China Organic
What is China Organic?
China Organic Certification (GB/T 19630-2019) is a government-regulated standard that governs the production, processing, labeling, and management of organic products marketed in China. The term “GB” denotes a National Standard in China, giving this framework legal authority.
Furthermore, China Organic views organic production not merely as a set of prohibited substances, but as a sustainable agricultural system that respects natural laws and ecological principles. It aims to balance plant and animal production and minimize synthetic inputs in both farming and processing stages.
Scope of Application
Organic Farming
China Organic certification for farming applies to the cultivation of organic plants, livestock, and microbial-based products. It includes the following requirements:
- No synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, hormones, GMOs, or synthetic feed additives
- Minimum two-year land conversion period
- Use of natural substances and biodiversity enhancement strategies
- Development of an Organic Management System with strong documentation, complaint handling, and contamination prevention
- Environmental sustainability must be proven, especially regarding air and water quality
The goal is to achieve a balanced, resilient agricultural system that maintains ecological health and natural productivity over time.
Organic Processing
China Organic also covers the processing, packaging, labeling, and transportation of organic products — from food to textiles. This includes:
- Use of mainly organic ingredients
- No genetically modified organisms or their derivatives
- Minimization of chemically synthesized additives, dyes, and processing aids
- Maintenance of nutritional value and original product attributes
- Strict segregation between organic and conventional materials
- Clear documentation and traceability through Transaction Certificates and QR codes
Both manufacturers and traders (even those without a factory) are eligible for this scope, provided all processing, handling, and labeling requirements are met.
Why you need China Organic Certification?
It's the Law in China Mainland
It is legally required to display the term “organic” on product labels in China. You cannot label or sell a product as organic in any of the country without an official China Organic Certificate. This law applies whether you’re exporting raw materials, semi-finished goods, or retail-ready consumer products.
Shipping products with the “organic” label to China without proper certification can result in:
Customs rejection of the entire shipment
Legal penalties for mislabeling
Permanent blacklisted and this information can be accessed by public
Damaged reputation with international partners
Foreign organic certifications are not accepted
Certifications like MyOrganic, NASAA organic, are not recognized as organic under China law, even these certifications are preferred by consumers. These products simply cannot be displayed in supermarket without China Organic label.
Supply Chain Requirement – It Applies to Everyone
China Organic is a supply chain-wide certification. That means if your buyer or final product manufacturer is certified under the China Organic standard, they are legally required to ensure every supplier along the chain is also certified.
So even if you are a raw material supplier, trader or intermediate processor, you must be certified for your buyer to legally use your product in their China Organic-certified line.
Required for Export, Even for Small Volumes
Even a single batch or online sale to an China customer that carries the word “organic” must be backed by China Organic Certification. There are no exemptions for small volumes or trial shipments.
Certification also unlocks the ability to get a transaction certificate or Organic Code sticker that tracks all imported organic goods.
Specialty of the China Organic Standard
- Enforced by government-approved certification bodies
- Unique organic QR code system for product authentication
- Strict environmental safeguards, especially for air and water
- Does not accept conversion status from other organic schemes
Benefits of China Organic Certification
Rising Consumer Demand
China has very high demand especially in sectors like dairy, edible oils, and infant products
Premium Pricing
organic products in China can fetch 2 to 3 times higher prices
Better Sales Opportunities
Required by organic manufacturers; also attracts high-end conventional buyers
Brand credibility and sustainability value
China Organic emphasizes soil regeneration, ecological balance, and environmental protection. It’s an ideal standard aligns with your company’s environmental goals and improves ESG reporting
China Organic consultant in Malaysia
Thinking of exporting your organic product to China? You’ll need more than just a clean product—you’ll need a system that complies with the China Organic Regulation from farm to final packaging.
At ThinkinBio, we specialize in helping Malaysian businesses meet these requirements and navigate the certification process with confidence.
Transparent Pricing
Our consultancy starts from MYR4,000, depending on your operation’s size, scope, and location. You’ll receive hands-on support—from setup to audit readiness.
Our Core Services
✅ Gap Analysis
We identify non-conformities in your current practices and provide clear, practical advice to meet China Organic requirements.
✅ Document Development
We help develop your Organic System Plan and translate your existing practices into compliant SOPs.
✅ Internal Audit
We simulate a real audit to prepare your team and meet the China’s requirement for an internal audit before certification.
✅ Internal Training
We train your team to understand and implement the China Organic standard across your operations.
FAQ
Can a Malaysian company apply the certificate?
Yes, a company in Malaysia can apply the China Organic certification.
How long does it take to get certified?
The timeline depends on your current readiness. For farming, a 2 to 3 years land conversion may be required (or fastened with condition). For processors or traders, it can take as little as 2–4 months if you have all systems, documentation in place and the assistance of consultant.
What is the validity of China Organic certificate
China Organic certificate valid for 1 year. You are required to have annual audit to renew your certificate before it expires.
I am a trader without any office or unit. Do I need China Organic Certification to export my organic product to China?
Yes. Everyone in the supply chain must be certified, including farmers, traders, and processors. The export arrangement might be handled by your supplier to your final buyer. As long as you are issuing an invoice to your final buyer, you are require to be certified.
Can I export to China with my supplier's China Organic Certification?
No. Borrowing your supplier’s certificate will not help you to access into China market. The custom officer will cross check the transaction certificate (TC) or Organic code sticker with your invoice. If you are not a certified operator, your name will not be in the TC (only have your certified supplier’s name). Hence, the organic product will be rejected on the spot.
What is the differences between TC and China Organic certification?
Transaction Certificate (TC) is a certificate to show a particular transaction/ shipment is certified. China Organic certification is a certificate to show the unit is certified.
How should I apply TC?
Transaction Certificate (TC) can be applied by China Organic certified operator only. The application of TC can be done with the assistance of certification body to provide you an account in their system.
How can ThinkinBio helps me in the certification?
ThinkinBio offers a complete support package to guide you from the beginning until you successfully receive your certificate. Our services include gap analysis, document development, internal training and internal audit. For cost-efficiency, we recommend our full package, which covers everything you need for smooth certification. However, we also offer customized support, so you can choose only the services you need.
Should I apply for the certification through ThinkinBio?
No. ThinkinBio is a consultancy company, not a certification body. We help your company prepare for certification by improving your practices to meet the China Organic standard.
The Organic certificate is issued by a China-approved certification body. If you choose us as your consultant, we will also assist you in coordinating with an approved certifier and guide you through the application and audit process to ensure everything runs smoothly.