USDA Organic Certification Made Clear and Manageable
From organic eligibility and Organic System Plan preparation to inspection, certification, labeling, and ongoing compliance, we help businesses understand and navigate the USDA National Organic Program requirements with practical and structured guidance. Our support helps simplify the certification process, prepare the required documentation, and address key compliance requirements. We help businesses build a strong foundation for USDA NOP compliance and confidently bring their organic products to the U.S. market.
Determine Organic Eligibility
Assess the product, ingredients, farming/processing activities, and supply chain to determine whether the product can be certified under USDA organic standards.
Select a USDA-Accredited Certification Body
Choose a certification agency accredited by the USDA to certify the relevant operation and product category.
Submit Application & Business Details
Provide information about the company, production/processing facility, products, ingredients, suppliers, locations, and intended organic activities.
Prepare an Organic System Plan (OSP)
Develop a detailed Organic System Plan describing how the operation will comply with USDA organic requirements, including production, processing, handling, storage, sanitation, pest control, inputs, and record keeping.
Verify Organic Inputs & Ingredients
Review fertilizers, pesticides, processing aids, cleaning materials, ingredients, and other inputs to ensure they are permitted under applicable USDA organic requirements.
Establish Segregation & Traceability
Implement procedures to prevent commingling or contamination between organic and non-organic products and maintain traceability from incoming materials through production and final sale.
Implement Organic Practices
Operate according to the approved OSP and USDA organic standards, including appropriate handling, processing, storage, transportation, and labeling controls.
Maintain Required Records
Maintain purchase records, supplier certificates, production records, inventory records, batch/lot information, sales records, cleaning records, input records, and other documents necessary to demonstrate compliance.
Certification Inspection
The certification body conducts an on-site inspection to verify the operation, records, facilities, processes, inputs, storage, labeling, and implementation of the OSP.
Address Non-Conformities
If the inspector identifies deficiencies, provide corrective actions and supporting evidence within the required timeframe.
Certification Review & Decision
The certification body reviews the application, OSP, inspection report, records, and corrective actions before making the certification decision.
Obtain USDA Organic Certificate
Once approved, the operation receives its USDA organic certification covering the applicable scope and products.
Ensure USDA Organic Label Compliance
Review packaging and marketing materials to ensure the USDA Organic seal, organic claims, ingredient statements, and labeling comply with the applicable USDA organic labeling category and requirements.
Maintain Annual Compliance
USDA organic certification is an ongoing process. Continue following the approved OSP, maintain records, undergo required inspections, report relevant changes, and address any compliance issues.
Recertification & Continuous Monitoring
Keep certifications and supplier documentation current and monitor changes to ingredients, processes, facilities, labels, and applicable USDA organic requirements.
Practical Support for USDA Organic Certification
We help businesses navigate USDA organic certification requirements, from eligibility assessment and OSP preparation to inspection readiness, labeling, documentation, and ongoing compliance.
Organic Eligibility Assessment
Assess your products, ingredients, processes, and supply chain for USDA organic certification requirements.
OSP & Documentation Support
Support with Organic System Plan preparation, records, supplier documentation, and certification-related paperwork.
Inspection Readiness
Prepare your operation, records, facilities, inputs, and processes for certification body inspection.
Label & Ongoing Compliance
Support with USDA organic labeling requirements, annual compliance, documentation updates, and ongoing certification obligations.
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Ready to Take Your Organic Products Global?
Tell us about your products, ingredients, production activities, and target market. Our team can help you understand the applicable USDA NOP requirements and prepare for the certification process.