensis;  
– rape Brassica napus, rapa; 
– safflower 
Carthamus tinctorius;  
– sesame Sesamum indicum;  
– soya Glycine max. 
3. Requirements for the production of processed feed  
EN 39   EN 3.1. Organic feed materials, or in-convers ion feed materials, shall not enter 
simultaneously with the same feed materi als produced by non-organic means into the 
composition of the organic feed product. 
3.2. Any feed materials used or processed in  organic production shall not have been 
processed with the aid of chem ically synthesised solvents. 
Part V: Wine 
1. Scope 
1.1. In addition to the general pr oduction rules laid down in Articles 7, 8, 9 and 14,  the 
rules laid down in this Part shall apply to the organic production of the products of 
the wine sector as referred to in point (l ) of Article 1(2) of  Regulation (EU) No 
1308/2013. 
1.2. Commission Regulations (EC) No 606/200913 and (EC) No 607/200914 shall apply, 
save as explicitly provided otherwise in this Part. 
2. Use of certain products and substances 
2.1. Products of the wine sector shall be  produced from organic raw material. 
2.2. Only products and substances authorised for use in organic production pursuant to 
Article 19 may be used for the making of products of the wine sector, including 
during the processes and oe nological practices, subjec t to the conditions and 
restrictions laid down in  Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 and Regulation (EC) No 
606/2009 and in particular in A nnex I A to that Regulation. 
3. Oenological practices and restrictions 
3.1. Without prejudice to Sections 1. and 2. and to  specific prohibitions and restrictions 
provided for in points 3.2 to 3.5, only oenological practices, processes and 
treatments, including the restrictions provided for in Arti cle 80 and 83(2) of 
Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013, and in Article 3, Articles 5 to 9 and Articles 11 to 14 
of Regulation (EC) No 606/2009, and in the Annexes  to those Regulations, used 
before 1 August 2010, shall be permitted. 
3.2. The use of the following oenological practic es, processes and treatments shall be 
prohibited: 
(a) partial concentration through cooling accord ing to point (c) of Section B.1 of 
Part I of Annex VIII to Re gulation (EU) No 1308/2013; 
(b) elimination of sulphur dioxide by physic al processes according to point 8 of 
Annex I A to Regulation (EC) No 606/2009; 
(c) electrodialysis treatment to ensure th e tartaric stabilisation of the wine 
according to point 36 of Annex I A to Regulation (EC) No 606/2009; 
                                                 
13 Commission Regulation (EC) No 606/2009 of 10 July 2009 laying down certain detailed rules for 
implementing Council Regulation (EC) No 479/2008 as regards the categories of grapevine products, 
oenological practices and the applicable re strictions (OJ L 193, 24.7.2009, p. 1). 
14 Commission Regulation (EC) No 607/2009 of 14 July 2009 laying down certain detailed rules for the 
implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 479/2008 as regards protected designations of origin 
and geographical indications, traditional terms, la belling and presentation of certain wine sector 
products (OJ L 193, 24.7.2009, p. 60).  
EN 40   EN (d) partial dealcoholisation of wine acco rding to point 40 of Annex I A to 
Regulation (EC) No 606/2009; 
(e) treatment with cation exchange rs to ensure the tartaric stabilisation of the wine 
according to point 43 of Annex I A to Regulation (EC) No 606/2009. 
3.3. The use of the following oenological practices, processes and treatments is permitted 
under the following conditions: 
(a) for heat treatments according to poin t 2 of Annex I A to Regulation (EC) 
No 606/2009, the temperature shall not exceed 70 °C; 
(b) for centrifuging and filtration with or wit hout an inert filter ing agent according 
to point 3 of Annex I A to Regulation (EC) No 606/2009, the size of the pores 
shall be not smaller than 0,2 micrometer. 
3.4. The use of the following oenological practices , processes and treatm ents shall be re-
examined by the Commission before 1 Augus t 2015 with a view to phase out or to 
further restrict those practices: 
(a) heat treatments as referred to in poin t 2 of Annex I A to Regulation (EC) No 
606/2009; 
(b) use of ion exchange resins as referred to  in point 20 of Annex I A to Regulation 
(EC) No 606/2009; 
(c) reverse osmosis according to point (b) of Section B.1 of Part I of Annex VIII to 
Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013.   
3.5. Any amendment introduced after 1 August 2010, as regards the oenological practice, 
processes and treatments provided fo r in Regulation (EC) No 1234/2007 or 
Regulation (EC) No 606/2009, may be applic able in the organic production of wine 
only after the adoption of the measures necessary for the implementation of the 
production rules provided for in this Sect ion 3 and, if required, an evaluation 
according to Article 19 of this Regulation. 
Part VI: Yeast used as food or feed  
In addition to the general produc tion rules laid down in Articl es 7, 9 and 15, the rules laid 
down in this Part shall apply to or ganic yeast used as food or feed.  
