Effective July 13, 2022, National Organic Program (NOP) import certificates are required for all shipments from India. In addition, TraceNet certificates of inspection from the Agricultural and Processed Foods Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) are also required. Importers and operations that are the first certified organic businesses in the United States to purchase or receive imported goods from India are required to maintain these documents on site and to make them available for inspection. This requirement reflects the termination of the U.S.–India Recognition Arrangement.
Be sure that all organic imports from India to the United States purchased after July 12, 2022, are from suppliers who have been granted certification with a USDA-accredited certifier. The United States will no longer accept certification granted by APEDA-accredited certifiers.
If you source organic products or ingredients from India, visit the Organic Integrity Database to verify your supplier's status as certified.
For more information, please see the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s India website and previous CCOF Certification News. Contact your Certification Service Specialist with any questions or concerns.