Effective October 1, 2025, the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) is implementing a significant change that affects all certified organic shipments entering the United States. Organic importers should take note of the following update to ensure continued compliance.
Reconditioning No Longer Permitted Without a Valid NOPIC
Starting October 1, organic shipments arriving in the U.S. without a valid National Organic Program Import Certificate (NOPIC) will no longer be eligible for reconditioning. This marks a shift from previous procedures, where reconditioning was allowed under certain circumstances.
Instead, shipments lacking a valid NOPIC must be handled through one of the following three options:
1. Reexport
Importers may choose to reexport the shipment. To comply:
- Retain a copy of the CBP 7512 form and Export Booking Confirmation
- Provide these documents to your certifier (if applicable) and USDA upon request
- Customs broker/filer must continue to use code 010-420-L within the ACE OR 2 message set
2. Donation (Certified Importers Only)
Only certified importers may donate shipments labeled as organic that arrive without a valid NOPIC. Requirements include:
- Donation must be made to a charity, nonprofit, or similar entity
- Maintain documentation of the donation in electronic format
- Provide documentation to your certifier and USDA upon request
- Customs broker/filer must use code 010-420-L within the ACE OR 2 message set
3. Destruction
Importers may opt to destroy the shipment. To comply:
- Obtain an official CBP Certificate of Destruction
- Maintain the certificate in electronic format
- Provide it to USDA upon request
- Certified importers must also submit the certificate to their certifier
- Customs broker/filer must use code 010-420-L within the ACE OR 2 message set
What This Means for You
If you’re an organic importer or exporter, it is critical to ensure that every shipment arriving after October 1, 2025, is accompanied by a valid NOPIC. Failure to do so will result in mandatory reexport, donation (if eligible), or destruction—none of which allow for reconditioning.
We encourage all importers to review their import procedures, coordinate closely with their Customs brokers, and confirm that NOPIC documentation is complete and accurate prior to shipment arrival.
Questions?
If you have questions about this change or need support navigating the updated procedures, please reach out to your OneCert contact or email us info@onecert.com.