1. General requirements 
1.1. For the production of organi c yeast only organically prod uced substrates shall be 
used. 
1.2. Organic yeast shall not be pr esent in organic food or feed  together with non-organic 
yeast. 
1.3. The following substances may be used in the production, confection and formulation 
of organic yeast: 
(a) processing aids authorised for use in or ganic production pursuant to Article 19; 
(b) products and substances referred to in point 2. 2.2. (a) and (d) of Part IV.  
EN 41   EN ANNEX III  
COLLECTION, PACKAGING, TRANSP ORT AND STORAGE OF PRODUCTS  
1. Collection of products and transport to preparation units 
Operators may carry out simultaneous collec tion of organic and non-organic products only 
where appropriate measures are taken to preven t any possible mixture or exchange with non-
organic products and to ensure  the identification of the orga nic products. The operator shall 
keep the information relating to collection days , hours, circuit and date and time of reception 
of the products available to the control authority or control body. 
2. Packaging and transport of produc ts to other operators or units 
2.1. Operators shall ensure that organic products are transpor ted to other operators or 
units, including wholesalers and retailers, onl y in appropriate packaging, containers 
or vehicles closed in such a manner that substitution of the content cannot be achieved without manipulation or damage of the seal and provided with a label 
stating, without prejudice to any other indications required by Union law:  
(a) the name and address of the operator and, where different, of the owner or 
seller of the product; 
(b) the name of the product or a desc ription of the compound feedingstuff 
accompanied by a reference to organic production; 
(c) the name or the code number of the c ontrol authority or control body to which 
the operator is subject; and 
(d) where relevant, the lot identification mark  according to a marking system either 
approved at national level or agreed w ith the control authority or control body 
and which permits to link the lot with the records referred to in Article 24. 
The information referred to in points (a ) to (d) may also be presented on an 
accompanying document, if such a document can be undeniably linked with the packaging, container or vehicular transport of the product. This accompanying document shall include information on the supplier or the transporter. 
2.2. The closing of packaging, containers or vehicles shall not be required where: 
(a) transportation is direct between an oper ator and another op erator who are both 
subject to the organi c control system;  
(b) the products are accompanied by a document giving the information required 
under point 2.1; and 
(c) both the expediting and the receiving ope rators keep documentary records of 
such transport operations available for the control authority  or control body. 
3. Special rules for transporting feed to other production or preparation units or 
storage premises 
When transporting feed to other production or pr eparation units or stor age premises, operators 
shall ensure that the fo llowing conditions are met: 
(a) during transport, organically produ ced feed, in-conversion feed, and non-
organic feed shall be effec tively physically separated; 
(b) vehicles or containers which have transported non-organic products may only 
be used to transpor t organic products if:  
EN 42   EN (i) suitable cleaning measures, the eff ectiveness of which has been checked, 
have been carried out before co mmencing the transport of organic 
products and the operators record these operations; 
(ii) all appropriate measures are implemented, depending on the risks 
evaluated in accordance with contro l arrangements and, where necessary, 
operators shall guar antee that non-organic produc ts cannot be placed on 
the market with an indication referring to organic production; 
(iii) the operator keep documentary r ecords of such transport operations 
available for the control authority or control body; 
(c) the transport of finished organic feed sh all be separated physically or in time 
from the transport of other finished products; 
(d) during transport, the quantity of produc ts at the start a nd each individual 
quantity delivered in the course of a delivery round shall be recorded. 
4. Transport of live fish 
4.1. Live fish shall be transported in suitabl e tanks with clean water which meets their 
physiological needs in terms of temperature and dissolved oxygen. 
4.2. Before transport of organic fish and fish  products, tanks shall be thoroughly cleaned, 
disinfected and rinsed. 
4.3. Precautions shall be taken to reduce stress. During transport, the density shall not 
reach a level which is detrimental to the species. 
4.4. Documentary evidence shall be maintained  for operations refe rred to in points 4.1, 
4.2 and 4.3. 
5. Reception of products from other operators of units 
On receipt of an organic product, the operator shall check the closing of the packaging or 
container where it is required and the presence of the indications provided for in  Section 2. 
The operator shall crosscheck the information on the label referred to in Section 2 with the 
information on the accompanying documents. Th e result of those ve rifications shall be 
explicitly mentioned in the records referred to in Article 24.  
6. Special rules for the reception of products from a third country 
Where organic products are imported from a th ird country, they shal l be transported in 
appropriate packaging or contai ners, closed in a manner preven ting substitution of the content 
and provided with identificati on of the exporter and with any other marks and numbers 
serving to identify the lot and w ith the certificate of control for import from third countries as 
appropriate. 
