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Labelling of organic products is the final stage of their production, as products can be labelled as organic only if the requirements of the legislation in the field of organic production, circulation and labelling of organic products are met. Labelling is information about organic products, including the state logo for organic products, affixed to the label, packaging, transport box, container, back label, bottle collar, docket, cork, information sheet or other packaging elements accompanying such products or referring to it which comply with the legal requirements in the field of organic production, circulation and labelling of organic products. Here are a few key points to pay attention to: - the labelling must contain the inscription "organic product", and from 1 July 2024, it is mandatory to apply the state logo for organic products if such a product is produced in Ukraine; - if the product is imported, the words "organic", "biodynamic", "biological", "ecological", "organic" and any single-root and/or derivative words of these words with prefixes "bio-", "eco-", etc. in Ukrainian shall be marked with the inscription "organic product"; - for products imported from the European Union, it is typical to use the so-called Euroleaf (a star leaf on a green background) in the labelling; - other logos that meet private standards of organic production may be placed next to the state organic logo and the Euroleaf. The registration code of the certification body that has certified organic production shall be placed under the Ukrainian state logo for organic products and the Euroleaf.

The state logo of Ukraine for organic products is owned by the state represented by the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine. The state logo for organic products consists of a graphic image and an inscription which are placed in a square. The logo is a combination of yellow (sun) and blue (water) colours forming a green leaf in the middle, just like when yellow and blue colours are blended to form a green colour. The idea is that organic products are born by nature where the combination of the sun’s heat and light and water creates a new life (the process of photosynthesis). In addition, yellow and blue are the colours of the national flag of Ukraine, and thus the logo shows that Ukraine is the place where a new life is born and where organic agriculture is developing. Starting from 1 July 2024, labelling with the state logo will become mandatory for all operators (producers). The use of the words "organic product" in product names and trademarks, as well as labelling products as organic in the absence of a valid certificate certifying the production and/or circulation of organic products in accordance with Ukrainian law, will be prohibited. In August 2023, the State Register of Operators that Produce Products in Compliance with the Legislation in Organic Production, Circulation and Labelling of Organic Products was launched. The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine maintains and constantly updates the Register on its official website. As of 15 July 2024, the Register contains 195 operators, of which 159 have products with the organic status and, accordingly, are already entitled to label their products with the state logo of Ukraine for organic products. You can check what kind of products these operators produce and get comprehensive information about them by following the interactive link to the website of the certification body in the register.

The Euroleaf (a star leaf on a green background) is a label for organic food and feed used in the European Union since 1 July 2010. The EU organic logo is based on two well-known symbols: the flag of the European Union since 1986 and the leaf, which is used in many forms and symbolises nature and sustainability. The combination of these symbols creates a unique visual element that speaks for itself. The latest survey conducted in early 2022 showed that 61% of Europeans know what organic labelling is, and this figure increased by 5% in just the last 2 years since the previous survey. In March 2012, the awareness of organic labelling was only 24%. The Euroleaf is: - A guarantee of quality: The logo confirms that the product has been grown and produced in accordance with strict EU regulations that prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, GMOs and provide for high standards of animal welfare. - The code of the certification body: The code of the certification body that controlled the production is usually indicated next to the Euroleaf. This adds transparency and makes it possible to verify information about the product. - Product origin: Next to the logo, the origin of the raw materials from which the product is made (e.g., "EU Agriculture" or "Non-EU Agriculture") is also indicated, allowing consumers to know where the product comes from.

First of all, the consumer should check the correctness of the labelling of organic products, the presence of the inscription “organic product”, the state organic logo and the relevant acronyms under this logo. The consumer has the right to request a copy of the certificate confirming the organic origin of the product. The certificate and/or its annexes must contain a complete list of certified products. In case of doubt, you can check the State Register of Operators that Produce Products in Compliance with the Legislation in Organic Production, Circulation and Labelling of Organic Products. You can also check the availability of a valid certificate on the website of the relevant certification body. How to check the documents? - Contact the seller: Ask the seller to show you the necessary documents. They are obliged to provide you with this information. - Check the labelling: Check labels carefully for appropriate labelling and certification information. - Use resources: You can check the producer’s information in the State Register of Operators or on the website of the relevant certification body.

The legislation establishes liability for violation of legislation in the field of organic production, circulation and labelling of organic products at three levels: the operator, the certification body and the seller. Operators (producers) shall be held responsible for the violations as follows: - labelling of products with the state organic logo, or labelling these products using the marks and inscriptions “organic” and similar in the absence of the certificate confirming the organic origin of the products; - failure to submit or timely submit information regarding the amounts of organic products being put into circulation, or submission of unreliable information; - failure to comply or timely comply with legal requirements (orders, executive acts) regarding the elimination of the violations of legal requirements in the field of organic production, circulation and labelling of organic products. Certification bodies shall be held liable for the violations as follows: - failure to submit or timely submit information stipulated or report about the certificates issued by them, or submission of unreliable information or report ; - failure to comply or timely comply with legal requirements (orders, executive acts) regarding the elimination of the violations of legal requirements in the field of organic production, circulation and labelling of organic products; - violation of the requirements regarding certification of organic production and/or circulation of organic products that resulted in unlawful issuance of the certificate. Persons that sell products labelled as organic shall be held liable for putting into circulation or selling the products without the certificate that confirms the organic origin of such products.

The State Service of Ukraine on Food Safety and Consumer Protection (SSUFSCP) is a central executive body that implements state policy in the field of veterinary medicine, safety and certain food quality indicators, price control, market surveillance within its area of responsibility, state control over compliance with consumer protection and advertising legislation in this area, radiation monitoring of the level of radioactive contamination of agricultural and food products, etc. In the event of a violation of their rights, consumers can appeal to the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection. According to Article 6 of the Law of Ukraine “On the Main Principles of State Supervision (Oversight) in the Area of Commercial Activity” one of the reasons for the ad hoc measures is an appeal from a natural person(s) concerning violations of his/her (their) rights, legitimate interests, life or health, the environment or the security of the state accompanied by documents or copies of such violations (if any). The appeal can be submitted electronically.