Organic Certification in India
The demand for organic products is rising exponentially, whether it is food products, organic agricultural products, or organic herbal products. But you cannot give the guarantee of using organic products with just an “organic” label. If you’re in India, you will need an organic certification to ascertain that your products meet the organic criteria approved by the Indian government.
Organic certification gives your business legal recognition. This enhances your business credentials.
Organic Certification: An Overview
Organically certified products get an official approval, confirming that your products are made using organic methods. This implies that your products will not contain any chemicals, pesticides, GMOs, or other harmful materials.
The certification of the product is only done in India under the guidance of approved certification bodies, following the criteria for organic certification in the country.
Understanding the Different Types of Organic Certification in India
There are primarily two types of organic certification available in India:
1. NPOP Certification for Organic Products in India
The National Program for Organic Production (NPOP) certification is for organisations that wish to export their organic products. The certification is governed by APEDA.
2. PGS-India Certification for Organic Farming
The PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) certification is for the Indian market. It is an economical alternative for small and marginal farmers and is based on a group certification system.
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Trademark Registration formally establishes your brand with an understanding of the Trademarks Act 1999.
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Having this kind of information will give you the exclusive right to the use of your brand name, logo or symbol.
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With this type of legal recognition, it will be easy for you to file suit against someone who infringes upon or misuses your trademarked name.
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You will also have exclusive rights to use your brand name, logo or symbol; therefore, you will not have to worry about competitors using a similar or confusing brand name or logo.
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When you have legal protection for your brand, it will help build your credibility and increase your long-term business value.
Who is Eligible to Apply for Organic Certification in India?
In India, the following can apply for organic certification:
- Individual farmers
- Farmer collectives, producer groups, and cooperatives
- Organic food producers
- Organic produce exporters and processors.
The only condition is that the process of farming or production must be organic.
Step-by-Step Organic Certification Procedure in India
The organic certification process is organised and transparent:
Step 1: Application Filing: The applicant applies to the certification agency.
Step 2: Documentation Review: The organic farming plan and documentation are checked.
Step 3: On-Site Inspection: The farm or processing unit is inspected by an authorised inspector.
Step 4: Compliance Verification: The compliance is verified as per the organic norms.
Step 5: Certificate Issuance: The organic certificate is issued after all requirements are met.
Documents Required for Organic Certification in India
To obtain an Organic Certificate (NPOP/PGS), the following documentation needs to be prepared, listed according to the nature of your operations:
1. Identity & Land Records
- ID Proof: Aadhaar Card & PAN Card.
- Land Documents: Documents relating to land ownership (example: 7/12 extract or a registered Lease Agreement).
- Farm Map: Illustration of areas demonstrating boundaries and “buffer zones” to prevent chemical drift onto neighbouring lands.
2. Farm Management Records
- Field History: A history of 3 years of planting, harvesting, crops grown, and use of chemicals (if any).
- Farm Diary: A record of all activities (planting, organic manuring, weeding, harvesting).
- Input Records: Records relating to seeds (Non-GMO), organic fertiliser, and biopesticides.
3. Business and Processing (If applicable)
- FSSAI License: Required for processing and trade.
- Flow Chart: This is a pictorial representation of a product’s journey from farm to pack.
- Storage Logs: Documenting the fact that non-organic items are stored separately from organic ones.
4. For Farmer Groups (ICS)
- Farmer List: It contains the names and details of the land owned by each group member.
- Internal Audit Reports: Reports of inspections done by the group itself.
- Signed Agreements: The contract between farmers and the group.
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