USDA Finalizes July 15 Enforcement Date for Organic Importer Certification Requirement
Trade Update • June 27, 2025
Notice to Industry
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that beginning July 15, 2025, importers of organic products into the United States must be certified under USDA organic regulations by a USDA-accredited certifier.
This enforcement deadline is part of the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) final rule issued by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) through its National Organic Program (NOP).
All Importers of Record
This requirement applies to all importers of record, including those physically located outside of the United States. Notably, Canadian operations certified under the Canada Organic Regime (COR) that act as the U.S. importer of record will no longer be allowed to fulfill this role under COR certification alone. These businesses must obtain USDA NOP certification for their importing activities to remain compliant.
Background and Temporary Allowance
SOE came into effect in March 2024, marking the most significant regulatory update to the USDA organic regulations since their inception. Following implementation, the Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) requested a grace period for Canadian businesses serving as U.S. importers to adjust to the new requirements.
The USDA acknowledged that many COR-certified businesses misunderstood the scope of certification needed and had difficulty either securing USDA certification or identifying a certified U.S. importer within the initial timeline. To avoid disruption of organic trade between the U.S. and Canada, the NOP temporarily allowed COR-certified importers to continue their activities while working toward USDA certification.
During this transition period, COR certifiers were permitted to appear in the “Recipient” field of the NOP Import Certificate using listings in the USDA’s Organic Integrity Database (OID).
New Compliance Deadline: July 15, 2025
Now, over 15 months after SOE implementation, the NOP is finalizing its enforcement timeline. As of July 15, 2025, the use of COR certification for import activities into the U.S. will no longer be permitted. Only USDA NOP-certified entities will be accepted in the “Recipient” field on NOP Import Certificates. The OID system will be updated accordingly to enforce this change.
The NOP, in collaboration with COTA and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), is actively notifying stakeholders of this deadline to support compliance and continuity in trade.
Supporting Ongoing Organic Trade
The USDA recognizes and appreciates the proactive steps already taken by many COR-certified businesses to secure USDA importer certification. Canada remains a trusted and valued partner in organic trade. Both governments remain committed to ensuring a strong bilateral relationship and upholding the integrity of organic products entering the U.S. market.
Additional Resources
- Strengthening Organic Enforcement
- Contact USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) with any questions: NOP.Guidance@usda.gov
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