Organic Imports and Distribution: Navigating USDA Compliance and Responsibility
The National Organic Program (NOP) is a regulatory framework established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to oversee the production, handling, and labeling of organic products. The NOP ensures that organic products meet specific standards and maintain their integrity throughout the supply chain. When an organic distributor purchases products from an organic importer, both parties must comply with NOP regulations, and their respective responsibilities are distinct but interconnected. The importer is responsible for verifying that the organic products entering the country meet NOP standards. This includes ensuring that foreign suppliers are certified organic by an accredited certifying agent recognized by the USDA. The importer must maintain records of organic certificates, transaction documents, and other documentation proving the organic integrity of the products. If an importer fails to verify compliance or knowingly imports fraudulent organic goods, they can be h...
