compliance

Strengthening Oversight of Uncertified Handlers in the Supply Chain - Uncertified Handler Affidavit

This is advance notification of an update that will print in our next magazine. Additionally, an action item will appear for all potentially affected CCOF-certified operations. If you source from uncertified brokers, traders, wholesalers, or distributers, submit an Uncertified Handler Affdavit (UHA)  for each uncertified supplier at or before your next inspection and be prepared for additional audit trail verification during inspection.

Fee Changes for New Products & Services, and Use of the CCOF Name or Seal on Uncertified Brands

Effective August 9, 2017, the fee for adding a new product or service will increase to $75 per item. The fee for use of CCOF’s name and seal on a non-CCOF certified private labels will increase to $350 for up to five unique products (UPCs). These fee increases more accurately reflect the necessary staffing that these additions require, and will ensure CCOF is able to meet the service expectations for clients and their private label owners/marketers.

Organic Cannabis Certification?

As various states decriminalize or approve both medicinal or recreational cannabis, CCOF Certification Services is frequently asked to help ensure organic cannabis production. As an organization that envisions a world where organic is the norm, we would like to see cannabis production and processing meet organic standards. In fact, it is our understanding that the gray market nature of this production system has resulted in significant agricultural and chemical use issues.

Requirements for Imported Grain, Bean, and Seed Shipments

This notice has been replaced by the policy announced on April 19, 2021. Learn more.

On May 11, 2017, CCOF Certification Services notified handlers, importers, and others of new requirements for seeking approval for imported grain shipments. Our goal is to help ensure the integrity of organic trade, which is also shared below.

Dairy Grazing Season Clarification

To all CCOF-certified dairy producers,
 
We appreciate the incredibly hard work and dedication it takes to operate an organic dairy. 
 
Many of you are aware of media reports regarding pasture practices at a dairy in Colorado. We are not aware of any information beyond those reports. However, we are committed to maintaining consumer confidence in organic, and promise to do our part to ensure your hard work is not in vain.

Improving Organic Standards

This year, CCOF is working with clients, the National Organic Program (NOP), and others to improve organic standards in a variety of ways. In addition to an ongoing focus on natural resources, we are working to improve a variety of areas to maximize confidence and ensure a level playing field for everyone. We will achieve this by a combination of focused inspections, testing, and modifications to systems or requirements. Our goal is to communicate with affected parties and give reasonable time frames for transition wherever warranted.

NOP Import Certificate Update for Mexico and Other Countries

Organic import (export) certificates are often required to accompany shipments of organic products to and from nations where the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) has achieved an organic standards equivalency agreement or is working towards one.

Overview

Where an import certificate requirement exists, U.S. organic importers are expected to receive import certificates from their supplier for all shipments. These should be kept on file for verification by NOP inspectors and/or USDA NOP or State Organic Program representatives.