Organic Business Regulation Changes in 2024

Starting in 2024, a significant shift will occur for organic business operators in the Netherlands. They will be required to implement a risk management plan. This change is not just a regulatory formality but a vital step towards ensuring the integrity of organic products.

Understanding the risk management plan

The essence of this new requirement is straightforward yet crucial. The risk management plan should detail the potential risks within a business that could compromise the authenticity of organic products. By critically examining their operations, business owners can pinpoint where their organic products are most vulnerable to contamination, mixing, or mislabeling. Recognizing these risks is the first step to effectively managing them, thereby maintaining consumer trust in organic products.

What this means for inspections and compliance

The risk management plan is an extension of the existing requirement for a company description and risk analysis, already mandatory for organic businesses. From 2024, Skal inspectors will focus on reviewing and verifying the risk management plan during regular inspections. A partially completed plan is considered a minor deviation, but the absence of a risk analysis from 2023 and a risk management plan in 2024 is viewed as a serious non-compliance.

For detailed guidelines and assistance in preparing a comprehensive risk management plan, organic businesses can refer to skal.nl/risicobeheersplan. This resource offers valuable information and tools to help businesses adapt smoothly to the new regulation, ensuring high standards in the organic food industry.