On receipt of an organic product imported from a third country, the natural or legal person to 
whom the imported consignment is delivered and who receives it for further preparation or marketing, shall check the closing of the packaging or container and, in the case of products imported in accordance with Article 28(1)(b)(ii), shall check that the ce rtificate of inspection 
referred to in that Articlecovers the type of product contained in the consignment. The result 
of this verification shall be e xplicitly mentioned in the reco rds referred to in Article 24. 
7. Storage of products  
EN 43   EN 7.1. For the storage of products, areas shall be  managed in such a way as to ensure 
identification of lots and to  avoid any mixing with or c ontamination by products or 
substances not in complianc e with the organic producti on rules. Organic products 
shall be clearly identifiable at all times.  
7.2. In case of organic plant a nd livestock produc tion units, storage of input products 
other than those authorised for use in or ganic production pursuant  to Article 19 is 
prohibited in the production unit. 
7.3. The storage of allopathic veterinary medi cinal products and antibiotics is permitted 
on agricultural and aquaculture holdings provided that they have been prescribed by a veterinarian in connection with treatment as referred to  in points 1.5.2.2 of Part II 
and 4.1.4.2(a) of Part III of Annex II, that th ey are stored in a supervised location and 
that they are entered in the livestock  record as referred to in Article 24. 
7.4. Where operators handle both non-organic products and organic products and the 
latter are stored in storag e facilities in which also ot her agricultural products or 
foodstuffs are stored: 
(a) the organic products shall be kept separa te from the other agricultural products 
or foodstuffs; 
(b) every measure shall be taken to ensure identification of co nsignments and to 
avoid mixtures or exchange s with non-organic products; 
(c) suitable cleaning measures, the effectiven ess of which has been checked, have 
been carried out before the storage of organic products and the operators shall 
record these operations.  
EN 44   EN ANNEX IV  
TERMS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 21  
BG: биологичен . 
ES: ecológico, biológico. CS: ekologické, biologické. DA: økologisk. DE: ökologisch, biologisch. ET: mahe, ökoloogiline. EL: βιολογικό . 
EN: organic. FR: biologique. GA: orgánach. HR: ekološki. IT: biologico. LV: biolo ģisks, ekolo ģisks. 
LT: ekologiškas. LU: biologësch. HU: ökológiai. 
MT: organiku. 
NL: biologisch. PL: ekologiczne. PT: biológico. RO: ecologic. SK: ekologické, biologické. SL: ekološki. FI: luonnonmukainen. SV: ekologisk. 
--------------------------------------------------  
EN 45   EN ANNEX V  
ORGANIC PRODUCTION LOGO OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND CODE 
NUMBERS  
1. Logo 
1.1. The organic production logo of the European  Union shall comply with the model 
below: 
LOGO to be inserted 1.2. The reference colour in Pantone is Green  Pantone No 376 and Green (50 % Cyan + 
100 % Yellow), when a four-c olour process is used. 
1.3. The organic production logo of the European Union may also be used in black and 
white as shown, only where it is not practicable to apply it in colour: 
LOGO to be inserted 1.4. If the background colour of the packaging or  label is dark, the symbols may be used 
in negative format, using the backgro und colour of the packaging or label. 
1.5. If a logo is used in colour  on a coloured background, whic h makes it difficult to see, 
a delimiting outer line around th e logo can be used to im prove contrast with the 
background colours. 
1.6. In certain specific situations where there are indications in a single colour on the 
packaging, the organic production logo of th e European Union may be used in the 
same colour. 
1.7. The organic production logo of th e European Union must have  a height of at least 9 
mm and a width of at least 13,5 mm; the prop ortion ratio height/width shall always 
be 1:1,5. Exceptionally the minimum size may be reduced to a height of 6 mm for 
very small packages. 
1.8. The organic production logo of the Eur opean Union may be associated with 
graphical or textual elements referring to organic production, under the condition that 
they do not modify or change the natu re of the organic production logo of the 
European Union, nor any of the indicati ons defined in accordance with Article 22. 
When associated to national or private logos  using a green colour different from the 
reference colour provided for in point 2, the organic production logo of the European 
Union may be used in th at non-reference colour. 
2. Code numbers 
The general format of the code  numbers shall be as follows: 
AB-CDE-999 Where: 
(a) ‘AB’ is the ISO code for the count ry where the controls take place; 
(b) ‘CDE’ is a term, indicated in three lette rs to be decided by the Commission or 
each Member State, like “bio” or “öko” or “org” or “eko” establishing a link with organic production; and 
(c) ‘999’ is the reference number, indicat ed in maximum three digits, to be 
assigned by:  
EN 46   EN (i) each Member State’s competent aut hority to the control authorities or 
control bodies to which they have delegated control tasks; 
(ii) the Commission, to: 
– the control authorities and c ontrol bodies recognised by the 
Commission pursuant to of Article 29; 
– to the competent authorities of third countries recognised by the 
Commission pursuant to of Article 31.