Labeling Resources
An easy to read organic labeling chart.
Organic Labeling GuidelinesOrganic Certification for Processors, Handlers, Retailers
Key Certification Requirements
Handler Organic System Plans Include
- The ingredients, formulations, and finished products
- Proposed labels
- Where and how the product is produced or processed
- Your recordkeeping system that tracks traceability and confirms that you sourced enough certified organic ingredients to match the amount of organic products sold
- Your organic fraud prevention plan
Labeling Resources
Labeling and Logos
Resources and guides to display your commitment to organic
CCOF Labeling and Logo ResourcesInternational Market Labeling Guide
CCOF has developed this helpful guide to explain the requirements for labels on organic products sold in Canada, the EU, UK, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Mexico. All products being shipped to these markets under a U.S. Organic Equivalency Arrangement must meet the labeling requirements of the destination market. Please submit all labels to CCOF for approval prior to printing.
International Market Labeling GuideResources for Organic Handlers
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The Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Rule is regulation put forth by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). This is the most significant change to the national organic regulations since the creation of the NOP. The rule is intended to safeguard confidence in organic products and minimize fraud throughout the organic supply chain. All operations – including both currently certified and newly impacted uncertified handlers of organic products – must meet all of the requirements in the rule by March 19, 2024. Handler operations can review key takeaways here. Importers and exporters should review this page. Retail Establishments can also review impacts here.
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Looking for organic ingredients? The following resources will help you find growers, manufacturers, and other sources of organic ingredients:
- CCOF’s online organic directory: In CCOF’s searchable directory you can find the products produced and processed by CCOF members.
- USDA Organic Integrity Database: All USDA certified organic operations around the world.
- Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI): OMRI lists nonorganic materials and inputs allowed in organic farming and processing. Always get approval from CCOF before using any nonorganic material.
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Sample Agricultural Ingredient Availability Search Record
Pest Control Material Justification
Pest Control Material Justification
Nonorganic Processing Material Affidavit — Used to document any nonorganic material you would like to use in your certified products. Forward this affidavit to your material manufacturer. They must fill out and sign this form.
Natural Flavor Affidavit — Give this affidavit to the flavor manufacturer so that we can verify that the natural flavor you want to use is compliant. To save time, be sure to check with us before submitting this information to see if we have reviewed the natural flavor before.
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CCOF cannot actively consult our clients regarding organic certification compliance. We provide a list of Organic Consultants as a resource to anyone seeking assistance with developing an Organic System Plan or other operational or regulatory matters.
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- Handler OSP Update Guide – Use this form as a guide for which OSP forms must be updated in various scenarios.
- Business Change Contract – Complete this form if a change to an organic business you manage or own results in a new Tax ID, business structure, or owner.
- Equipment, Facility, or Address Change form – Use this form to notify CCOF that you will be moving or you plan to add a new facility or new equipment to your existing organic certification.
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The National Organic Program (NOP) has developed a helpful website with fact sheets and sends out an e-newsletter to alert certified operations and certifiers of changes to organic standards. Sign up for the Organic Insider to hear about updates at the same time as CCOF!
The Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Rule is regulation put forth by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP). This is the most significant change to the national organic regulations since the creation of the NOP. The rule is intended to safeguard confidence in organic products and minimize fraud throughout the organic supply chain. All operations – including both currently certified and newly impacted uncertified handlers of organic products – must meet all of the requirements in the rule by March 19, 2024. Handler operations can review key takeaways here. Importers and exporters should review this page. Retail Establishments can also review impacts here.