All USDA organic standards—including prohibited practices, requirements, and the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Materials—are listed at 7 CFR Section 205.

USDA Organic Regulations

Additional resources:

Program Handbook. This compilation of guidance documents, policy memos, and instructions is intended to clarify policies and assist those who own, manage, or certify organic operations with complying with USDA organic regulations.

Draft Guidance Documents. Before being finalized and included in the Program Handbook, draft guidance documents are typically open for public comments and amended as needed.

Use of the USDA Organic Seal. This page discusses the appropriate use of the USDA organic seal and provides versions of the seal at both print and screen resolution.

Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (PDF). The Act that established the NOP and its authority to enforce agricultural products sold, labeled, or represented as “organic” within the U.S.

Preamble. If you are interested in the history of the USDA organic standards, you may want to review the preamble to the final rule, which established the National Organic Program.

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