From 1 July 2014 the import rules will change for organic products to Germany. At the food fair ANUGA, representatives of public authorities and controllers discussed the possible risks from the new rules. It was clear: on the one side the procedure was made easier, but on the other there was the greater chance for mistakes.
For example, Michael Gertz of the government department of Economics, Transport and Innovation in Hamburg stated; "Import is made easier, but they are less accountable and governmental departmental regulators get less in the way of business."
Ali Öksüz from the German Federal Office of Agriculture and Food (BLE) explained the consequences of the new regulations: "Under new rules, we can no longer recall the sale permits of rule breakers. "The BLE is however still responsible and informs the European Commission, EU member states and public authorities about irregularities.