A Law on Organic Production entered into force in Serbia on 1 June 2026, setting out a more stringent regulatory framework for organic agriculture, food processing, certification and product traceability. The legislation is intended to align domestic rules with the European Union’s organic production framework. It is described as one of the most important agricultural regulatory reforms in recent years.
The law covers the full organic value chain, including plant production, livestock farming, aquaculture and beekeeping. It also applies to food processing, animal feed and other agricultural products linked to certified organic production. The scope extends to both raw agricultural goods and processed foods marketed as organic.
Digital register and structured certification procedures
A central element of the reform is the creation of a national digital Register of Organic Producers. The register is designed to give authorities real-time oversight of certified operators and improve transparency across the production chain. Producers are required to register their activities with competent authorities.
Certification and monitoring procedures will be more structured than under the previous system. Authorities will use the register to support oversight of certified operators. This approach is intended to strengthen visibility of compliance throughout production.
Stronger controls and limits on organic label misuse
The legislation introduces stronger official controls and tighter certification requirements. Certification bodies must apply a common catalogue of irregularities during inspections and compliance reviews. Authorities say the goal is to reduce regulatory gray zones and improve traceability.
The framework also targets misuse of labels including “organic,” “bio,” and “eco.” By standardising inspection expectations, authorities aim to limit inappropriate use of these terms. The rules are designed to tighten how compliance is assessed across the sector.
Group certification changes for producers
A key structural change concerns group production systems. Under earlier arrangements, processors could organise production groups and hold certification on behalf of multiple producers. The new framework shifts certification responsibility directly toward producers.
Group certification holders must now be organised as producer entities rather than processing companies. This change affects the structure of existing organic supply chains where certification was previously held by processors. The revised responsibility model is intended to place accountability with producers.
EU alignment, market context and transition for certifiers
The reform is linked to Serbia’s EU accession process. The law is largely aligned with EU Regulation 2018/848, which governs organic production and labeling across the European Union. Harmonisation is expected to support market access, exports and confidence among foreign buyers regarding certification standards and traceability.
Serbia remains behind much of Europe in organic farming levels, according to sector assessments. Organic production accounts for about 0.83% of agricultural land, equivalent to slightly more than 27,000 hectares. The European organic food market is estimated at nearly €60 billion, while global demand continues to expand.
The law has implications for investors, food processors, retailers and exporters through increased traceability requirements, stricter controls and digital registration systems. Industry organisations indicate that control and certification operators will need to adapt procedures, accreditation frameworks and compliance systems over coming months. Additional implementing regulations are expected to further define operational requirements for certifiers.
