UPDATE 8/24/2024—Important Reminder: The hard enforcement date for AMS Organics is rapidly approaching on September 19. See the key details below:
The National Organic Program (NOP) Import Certificate will be invalid if the importer is not certified in the Organic Integrity Database. Additionally, the ‘999’ code, previously used for flexibility during the transition period, will be discontinued.
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has also announced that effective September 19, non-compliance with AMS AM 8 will result in rejection—which was previously a warning.
The implementation of the new Organics rules by the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) takes effect March 19, 2024. While AMS will begin as a soft enforcement approach, importers must take steps now to prepare. The Regulatory Agencies Committee (RAC) will be providing useful tips to help importers better understand the National Organic Program (NOP).
Things to know:
Who must be “certified”?
- U.S. importer
- Foreign exporter
- Processor of an organic product
- Operation that packages the product
- Others who “handle” the organic product, such as food brokers or sellers
How do importers and others in the supply chain get certified?
- Locate a USDA-approved certifier through this Organic Integrity Database
An importer, processor, or other handler should review the rules and understand their responsibilities. Certification is not just a routine registration. To be certified, applicants must meet certain criteria depending on their role. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mohawk Global.
By Clarissa Chiclana