The One mark to authenticate other marks
Organic Malaysia Mark Scheme
There is a wide range of products claiming to be organic in the market today. It can be difficult for consumers to know which products are certified and which are self claimed. Organic products certified by different certification bodies from all over the world are sold in Malaysia. The numerous different quality assurance and certification marks found on product packaging today can be confusing for operators and consumers. Also which of the certifications is approved by government?
The Organic Malaysia mark is a label scheme operated by Organic Alliance Malaysia in collaboration with the Crop Quality Control Division, Department of Agriculture, Malaysia. The Organic Malaysia mark is for use by registered operators on certified organic products (domestic and imports) that complies to the Malaysian organic standard MS1529 and whose certification is approved by the Department of Agriculture, Malaysia.
Operators register products with proof of eligible certification and signs a Use of Mark agreement. Registration fees apply. Registered products will be featured in the website product directory. Product range is updated according to actual range of products handled.
The Organic Malaysia mark scheme include training support, audit visits of participating operators as well as market surveillance for non authorised use and misuse.
Malaysian operators are encouraged to use the Organic Malaysia mark to facilitate easy identification of authentic certified organic products in the market.
Domestic Certification and Imports
According to labelling regulations, in effect from January 1st 2012, plant based food products claiming to be organic in the country have to be certified by the Department of Agriculture, Malaysia or have certification approved by the Department of Agriculture.
Domestic farm operators and processors, including re-packers of bulk products, have to be certified to label their products as organic. Importers have to register for verification that certification of imported organic products meet the Malaysian organic labelling regulation.
The Crop Quality Control Division, Department of Agriculture, Malaysia operates an organic certification programme called Skim Organik Malaysia (SOM) for farm production and packing on-farm. Farm operators should contact the Department of Agriculture, Malaysia for certification under SOM to market their products as organic.
SOM currently does not cover certification of processing or verification of imports. Organic Alliance Malaysia (OAM) is working with the Crop Quality Control Division, Department of Agriculture, Malaysia to provide certification for processing and verification of imports of organic products.
Domestic processors, including re-packers of bulk products need to apply for certification from OAM to label their products as organic. Importers have to register with OAM for verification of certification of their imported products.
Training and assistance will be provided for operators to develop their organic quality management system. Products certified or verified can use the Organic Malaysia mark. They will be featured in the website product directory.
Free directory listing on print and on the web
Organic Malaysia Directory & Website Portal
Launched in 2006, OAM publishes a directory of organic operators annually since 2009. The directory lists operators according to 6 categories, i.e. Producer; Processor; Wholesaler; Retailer; Restaurant; Service Provider and indicates their certification status.
10,000 full colour print copies are available free. Print and digital copies are circulated to over 1,500 institutional addresses related to agriculture, food, health beauty and wellness service centers in the country.
Simple contact listing is free. Fees apply for full listing and adverts. Listing is made available on this website. Links to operators' own websites can be arranged. Together, the print and web directories offer a one-stop reference to identify organic operators, sales points and product information for business to business networking as well as sales enquiries within and outside the country.
Now everyone has access to information about organic agriculture development and available products in the country
Export Certification
For exporting operators, OAM can arrange for export certification to the European Union, USA, Japan and other markets. Export certifications are facilitated through OAM’s partnership in Certification Alliance (CertAll). Depending on need, OAM can arrange for inspection and certification by one or more OAM partners in CertAll. Export certification can be coupled with domestic certification. Export certified operators can register products to use the Organic Malaysia mark for the domestic market. Registered products will be featured in the website product directory.
