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