NOP
USDA National Organic Program’s Strengthening Organic Enforcement Coming Soon!
Although the final regulations have yet to be released, the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) will soon implement a new rule called Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE). NOP has stated that they will publish the rule in a matter of weeks. Once the rule is published, there will be a one-year implementation timeline before full compliance is required. This rule will increase oversight of organic products throughout the supply chain.
National List Changes—Paper Pots and Low-Acyl Gellan Gum
On December 14, 2022, the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) added the following materials to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List) and updated language as noted below:
Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Rule May Impact Your Network
Are you familiar with the USDA National Organic Program’s proposed Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Rule? This pending regulation will significantly change the organic regulations. After the rule is enacted, operations buying, selling, trading, or facilitating sales of organic products will be required to gain certification.
Updates to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances
On March 23rd, 2022, the National Organic Program (NOP) issued a final rule to add two new substances to the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). The final rule also makes an administrative edit to §205.605.
Look Out for a New Rule that will Significantly Change the National Organic Program
The Policy Team and Certification staff are gearing up for the release of proposed changes to the National Organic Program (NOP). While the official rule, called the Strengthening Organic Enforcement proposed rule, is not out yet, the NOP has released a pre-published draft and other resources on their website.
Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule Released
The USDA National Organic Program (NOP) released an official proposed rule for Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE). The proposed changes will constitute the most significant changes to organic regulations since the creation of the NOP.
Among other changes, the proposed rule will:
CCOF Will Soon Offer Cannabis Certification for California Producers
CCOF now supports California operations producing cannabis and cannabis manufactured products with a comparable-to-organic program. OCal certification ensures cannabis operations meet standards that are consistent with the National Organic Program (NOP). Operations that gain OCal certification will be able to use both the CCOF cannabis logo and the OCal seal on their products.
Changes to Sourcing NOP Ingredients and Products from India
Tamarind Seed Gum Update
On November 5, 2020 the National Organic Program (NOP) issued a final rule to allow organic processors to use non-organic tamarind seed gum in organic products when certified organic versions are not commercially available. Effective December 7, 2020, tamarind seed gum was added to the National List §205.606, per the Federal Register.