This notice informs Australia’s organic industry about the recent implementation of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Final Rule.
The SOE Final Rule takes effect on March 19, 2024.
Major recognition to – USDA NOP’s new rules rule applies to the production, movement, and trade of organic products entering the United States.
Significant changes introduced by the SOE Final Rule include:
- Organic certification requirements: Exporters, importers, and other enterprises participating in the supply chain of organic products bound for the United States must now get organic certification.
- Mandatory National Organic Program Import Certificates: All organic product shipments to the United States must include electronic National Organic Program Import Certificates.
- Organic Fraud Prevention strategies: Certified organizations must create and implement strategies to combat organic fraud.
What you need to do:
It is highlighted that the applicant shall review the SOE Final Rule and accompanying primers to determine if your operations are impacted. If affected, ensure compliance with the SOE Final Rule by the effective date of March 19, 2024.
The amendment aims to maintain the integrity of the organic supply chain and increase consumer and industry trust in the USDA organic label by strengthening organic control systems, boosting farm-to-market traceability, and enforcing USDA organic laws rigorously.
