First Edition: May 2001

Second Edition: January 2002

Third Edition- Consolidated Version: November 2002

Fourth Edition: June 2003

Fifth Edition: June 2004

Sixth Edition: May 2005

Seventh Edition: November 2014

 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No.
CHAPTER -1 01
INTRODUCTION 01-11
CHAPTER -2
SCOPE AND OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE OF NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAMME 12
2.1 Scope 12
2.2 Operational Structure 13
2.3 Organizational set up 14-18
CHAPTER -3 19
NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTION (NSOP) 19
APPENDIX 1 ORGANIC CROP PRODUCTION 20
1. Crop production plan 20
2. Conversion requirements 21
3. Duration of Conversion Period 21- 22
4. Landscape 22-23
5. Choice of Crops and Varieties 23
6. Diversity in crop production and management plan 23-24
8. Pest, Disease and Weed Management 25-26
9. Contamination Control 26-27
10. Soil and Water conservation 27
11. Collection of non cultivated material of plant origin/forest produces 27-28
Annex 1 Products for use in fertilizing and soil conditioning 29-31
Annex 2 Products for plant pest and disease control 32-34
Annex 3 Procedure to evaluate additional inputs to organic agriculture 35-39
APPENDIX 2 ORGANIC LIVESTOCK, POULTRY & PRODUCTS 40
1. Scope 40
2. General Principles 40
3. Organic Management Plan 41
4.Choice of breeds, Source and Origin 41-42
5. Livestock Identification and Animal Record Keeping 42
6. Housing Management 43-46
6.1 Special Conditions for mammals 44
6.2 Special Conditions for Poultry 45
6.3 Special Conditions for Silkworms 46
6.4 Special Conditions for Rabbits 46
7. Conversion Period for Animal Production 47
a. Bovine including Buffalo 47
b. Ovine and caprine (sheep & goat) 48
c. Pig 48
d. Small mammals (such as Rabbits) 48
e. Poultry 48
8. Feed 48-51
8.1 General criteria for feed stuff and nutritional criteria 49
8.2 Specific criteria for feedstuff and nutritional elements 50
8.3 Specific criteria for additives and processing aids 50
9. Health care 51-53
10. Breeding and Management 53
 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No.
11. Manure and urine excreta management 54
12. Transport 55
13. Slaughter of the animals 56-57
Annex 1 Minimum surface area indoors & outdoors and other characteristics of housing 58
in different species and types of production
Annex 2 Permitted list of feed materials, feed additives & processing aids for animal 59-68
nutrition
Annex 3 Enzymes and their sources permitted for use in Animal/Poultry 69-70
Annex 4 List of diseases for herd/flock diagnosis 71
Annex 5 Antibiotic/antibacterial withdrawal period 72-73
Annex 6 Products authorized for cleaning and disinfection of livestock buildings and 74
installations
APPENDIX 3 ORGANIC BEE KEEPING/APICULTURE 76
1. Choice of breed/strains 76
2. Conversion period 76
3. Hiving the Honey Bees 76-77
4. Apiary Management 77-78
5. Feed 78
6. Health care 78
7. Breeding and management 78-79
8. Periodic cleaning 79
9. Record keeping 79
10. Transport /migration 79-81
11. Production extraction 81-82
12. Extraction of honey 82
13. Extraction of beeswax 83
14. Crop pollination 83
15. Conservation of bee Flora 83
Annex 1 List of notifiable honey bee diseases 84
Annex 2 Approved products in beekeeping for Disinfestations/cleaning/disease-pest 85
control
APPENDIX 4 ORGANIC AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION 86
1. Organic management plan 86
2. Conversion period 86-87
3. Ecosystem management 87-88
4. Selection of site 88
5. Choice of breeds and strains 89
6. Source of seed and breeding 89-91
7. Culture practices 91
8. Pond preparation 91
9. Stocking 91-92
10. Pond management 92-93
11. Bivalve farming 93
12. Supplementary feeding 94-95
13. Health management 95
14. Harvest and transportation 95
15. Processing 96
16. Mandatory visit for the accredited Certification Bodies 96
 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No.
Annex 1 Classification of water bodies for bivalve farming 97
Annex 2 Approved list of Aquaculture inputs 98-99
Annex 3 Prohibited list of Aquaculture inputs 100
Annex 4 List of prohibited antibiotics and pharmalogically active substances for 101
aquaculture
Annex-5 List of permitted and prohibited substances for use in aquaculture processing 102
APPENDIX 5 ORGANIC FOOD PROCESSING AND HANDLING 103
1. Specific requirements 103
2. Pest and disease control 104
3. Ingredients 104-105
4. Processing Methods 105-106
5. Packaging 106
6. Labeling 106
6.1 Labelling requirements 106
6.2 Processed products 107-108
7. Storage & Transport 108
Annex 1 (a) Food Additives Including Carriers for Use in Production of Processed 109-110
Organic Food
Annex 1 (b) Processing Aids and other products for use for processing of ingredients 111-112
of Agricultural Origin from organic production
Annex 2 Approved Products for Packaging of Organic Food Stuffs 113
CHAPTER -4
ACCREDITATION OF CERTIFICATION BODIES
4. ACCREDITATION CRITERIA 114
4.1 Categories for accreditation 114
4.2 General criteria and principles 115
4.2.1 Legal entity/organization structure 115-116
4.2.2 Management 117
4.2.3 Quality System 117-118
4.2.4 Competence 118-119
4.2.5 Independence 119
4.2.6 Accountability and responsibility 119
4.2.7 Objectivity 119-120
4.2.8 Credibility 120
4.2.9 Internal Audits and management review 120
4.2.10 Public information 120-121
4.2.11 Documentation and document control 121-122
4.2.12 Confidentiality 122
4.2.13 Participation 123
4.2.14 Non-discrimination 123
4.2.15 Personnel 123
4.2.16 Sub-contracting 123-124
4.2.17 Conflict of interest 124
4.2.18 Other functions 124-125
4.2.19 Annual reports 125
4.3 Inspection and Certification
4.3.1 Inspection and certification procedures 125
 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No.
4.3.1.1 Inspection 126-128
4.3.1.2 Inspection methods and frequency 128-129
4.3.1.3 Risk Assessment 129
4.3.1.4 Analysis and residue testing 129-130
4.3.1.5 Inspection of parallel production of farms 130-131
4.3.1.6 Inspection of processing units 131-132
4.3.1.7 Inspection of grower groups 132-133
4.3.1.8 Inspection of wild product collection 133
4.3.1.9 Inspection of all stages in handling 133
4.3.1.10 Inspection of packed products 134
4.3.1.11 Inspection of storage facilities 134
4.3.1.12Inspectionof of transport facilities 134
4.3.1.13 Inspection of chain of custody 134
4.3.1.14 Inspection for detection of use of Genetically engineered products 134-135
4.4 Certification 135
4.4.1 Certification procedure 135- 136
4.4.2 Re-certification 136
4.4.3 Certification decisions 136
4.4.4 Disciplinary measures and sanctions 136-137
4.4.5 Withdrawal of certification 137
4.4.6 Certification records and reports 137
4.4.6.1 Contract with operator 137
4.4.6.2 Operator files 137-138
4.4.6.3 Records 138- 139
4.4.6.4 Marks and certificates 139
4.4.6.5 Scope Certificate 139
4.4.6.6 Transaction certificate 139-140
4.4.7 Certified operators 140
4.4.7.1 Information to the operators 140
4.4.7.2 Records and documentation maintained by the certified operator 141
4.4.7.3 Complaints record 141
4.4.7.4 Appeal record 141
4.4.8 Input approval off farm inputs 141
4.4.9 Approval of commercial inputs 141-142
4.4.10 Shifting of operators 142
4.4.11 Exchange of information 142
4.5 ACCREDITATION PROCEDURE 143
4.5.1 Application for Accreditation 143
4.5.2 Documentation Review 144
4.5.3 Evaluation 144-145
4.5.4 Conformity report 145-146
4.5.5 Review of evaluation report 146
4.5.6 Review of assessment report and decision by the NAB 146-147
4.5.7 Grant of accreditation 147
4.5.8 Accreditation contract 147
4.5.9 Certificate of accreditation 147
 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No.
4.5.10 Tracenet 148
4.5.11 Annual Surveillance and review evaluation of accredited certification bodies 148
4.5.12 Renewal of accreditation 148- 149
4.5.13 Complaints 149
4.5.14 Sanctions 149
4.5.15 Categories of offences 150
4.5.16 Categories of sanctions 150
4.5.17 Procedure to be followed for imposing sanctions 150- 151
4.4.18 Penalties not to interfere with other punishment 151
4.4.19 Appeal 151-152
4.4.20 Reciprocity 152
4.4.20.1 National 152
4.4.20.2 International 152
Annex-1 Conditions for imposing sanctions 153-155
CHAPTER -5
GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF GROWER GROUPS
5.1 Scope 156
5.2 Constitution of the ICS 157
5.3 Internal control system (ICS) 157-158
5.4 How to develop an ICS 158
5.4.1 Internal Control System Manager (ICS Manager) 158-159
5.4.2 Internal inspectors 159
5.4.3 Approval manager/committee 159
5.4.4 Field officers 159
5.4.5 Purchase officer 159
5.4.6 Warehouse manager 159
5.4.7 Processing manager 160
5.5 Internal Standards 160
5.6 Conflict of interest 160
5.7 Scope of certification 161
5.8 Trade 161
5.9 Procedures for implementation of Internal Control System 161
5.9.1 Registration of members 161
5.9.2 Provision of documents to the members of the grower group 161
5.9.3 Provision of exit of members from grower groups 162
5.10 Operating Document 162-163
5.10.4.1 Critical control points for risk assessment 163
5.11 Internal Inspection 163-164
5.12 Internal Approvals 164
5.13 External inspections by accredited Certification Bodies 164
5.13.1 Sampling plan 164-165
5.13.2 Risk assessment 165
5.13.3 Sampling pattern for verifying the ICS by the accredited Certification Body 165-166
5.14 Yield estimates 166
5.15 Non-compliances and sanctions 166
5.16 Training of ICS Personnel 166
 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No.
5.17 Training of farmers 166-167
5.18 Buying procedures 167
5.19 Storage and handling procedures 167
5.20 Processing 168
Annex 1 ICS Application form (for use by the farmer) 169
Annex 2 Farmers Contract with ICS 170-171
Annex 3 Farm Diary (for ICS) 172-174
Annex 4 Format for Sanctions by ICS 175
Annex 5 Internal Inspection Checklist 176-178
Annex 6 Format for developing ICS internal standards in local languages 179-180
Annex 7 Application format for exit of farmer from ICS 181
Annex 8 Exit approval format for a member farmer from a grower group 182
CHAPTER -6
ORGANIC CERTIFICATION MARK
6.1 Organic Logo 183
6.2 Specifications 183
6.3 Concept of Organic Logo 183-184
6.4 Regulations governing use of the certification 184
Trade mark ‘ India Organic Logo’
6.4.1 Short Title and commencement 184
6.4.2 Definitions 184-185
6.4.3 Proprietorship of the India Organic Logo: Authorized users 185-187
6.5 Manner of applying for licence 187-188
6.6 Grant of licence 188-190
6.7 Conditions of a licence 190-194
6.8 Fees 195
6.9 Undertaking 195
6.10 Surveillance and regular review 195
6.11 Use of certification Trade Mark 195
6.12 Publicity 195-196
6.13 Obligations of the applicant 196-197
6.14 Surrender of Licence 197
6.15 Powers of the accredited Certification Body 197-199
6.16 Misuse of licence 199
6.17Appeals 199
Form 1 Application for grant of licence to use the certification mark 200-203
Form 2 License for the use of India Organic Logo Certification mark 204-205
Form 3 Declaration 206
APPENDIX 6 ORGANIC ANIMAL FEED PROCESSING AND HANDLING 207
1. General Requirements 207
2. Cleaning, Disinfection and Pest Control 208
3. Ingredients 209
4. Processing 210
5. Processing Facilities 211
6. Processed Products 211
7. Packaging 212
 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No.
8. Labelling 212
9. Storage and Transport 213
Appendix 7 ORGANIC MUSHROOM PRODUCTION 215
1. General 215
2. Organic Management Plan 215
3. Management of Production Site 215
4. Substrate and Growing Media 215
5. Fungus Spawn 216
6. Conversion 216
7. Pest Control and Sanitation 216
Appendix 8 ORGANIC SEAWEED, AQUATIC PLANTS AND GREEN HOUSE CROP 217
PRODUCTION
1. General 217
2. Organic Management Plan 217
3. Specific Requirements for Seaweeds 217
3.1 Collection from wild 217
3.2 Cultivation in sea and inland tanks 218
4. Aquatic Plants Including Algae 219
5. Green House Crop production 220-221
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

