What are export and transaction certificates? How do I request one?

Export and transaction certificates are used for exported products to demonstrate the product's compliance with the applicable standards of the destination country. The certificates contain transaction-specific details, such as the lot number(s), net weight, and the unique serial number that the certifier issues for each export certificate. Your consignee (importer or freight consolidator) will require an original export certificate so your product can clear customs. Copies of the signed export certificate are not sufficient for the customs authorities.

• Export certificates (sometimes called import certificates or certificates of import (COI)) are for exports to nations that require additional verification to be sold as organic, either through an equivalence, trade agreement, or direct compliance. This includes exports to the EU, Japan, Korea, and Switzerland. To export to these locations, you must be enrolled in the appropriate Global Market Access (GMA) Program or our International Standard Program. Please note that for export to Taiwan, you are only required to be NOP certified. 
• Transaction certificates are for exports to nations that do not require additional verification (such as Israel), as well as for domestic buyers that require additional documentation for a purchase. All that is required is NOP certification.

Once you are ready to export your organic products, you will need an export (import) or transaction certificate for each shipment of goods. Once you’ve confirmed your product(s) can be exported to the destination market, and you have a shipment confirmed for departure, complete the appropriate Export Certificate Request Packet and send it to export@ccof.org

Learn more about exports and our International Programs and how to enroll.