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The U.S. established trade partnerships with several countries to facilitate the exchange of organic products internationally. Equivalency agreements between other countries give U.S. organic producers opportunities to access new markets.

Which countries require an import certificate for shipping products to the U.S.?

USDA National Organic Program (NOP) Import Certificates are required to be issued for shipment of products into the U.S. from: the European Union, Japan, Korea Switzerland, and Taiwan. In addition, shipments from India require a transaction certificate issued from TraceNet.

How do I request an import certificate?

For products being imported to the US from a country with which it has a current equivalency arrangement, you will need a U.S. National Organic Program (NOP) Import Certificate completed and issued by the certifying agent. The certifying agent must be supervised by the country of origin’s control body and accredited in compliance with its organic regulations.

This NOP Import Certificate should accompany the imported goods during shipment and be retained by the purchasing operation for their annual inspection.  You can read more about it here:

• NOP International Trade Partners
• NOP Import Certificate
• Instructions

How do I request a hard copy of the transaction certificate to be sent?

If you would like the original hard copy of the certificate to be sent, provide a shipping address as well as an account number (FedEx, UPS, DHL) to be billed. Include a contact name and phone number associated with the recipient. If sending via UPS, provide the zip code associated with the account to be billed.

Is a transaction certificate request eligible for expedited service?

Yes. Please state all expedite needs in the body of the request email to export@tilth.org.

Our international trade guide provides an overview of the international equivalencies and arrangements in place with the USDA NOP, and outlines requirements for imports and exports.