The National Programme for Organic Production (hereinafter referred to as ‘NPOP’)

provides for Standards for organic production, systems, criteria and procedure for
accreditation of Certification Bodies, the National (India Organic) Logo and the
regulations governing its use. The standards and procedures have been formulated in
harmony with other International Standards regulating import and export of organic
products. This document also proposes to provide an institutional mechanism for the
implementation of National Standards for Organic Production (hereinafter referred to
as ‘NSOP’).

DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of implementation of organic production system and exports, the
guidelines laid down under NPOP would be followed. For the purpose of this
regulation, the following definitions shall apply:

1. ACCREDITATION

Accreditation means a procedure adopted by the National Accreditation Body for

ascertaining the competence of a Certification Body to certify organic farms, products
and processes as per the National Standards for Organic Products.

2. ACCREDITATION BODY
The Accreditation Body shall be the agency set up by the Steering Committee for
National Programme for Organic Production for accrediting Certification Body.

1
3. ACCREDITED CERTIFICATION BODY
An organisation with legal entity complying with NPOP accreditation criteria and
recognised by the National Accreditation Body for certifying organic products and for
granting the right to use the Certification Trade Mark to the operators on behalf of the
Accreditation Body.

4. ACCREDITED PROGRAMME
The accredited programme is the programme of the Certification Body that has been
approved by the Accreditation Body on the basis that it is in compliance with the
provisions of the National Programme for Organic Production.

5. ANNUAL REPORT
Annual report means the report on producers, products and processors submitted
annually to the Accreditation Body by the accredited Certification Body.

6. APPLICANT BODY
Applicant body shall mean the organization seeking accreditation.

7. BUFFER ZONE

A clear defined and identifiable area boarding an organic production /site from that
of conventional production unit.

8. CERTIFICATE OF ACCREDITATION
The Certificate of Accreditation is a document issued by APEDA, on behalf of the
National Accreditation Body (NAB), to the Certification Body certifying that the
accredited Certification Body is compliant with the standards as envisaged under the
National Programme for Organic Production and is competent to certify producers as
per the standards specified in the National Standards for Organic Production.

