Imports certificates are now required for all organic goods entering the United States, including those certified under the NOP organic standard.
To best support our clients in Mexico, CCOF has created an instructional video that reviews the purpose of an import certificate and how to request this document.
Please note that this video is tailored to CCOF certified Spanish speaking operations exporting product from Mexico. English speaking operations exporting from Canada or Mexico can access English subtitles through the closed captioning.
Uncertified operations seeking certification to export organic product to the United States can contact getcertified@ccof.org for assistance.
As we have learned a few more things about the NOP Import Certificate landscape, there are a few additional things to keep in mind.
The NOP Import Certificate must be issued before the product leaves the country of export. It cannot be issued retroactively. Exporters must request the NOP Import Certificate with sufficient time for the certifier to review and issue the certificate before shipment. NOP Import Certificate requests must be submitted to CCOF at least five days prior to shipment to allow time for processing. Please note that the CCOF office is closed nights, weekends, and holidays.
The complete 10-digit Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) code is required. Work with your importer’s customs broker and visit hts.usitc.gov to determine the correct HTS code for your shipment. If the HTS code changes throughout the year, request a separate certificate and indicate the date range that HTS code is in effect in the Certificate Start Date and Certificate End Date fields.
The NOP Import Certificate Request can be found here: https://ccof.org/resource/nop-import-certificate-request-packet/
For more information, please visit: https://www.ccof.org/organic-certification-services/strengthening-organic-enforcement-usda-rule/soe-key-takeaways-for-importers-and-exporters/