Canadian Serial Codes Improve
Posted - November 1, 2008
Canada Expands Organic Data Tracking
By O.W.N. News Network - as as printed in O.W.N. Fall 2008
Incisive data on organic trade is increasingly available, thanks to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) pioneering efforts. “Canada is the only country in the world that is now tracking organic products,” states AAFC Market Development Advisor Doug Peters, but he adds that others have expressed interest in following suit. In 2007, Canada introduced 41 Harmonized Serial (HS) codes to specifically track organic produce and milk imports. Previously, HS codes only identified product types (eg. Roma tomatoes, Cherry tomatoes) but now it is possible to distinguish between conventionally and organically produced goods.
Canada imports more than 80% of the organic produce it consumes. HS codes help industry to determine market potential by providing data for both price and volume of organic imports and make possible a more responsive approach to international tariff issues involving organics. Peters points out that countries can use HS codes to track their organic exports to Canada, which otherwise might not be monitored.
20 more organic codes were introduced in July 2008, including high volume products like packaged salad greens, berries, teas, olive oil and some prepared tomato sauces and baby foods. This brings the current total to 61 products monitored with an additional 20 codes to be announced in January 2009.
For more, see the Canada Border Services Agency website.
