APEDA Cracks Down on Organic Certification Irregularities, Suspends 6 Agencies and Fines Exporters

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has taken strict action against irregularities in India’s organic certification system, cracking down on agencies and exporters failing to comply with the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) guidelines. Six certification agencies and one exporter have faced penalties, highlighting increased scrutiny of the country’s rapidly growing organic sector.

Eccentric Organic Private Limited faced the toughest action, with its accreditation completely revoked and its directors blacklisted for three years. 

Other agencies, including Global Certification Society (GCS), Natural Organic Certification Agency (NOCA), and Krishi Certification Private Limited, have had their accreditations suspended for one year and fined Rs 5 lakh each. These measures are part of APEDA’s ongoing efforts to ensure strict compliance and safeguard India’s organic credentials.

State-run agencies have also been penalized. The Bihar State Seed and Organic Certification Agency (BSSOCA) now has its accreditation restricted to Bihar and has been fined Rs 5 lakh, while the Uttarakhand State Organic Certification Agency (USOCA) has been fined Rs 10 lakh and its accreditation limited to Uttarakhand. 

Meanwhile, the certification of exporter M/s Adroit Indulgence Private Limited has been suspended until the ongoing investigation is completed.

India’s organic exports have been expanding rapidly, but lapses in certification have occasionally led to the rejection of products in key international markets, including Europe, United States, and Japan. To maintain buyer confidence and ensure adherence to international standards, APEDA has adopted a “zero tolerance” approach.

As the organic sector continues to grow, it is essential for all stakeholders to uphold the principles of organic farming and certification, ensuring transparency, credibility, and global competitiveness for Indian products.