USDA NOP

USDA NOP Certification - Access to the US Organic Market

SIA Certification and Testing Centre offers certification services in accordance with US Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) requirements. This certification allows producers, processors and traders to legally export organic products to the US and use USDA Organic labelling.

What is the NOP?

National Organic Programme (NOP) is a federal regulatory programme developed by the USDA to establish and enforce uniform national standards for organically produced agricultural products sold in the US. The NOP also accredits third-party organisations that certify that farms and businesses meet these standards.

USDA NOP regulatory requirements:

NOP Regulations
National Organic Program Handbook: Guidance and Instructions for Accredited Certifying Agents and Certified Operations
Program Handbook Introduction
NOP Compliance Preamble
The USDA Organic Seal 
Materials for Organic Crop Production

Why choose NOP certification?

• Access to the US market: Certification allows you to legally export organic products to the US.

• Reliability: The USDA Organic label is a globally recognised organic seal of approval.

• Compliance with strict standards: The NOP sets out detailed requirements for organic production, processing and labelling.

Certification process:

The certification process consists of five main steps:

1. Application and biological system plan (OSP): The company submits an application and develops an OSP describing the organic practices:
   OSP FOR CROPS; 
   OSP FOR HANDLING

2. Evaluation of documents: The certifying authority reviews the application to verify compliance with the USDA organic rules.

3. On-site inspection: The inspector conducts an inspection of the farm or establishment to assess the implementation of OSP and compliance with USDA organic regulations.

4. Review of the report: The certification body shall review the inspection report and decide whether to grant certification.

5. Award of the certificate: If all the criteria are met, a certificate is issued.

To maintain certification, the OSP must be updated and re-inspected annually.
Information about NOP certification fees.

International trade and import requirements

As of 19 March 2024, every organic product imported into the US must have an electronic NOP Import Certificate, issued by a USDA-accredited certifying body.

To find out more about NOP certification or to start the application process, contact us!