The National Organic Program (NOP) is pleased to announce the availability of draft guidance on:

• Classification of Materials (NOP 5033)    
• Materials for Organic Crop Production (NOP 5034) 

The NOP will be accepting public comments on these materials until June 3, 2013.    

View Federal Register Notice 

The Classification of Materials draft guidance helps material reviewers classify substances into the categories listed below. These distinctions are necessary for determining a substance's eligibility for and/or placement on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List): 

• Synthetic or non-synthetic (e.g., for substances used in crop and livestock production).
• Agricultural or non-agricultural (e.g., for substances used in processed or multi-ingredient products).

This guidance implements recommendations from the National Organic Standards Board and will help material reviewers make more consistent classification decisions.

Classification of Materials (NOP 5033)

Synthetic/Non-Synthetic Decision Tree
(NOP 5033-1)

Agricultural/Non-Agricultural Decision Tree
(NOP 5033-2)

Submit Public Comments
Deadline: June 3, 2013

In organic crop production, natural substances are allowed unless specifically prohibited and synthetic substances are prohibited unless specifically allowed. The National List identifies the exceptions to this basic rule and does not address the natural substances that can be used in organic crop production.

While this guidance is not intended to be comprehensive, it serves as a tool to help producers understand which materials (natural and synthetic) are allowed in organic crop production.

The Organic Materials Review Institute provided the foundation for this list under contract with the NOP. 

Overview (NOP 5034)

Materials for Organic Crop Production
(NOP 5034-1)

Prohibited Materials for Organic Crop Production
(NOP 5034-2)   

Submit Public Comments
Deadline: June 3, 2013 

The NOP facilitates trade and ensures integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations throughout the world. Learn more.