NOP USDA and COR Certifications: A Guide to Organic Equivalency for U.S. and International Clients

As the global organic market continues to expand, the intricacies of certification standards and agreements become crucial for businesses that seek international market access. A common question among organic producers and processors, particularly those exporting to North America, is whether holding an NOP USDA (National Organic Program) certification allows for seamless market entry into Canada under the COR (Canada Organic Regime), or if an independent COR certification is still required. This article delves into the equivalency agreement between the U.S. and Canada, its implications for third-country clients, and whether a separate certification is necessary.

Understanding the Equivalency Agreement Between the U.S. and Canada

The organic equivalency agreement between the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) was established in 2009. This agreement allows organic products certified under one country’s program to be sold as organic in the other country, eliminating the need for dual certification.

Under this agreement:

- Products certified to the NOP USDA standard in the U.S. can be sold in Canada as organic without requiring an additional COR certification, provided certain conditions are met.

- Similarly, products certified to the COR standard in Canada can be sold in the U.S. as organic under the USDA's NOP standard without needing separate USDA certification.

Conditions of the Equivalency Agreement

While the agreement facilitates smoother trade between the U.S. and Canada, certain conditions must be observed:

- Antibiotics Restriction: Livestock products cannot be treated with antibiotics if they are to be sold under the equivalency agreement in either market.

- Sodium Nitrate: The use of sodium nitrate is prohibited in crop production for products traded under the equivalency agreement.

- Aquatic Animal Production: This is not covered under the equivalency agreement, and a separate certification may be required depending on the product's nature.

For U.S. Clients with NOP USDA Certification

If your business is based in the U.S. and you already hold an NOP USDA certification, you do not need to obtain a separate COR certification to sell your organic products in Canada. Your NOP certification, granted by an accredited certification body, allows you to access the Canadian market under the terms of the equivalency agreement.

However, it’s important to ensure that your organic practices comply with the conditions of the agreement, particularly concerning the use of antibiotics and sodium nitrate.

For Canadian Clients with COR Certification

Similarly, Canadian businesses with COR certification can access the U.S. market without needing a separate NOP certification. The equivalency agreement simplifies the process for both U.S. and Canadian producers, reducing certification costs and administrative burdens for organic businesses looking to operate across borders.

### The Status of Third-Country Clients

For third-country clients—those located outside of the U.S. and Canada—the scenario is more nuanced. If your business is located in a country that exports organic products to both the U.S. and Canada, your certification requirements will depend on several factors:

1. Direct NOP or COR Certification: If you are certified under either the NOP USDA or COR standards, you can export your organic products to the respective market directly, provided your certification body is accredited under the respective program.

2. Mutual Recognition Agreements: If your country has an organic equivalency agreement with either the U.S. or Canada, you may be able to export products to one market without needing separate certification, depending on the terms of the agreement. For example, the EU, Japan, Switzerland, and other countries have equivalency arrangements with the U.S. or Canada, which could cover organic products certified under specific standards.

3. Third-Country Certification: If your country is not covered under an equivalency agreement with the U.S. or Canada, you will need to obtain NOP USDA or COR certification through an accredited certifying body. This applies to exporters from regions like India, China, and parts of South America where there may not be equivalency arrangements.

For third-country clients exporting to both the U.S. and Canada, having either NOP USDA or COR certification might cover access to one market, but you may still need an additional certification for the other if your country does not have equivalency agreements in place with both.

Example:

A producer in India exporting organic spices to the U.S. under NOP certification would still need to obtain COR certification to sell those same products in Canada unless their certification body holds dual accreditation under both programs. This contrasts with an EU producer, who can leverage the equivalency agreements with both the U.S. and Canada without needing dual certification.

Key Considerations for Exporters:

- Certification Bodies: Ensure that your certification body is accredited under the relevant organic standards, whether NOP or COR. Some certifiers hold dual accreditation, making it easier to obtain both certifications simultaneously.

- Comply with Specific Provisions: Always check if there are additional requirements, such as compliance with the antibiotics or sodium nitrate restrictions, when exporting products under the equivalency agreement.

- Stay Updated: Organic standards and equivalency agreements evolve. It’s critical to stay informed about any changes that might impact your certification status or market access.

For U.S.-based clients, obtaining an independent COR certification is unnecessary when holding an NOP USDA certification, thanks to the equivalency agreement between the two countries. This streamlined process allows organic businesses to penetrate the Canadian market without incurring additional certification costs. However, third-country clients must carefully evaluate their certification needs, especially if their country lacks a mutual equivalency agreement with either the U.S. or Canada.

At Organil Services, we help clients navigate the complexities of organic certifications and international market access. Whether you're a U.S., Canadian, or third-country client, our expert consultancy ensures that your organic products meet the necessary certification standards for global success. We guide you through certification, compliance, and market entry strategies to ensure your organic products reach their full potential on the international stage.