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USDA Organic Certification for the U.S. Market

Sell, label, handle or import organic products in the United States with confidence.

USDA NOP certification is required for most businesses operating in the organic supply chain for the U.S. market.

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    Do you need USDA Organic certification?

    Answer a few questions and get clarity on whether certification or import compliance applies to your business.

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    If you sell organic products in the U.S., certification is not optional

    The USDA National Organic Program regulates all organic products sold or represented as organic in the United States.

    For many buyers, certification is not a differentiator — it is a requirement to do business. 

    Without certification
    • You cannot legally sell products as organic in the U.S.
    • Shipments may be delayed, rejected or relabeled
    • Retailers, importers and distributors may not accept your products
    • You increase compliance and reputational risk
    With certification
    • You access the U.S. organic market
    • You meet buyer and regulatory requirements
    • You support premium positioning with verified claims
    • You strengthen traceability and supply chain control
    • You reduce risk across production, handling and trade

    Does USDA NOP apply to your business?

    USDA Organic certification may apply to any operation that produces, processes, handles, trades, labels, imports or sells organic products for the U.S. market.

    If your organic sales exceed USD 5,000 per year, certification is typically required unless a specific exemption applies. Even below this threshold, many buyers, retailers and distributors may still request certification.

    Identify whether you are part of the regulated organic supply chain.

    For farms, growers and livestock operations producing organic crops, animals or raw agricultural products intended for sale in the U.S. market.

    For companies transforming, preparing, packaging or manufacturing products that use organic ingredients or will be marketed with organic claims.

    For businesses buying, selling, distributing or managing organic products under their own brand, private label or commercial documentation.

    For companies bringing organic products into the United States, where certification status and NOP Import Certificate requirements are critical for market access.

    For operations storing, sorting, packing, repacking, labeling or managing organic products while maintaining segregation, traceability and organic integrity.

    What does USDA Organic certification verify?

    USDA NOP certification evaluates how your operation maintains organic integrity across your full system, not only the final product.

    Organic System Plan
    Your Organic System Plan defines how your operation manages compliance, including procedures, controls, inputs and recordkeeping.
    Inputs and materials
    Verification that only approved substances are used in production or processing.
    Production and processing practices
    Review of farming, handling, manufacturing or processing activities.
    Traceability and mass balance
    Ability to track organic products from origin to final sale.
    Segregation and contamination prevention
    Controls to prevent mixing with non-organic products or exposure to prohibited substances.
    Labeling and claims
    Correct use of organic labeling and product claims.
    Import documentation
    Verification of documentation for organic products entering the United States, including NOP Import Certificates where applicable.

    How USDA Organic certification works

    The certification process follows a structured USDA pathway.

    Control Union supports your operation through each step, helping you prepare documentation, coordinate inspections and maintain compliance.

    Start your certification process

    Application submission

    Organic System Plan preparation

    Documentation review

    Inspection

    Certification process

    Listing in the Organic Integrity Database

    Annual renewal

    Importing organic products into the U.S.

    Without proper documentation, products may not be accepted as organic in the U.S.

    Organic shipments entering the United States must be supported by a valid NOP Import Certificate which ensures:

    • Traceability of the shipment

    • Link to certified operations

    • Compliance with USDA requirements

    Why Control Union?

    Your certification partner for Organic success

    Control Union is an approved certification body for the USDA-NOP regulation, providing independent audits and certification services worldwide. 

    One partner, multiple solutions – Integrated certifications that save time and simplify audits.

    Worldwide presence with dedicated teams serving U.S. customers locally. 

    Decades of experience across organic, sustainability, and supply‑chain certifications.  + 5000 Certified operations worldwide.

    Accredited, independent, and trusted by brands, regulators, and retailers. 

    Clear guidance that supports compliance while adding market value. 

    FAQ´s

    Most businesses producing, processing, handling, trading or importing organic products into the U.S.

    Yes, for most operations that want to sell or label products as organic.

    Some small operations may be exempt, but many buyers still require certification.

    A document describing how your operation complies with organic requirements.

    Review of records, inputs, processes, traceability and implementation.

    Annually.

    A required document for organic shipments entering the U.S.

    Yes.

    Start your USDA Organic certification

    Tell us about your operation and get clear next steps for certification, compliance and market access.

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