Kyrgyzstan and China Move Toward Mutual Recognition of Organic Product Certification
On 17 September in Bishkek, meeting a SAMR delegation, the two countries reached a principled agreement to work toward mutual recognition of organic certification systems. The aim is to simplify Kyrgyz organic exports to China.
Kyrgyzstan and China have agreed to begin work on mutual recognition of organic product certification. This could simplify access for Kyrgyz organic agricultural goods to the Chinese market.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture press service, on 17 September, during a working visit of a delegation from China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) to Bishkek, the sides reached a principled agreement to work toward mutual recognition of organic certification systems.
The aim of the agreement is to simplify and expand exports of Kyrgyz organic products and to reduce administrative and financial barriers for producers.
Working group and preparation
A joint working group will harmonize organic standards and technical requirements. Training courses and internships for Kyrgyz specialists were also discussed.
An important limitation
Mutual recognition would remove one layer of certification but would not eliminate other import requirements. Exporters must still comply with China's separate sanitary and registration requirements (the CIFER system).
In addition, reliable access to the Chinese market requires consistent supply, cold storage and dependable cross-border transport.
The organic sector
As of the end of June 2026, more than 101,000 hectares in Kyrgyzstan were under organic production systems.
- 11,400 hectares — farmed by 11 cooperatives meeting international standards
- 85,300 hectares — under the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS)
The government aims to expand certified organic farmland to about 200,000 hectares by 2029, and for organic to reach 25% of agricultural production and exports.
Trade figures
In 2025, Kyrgyzstan's agricultural and food exports were about $378 million, with crop products at roughly $80.7 million. Agriculture accounts for about 13.3% of total exports.
Eight protocols have already been signed for exports to China — covering beans, poultry, wool and cashmere. Kyrgyz organic goods include beans, apricots and nuts.
By the numbers
- Land under organic systems: 101,000+ hectares (end June 2026)
- Meeting international standards: 11,400 hectares (11 cooperatives)
- Under PGS: 85,300 hectares
- Goal by 2029: about 200,000 hectares; organic share 25%
- Agricultural/food exports: about $378m (2025)
- Crop products: about $80.7m (2025)
- Agriculture share of exports: about 13.3%
- Protocols signed with China: 8 (beans, poultry, wool, cashmere)
- SAMR delegation in Bishkek: 17 September 2026
Why it matters
Mutual recognition of organic certification could simplify one certification step for Kyrgyz producers. But the practical export opportunity will still depend on complying with China's other requirements and on the reliability of the logistics chain.