Importing & Exporting Organic Products Between the U.S. and Canada

U.S. – Canada Organic Equivalency: Importing & Exporting Certified Products

Oregon Tilth supports the trade of certified organic products between the U.S. and Canada under the U.S.–Canada Organic Equivalency Arrangement (USCOEA). This arrangement allows certified organic products to move freely between the two countries, provided specific requirements are met.

What To Know

• USDA NOP-certified products can be exported to Canada without separate COR certification, as long as they meet additional Canadian requirements and are accompanied by proper documentation.
• COR-certified products can be imported into the U.S. if they include a compliant organic certificate and an NOP Import Certificate.
• Some production methods—like sodium nitrate use, hydroponics, and certain livestock practices—are not accepted under Canadian standards and must be disclosed during export.
• All products traded under the arrangement must follow the labeling rules of the importing country.

Importing Organic Products from Canada to the U.S.

Under the equivalency arrangement, products certified to the Canada Organic Regime (COR) can be sold as organic in the U.S., provided they meet the following requirements:

Required Documentation:

• An organic certificate issued by a COR-accredited certifying agent, recognized by the U.S. under the equivalency arrangement.
• The certificate must include this statement:
  “Certified in compliance with the terms of the U.S.–Canada Organic Equivalency Arrangement.”
• A NOP Import Certificate issued by the same COR-accredited certifying agent must accompany all shipments.

These documents confirm that the products meet the organic standards recognized by both countries and are eligible for import into the U.S. as organic.

Exporting Organic Products from the U.S. to Canada

USDA NOP-certified products may be exported to Canada and labeled as organic without requiring separate certification to the Canadian Organic Regime (COR). However, certain Canadian-specific requirements must still be met.

Additional Requirements for NOP Products Exported to Canada:

• Sodium nitrate use is prohibited:
  NOP-certified agricultural products grown using sodium nitrate cannot be marketed as organic in Canada.
• Animal products must meet Canadian livestock stocking density requirements.
• Hydroponic and aeroponic production methods are not allowed under the Canadian Organic Standards. Products produced using these methods cannot be sold as organic in Canada.
• Products must be accompanied by an organic certificate issued by a USDA-accredited certifier recognized under the arrangement. This certificate must include the following language:
  “Certified in accordance with the terms of the U.S.–Canada Organic Equivalency Arrangement.”
• All products must follow Canadian Organic Regime (COR) labeling requirements. This includes proper placement of the “organic” claim, COR logo usage (if desired), and appropriate certifier identification.

Documentation for Oregon Tilth Clients

Oregon Tilth-certified operations wishing to list products as U.S.–Canada equivalent on their organic certificate must complete additional documentation. These forms ensure product compliance with Canadian-specific requirements under the equivalency arrangement.

To obtain the necessary forms, contact your Oregon Tilth client service team directly. Early coordination helps prevent shipping delays or label revisions at the border.

Labeling Requirements

All organic products moving under the U.S.–Canada Equivalency must comply with the labeling rules of the destination country:

• Products imported into the U.S. must follow USDA NOP labeling regulations.
• Products exported to Canada must follow COR labeling regulations, including:
  • Correct placement of the organic claim
  • Certifier name on the label
  • Optional use of the COR organic logo if requirements are met

Summary of Prohibited Practices in Canada:

Practice	Status Under COR
Sodium nitrate use	Not allowed
Hydroponics/aeroponics	Not allowed
Livestock exceeding Canadian stocking rates	Not allowed