Frequently Asked Questions

Organic production and marketing are subject to the inspection and certification rules applicable to the product and activity. Products outside the certification scope cannot be marketed, labelled or promoted as organic on the basis of the business’s certificate. Following suspension or withdrawal, the use of organic claims must stop as required by the decision and applicable rules. Your required scope and any legal exemptions are assessed during application. Certification and regular controls support confidence in organic products.

An operator certificate shows that a producer, producer group or business is included in the organic control system and inspected for specified activities. Under the applicable programme, a product certificate verifies the organic status and marketability of a particular product or batch. A certified business does not automatically have organic status for every product. Products must fall within the certification scope and remain traceable. Document types and conditions of use depend on the applicable legislation and programme.

A producer, producer group or business applies to join the inspection and certification system to have its activities assessed under organic rules. The process includes declarations, document submission, review and inspection planning. Applicants must describe all activities clearly, accurately and completely and maintain records supporting traceability. Information and documents are reviewed to define the scope and plan certification. Additional documents are requested where information is incomplete; the process does not advance without the required information. Once accepted, a certification agreement defines the parties’ rights, obligations, rules and scope. Previous certification, relationships with other control bodies and other applications for the same activity may also be considered. Inspection is then planned and declared activities are checked on site. Incomplete or incorrect declarations may delay the process or affect the decision. Download the current form from the Applications page.

The process starts with receipt and review of the application. Operational scope, products, production or processing sites and documents are assessed. Once the required information is complete, an agreement is signed and an inspection programme suited to the activities is planned. Declared activities are checked on site, including the consistency of practices with records and product traceability. Findings are recorded in the inspection report. The report, documents and any analysis results are reviewed objectively and independently of the inspection. When conformity is established, the certification unit decides to issue a certificate. Nonconformities require corrective action within an appropriate period; a positive decision is not made until the corrections are accepted. Findings may also lead to suspension, scope reduction or refusal. Certification does not end when the document is issued. Controls continue during validity, and the business must maintain compliance with organic rules.

An inspection is an on-site examination of the activities declared in the application. Production areas, facilities, warehouses, inputs and records are checked. The inspector assesses whether the information submitted corresponds to actual practices. All findings are recorded in the inspection report, which supports the certification decision together with other documents and analysis results where required.

Producers, producer groups and businesses within organic certification undergo regular controls. Inspection planning depends on applicable legislation, programme rules, operational scope and risk level. In Türkiye’s organic control system, the general practice is at least one on-site inspection each year. Additional or unannounced controls may be performed where necessary. Frequency and any special conditions in international programmes are assessed separately under the relevant rules.

A nonconformity is a finding that an activity does not meet organic production rules, contractual conditions or certification requirements. It may be identified through on-site controls, record review or analysis where necessary. Findings are classified according to their impact and severity. Issues affecting organic status, marketing or the reliability of the system are treated more seriously. All nonconformities are recorded and followed up, with additional controls where needed to protect organic integrity.

Submit in writing, clearly stating the subject, scope and grounds. Send documents and your contact details to [email protected]. For information, call the Kayseri office at +90 352 232 54 32. Complaints may concern certification activities, inspections, certified operators’ practices or products marketed as organic. Appeals may challenge decisions such as refusal, suspension, withdrawal or removal of organic status. Submissions are registered. Additional information, technical review, document checks or further inspection may be needed. Appeals are assessed independently of the original decision-makers. The outcome is based on factual findings and communicated in writing. Corrective action may be required and decisions may be reviewed. All submissions are tracked through resolution.