9. CERTIFICATION

2
Certification shall refer to the procedure by which the accredited Certification Body
by way of a Scope Certificate assures that the production or processing system of the
operator has been methodically assessed and conforms to the specified requirements
as envisaged in the National Programme for Organic Production.

10. CERTIFICATION BODY

The Certification Body is the body responsible for inspection and certification of the
operators as per NPOP standards

11. CERTIFICATION TRADE MARK

Certification Trade Mark shall mean the India Organic Logo, which is owned by the
Ministry of Commerce.

12. CERTIFICATION PROGRAMME

Shall mean the system operated by a Certification Body in accordance with the
criteria for carrying out certification of conformity as laid down herein.

13. COMPLIANCE
Compliance shall mean the adherence to the norms laid down under NPOP

14. CONSULTANCY
Consultancy shall mean the advisory service for organic operations, independent from
inspection and certification procedures.

15. CONSIGNMENT
Consignment shall mean a quantity of product(s) under one or more HS codes
covered in a single transaction certificate of the Certification Body, conveyed by
same means of transport for export and import of organic products.

3
 16. CONFORMITY REPORT
Conformity report shall mean the assessment report of the Evaluation Committee on the
accredited Certification Body.

17. CONVENTIONAL FARMING

Conventional farming shall mean the farming systems dependent on input of artificial
fertilizers and/or chemicals and pesticides or which are not in conformity with the basic
standards of organic production.

18. CONVERSION
Conversion is the process of changing an agricultural farm from conventional to
organic farm. This is also called transition.

19. CONVERSION PERIOD

The conversion period is the time between the start of organic management and the
certification of crops as organic.

20. ENDEMIC SPECIES

Endemic species shall mean those species which are neither exotic nor locally absent,
but are considered for culture purpose.

21. EVALUATION
Evaluation is the process of systematic assessment of the performance of an applicant
body seeking accreditation/renewal of accredited Certification Body to the extent it
fulfills specific requirements under the National Programme for Organic Production.

22. EVALUATION COMMITTEE

A committee for carrying out audits for assessing and evaluating the applicant bodies and
accredited Certification Bodies for compliance to the NPOP requirements / Standards.

4
23. EQUIVALENT
Equivalent means, in respect of different systems, capable of meeting the same
objectives.

24. FARM UNIT

A farm unit is the agricultural farm, area or production unit managed organically, by a
farmer or a group of farmers.

25. FOOD ADDITIVE

A food additive is any substance added as supplement or as enrichment, influencing the
keeping quality and consistency of a food product.

26. GROWER GROUPS

Grower Groups are organized group of producers who intend to produce organic
products/engage in organic processes in accordance with the National Standards of
Organic Production.

27. GUIDELINES FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING

These guidelines are the standards for organic production and processing established by
the accredited Certification Bodies for specific crops in accordance with the National
Standards for Organic Products.

28. HATCHERY (Aquaculture)

A hatchery is a facility for breeding, hatching and rearing of the early life stages of the
species selected for farming.

29. INSPECTION
Inspection shall include the site visit to verify that the performance of an operation is in
accordance with the production, processing and chain of custody as per NPOP standards.

5
30. INSPECTOR
A person assigned by the accredited Certification Body for assessment /evaluation of the
operator at the site of activity.

31. INTERNAL REVIEW

An internal review is an assessment done by the accredited Certification Body of the
working of its certification programme.

32. INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM (ICS)

Internal Control System means the control system organised by the member farmers in
the grower group to ensure that the NPOP requirements are met.

33. ISO Guide 65 / ISO 17065

Are the general requirements for Certification Bodies operating product certification
system.

34. ISO 17011

Are the general requirements for accreditation bodies carrying out accreditation of
Certification Bodies.

35. LABELLING
Labeling shall mean any written, printed or graphic representation that is depicted on the
label of the certified organic product, for the purpose of promoting its sale.

36. LICENCE
The license is the permission granted to the operator by the accredited Certification Body
on behalf of the National Accreditation Body to use the Certification Trade Mark “India
Organic Logo” to certify that their products or processes are organic.

6
37. LIVESTOCK
Livestock refers to any domestic or domesticated animal including bovine (including
buffalo and bison), ovine, porcine, caprine, equine, poultry and bees raised for food or in
the production of food. The products of hunting or fishing of wild animals shall not be
considered part of this definition.

38. MINOR NON-CONFORMITIES

Minor non-conformities shall mean such non-conformities in the organic certification
system of an accredited Certification Body that do not affect the integrity of organic
certification.

39. MAJOR NON-CONFORMITIES

Major non-conformities are severe violations that affect the integrity of the organic
system in the implementation of the standards prescribed in NPOP.

40. MANAGEMENT REVIEW

Management review is the evaluation of the overall performance of an organization's
quality management system carried out by the organization's top management on a
regular basis to identify improvement opportunities.

41. NATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTION

The National Programme for Organic Production is an over arching architecture and a
programme of the Government of India which provides an institutional mechanism for
implementation of the National Standards for Organic Production.

42. NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTION (NSOP)

The National Standards for Organic Production sets out the standards to be followed in
the cultivation/ harvest/ production /processing and trading of organic products

7
43. NO OBJECTION CERTIFICATE (NOC)
An approval issued by the accredited Certification Body when its operator wants to shift
to another accredited Certification Body.

44. NON-CONFORMITY
Non-conformity is a condition when a product, process, procedure, system, or structure
deviates from requirements of the standard.

45. NURSERY
Nursery means the facility, where the hatchery reared seeds could be grown, before
stocking in the grow-out ponds.

46. PRODUCER
A producer shall mean an individual farmer/group of farmers/business enterprise
practicing organic farming or organic processing.

47. OPERATOR
A farmer, processor, trader, handler or exporter who is under organic certification

48. OPERATING MANUAL

Operating manual is a document describing the standard procedures followed by the
accredited Certification Bodies for their operations.

49. ORGANIC
Organic refers to a particular farming system as described in the standards.

50. ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

Organic agriculture is a system of farm design and management to create an eco system,
which can achieve sustainable productivity without the use of artificial external inputs
such as chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides.

8
51. PACKAGE OF PRACTICES
Package of practices is the guidelines for organic production and processing for specific
crop and region.

52. PARALLEL PRODUCTION

Parallel production shall mean any production where the same unit is growing, breeding,
handling or processing the same products both in a certified organic quality and a non-
certified organic quality. Similarly a situation with “organic” and “in conversion”
production of the same product is also parallel production.

53. PERIPHYTON
Community of tiny, aquatic plant and animal organisms attached or clinging to plants and
other objects projecting above the bottom of an aquatic environment.

54. PLANT PROTECTION PRODUCT

Plant protection product shall mean any substance intended for preventing, destroying,
attracting, repelling, or controlling any pest or disease including unwanted species of
plants or animals during the production, storage, transport, distribution and processing of
food, agricultural commodities, or animal feeds.

55. POLYCULTURE
Polyculture is the rearing of two or more species in the same production system, and are
desirable to have them from different tropic levels.

56. PROCESSING AIDS

A substance or material not consumed as a food ingredient by itself but used in the
processing of raw materials, food or its ingredients to fulfill a certain technological
purpose during treatment or processing.

9
57. PROCESSED PRODUCTS
Processed product shall mean foodstuffs resulting from the processing of unprocessed
products.

