As announced earlier today, the United States has established an organic equivalency arrangement with Switzerland.  As a result, beginning July 10, certified organic products of both countries can be represented as organic in each other's markets.

The Memo to National Organic Program Accredited Certifying Agents Operating in the United States highlights the terms of the arrangement and provides instructions for exporting USDA organic products to Switzerland.  Additional information about the arrangement can also be viewed on the NOP International Trade webpage.

Today, July 9, 2015, NOP updated NOP 2403 in the NOP Handbook.  NOP 2403 lists certifying agents authorized to issue export certificates to Taiwan and Japan and their assigned acronyms for use on the export certificates.

The NOP Handbook: Guidance and Instructions for Accredited Certifying Agents and Certified Operations provides policies, information and resources to help organic farms and businesses comply with the USDA organic regulations.

To see the update, go to NOP 2403:  Certifying Agent Acronyms for TM-11 Export Certificates. To see all guidance, instructions and policies, go to Full Handbook.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) facilitates the competitive and efficient marketing of agricultural products. Through its National Organic Program, AMS facilitates trade and ensures the integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations throughout the world. Learn more.

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