Changes to the NOP Import certificate for product going to the US

Earlier this year we notified you of the changes to the import system for organic products going to the United States.

This started with the implementation of a web-based database being used as an electronic method of issuing import certificates. The new system requires all importers in the US to hold organic certification. A 6 month discretionary implementation period was put in place by the US NOP Authorities to give businesses and supply chains time to implement these changes, which ends on 19 September, 2024.

This means that all imports to the US are subject to Strengthening Organic Enforcement rule requirements and must have an import certificate or they will be rejected immediately upon filing with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Additionally, the NOP’s Global Organic Integrity Database system will no longer allow certification bodies to issue NOP Import Certificates that identify uncertified importers. The NOP will no longer be able to provide assistance or flexibility in situations where an incoming shipment does not have a valid NOP Import Certificate. This will also be applied to the temporary 9-9-9 code that the NOP previously provided.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) has shared a video about the NOP Import Certificate. This video, provides businesses and their control bodies with important updates about the implementation of the NOP Import Certificate, a requirement under the new Strengthening Organic Enforcement regulation. In addition, the recorded presentation addresses some frequently asked questions that the NOP has been receiving from stakeholders.

Watch the video recording and/or read the transcript (no password needed).

The USDA has been working to contact all importers who have been listed as uncertified on the INTEGRITY database but should you have questions, please contact the COI team at coi@soilassociation.org or Defra directly at: UK_TC_CB_comms@Defra.gov.uk.