58. PRODUCTION CYCLE (Aquaculture)

Production cycle shall mean production of eggs, larvae, post larval stage, juveniles or
adults during the life cycle of the candidate species in aquaculture.

59. PRODUCTION UNIT (Aquaculture)

Production unit shall mean specific unit(s) used for production purposes including
bacterium, nurseries and grow out facilities, either land based or water based, used for
production purpose of any stage of the production process in aquaculture.

60. QUALITY MANUAL

Quality manual is document containing the quality policy, quality objectives, structure
and description of the quality system of an organization. A quality manual explains how
the requirements of a quality standard are to be met and identifies the person responsible
for quality management functions.

61. REMOTE SETTING

Remote setting in aquaculture is the process of settlement of bivalve spats away from the
hatchery.

62. RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk assessment is done to identify potential risk in production and handling systems of
organic products in order to check the infringement in the entire process for maintaining
organic nature of the produce/product.

63. SCOPE CERTIFICATE

A certificate issued by the accredited Certification Body to its operator annually for their
specific activity in terms of production, processing and trading

10
64. SERVICE PROVIDER:
The service provider is an external body (e.g., Self-Help Groups / NGOs / Private
Agency / State Govt. Agency) contracted by Grower Groups for maintaining the
documentation, training quality control, facilitating certification by an accredited
Certification Body and for marketing of the produce of the Grower Groups.

65. STANDARDS
Standards shall mean the National Standards for Organic Production approved by the
National Steering Committee for National Programme for Organic Production.

66. STOCKING DENSITY (Aquaculture)

Stocking density shall mean the number of animals stocked per unit area of the
production unit, such as square meter area of the pond.

67. TRACENET
A web based traceability system for use by the registered operators and accredited
Certification Bodies under the NPOP.

68. TRANSACTION CERTIFICATE

A certificate issued by the accredited Certification Body to its operator for every sale of
his product to the buyer.

69. VETERINARY DRUG

Veterinary drug shall mean any substance applied or administered to any food-producing
animal, such as meat or milk-producing animals, poultry, fish or bees, whether used for
therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic purposes or for modification of physiological
functions or behavior.
*****

11
 CHAPTER 2
SCOPE AND OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE OF
NATIONAL ORGANIC PROGRAMME

The National Programme for Organic Production (hereinafter referred to as ‘NPOP’)

proposes to provide an institutional mechanism for the implementation of National
Standards for Organic Production (hereinafter referred to as ‘NSOP’). The aims of the
NPOP, inter alia include the following:

(a) To provide the means of evaluation of certification programme for organic

agriculture and products (including wild harvest, aquaculture, live stock products)
as per the approved criteria.
(b) To accredit certification programmes of Certification Bodies seeking accreditation
under this programme.
(c) To facilitate certification of organic products in conformity with the NSOP.
(d) To facilitate certification of organic products in conformity with the importing
countries organic standards as per equivalence agreement between the two
countries or as per importing country requirements.
(f) To encourage the development of organic farming and organic processing.

2.1 SCOPE
The NPOP shall, inter alia, include the following:

(a) Policies for development and certification of organic products as notified by the
Department of Commerce from time to time
(b) National standards for organic products and processes.
(c) Accreditation of certification programmes to be operated by Certification Bodies.
(d) Certification of organic products.

12
2.2 OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE

The operational structure of the NPOP is given in Fig. 1 below:

Department of
Commerce

National Standards
for Organic
Production (NSOP)

National Steering Committee

(NSC))
(Members appointed by the DoC)

Technical Committees APEDA

(TC)
(for review of NSOP,
accreditation criteria,
procedures for inspection
and certification agencies) National
Accreditation Board
(NAB)

Evaluation
Committee
( EC )

Certification
Bodies

Exporters
Producers Processors

13
2.3 ORGANIZATIONAL SET UP
Details of the organizational set-up of the NPOP are given below:

(a) Department of Commerce (DOC)

The National Programme for Organic Production shall be operated under the overall
guidance and directions of the Department of Commerce, Government of India. The
Department of Commerce shall act as the Apex body of the NPOP.

(b) National Steering Committee (NSC)

The Department of Commerce shall constitute an apex policy formulation committee
called the National Steering Committee (hereinafter referred to as ‘NSC’) to be
headed by Commerce Secretary. The Commerce Secretary may nominate any other
officer to chair the NSC meeting. The NSC shall be responsible for the
implementation and administration of the NPOP. The NSC shall be serviced by
APEDA. The members of the NSC shall be drawn from the Department of
Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Textiles, Department of Animal
Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of
Science & Technology, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Environment &
Forest, APEDA, Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA),
Commodity Boards (such as the Tea Board, Spices Board, Coffee Board, Food
Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) and other government and private
organizations having experience in organic farming and production. The members of
Ministries shall be the Ex-officio members of the NSC. The NSC shall have the
power to co-opt members other than those mentioned in this clause 2.3 (b) or as
notified by Government of India from time to time.

The responsibilities of the NSC shall inter alia, include the following:

(i) Approving procedures for implementation of the NPOP, which would

include the NSOP, Accreditation policy and procedures as well as the
regulations for use of the Certification Trade Mark “India Organic Logo”.

14
 (ii) Delegating responsibility of implementing the NPOP.
(iii) Constituting the National Accreditation Body (NAB).
(iv) Constituting Technical Committee(s) and such other committees as deemed
appropriate for the implementation of the NPOP.
(v) Take decisions on the proposals placed by various committees set up by
NSC.

The NSC shall meet at least once a year to review the functioning of the NPOP and
take decisions on various policy matters concerning the implementation and
functioning of the NPOP. The quorum for such a meeting shall be 30% of the total
strength.

The NSC shall also appoint such sub-committees, as it deems fit, for the smooth and
efficient functioning and implementation of the NPOP.

The NSC shall review and amend the NPOP from time-to-time.

(c) National Accreditation Body (NAB)

The NAB shall be serviced by APEDA. The NAB shall consist of members
representing Department of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture, FSSAI, MPEDA and
various Commodity Boards (such as the Tea Board, Spices Board, Coffee Board).
The Additional Secretary (Plantations) shall be the Chairman of the NAB. The NAB
shall have the power to co-opt members other than those mentioned in this clause 2.3
(c) as notified by the Government of India from time to time.

The NAB shall meet as and when required for review of the Certification Bodies.

The responsibilities of the NAB shall include:

(i) Drawing up procedures for the evaluation and accreditation of the certification
programmes of the Certification Bodies

15
(ii) Formulating procedures for evaluation of the Certification Bodies
(iii) Accreditation of the Certification Bodies
(iv) Constituting an Evaluation Committee
(v) Any other responsibilities assigned by NSC from time to time

The quorum for NAB meeting shall be 30% of the total strength.

(d) Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development

Authority (APEDA)

APEDA shall function as the Secretariat for the implementation of the NPOP. The
responsibilities of APEDA, as a Secretariat, shall include, inter alia, the following:
(i) Take steps for the implementation of the decisions of the NSC, NAB and
the Committees constituted under the NPOP.
(ii) Organize and convene all the meetings under NPOP
(iii) Convene the various committees constituted under the NPOP.
(iv) Evaluation of the Certification Bodies
(v) Investigation of complaints received from the importing countries
(vi) Initiate any other multilateral issues pertaining to equivalence etc. that
would promote the export of organic products.
(vii) Receive and screen applications from the applicant bodies and coordinate
and arrange their evaluations
(viii) Shall issue necessary implementation guidelines to the accredited
Certification Bodies for inspection and certification from time to time
(ix) Any other functions assigned by the NSC/NAB from time to time

APEDA shall meet the requirements of ISO 17011 for accreditation of

Certification Bodies under the NPOP.

