Can imported products be labeled “organic”?
Products imported from foreign countries may be labeled as organic if the products are produced, handled, and certified by a foreign organic program that has been determined by USDA to be equivalent to the National Organic Program. A determination of equivalency would not require that all standards of the foreign program be identical to those of the National Organic Program. What is the role of the NOSB? The National Organic Standards Board, an advisory board to USDA, had a major role in the development of the proposed rule. The NOSB solicited a wide array of public input for use in preparing its recommendations to USDA regarding most aspects of the proposed rule. The NOSB also developed and reviewed a comprehensive list of substances for possible inclusion on the proposed National List. We expect the NOSB to continue advising USDA on program implementation and future necessary revisions to program regulations.
