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FAQ: Organic Trade Agreements  

 
Does the USDA have organic trade agreements with other countries?

 
Yes, the NOP has trade agreements with multiple countries. These relationships allow indirect accreditation of a number of foreign agencies in their respective countries.

 
A brief description of the types of trade agreements are described below.

 

 
Equivalency Arrangement. An equivalency agreement is an agreement between two countries allowing products that are produced and certified according to one country’s organic standards to be sold and represented as organic in the other country. The NOP has an equivalency agreement with the Canada Organic Regime, the European Union, and Japan.

 

 
Recognition Agreements. A recognition agreement allows a foreign government to accredit certifying agents in their country in adherence with the USDA organic regulations. The certifying agents can then certify organic products only in that country to the USDA organic standards. The NOP has recognition agreements with the following nations:
  • India
  • Israel
  • Japan (through September 26, 2014)
  • New Zealand

 
Export Arrangements. An export arrangement allows U.S. organic products to be sold as organic in the receiving country, provided specific requirements are met. An export certificate (TM-11 (PDF)) must be filled out by USDA-accredited certifying agents and accompany shipments to these countries. The NOP has export arrangements with the following nations:
  • Taiwan

 

 
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  Last Modified Date: 02/13/2014