16
(e) Technical Committee
The NSC shall constitute various Technical Committee(s) comprising of experts
drawn from relevant field/organizations to formulate various technical standards,
suggests amendments/changes in the existing standards, review the standards from
time to time and to advise the NSC on relevant issues pertaining to organic sector.

(f) Evaluation Committee (EC)

The NAB shall constitute an Evaluation Committee to evaluate the implementation of
certification programme of the Certification Bodies. The NAB shall draw a panel of
experts qualified in the field of agricultural sciences or any related field of food
industry. These experts shall be drawn from organizations that are not involved in the
certification activities and shall sign a contract of confidentiality with APEDA. The
experts shall have required training in audit procedures. The Certification Body shall
not be evaluated by the same committee for more than two consecutive years.

An Evaluation Committee shall be drawn from this panel of experts and shall
comprise of minimum of three experts. Two experts shall constitute the quorum. Such
Evaluation Committee will evaluate the Certification Body at least once in a year and
shall submit the following documents to APEDA after completion of the evaluation:

(i) Conformity /non-compliance report

(ii) Observations
(iii) Recommendations
(iv) Supporting documents

APEDA shall review the report(s) of the Evaluation Committee and submit its
assessment report and present it, along with its recommendations, to the NAB for
accreditation decision.

17
Any deviation from the report of the Evaluation Committee shall be recorded in
writing by APEDA.

(g) Certification Bodies

Agencies accredited by the National Accreditation Body under NPOP for certifying
organic products. The accredited Certification Bodies shall certify organic products as
per the scope of accreditation approved by the NAB.

*****

18
 CHAPTER 3
NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTION
(NSOP)
This chapter of NPOP refers to the production, processing, handling and labeling standards of the
following product categories :

(i) Crop production

(ii) Livestock, Poultry and Products

(iii) Beekeeping /Apiculture

(iv) Aquaculture Production

(v) Food Processing & Handling

(vi) Any other category of products that the National Accreditation Body (NAB)
may include from time to time

The details of standards for each category of products are referred in Appendix 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
of this chapter.

19
 Appendix 1
ORGANIC CROP PRODUCTION

Organic crop production management should cover a diverse planting scheme. For
perennial crops, this should include plant-based ground cover crops. For annual crops,
this should include diverse crop rotation practices, cover crops (green manures),
intercropping or other diverse plant production methods.

1. Crop Production Plan

The producer seeking certification under the NSOP (hereinafter, referred to as

‘standards’) shall be required to develop an organic crop production plan. This plan shall
include:

Description of the crops in the production cycle (main crop and intercrop) as per the agro
climatic seasons.

i. Description of practices and procedures to be performed and maintained.

ii. List of inputs used in production along with their composition, frequency of usage,
application rate and source of commercial availability.
iii. Source of organic planting material (seeds and seedlings).
iv. Descriptions of monitoring practices and procedures to be performed and
maintained to verify that the plan is being implemented effectively.
v. Description of the management practices and physical barriers established to
prevent commingling and contamination of organic production unit from
conventional farms, split operations and parallel operations.
vi. Description of the record keeping system implemented to comply with the
requirements.

20
2. Conversion Requirements

i. The establishment of an organic management system and building of soil fertility

requires an interim period, known as the conversion period. While the conversion
period may not always be of sufficient duration to improve soil fertility and for re-
establishing the balance of the ecosystem, it is the period in which all the actions
required to reach these goals are started.

ii. A farm may be converted through a clear plan of how to proceed with the
conversion. This plan shall be updated by the producer, if necessary and shall
cover all requirements to be met under these standards.

iii. The requirements prescribed under these standards shall be met during the
conversion period. All these requirements shall be applicable from the
commencement of the conversion period till its conclusion.

iv. The start of the conversion period may be calculated from the date first inspection
of the operator by the Certification Body.

v. A full conversion period shall not be required where de facto requirements

prescribed under these standards have been met for several years and where the
same can be verified on the basis of available documentation. In such cases
inspection shall be carried out in reasonable time intervals, before the first harvest.

3. Duration of conversion period

i. In case of annual and biennial crops, plant products produced can be certified
organic when the requirements prescribed under these Standards have been met
during the conversion period of at least two (2) years (organic Management)
before sowing (the start of the production cycle).

ii. In case of perennial plants other than grassland (excluding pastures and
meadows), the first harvest may be certified as organic after at least thirty six (36)

21
 months of organic management according to the requirements prescribed under
these Standards.

iv. The accredited Certification Bodies shall decide in certain cases, for extension or
reduction of conversion period depending on the past status/use of the land and
environmental condition.

v. Twelve months reduction in conversion period could be considered for annuals as

well as perennials provided, documentary proof has been available with the
accredited Certification Body that the requirements prescribed under these
Standards have been met for a period of minimum three (3) years or more. This
could include the land that been certified for minimum three (3) years under the
‘Participatory Guarantee System’ implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and
wherein, the products approved for use in organic farming as listed in Annex 1
and 2 of this Appendix have been applied. The accredited Certification Bodies
shall also consider such a reduction in conversion period, if it has satisfactory
proof to demonstrate that for three (3) years or more, the land has been idle and/or
it has been treated with the products approved for use in organic farming as listed
Annex 1 and 2 of this Appendix.

vi. Organic products in conversion shall be sold as "produce of organic agriculture in

conversion" or of a similar description, when the requirements prescribed under
these Standards have been met for at least twelve months.

4. Landscape

i. Organic farming shall contribute beneficially to the ecosystem. The certification

programme shall set standards/procedures for a minimum percentage of the farm area
to facilitate biodiversity and nature conservation.

ii. Areas which are managed organically shall facilitate biodiversity, inter alia, in the
following manner:
 Extensive grassland such as moorlands, reed land or dry land
 In general all areas which are not under rotation and are not heavily manured.

22
  Extensive pastures, meadows, extensive grassland, extensive orchards, hedges,
hedgerows, groups of trees and/or bushes and forest lines.
 Ecologically rich fallow land or arable land.
 Ecologically diversified (extensive) field margins.
 Waterways, pools, springs, ditches, wetlands and swamps and other water rich
areas which are not used for intensive agriculture or aqua production.

5. Choice of Crops and Varieties

i. All seeds and plant material shall be certified organic. Species and varieties cultivated
shall be adapted to the soil and climatic conditions and be resistant to pests and
diseases. In the choice of varieties, genetic diversity shall be taken into consideration.

ii. When organic seed and plant materials are available, they shall be used.

iii. When certified organic seed and plant materials are not available, chemically
untreated conventional seed and plant material shall be used.
iv. The use of genetically engineered seeds, transgenic plants or plant material is
prohibited.

6. Diversity in Crop Production & Management Plan

i. The basis for crop production in organic farming shall take into consideration the
structure and fertility of the soil and the surrounding ecosystem, with a view to
minimizing nutrient losses.

ii. Where appropriate, the organic farms shall be required to maintain sufficient diversity
in a manner that takes into account pressure from insects, weeds, diseases and other
pests, while maintaining or increasing soil, organic matter, fertility, microbial activity
and general soil health. For non perennial crops, this is normal, but not exclusive,
achieved by means of crop rotation preferably by leguminous crops.

