NOP Import Certificate Program Details
With the implementation of the USDA National Organic Program’s (NOP) Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) implementation on March 19, 2024 Pro-Cert certified operators importing or exporting organic products to the US will need an NOP Import Certificate associated with each shipment. Organic Products sold directly to the consumer through traditional e-commerce sites are currently exempt from this requirement.
Over the coming days our entire team is ready to assist with the implementation of the program. We ask for your cooperation in providing requested information and/or details needed to facilitate our timely completion of these services for you. Our Trade Documents team leading this program is available via email at trade@pro-cert.org For other questions related to SOE Implementation we will continue to provide additional guidance in the coming days or you may speak with the certification specialist for your file.
Exporters to the United States
The new NOP Import Certificate (NOPIC) will be similar in requirements to other international trade documents, however a notable difference is that this certificate can be issued for individual transactions and/or multiple transactions across a period of time.
Please see the review the attached Guide to NOP Import Certificates carefully as it will answer many of your questions. This Guide will be updated over time to reflect the most current information available regarding the process. The most recent copy will be posted and maintained on our website at: https://www.pro-cert.org/processor-documents/
Exporters requiring a NOPIC must complete and submit an NOP Import Certificate Request (Doc #9.5.3). This form must be completed entirely and submitted with the documents outlined in the Guide according to your commodity type and format. At this time, the document is available in a fillable Word format. Following implementation, it will also be available to be completed on-line within our myPro-Cert portal.
There is a cost for these certificates as this is new and additional work outside the annual certification scope and these costs have been outlined in the current fee schedules posted on our website at www.pro-cert.org/fees. At this time based on the anticipated workload we have currently set this fee at $125/certificate, please note however that as the workload is assessed and the USDA’s oversight of this process is fully realized these costs maybe reduced or increased as appropriate with notice.
We anticipate a heavy workload in the coming weeks as this program is rolled out. Therefore, we ask that you focus your initial requests on those products which you are certain will be shipping in the first 30-60 days following March 19, 2024. Other requests to cover the balance of your products for export may be submitted after the initial rush has been resolved.
We have been advised that the border will not be closed on March 19, 2024, and that an educational approach will be taken with enforcement at this time. We have also been advised that products already in the stream of commerce or transit prior to that date will not be expected to comply with this requirement.
Importers to the United States
If you are importing organic products into the United States and are listed as the importer of record, you should begin requesting NOP Import Certificates now. As many of these certificates cover a commodity over a period of time, you will need to ensure you have systems in place to link these certificates with the specific loads shipped to you against these certificates. You are also required to maintain an audit trail connecting these products from your possession to the next certified operation in the supply chain.
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