2023-09: United States of America: Organics USDA NOP Import Certificate

Date of issue: 11 December 2023

Date of effect: 19 March 2024

Reference Number: MAA2023-09

Attention

• Organic operators and exporters, organic certifying bodies, industry bodies.
• Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry — Central and Regional offices.

Purpose

This Market Access Advice (MAA) is to inform Australian organic operators, exporters, and certifiers of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) Import Certificate requirement changes as part of the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE). The USDA NOP has expanded the functionality of its Organic Integrity Database (INTEGRITY) by launching a new import certificate module.

From 19 March 2024, all organic products imported into the U.S. will require an electronic NOP Import Certificate to have been issued.

Until the effective date, USDA NOP will continue to work with our federal partners and industry stakeholders to refine the electronic import certificate process. Some essential facts about how these requirements will be implemented are as follows:

• Import certificates will be generated by accredited certifiers in the USDA's Organic Integrity Database (OID) system, using requests provided by exporters of organic product to the U.S. Certifiers will then provide key information, such as the certificate number, back to the exporter. The exporter will provide the information to the U.S. importer for entry into the CBP import system (usually by a Customs Broker).
• The OID certificate template module is yet to be finalised but expects it will be similar to this form. However, it has been advised that the certificate field "Recipient in the US" will need to be selected from a drop-down field of operators that are registered in OID; this will not be a free text field.
• Import certificates may be issued for single or multiple shipments or a specific time frame, depending on the certifiers' oversight systems.
• For countries with which we have a recognition or equivalency arrangement, the NOP will work with the other country's government to facilitate the inclusion of certifiers under other schemes in OID.

Notification

• Strengthening Organic Enforcement | Agricultural Marketing Service
• Strengthening Organic Enforcement - Final Primers
• USDA Launches Import Certificate Module in Organic INTEGRITY Database

Further information

The information provided above is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.