If you bring food into the United States, you need to follow certain rules. This is especially true for organic products. Make sure to follow USDA organic certification rules. The rules have changed — and if you aren’t up to date, you could face delays, rejections, or flags for organic fraud on your shipments.
At Perry Johnson Registrars Food Safety, Inc. (PJRFSI), we help importers, brokers, and food makers. We make sure they follow all organic food safety rules and obtain certification. Here’s what every importer should know about organic compliance in 2025.
Why Organic Import Compliance Matters
The U.S. is one of the largest markets for organic food in the world. Consumers expect the USDA Organic label to mean more than just “natural.” It means products follow strict organic food rules from farm to table.
Until recently, someone did not closely monitor some parts of the supply chain — especially importers. That’s changing. The USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP) now needs more accountability at every stage. This is especially true for companies that import organic products.
If your business imports or helps bring in organic goods, you may now need organic certification for importers.
What Has Changed in 2025?
Here are some important updates every organic food importer needs to know:
1. NOP Import Certificate Required
Every shipment of imported organic goods must now include an official NOP Import Certificate (Form 2110). This document proves the product meets USDA organic standards and an approved certifier overseas certified it.
2. Importer of Record Must Be Certified
If you are the importer of record, you might need to get organic certification. An accredited agency like PJRFSI should complete this. This is especially true if you handle, repackage, or label the product.
3. Documentation is Key
The USDA is tightening enforcement. You need clear and organized organic traceability documents. These documents show where your product came from, who certified it, and how someone handled it.
4. Stronger Supply Chain Verification
All parts of the organic supply chain must be verified and transparent. Importers now must confirm that their foreign suppliers and brokers hold proper certifications and comply with regulations.
What You Can Do to Stay Compliant
Whether you’re new to organic importing or already established, taking these steps now can protect your business:
✔️ Check if You Need Certification
Do you handle the product? Are you listed as the importer of record? If so, you likely need to be USDA organic certified. Our team at PJRFSI can help you determine your requirements.
✔️ Partner Only with Certified Suppliers
Ensure every partner in your organic food supply chain — from growers to freight forwarders — is certified. Keep records of their certification and your relationships.
✔️ Keep Strong Records
Auditable organic compliance documentation is essential. This includes purchase records, shipping documents, and valid NOP import certificates.
✔️ Train Your Team
Ensure your staff, especially in procurement, logistics, and quality control, understand organic import rules and how to handle them.
✔️ Work with a Trusted Certification Body
PJRFSI is an experienced organic certification agency with a strong track record in food safety compliance. We offer personalized guidance to help your business stay up to date with organic certification for importers.
Why Organic Certification Builds Trust
Being certified organic is more than meeting legal requirements — it builds credibility with retailers, regulators, and consumers. Certification tells your customers that your company is committed to transparency, integrity, and high food safety standards.
And in today’s marketplace, trust is everything.
How PJRFSI Can Help
Perry Johnson Registrars Food Safety, Inc. is a recognized leader in third-party organic certification. We offer:
• USDA-accredited organic certification
• Guidance on NOP import documentation
• Support for both U.S.-based and international partners
• Deep expertise in food safety compliance and organic regulations
Ready to Get Certified?
Don’t wait until customs holds a shipment at the border or flags it for missing documents. Start the organic certification process today with a trusted partner who understands your industry.
Contact PJRFSI to speak with an expert and start your path to full organic import compliance in 2025 and beyond.
Perry Johnson Registrars Food Safety, Inc. – Your Partner in Organic Integrity.
Visit our website https://www.pjrfsi.com or call us at (248) 519-2523 for more information.
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