In June, the USDA announced that the United States and Taiwan had reached an organic equivalence arrangement that opens trade opportunities between the two countries. According to the Organic Trade Association, Taiwan is currently the fifth largest export market for U.S. organic products. Taiwan’s imports of U.S. organic products totaled more than $90 million in 2019 and are predicted to increase by almost 50% over the next five years.

This arrangement allows organic products certified to the USDA or Taiwan organic standards to be labeled and sold as organic in both countries. There are a few exemptions: Products that may not be exported to the U.S. as certified organic include agricultural products derived from animals treated with antibiotics and aquatic animals (e.g. fish, shellfish).

Under the labeling requirements, retail products must state the name of the U.S. or Taiwan certifying agent and may use the USDA organic seal. Exported organic products must meet the labeling requirements in the destination country. U.S. products meeting the terms of the arrangement must be accompanied by a USDA export certificate, a TM-11, which must be signed by a U.S. certifying agent and include the following statement: “Certified in compliance with the terms of the AIT/TECRO-NOP/AFA Organic Equivalence Arrangement.” Learn more and get an export certificate on the USDA site.

A similar Canada-Taiwan organic equivalency arrangement was also reached in June. Read that trade agreement for more details.