The term ‘organic’ carries significant weight in the global marketplace, signifying adherence to specific production and handling standards. For consumers and importers, certification labels are the primary means of verifying these claims. Navigating the world of organic certifications can be complex, especially when sourcing internationally. For products exported from India, three key standards dominate: India’s own NPOP (National Programme for Organic Production), the USDA NOP (National Organic Program) for the US market, and the EU Organic Regulation for Europe. Understanding the basics of these certifications, their requirements, and how they relate to each other is crucial for both Indian exporters like Radiance Overseas and our international partners.
1. NPOP: India’s National Standard
- Full Name: National Programme for Organic Production
- Administering Body: APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
- Logo: The ‘India Organic’ logo.
- Core Principle: Provides the standards for organic production, processing, certification, and labelling within India. It aims to ensure the integrity of organic products from farm to consumer.
- Key Requirements Summary:
- Prohibition of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, GMOs, irradiation.
- Emphasis on soil fertility management (composting, crop rotation, green manuring).
- Use of organic seeds and planting material where available.
- Maintenance of buffer zones from conventional farms.
- Detailed record-keeping by operators.
- Specific standards for livestock, aquaculture, and processing/handling (including segregation).
- Certification Bodies (CBs): Certification is carried out by APEDA-accredited CBs based in India.
- Relevance for Export: Mandatory for any product exported from India labelled as ‘organic’. Critically, NPOP is recognized as equivalent by the EU and Switzerland, simplifying access to these markets.
2. USDA NOP: The US Standard
- Full Name: USDA National Organic Program
- Administering Body: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
- Logo: The ‘USDA Organic’ seal.
- Core Principle: Regulates the standards for any farm, wild crop harvesting, or handling operation wishing to sell an agricultural product as organically produced in the United States.
- Key Requirements Summary:
- Similar core prohibitions (synthetics, GMOs, irradiation).
- Requires land to be free from prohibited substances for 3 years prior to organic harvest.
- Specific rules on soil fertility, pest/weed/disease management (emphasizing preventative practices).
- Detailed regulations for livestock, including mandatory access to pasture for ruminants and 100% organic feed.
- Strict rules for handling and processing, including prevention of commingling and contact with prohibited substances, and limitations on non-organic ingredients in multi-ingredient products (‘Organic’ vs. ‘Made with Organic’).
- Certification Bodies (ACAs): Certification is done by USDA-Accredited Certifying Agents (ACAs). Some ACAs operate globally, including in India.
- Relevance for Indian Exporters: Direct certification to USDA NOP standards by a USDA ACA is typically required for products to be sold as ‘organic’ in the US. While NPOP shares principles, it’s not automatically accepted as fully equivalent for US market access currently. Radiance Overseas ensures relevant supply chains are NOP certified for US-bound exports.
3. EU Organic Regulation: The European Standard
- Regulation Number: (EU) 2018/848 (fully applicable since Jan 2022), replacing older regulations.
- Administering Body: European Commission (Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development).
- Logo: The ‘Euro-leaf’ logo (green leaf made of stars). Mandatory on pre-packaged organic foods produced in the EU; optional but common on imported organic goods.
- Core Principle: Aims to establish a sustainable management system for agriculture, producing high-quality products, contributing to environmental protection, biodiversity, animal welfare, and rural development.
- Key Requirements Summary:
- Similar core prohibitions (synthetics, GMOs, irradiation).
- Strong focus on ecosystem approach, soil health, closed nutrient cycles, and biodiversity.
- Strict rules on processing, limiting additives and processing aids.
- Detailed regulations for animal welfare, feed, and origin.
- Specific rules for different production types (e.g., greenhouse).
- Emphasis on controls and traceability throughout the supply chain.
- Certification Bodies (CBs): Certification of operators within the EU is done by CBs approved by EU member states. For imports, compliance can be via recognized third countries, equivalent standards (like NPOP), or CBs recognized for certifying in third countries to EU standards.
- Relevance for Indian Exporters: Due to the NPOP-EU equivalence agreement, products certified under NPOP by an APEDA-accredited CB can generally be exported to the EU as organic. However, each shipment *must* be accompanied by an electronic Certificate of Inspection (COI) issued through the EU’s TRACES NT system by the Indian CB before the goods leave India. Radiance Overseas is fully compliant with TRACES NT procedures for all EU exports.
Key Takeaways for Importers
- Verification is Key: Always request and verify valid organic certificates for the specific standard required in your market (NPOP, USDA NOP, EU Organic). Check the certificate’s validity period and scope (products covered).
- Understand Equivalence vs. Direct Certification: NPOP is equivalent for the EU (requiring TRACES COI), but direct USDA NOP certification is generally needed for the US.
- Traceability Documentation: Ensure your exporter can provide Transaction Certificates (TCs) or equivalent documentation (like TRACES COI) linking the specific shipment back to certified sources.
- Choose Knowledgeable Exporters: Partner with an Indian exporter like Radiance Overseas who demonstrably understands and manages these different certification requirements, ensuring smooth compliance and market access.
Conclusion: Ensuring Trust Through Standards
Organic certifications are the bedrock of trust in the organic industry. Understanding the main standards applicable to exports from India – NPOP, USDA NOP, and EU Organic – empowers international buyers to make informed sourcing decisions. Radiance Overseas prides itself on its rigorous adherence to these standards, holding the necessary certifications and managing the complexities of compliance for various global markets. This commitment ensures that our partners receive genuinely organic products that meet the specific regulatory requirements of their destination, fostering confidence and long-term relationships.
