Amendment to the International Olive Oil Convention 2026: what changes for producers and exporters

Key data

Producers, exporters and importers of olive oil and table olives in the EU should be aware of this decision: the Council of the European Union has formally approved, through Decision (EU) 2026/1368, the amendment to Article 36 of the International Olive Oil and Table Olives Convention 2015. The decision was published in the EU Official Journal on 17 June 2026.

This convention, managed by the International Olive Council (IOC), is the international regulatory framework of reference for the production, trade and quality of olive oil and table olives. Any modification to its articles may have direct consequences on the standards applicable to the commercial operations of the sector.

What does this regulation establish?

Decision (EU) 2026/1368 authorizes the European Union, as a signatory party to the International Olive Oil and Table Olives Convention 2015, to approve on its behalf the amendment to Article 36 of that convention.

The convention establishes the international regulatory framework for three fundamental areas of the sector:

• Production: internationally recognized standards and practices for the cultivation and processing of olive oil and table olives.
• Trade: conditions and requirements for export and import operations between IOC member countries.
• Quality and labeling: standards applicable to the classification, denomination and presentation of oleic products in international markets.

The modification of Article 36 affects procedural or governance aspects of the convention. Although the decision does not detail the literal content of the amendment, its approval by the EU Council reinforces the European position in international agricultural regulatory bodies and may influence the quality and labeling standards applicable to exports and imports in the sector.

Economic and operational impact

The direct impact of this decision is mainly at the strategic and regulatory level, with operational consequences for European olive sector agents:

• Quality and labeling standards: any change in IOC governance may result in updates to international quality standards that exporters and importers must comply with. It is advisable to monitor whether the amendment to Article 36 triggers reviews of the technical standards of the convention.
• Exports and imports: operators marketing olive oil or table olives outside the EU or importing from IOC member countries may see modified access conditions or documentary requirements associated with the convention.
• Spain's competitive position: as the world's leading olive oil producer, Spain has a direct strategic interest in IOC governance. The approval of this amendment by the EU reinforces European influence in setting international standards, which may benefit Spanish producers and exporters.
• Adaptation costs: the decision does not specify amounts or penalties. Costs will depend on the specific content of the amendment to Article 36 and the technical standards that may derive from it.

Who does it affect?

• Olive oil producers in Spain and the rest of the EU, especially those operating in export markets.
• Exporters of olive oil and table olives that market to IOC member countries or use the convention's standards as a quality reference.
• Importers of olive oil and table olives from third countries that are IOC members.
• Packaging and distribution industry that must comply with labeling standards derived from the convention.
• Sectoral associations and quality control bodies for olive oil that apply IOC standards.
• Legal advisors and consultants in the agri-food sector who must inform their clients about the applicable international regulatory framework.

Practical example

A Spanish exporting company of extra virgin olive oil that operates in third country markets that are members of the International Olive Council (IOC) — such as Morocco, Tunisia or Turkey — should pay attention to this amendment. If the modification of Article 36 introduces changes in governance procedures that affect the updating of quality standards or the mechanisms for resolving commercial disputes within the IOC, this company could be forced to review its export documentation, its quality certificates or its contracts with international distributors to ensure they remain compliant with the new framework of the convention.

Similarly, a European importer of table olives from an IOC member country will need to verify whether the amendment modifies any access or labeling requirement that affects its current operations.

What should companies do now?

1. Identify if you operate under the IOC framework: verify whether your export or import operations of olive oil or table olives are subject to the standards of the International Olive Oil and Table Olives Convention 2015.
2. Consult the full text of the amendment: access Decision (EU) 2026/1368 on EUR-Lex and the text of the amendment to Article 36 to know the exact scope of the procedural or governance changes introduced.
3. Review current quality and labeling standards: check whether the technical standards of the IOC that you apply to your products may be updated as a result of this amendment and whether your labels and certificates remain compliant.
4. Monitor IOC communications: follow the publications of the International Olive Council to stay informed of any regulatory developments resulting from the approval of this amendment.
5. Consult with your legal advisor or sectoral association: if you export or import significant volumes, assess the specific impact of the amendment with a specialist in international agri-food trade before it enters into force.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601368