Québec Organic Designation Specification Manual

The CARTV has decided that on January 1st 2012, the specification manual relating to products resulting from an organic production method includes a new reference certification manual based on the technical requirements of the Canadian Organic Standards (COS). 

One standard for all organic products from Québec

The Québec Certification Reference Manual used to evaluate organic product certification applications corresponds to the National Standard of Canada for Organic Agriculture, whose requirements are published by the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB). Some of the previous Québec standard requirements pubslihed before 2012 has been added to this basis.

As an operator, you may request exemptions for certain requirements ( see Part 2A), for which amendment applications have been filed with the CGSB, pending the newly revised version of the Canadian standard.

Labelling requirements designed to meet the unique Québec's needs

Furthermore, the CARTV maintains the majority of the organic product labelling requirements that the Québec organic sector has implemented since 2000. However, some were harmonized with those provided for under the Canadian Organic Products Regulations.

Specification Manual - PDF Documents
Version 2013. Updated : February 14, 2013

Part 1 : Persons to whom the specification manual applies and related obligations

Part 2 : Reference Certification Manual - Production Standards
CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006 Organic Production Systems - General Principles and Management Standards (June 2011).

Part 2A : List of standards from which exemptions may be granted under the Canada Organic Regime.

Part 2B : Transition of a crop farm to the organic production method.

Part 3 : Reference Certification Manual - Permitted Substances
CAN/CGSB-32.311-2006 Organic Production Systems - Permitted Substances Lists (June 2011).

Part 4 : Additional or supplemental requirements to Standard CAN/CGSB-32.210 that must be followed by some Québec’s operators.

Part 5 : Requirements for Labelling, Advertising, Display Materials and Commercial Documents.

Part 6 : Regulations pertaining to Acceptance of Products originating from outside Québec.

Additional Documentation

Questions and Answers - National Standard on Organic Production Systems (CFIA Web Site)