23
 iii. Soil fertility shall be maintained through, among other things, the cultivation of
legumes or deep rooted plants and the use of green manures, along with the
establishment of a programme of crop rotation several times a year and fertilization
with organic inputs.

7. Nutrient Management

i. Sufficient quantities of biodegradable material of microbial, plant or animal origin

produced on organic farms shall form the basis of the nutrient management
programme to increase or at least maintain its fertility and the biological activity
within it.
ii. Fertilization management should minimize nutrient losses. Accumulation of heavy
metals and other pollutants shall be prevented.

iii. Non synthetic mineral fertilisers and brought-in bio fertilisers (biological origin) shall
be regarded as supplementary and not as a replacement for nutrient recycling.

iv. Desired pH levels shall be maintained in the soil by the producer.

v. The certification programme shall set limitations to the total amount of biodegradable
material of microbial, plant or animal origin brought onto the farm unit, taking into
account local conditions and the specific nature of the crops.

vi. The certification programme shall set procedures which prevent animal runs from
becoming over manuring where there is a risk of pollution.

vii. Mineral fertilizers shall only be used in a supplementary role to carbon based
materials. Only those organic or mineral fertilizers that are brought in to the farm
(including potting compost) shall be used when, the circumstances demand in
accordance with Annex 1.

viii. Permission for use shall only be given when other fertility management practices have
been optimized
24
ix. Manures containing human excreta (faeces and urine) shall not permitted to prevent
transmission of pests, parasites and infectious agents.

x. Mineral fertilisers shall be applied in their natural composition and shall not be
rendered more soluble by chemical treatment. The certification programme may grant
exceptions. These exceptions shall not include mineral fertilisers containing nitrogen.

xi. The certification programme shall lay down restrictions for the use of inputs such as
mineral potassium, magnesium fertilisers, trace elements, manures and fertilisers with
a relatively high heavy metal content and/or other unwanted substances, e.g. basic
slag, rock phosphate and sewage sludge. All synthetic nitrogenous fertilisers are
prohibited.

8. Pest, Disease and Weed Management

i. Organic farming systems shall be carried out in a way which ensures that losses from
pests, diseases and weeds are minimized. Emphasis is placed on the use of a balanced
fertilizing programme, use of crops and varieties well-adapted to the environment,
fertile soils of high biological activity, adapted rotations, intercropping, green
manures, etc. Growth and development shall take place in a natural manner.

ii. Weeds, pests and diseases shall be controlled through a number of preventive cultural
techniques which limit their development in a balanced nutrient management
programme, e.g. suitable rotations, green manures, early and pre drilling seedbed
preparations, mulching, mechanical control and the disturbance of pest development
cycles. Accredited certification programmes shall ensure that measures are in place to
prevent transmission of pests, parasites and infectious agents.

iii. Pest management shall be regulated by understanding and disrupting the ecological
needs of the pests. The natural enemies of pests and diseases shall be protected and
encouraged through proper habitat management of hedges, nesting sites etc. An

25
 ecological equilibrium shall be created to bring about a balance in the pest predator
cycle.

iv. Products used for pest, disease and weed management, prepared at the farm from
local plants, animals and microorganisms, shall be allowed. If the ecosystem or the
quality of organic products might be jeopardized, the certification programme shall
judge if the product is acceptable as per the procedure given to evaluate additional
inputs to organic agriculture.

v. Thermic weed control and physical methods for pest, disease and weed management
shall be permitted.

vi. Thermic sterilization of soils to combat pests and diseases shall be restricted to
circumstances where a proper rotation or renewal of soil cannot take place. The
certification programme on a case-by-case basis may only give permission.

vii. All equipment from conventional farming systems shall be properly cleaned and free
from residues before being used on organically managed areas.

viii. The use of synthetic herbicides, fungicides, growth regulators, synthetic dyes
insecticides and other pesticides are prohibited. Permitted products for plant pest and
disease control are listed in Annex 2. The producer shall keep documentary evidences
of the need to use the product.

ix. Commercial products used as inputs shall always be evaluated as per the criteria given
in Annex 3 before approval is given for use.

x. The use of genetically engineered organisms or products is prohibited.

9. Contamination Control

i. All relevant measures shall be taken to minimize contamination from outside and
within the farm.

26
 ii. Buffer zones shall be maintained to prevent contamination from conventional farms.
The buffer Zone should be sufficient in size to prevent the possibility of unintended
contact of prohibited substances applied to adjacent conventional land areas/farms

iii. In case of reasonable suspicion of contamination, the certification programme shall

make sure that an analysis of the relevant products and possible sources of pollution
(soil and water) shall take place to determine the level of contamination.

iv. Polyethylene and polypropylene or other polycarbonates coverings such as plastic

mulches, fleeces, insect net and silage wrapping, only are allowed. These shall be
removed from the soil after use and shall not be burnt on the farmland. The use of
polychloride based products is prohibited.

10. Soil and Water Conservation

i. Soil and water resources shall be handled in a sustainable manner. Relevant measures
shall be taken to prevent erosion, salination of soil, excessive and improper use of
water and the pollution of ground and surface water.

ii. Clearing of land through the means of burning organic matter, e.g. slash-and-burn,
straw burning shall be restricted to the minimum. The clearing of primary forest is
prohibited.

iii. The certification programme shall require to check appropriate stocking rates which
does not lead to land degradation and pollution of ground and surface water.

11. Collection of non cultivated material of plant origin / forest

produces

i. The collection of wild plants and parts thereof, grown naturally, and in forest shall be
certified as organic provided the collection areas have not received any treatment with
products other than those authorised for use in organic production.
27
 ii. In case of cultivation is carried out in forest area, the operators shall follow similar
procedures of organic farm cultivation.

iii. Organic collection management should ensure that in case of minor forest produce
collection, the State Government Act shall be applicable and should not exceed
sustainable yield of the collected species or otherwise threaten the local ecosystem.

iv. The act of collection should positively contribute to the maintenance of natural areas.
When harvesting or gathering the products, attention shall be paid to maintenance and
sustainability of the ecosystem. Organic operators should collect products only from
within the boundaries of the clearly defined wild collection area.

v. Wild harvested products shall only be certified organic if derived from a stable and
sustainable growing environment. Harvesting or gathering the product shall not exceed
the sustainable yield of the ecosystem, or threaten the existence of plant or animal
species.

vi. Products can only be certified organic if derived from a designated area for collection,
clearly depicted in the map of the authorized area of collection by the forest
department or state department, which is subject to inspection.

vii. The collection area shall be at an appropriate distance from conventional farming,
pollution and contamination.

viii. The producer managing the harvesting or gathering of the products shall be clearly
identified and be familiar with the collecting area in question.

28
 Annex 1
Products for Use in Fertilising and Soil Conditioning
In organic agriculture the maintenance of soil fertility may be achieved through the recycling of
organic material whose nutrients are made available to crops through the action of soil micro
organisms.

Many of these inputs are restricted for use in organic production. In this annex "restricted" means that
the conditions and the procedure for use shall be subjected to condition. Factors such as
contamination, risk of nutritional imbalances and depletion of natural resources shall be taken into
consideration.

