An organic cumin supplier or organic spices exporter in India is certified under India's National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), and may also hold USDA organic or EU organic certification. Which one you need depends on where you sell. The rules change, so confirm the current position with your certifier or the authority in your market before you contract.
Organic is a claim about how the crop and product are produced and traded. It is not a guarantee of cleanliness, and organic spices still have to meet your food-safety limits.
What is NPOP certification?
NPOP is the Indian national organic standard, run by the Indian government through accredited certification bodies. An NPOP certified spices lot carries a transaction certificate issued through the government's system. Organic products exported from India are expected to be certified under this system. NPOP certification for the EU and US explains how it links to those markets.
When do you need USDA organic?
If you sell into the United States as organic, the product must meet the USDA National Organic Program. India and the US have an equivalence arrangement, under which NPOP-certified products can in some cases be sold as organic in the US. The details, such as covered products, labelling and the documents needed, are set by USDA, so check the current terms on its website.
Many exporters hold both certificates, so they can serve either market. Ask which one the specific lot is covered by.
What about EU organic?
The EU applies its own organic regulation, and the way third-country products are recognised has been changing. Imports normally need a certificate of inspection through the EU's electronic system, TRACES, and certification by a control body recognised by the EU. EU organic import rules for Indian spices covers the process.
Because recognition and procedures have changed in recent years, ask your importer and the certifier to confirm what applies to your lot as of today.
What should you ask an organic supplier?
Organic supply chains fail at the joints. Ask these questions before you order:
- Which scheme or schemes cover this lot, and can you see the scope certificate with the plant's name on it?
- Is the plant certified for processing and for handling, not only the farm group?
- How is organic product kept apart from conventional product in storage and on the line?
- Can you trace the lot back to the farm group, with transaction certificates?
- What residue tests does the plant run on organic lots, since contamination can still occur?
How does this affect cost?
Organic adds cost through lower yields, certification fees, segregation and extra testing, so it is never a price comparison with conventional goods. A real quote needs your specification and market. See sourcing certified organic from India for more.
What is the right order of checks?
Work from the market backwards. First ask your importer and certifier which scheme your customers need. Then ask the supplier for the scope certificate covering that scheme and your product. Then have the plant audited, and finally test the first lot. Doing it in this order stops you spending money on a plant that cannot supply the right certificate.
Next step
To check the scope certificate, the plant and the chain behind an organic offer, book a free sourcing review. We read the documents and audit the site before you commit.