The basis is the same as the requirements for the European certificate for organic farming, of which EKO is one of the founders. In addition, since March 2016, EKO has imposed the additional requirement that farmers, processors and traders formulate concrete improvement goals every three years on at least two sustainability themes from the EKO code. Farmers can choose from 8 themes, processors and traders from 10. Themes in the EKO code are, for example: energy and climate, animal welfare and animal health, biodiversity, nature and landscape, fair trade and other social aspects.

An important principle in organic agriculture is the fertility of the soil. For this reason, the label prohibits fertilizer and herbicides during the growth of crops and limits the use of other pesticides and cleaning agents. In addition, it requires crop rotation and sets requirements for the origin and properties of the seed. Conventional and organic products must also be separated during cultivation, harvesting, storage and transport.

The organic certificate sets requirements for beef, cow dairy and horse meat on the origin of the animals, accommodation and grazing, animal feed and healthcare. This takes into account the specific needs of each type of animal. Part of the requirements is about animal welfare; organic animal products always receive 3 stars of the Beter Leven kenmerk.