India adopts zero-tolerance approach to safeguard credibility of its organic exports

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has launched a stringent crackdown on irregularities in India’s organic certification system, suspending six certification agencies and imposing fines on exporters for violating National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) guidelines. The move underscores APEDA’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and international credibility of India’s rapidly expanding organic export sector

The toughest action was taken against Eccentric Organic Private Limited, whose accreditation has been revoked entirely and whose directors have been blacklisted for three years. Several other private 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.

State-run agencies were not exempt. The Bihar State Seed and Organic Certification Agency (BSSOCA) now faces restricted accreditation limited to Bihar and a Rs 5 lakh fine, while the Uttarakhand State Organic Certification Agency (USOCA) has been fined Rs 10 lakh with its accreditation restricted to Uttarakhand. In addition, exporter M/s Adroit Indulgence Private Limited has had its certification suspended pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.

India’s organic exports have been growing rapidly, with markets in Europe, the United States, and Japan increasingly receptive to Indian products. However, lapses in certification have occasionally led to product rejections, threatening buyer confidence. APEDA’s actions signal a zero-tolerance policy, emphasizing that adherence to international standards is non-negotiable.

As India’s organic sector continues its growth trajectory, APEDA’s intervention is a clear message that compliance, integrity, and accountability will remain central to protecting market access, global trust, and competitiveness.