Indian government notifies procedure for exporting certified organic products

The Central Government of India has introduced mandatory certification under the National Program for Organic Production (NPOP) for exporting organic products. Key highlights of the new procedure, effective from January 5 and valid for 180 days, include:

1. Mandatory Certification: Exporters must secure an NPOP certificate verifying compliance with organic standards.
2. Transaction Certificate: A transaction certificate (TC) from an accredited body must accompany shipment documents to confirm organic status.
3. Compliance with Standards: Exported products must meet NPOP guidelines for production, processing, packaging, and labeling to align with international organic standards.
4. Export Target: The government aims to boost organic food exports to $2 billion annually by 2030.
5. APEDA’s Role: APEDA has amended NPOP regulations to address concerns, particularly for organic rice, making certification more farmer-friendly and encouraging diverse organic exports.
6. Validity: The new procedure will remain in effect for 180 days, requiring exporters to comply with these updated guidelines during this period.

This policy aims to strengthen India’s position in the global organic food market.