Inputs Condition for use

Matter Produced on an Organic Farm Unit

Farmyard & poultry manure, slurry, cow urine Permitted

Crop residues and green manure Permitted
Straw and other mulches Permitted

Matter Produced Outside the Organic Farm Unit

Blood meal, meat meal, bone meal and feather meal without Restricted
preservatives
Compost made from any carbon based residues Restricted
(animal excrement including poultry)
Farmyard manure, slurry, cow urine (preferably after control Restricted
fermentation and/or appropriate dilution) “factory” farming
sources not permitted
Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted

Guano Restricted

Human excrement Prohibited

By-products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable Restricted
material of microbial, plant or animal origin without any synthetic
additives

29
 Inputs Condition for use
Peat without synthetic additives Prohibited for soil
conditioning
Sawdust, wood shavings, wood provided it comes from untreated Permitted
wood
Seaweed and seaweed products obtained by physical processes Restricted
extraction with water or aqueous acid and/or alkaline solution
Sewage sludge and urban composts from separated sources which Restricted
are monitored for contamination
Straw Restricted

Vermicasts Restricted

Animal charcoal Restricted

Compost and spent mushroom and vermiculate substances Restricted

Compost from organic household reference Restricted

Compost from plant residues Permitted

By products from oil palm, coconut and cocoa (including empty Restricted
fruit bunch, palm oil mill effluent (pome), cocoa peat and empty
cocoa pods)
By products of industries processing ingredients from organic Restricted
agriculture
Minerals
Basic slag Restricted
Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
Calcified seaweed Permitted
Calcium chloride Permitted
Calcium carbonate of natural origin (chalk, limestone, gypsum Permitted
and phosphate chalk)
Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (e.g. sulphate of Restricted
potash, kainite, sylvinite, patenkali)
Natural phosphates (e.g. Rock phosphates) Restricted
Pulverised rock Restricted

30
 Inputs Condition for use
Sodium chloride Permitted
Trace elements (Boron, Ferrous, Manganese, Molybdenum, Zinc) Restricted
Wood ash from untreated wood Restricted
Potassium sulphate Restricted
Magnesium sulphate (Epson salt) Permitted
Gypsum (Calcium sulphate) Permitted
Silage and silage extract Permitted excluding
Ammonium silage
Aluminum calcium phosphate Restricted
Sulphur Restricted
Stone meal Restricted
Clay ((bentonite, perlite, zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological Preparations
Bacterial preparations (biofertilizers) Permitted
Biodynamic preparations Permitted
Plant preparations and botanical extracts Permitted

Vermiculate Permitted

Peat Permitted

“Factory” farming refers to industrial management systems that are heavily reliant on
veterinary and feed inputs not permitted in organic agriculture.

31
 Annex 2

Products for Plant Pest and Disease Control

Certain products are allowed for use in organic agriculture for the control of pests and
diseases in plant production. Such products should only be used when absolutely necessary
and should be chosen taking the environmental impact into consideration.

Many of these products are restricted for use in organic production. In this annex "restricted"
means that the conditions and the procedure for use shall be subjected to conditions.

Inputs Condition for use

Substances from plant and animal origin

Azadiracta indica (neem preparations) Permitted

Neem oil Restricted

Preparation of rotenone from Derris elliptica Lonchocarpus, Restricted

Thephrosia spp

Gelatine Permitted

Propolis Restricted

Plant based extracts – garlic, pongamia etc. Permitted

Preparation on basis of pyrethrins extracted from Chrysanthemum Restricted

cinerariaefolium, containing possibly a synergist Pyrethrum
cinerafolium

Preparation from Quassia amara Restricted

Release of parasite predators of insect pests Restricted

Preparation from Ryania species Restricted

32
 Inputs Condition for use

Tobacco tea Prohibited

Lecithin Restricted

Casein Permitted

Sea weeds, sea weed meal, sea weed extracts, sea salt and salty water Restricted

Extract from mushroom (Shitake fungus) Permitted

Extract from Chlorella Permitted

Fermented product from Aspergillus Restricted

Natural acids (vinegar) Restricted

Minerals

Chloride of lime/soda Restricted

Clay (e.g. bentonite, perlite, vermiculite, zeolite) Permitted

Copper salts / inorganic salts (Bordeaux mix, copper hydroxide, Restricted

copper oxychloride) used as a fungicide depending upon the crop and
under the supervision of accredited Certification Body

Mineral powders eg : stone meal Prohibited

Diatomaceous earth Restricted

Light mineral oils Restricted

Permanganate of potash Restricted

Lime sulphur (calcium polysulphide) Restricted

Silicates, clay (Bentonite) Restricted

Sodium bicarbonate Restricted

33
 Inputs Condition for use

Sulphur (as a fungicide, acaricide, repellant) Restricted

Microorganism used for biological pest control

Viral preparation (eg. Granulosis virus, Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus Permitted
etc.

Fungal preparations (Trichoderma spp.) Permitted

Bacterial preparations (Bacillus spp) Permitted

Parasites, Predators and sterilized insects Permitted

Others
Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Restricted

Soft soap (potassium soap) Permitted

Ethyl alcohol Prohibited

Homeopathic and Ayurvedic preparations Permitted

Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted

Traps
Physical methods (Chromatic traps, Mechanical traps, sticky traps Permitted
and Pheromones

34
 Annex 3

Procedure to Evaluate Additional Inputs to Organic

Agriculture
Annex 1 & 2 refer to products for fertilising of the soil and control of plant pest and diseases
in organic agriculture. But there may well be other products which may be useful and
appropriate for use in organic agriculture which may not fall under these headings. Annex 3
outlines the procedure to evaluate other inputs into organic production.

The following checklist should be used for amending the permitted substance list for
fertilising the soil conditioning purposes:
i. The material is essential for achieving or maintaining soil fertility or to fulfil
specific nutrient requirements, for specific soil-conditioning and rotation purposes
which cannot be satisfied by the practises outlined in Chapter 3 or of other
products included in Annex 1 and the ingredients are of plant, animal, microbial
or mineral origin which may undergo the following processes:
 physical (mechanical, thermal)
 enzymatic
 microbial (composting, digestion) and
ii. Their use does not result in, or contribute to, unacceptable effects on, or
contamination of, the environment, including soil organisms
iii. Their use has no unacceptable effect on the quality and safety of the final product

The following checklist should be used for amending the permitted substance list for the
purpose of plant disease or pest and weed control:
i. The material is essential for the control of a harmful organism or a particular
disease for which other biological, physical or plant breeding alternatives and/or
effective management techniques are not available
ii. The substances (active compound) should be plant, animal, microbial or mineral
origin which may undergo the following processes:
 physical
 enzymatic
 microbial

35
 iii. Their use does not result in, or contribute to, unacceptable effects on, or
contamination of, the environment.
iv. Nature identical products such as pheremones, which are chemically synthesised
may be considered if the products are not available in sufficient quantities in their
natural farm, provided that the conditions for their use do not directly or indirectly
contribute to contamination of the environment or the product.

Evaluation
When an input is to be evaluated it must first be investigated by certification programmes to
see whether it fulfils the following six criteria. An input must fulfil all 6 requirements before
it can be accepted as suitable for use in organic agriculture.

Inputs should be evaluated regularly and weighed against alternatives. This process of regular
evaluation should result in organic production becoming ever morefriendly to humans,
animals, environment and the ecosystem.

1. Necessity
The necessity of each input must be established. This will be investigated in the context in
which the product will be used.

Arguments to prove the necessity of an input may be drawn from such criteria as yield,
product quality, environmental safety, ecological protection, landscape, human and animal
welfare.

The use of an input may be restricted to:

i. Specific crops (especially perennial crops)

ii. Specific regions
iii. Specific conditions under which the input may be used

2. Nature and Way of Production

a. Nature

The origin of the input should usually be (in order of preference):

i. Organic - vegetative, animal, microbial

ii. Mineral
36
Non-natural products which are chemically synthesised and identical to natural products may
be used.

