OCIA International Certification Standards

The OCIA International Certification Standards are OCIA's private standard. Certification under these standards pre-date the National Organic Program and other national standards. They are also member-owned and member-controlled.

Downloads:

• OCIA International Certification Standards (English, Spanish)

United States National Organic Program (NOP)

Want to sell your organic product in the US? OCIA has the NOP-accredited organic certification services that you need to succeed!

Trade Agreements:

• US-Canadian Organic Equivalence Arrangement
• US-EU Equivalence Arrangement
• USDA-MAFF Trade Arrangement

Additional Information:

• NOP Standards
• Guide to Organic Certification
• Guide to Organic Crop Production
• Guide to Organic Livestock Production
• Guide to Organic Processing

Canada Organic Regime (COR)

OCIA's COR accreditation ensures standards are met by the Canadian government, helping you succeed in the Canadian Market.

Trade Agreements:

• US-Canadian Organic Equivalence Arrangement

Additional Information:

• Organic Products Regulations, 2009
• CAN/CGSB-32.310-2006 Organic Production Systems: General Principles and Management Standards
• CAN/CGSB-32.311-2006 Organic Production Systems: Permitted Substances Lists

Quebec Organic Reference Standards (Quebec)

OCIA’s CAEQ accreditation puts Québec’s thriving organic market at your fingertips!

Additional Information:

• Québec Organic Designation Specification Manual

Japan Agricultural Standards (JAS)

OCIA has Registered Foreign Certification Organization (RFCO) status from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. This means expanded marketing opportunities to Japan for your products.

Trade Agreements:

• USDA-MAFF Trade Agreement

Additional Information:

• JAS Standards & Technical Criteria
• JAS Q&A for Organic Plants and Organic Processed Foods

Equivalent European Union Organic Production Processing Standard for Third Countries

This standard and OCIA's policies and procedures have been found equivalent by the European Commission to the EU 834/2007 & the 889/2008 regulations. Verification to this program will allow your organic product to be exported to any EU member state.

Downloads:

• Equivalent European Union Organic Production Processing Standard for Third Countries

Bio Suisse

Bio Suisse, based in Switzerland, is a certifier much like OCIA. They certify to several different programs such as the Swiss Ordinance of Organic Farming and to their own set of standards. OCIA facilitates certification for their members to Bio-Suisse, but does not make the final decision. An additional application form must be completed to apply for Bio-Suisse.

Additional Information:

• Bio Suisse Standards
  

UTZ Certified

This is an international sustainability program for coffee, cocoa, and tea. Verification to this program helps improve the standard of living for many organic and sustainable farmers.

Smithsonian Bird Friendly

This program is exclusive to coffee growers as a collaborative effort between OCIA and the Smithsonian Institute that promotes bird conservation, healthy environments, and biodiversity.