Organic Certification

USDA National Organic Program

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Organic Certification

Access Global Markets with USDA Organic Certification

Be part of the dynamic worldwide organic market valued at over $350 billion. The globally recognized USDA Organic certification seal of approval assures consumers that the product has undergone third-party certification.

Organic certification helps you stand out in a competitive market by demonstrating your commitment to meeting high-quality standards. Applicants show that they follow responsible practices in producing, processing, and handling food or ingredients—helping ensure organic products are trustworthy.

Choose SCS

SCS has been certifying organic farms for four decades, and has been a leading USDA accredited organic certifier since the USDA Organic program was created. We work successfully with innovative crop producers, processing facilities, and handlers of all sizes to promote responsible agricultural practices, providing organic certification across the entire U.S. and internationally. With competitive rates, first-class service, and prompt turnaround times, we will help you become a part of the growing organic movement.

Combine with Other SCS Services – Save time and money by combining your organic certification with other certification, auditing and testing services provided by SCS, including: Non-GMO Project Verification, Sustainably Grown, Fair Trade USA, SCS Gluten-Free, SCS Plant-Based Certification, and a wide variety of GFSI and other Food Safety services.

Program Details
Process
Benefits
FAQs

Eligibility

The production and trade of organic products is regulated under USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP). SCS provides certification to the USDA Organic Standards for farmers, handlers, processors, importers, and distributors of food, fiber and personal care products.

Fee Schedule

Access the Organic Certification Fee Schedule here.

Activities Requiring Certification

With few exceptions, any entity that produces, handles, or transacts products that are intended to be sold, labeled, or represented as organic must be certified. Activities requiring certification include:

Producing organic crops and seedlings
Packaging, handling, or labelling organic products
Processing/formulating organic products
Buying, selling, or facilitating the transaction of products within the organic supply chain
Importing or exporting organic products to/from the United States

Organic Certification Categories

Your certification will fall within one of four categories, depending on the product you are having certified: Organic, 100% Organic, Organic Ingredients, Made with Organic (specified ingredients). Details about these categories can be found in the FAQ tab on this page.

Guidelines and requirements for marketing and labeling organic products are also defined. SCS also provides optional client support services for certified companies.

Equivalency for International Trade

USDA NOP standards are recognized by Canada, the European Union, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The trade of organic products to and from international markets is regulated under and requires certification to the NOP standards.

While the specifics of certification vary depending on whether the company seeking certification is a food producer, shipper, distributor, wholesaler or handler, the certification process generally involves the following steps:

Apply for Certification

Complete the SCS Application Form. SCS then prepares a quote and once approved, we can schedule an audit.
On-site Audit

We conduct an on-site audit, including physical inspection, review of records, interviews with personnel, and an exit interview. We prepare a Report of Findings after the audit is completed. Audits must be conducted annually to maintain certification.
Certification Decision

The audit report is reviewed and a Certification Decision is made. When certification is granted, a certificate is issued. If any non-compliances are identified, SCS will work with you to complete the corrective action process.

Once certified by SCS, you can reinforce your brand with both the USDA Organic seal and the SCS Kingfisher logo, shown to increase brand value. SCS client support services are available to ensure that your marketing is in line with program requirements.

Organic certification offers numerous benefits:

Participate in the growing market for organic foods
Showcase your achievement of broader sustainability objectives
Strengthen your brand identity
Command price premiums
Satisfy consumer demand for products that don’t contain synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, additives and GMO
Increased market access across the entire supply chain

What is USDA Organic?
USDA Organic is the official organic product certification program of the US Department of Agriculture. It was developed in response to passage of the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA). The National Organic Program (NOP) was first published in the Federal Register in 2000, and the first organic products appeared in the marketplace with the USDA Organic seal in 2002.
How do I know what products are certified as organic under the NOP?
A full list of products that have been certified and are in good standing can be found at the USDA Organic Integrity Database. To see companies certified by SCS Global Services, select our name in the drop-down box for accredited certification bodies.
What is an Organic Production System Plan?
Your OSP provides details about who you are, what you produce, and where your products are grown or made. The plan outlines your land’s history, the seeds and inputs you use, and how you build healthy, fertile soil. It also explains your methods for managing pests and weeds. For handlers and processors, the OSP describes how organic products are kept separate and protected from contamination during processing, storage, and packaging. It also includes your recordkeeping practices to ensure transparency and traceability, along with how your products are labeled and marketed. Altogether, your OSP provides a clear, honest picture of your organic operation — from seed to sale — showing your commitment to integrity, sustainability, and trust in every product you offer.
What materials and practices are prohibited under the USDA NOP?
- Most synthetic, pesticides, fertilizers, additives and food ingredients
- Excluded methods (e.g., genetically modified organisms),
- Ionizing radiation
- Sewage sludge
What claims can be made for certified organic products?
Organic products are divided into four categories, each with its own set of labeling requirements. Your certification will fall within one of these categories:
- 100 Percent Organic. Single ingredient agricultural products (e.g., raw fruits and vegetables), or products made entirely from 100% organic ingredients.
- Organic. Any agricultural product that, by weight (excluding water and salt), is at least 95% organically produced raw or processed. Up to 5% may be from the list of allowed non-organic substances. (Such substances may not be produced using prohibited methods or processes.)
- Made with Organic (specified ingredients). Any multi-ingredient product containing 70-95% organic ingredients by weight (excluding water and salt). Up to 3 ingredients (or food groups) may be named in this statement. Processed and packaged foods could fall in this category.
- Organic Ingredients. Any multi-ingredient product with more than 70% organic ingredients by weight.
What are the USDA labeling requirements?
Labeling requirements are based on the percentage of organic ingredients in a product, as described above. In general, any multi-ingredient product labeled as organic must identify each organically produced ingredient in the ingredient statement on the information panel. The name of the certifying agent of the final product must be displayed on the information panel for 100%, organic and "made with" products. There are no restrictions on the use of other verified labeling claims in accordance with the USDA labeling guidelines. More detail on the USDA's organic labeling requirements are available on their website.