Import certificates are now required for all organic goods entering the United States. As we learn more about National Organic Program (NOP) Import Certificates, there are a few 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 5 business days prior to shipment to allow time for processing. Please note that the CCOF office is closed nights, weekends, and holidays.
As we transitioned into the new requirements, customs brokers were issued a temporary code to allow products shipped without an import certificate to enter the country if brokers could determine that the product met organic requirements. Products shipped without an import certificate could be denied by the importer’s customs broker if they could not determine that the shipment met organic requirements. This temporary code will no longer be permitted after September 19, 2024. After that date, shipments that do not have a valid import certificate must be sold as conventional or returned to the country of export.
Importers must be certified to import organic products to the United States. As we transitioned into the new requirement, importers applying for organic certification have been under NOP oversight, and some imports have been allowed to continue. Currently, the exporter’s certifier may issue NOP Import Certificates linked to uncertified importers. This will no longer be permitted after September 19, 2024. After this date, organic imports must have an NOP Import Certificate or will be rejected upon shipment filing in ACE (CBP system).
Uncertified operations seeking certification to import organic product to the United States can contact getcertified@ccof.org for assistance. If you are an importer who has applied for certification, respond to all requests from your certifier quickly and completely.