According to the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), “the National Organic Program (NOP) develops the rules & regulations for the production, handling, labeling, and enforcement of all USDA organic products”. “The NOP also maintains a Handbook that includes guidance, instructions, policy memos, and other documents that communicate the organic standards”. The USDA organic regulations can be accessed here.
The following information has been provided by the National Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA):
“The new National Organics Program (NOP) organic regulation takes effect March 19, 2024 and will impact not just organic produce, but also a wide range of organic products, including meat, dairy, and nonfood products, such as organic sheets or clothing, and soaps”.
An NOP Import Certificate is required for products that have been certified organic by a USDA-approved certifier and labeled as an organic product. USDA defines three distinct labeling categories for certified organic products. All three categories require an NOP import certificate:
1. 100% Organic – Must be certified as 100 percent organic. May display organic seal and/or “100% organic” claim on the front display. The name of the certifier must appear on the label.
2. “Organic” – Must be certified as 95 percent organic. May display organic seal and/or “organic” claim on the front panel.
3. Made With Organic _______ (up to 3 specific ingredients) – Must be certified 70 percent organic. Up to 3 ingredients or ingredient categories can be identified as organic on front panel. The organic seal cannot be displayed”.
You can review detailed information regarding the requirements of this program including the final rule and an informational webinar/webinar slides from February 21, 2023 here.