Is Dual Certification the Future of Organic Trade Between India and the USA? (Edition 469)

For anyone navigating the labyrinth of organic certification, the recent shift in USDA regulations has stirred the pot. India, a major player in organic exports, now faces a conundrum: is obtaining dual certification under both the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) a necessity or a burden? This debate has sparked a flurry of opinions among farmers, exporters, and industry experts.

The Rule Change That Rocked the Industry

As of July 12, 2022, the USDA stopped recognizing APEDA-accredited certifiers under the NPOP framework for exports to the USA. What does this mean? Simply put, any organic product exported from India to the USA now requires certification from a USDA-accredited certifier. The days of solely relying on NPOP certification for exports to the lucrative U.S. market are over.

However, NPOP certification remains mandatory for compliance with Indian organic standards. This has led to a tricky situation for exporters: is it enough to have USDA NOP certification for U.S. exports, or is dual certification the smarter, albeit more expensive, choice?

The Case for Dual Certification

Advocates of dual certification argue that NPOP certification is indispensable for Indian exporters. It ensures compliance with domestic regulations, particularly for those aiming to sell within India or diversify into other markets where NPOP is recognized.

Moreover, some exporters feel that having dual certification builds trust with buyers. It signals a commitment to both domestic and international organic standards, which can enhance market credibility.

For companies that juggle multiple markets, maintaining NPOP certification alongside USDA NOP can also provide flexibility. What if a batch fails to meet USDA standards but qualifies under NPOP? Having both certifications can save exporters from potentially losing an entire shipment.

The Flip Side: Complexity and Cost

On the other hand, critics of dual certification highlight the financial and logistical burdens. Farmers and small-scale exporters, in particular, are feeling the pinch. Maintaining compliance with two sets of standards means navigating twice the paperwork, audits, and associated costs.

Many argue that USDA NOP certification alone should suffice for exports to the U.S., especially given the rigorous nature of the USDA’s requirements. Why add a layer of complexity if the end goal—access to the U.S. market—is met through NOP certification?

Some industry players question whether NPOP certification still holds relevance for exporters who exclusively cater to the U.S. market. Why should they invest in compliance with Indian standards when their products won’t even be sold domestically?

The Larger Question: Who Should Adapt?

This debate raises an even larger question: should farmers and exporters bear the burden of dual compliance, or is it time for regulators to adapt? With global trade becoming increasingly interconnected, some industry voices call for harmonization of organic standards between countries. Why not work towards mutual recognition agreements that would eliminate the need for dual certification altogether? Financial burden has become a question mark for existing and new entrepreneurs in the Industry, increased certification cost, testing, logistics, and at the end the cost of Organic Product increases does it become affordable to Consumers ?

Join the Conversation

At Organil Services, we understand that this is more than a regulatory issue—it’s a matter of livelihoods and sustainable trade. We want to hear from you.

• Are you a farmer or exporter grappling with the costs of dual certification?
• Do you believe USDA NOP certification should be enough for the U.S. market?
• Is NPOP certification still relevant for exporters focused solely on international markets?

Let’s keep this conversation going. Share your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions in the comments. Together, we can navigate the evolving world of organic certification and ensure that both farmers and consumers benefit from a fair and transparent system.

Organil Services is committed to empowering organic producers and exporters with the knowledge and tools to succeed in global markets. Stay tuned for more insights and updates on organic certification and trade.