India and Australia signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement for organic products on September 24, 2025 at Vanijya Bhavan, New Delhi. The step shows practical progress under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement because both countries are recognising each other's organic certification systems to make trade easier.
The implementing agency on the Indian side is the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, while Australia's Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is the counterpart agency. The arrangement covers unprocessed plant products, but excludes seaweed, aquatic plants and greenhouse crops. Processed foods made from one or more plant-origin ingredients and wine are also within its scope.
For Indian exporters, the direct benefit is simpler compliance, reduced duplication in certification and easier access to the Australian market. According to the government release, India's organic exports to Australia in 2024-25 were USD 8.96 million with a total volume of 2,781.58 metric tonnes, led by psyllium husk, coconut milk and rice. The measure also matters for trust and transparency in organic trade because both sides are formally accepting standards and certification systems. In trade-policy terms, it is a cost-and-time reduction step, so it matters for exporters and producers. For exam preparation, this topic connects with international trade, agricultural exports, standards and certification, reduction of non-tariff barriers, and India-Australia economic relations. In static GK, link it with organic farming, export-promotion institutions and bilateral trade agreements.