Law No. 104/2024 on organic production, labeling of organic products, and their control.
Country
Type of law
Legislation
Abstract
This Law defines the requirements for the management, certification, and marketing of organic agricultural goods in Albania. It covers the entire supply chain, including live or unprocessed products, processed food, animal feed, and materials for plant propagation. It establishes the technical criteria that distinguish organic production from conventional farming practices.
The Law mandates a strict certification process for all operators involved in the production, preparation, or distribution of organic goods. Producers must undergo a mandatory conversion period, during which they adhere to organic standards before their products can be officially labeled as such. This process ensures that the soil and environment are free from prohibited substances and that the integrity of the organic status is maintained from the initial planting or breeding stage.
Specific prohibitions are placed on the use of genetically modified organisms and synthetic chemical inputs. The Law outlines permitted substances for fertilization and pest control, prioritizing natural methods and ecological balance. For livestock and aquaculture, the Law sets high standards for animal welfare, including specific requirements for organic feed, living space, and limits on the use of veterinary medicines and antibiotics.
Labeling requirements are strictly regulated to provide transparency to the consumer. Products meeting the necessary criteria must display a national organic logo and the identification code of the accredited control body responsible for inspection. These rules prevent the use of terms such as "bio" or "eco" on products that do not meet the minimum threshold of organic ingredients, thereby protecting the market from misleading claims.
Administrative oversight is conducted through a system of regular inspections and risk-based audits managed by the ministry responsible for agriculture. Authorized control bodies perform annual checks on all registered operators to verify compliance with the production and record-keeping standards. The Law establishes a set of administrative sanctions and fines for violations, ensuring that any product failing to meet the legal definitions is removed from the organic commerce cycle.
The Law mandates a strict certification process for all operators involved in the production, preparation, or distribution of organic goods. Producers must undergo a mandatory conversion period, during which they adhere to organic standards before their products can be officially labeled as such. This process ensures that the soil and environment are free from prohibited substances and that the integrity of the organic status is maintained from the initial planting or breeding stage.
Specific prohibitions are placed on the use of genetically modified organisms and synthetic chemical inputs. The Law outlines permitted substances for fertilization and pest control, prioritizing natural methods and ecological balance. For livestock and aquaculture, the Law sets high standards for animal welfare, including specific requirements for organic feed, living space, and limits on the use of veterinary medicines and antibiotics.
Labeling requirements are strictly regulated to provide transparency to the consumer. Products meeting the necessary criteria must display a national organic logo and the identification code of the accredited control body responsible for inspection. These rules prevent the use of terms such as "bio" or "eco" on products that do not meet the minimum threshold of organic ingredients, thereby protecting the market from misleading claims.
Administrative oversight is conducted through a system of regular inspections and risk-based audits managed by the ministry responsible for agriculture. Authorized control bodies perform annual checks on all registered operators to verify compliance with the production and record-keeping standards. The Law establishes a set of administrative sanctions and fines for violations, ensuring that any product failing to meet the legal definitions is removed from the organic commerce cycle.
Attached files
Web site
Date of text
Entry into force notes
This Law officially entered into force 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette.
Repealed
No
Serial Imprint
Parliament of Albania.
Source language
English
Legislation Amendment
No
Original title
Ligj Nr. 104/2024 për prodhimin organik, etiketimin e produkteve organike dhe kontrollin e tyre.