When there is any choice, renewable inputs are preferred. The next best choice is inputs of
mineral origin and the third choice is inputs which are chemically identical to natural
products. There may be ecological, technical or economic arguments to take into
consideration in the allowance of chemically identical inputs.

b. Way of Production

The ingredients of the inputs may undergo the following processes:

 Mechanical
 Physical
 Enzymatic
 Action of micro-organisms
 Chemical (as an exception and restricted)

c. Collection

The collection of the raw materials comprising the input must not affect the stability of the
natural habitat nor affect the maintenance of any species within the collection area.

3. Environment
 Environmental Safety
The input must not be harmful or have a lasting negative impact on the environment. Nor
should the input give rise to unacceptable pollution of surface or ground water, air or soil. All
stages during processing, use and breakdown must be evaluated.

The following characteristics of the input must be taken into account:

 Degradability
All inputs must be degradable to their mineral form.

37
Inputs with a high acute toxicity to non-target organisms should have a maximum half-life of
five days. Natural substances used as inputs which are not considered toxic do not need to be
degradable within a limited time.

 Acute toxicity to non-target organisms

When inputs have a relatively high acute toxicity for non-target organisms, restrictions for
their use is needed. Measures have to be taken to guarantee the survival of these non-target
organisms. Maximum amounts allowed for application may be set. When it is not possible to
take adequate measures, the use of the input must not be allowed.
 Long-term chronic toxicity
Inputs which accumulate in organisms or systems of organisms and inputs which have, or are
suspected of having, mutagenic or carcinogenic properties must not be used. If there are any
risks, sufficient measures have to be taken to reduce any risk to an acceptable level and to
prevent long lasting negative environmental effects.

 Chemically synthesized products and heavy metals

Inputs should not contain harmful amounts of man made chemicals (xenobiotic products).
Chemically synthesized products may be accepted only if identical to the natural product.

Mineral inputs should contain as few heavy metals as possible. Due to the lack of any
alternative, and long-standing, traditional use in organic agriculture, copper and copper salts
are an exception for the time being. The use of copper in any form in organic agriculture must
be seen, however, as temporary and use must be restricted with regard to environmental
impact.

4. Human Health and Quality

 Human Health
Inputs must not be harmful to human health. All stages during processing, use and
degradation must be taken into account. Measures must be taken to reduce any risks and
standards set for inputs used in organic production.

 Product Quality
Inputs must not have negative effects on the quality of the product - e.g. taste, keeping
quality, visual quality.

38
5. Ethical Aspects - Animal Welfare
Inputs must not have a negative influence on the natural behaviour or physical functioning of
animals kept at the farm.

6. Socio Economic Aspects

Consumers' perception: Inputs should not meet resistance or opposition of consumers of
organic products. An input might be considered by consumers to be unsafe to the
environment or human health, although this has not been scientifically proven. Inputs should
not interfere with a general feeling or opinion about what is natural or organic - e.g. genetic
engineering.

39
 Appendix 2
ORGANIC LIVESTOCK POULTRY AND PRODUCTS

1. Scope
Livestock standards prescribed under these rules refer to any domestic and
domesticated animal including bovine (including buffalo, Mithun and Yak), ovine,
porcine, caprine, rabbits, poultry, insects and bees and/ or any other animal notified
by the FSSAI from time to time, raised for food/fibre or in the production of food and
fibre, their derivatives and by-products. The products of hunting or fishing or wild
animals shall not be considered part of livestock standards.

2. General principles
Organic livestock production in general is a land based activity and shall be an
integral part of organic farm unit and management of livestock shall be in consistent
with the principles of organic farming and shall base on:
a. Natural breeding;
b. Protection of animal health and welfare;
c. Fed with organic feed and fodder;
d. Access to grazing in organic fields;
e. Freedom to express natural behaviour;
f. Reduction of stress and
g. Prohibition of use of chemically synthesized allopathic veterinary drugs,
antibiotics, hormones, growth boosters, feed additives etc

Landless livestock production where the operator does not have organically
managed land and/ or has not established a written cooperation agreement with
another certified organic operator in compliance of the rules specified in Appendix 1
of these rules is prohibited.

In cases where traditional rearing system of the farm and/ or adverse climatic
conditions does not allow easy access to pastures, livestock may be produced
through providing organic feed certified under these rules, provided the indoor and
outdoor space requirements, specified under these rules are fully met (Clause 6).

40
3. Organic Management Plan
During the registration of the farm by the accredited Certification Body, the producer
has to present an organic management plan which requires to be verified during the
inspection. This plan shall be updated annually.

4. Choice of Breeds, Source and Origin

4.1 Choice of Breeds
The choice of livestock and poultry, breeds, strains and breeding methods shall
be consistent with the principles of organic farming, taking into account, in
particular, the following:
i. their adaptation to the local climatic conditions and
ii. their vitality and resistance to diseases

4.2 Sources/ Origin

i. Animals must have been born or hatched from production units complying
with these guidelines, or must be the offspring of parents raised under the
conditions set down in these guidelines;

ii. Transfer of livestock and poultry between organic and non-organic units shall
not be permitted. The accredited Certification Body shall ensure that brought
in livestock and poultry from other units comply with these Guidelines;

iii. Livestock and poultry raised on non-organic production units shall be

converted to organic as per these Guidelines;

iv. When a producer demonstrates to the satisfaction of the accredited

Certification Body that the organic source livestock are not available, the
accredited Certification Body may allow such livestock and poultry under the
following circumstances:

a. When the producer is establishing an organic livestock and poultry

operation for the first time;

41
 b. When the producer wants to change the livestock and poultry breed/
strain or when new livestock and poultry specialization is developed;

c. For the renewal of a herd, e.g., due to high mortality of animals caused by
catastrophic circumstances and

d. When the producer wishes to introduce breeding males into the farm. In
all such cases product of such animals shall qualify for organic only after
completion of conversion period specified under clause 7 of these
standards.

5. Livestock Identification and Animal Record Keeping

5.1 Livestock identification
i. Each animal/ herd/ batch shall bear unique identification number. Large
animals including bovine, ovine, carpine, porcine etc shall bear individual
number in the form of tag, while poultry birds and small mammals shall be
identified with herd/ flock/ batch;
ii. Identification devices on the animals can be printed ear tags, RFID tags,
Barcodes or any other suitable tag which is clearly visible.

5.2 Record keeping

Following data for each animal/ herd or batch shall be maintained and made
available to the accredited certification body for verification during inspection:
i. Parent details;
ii. Source and purchase details;
iii. Animal details;
iv. Breeding details;
v. Feeding details;
vi. Health care details including details of vaccination, medication,
veterinarian prescription and withdrawal period etc;
vii. Production details;
viii. Sale details and
ix. Any other relevant details

42
6. Housing and Management
i. The housing and day-to-day management of the animal, maintenance of
sanitation, hygiene, bio-security and environment shall be planned to suit the
specific behavioural needs of the livestock and poultry and shall provide for
sufficient space to ensure free movement and opportunity to express normal
patterns of behaviour;

ii. The animals should not be tied, however animals can be confined for specific
reasons, such as, milking, for some medical procedures, controlled grazing,
during night time and for health and safety of animal;

iii. Where the livestock and poultry’s normal behaviour demands group living,
animals shall not be kept in isolation, but shall have company of like kind;

iv. As far as possible two different kinds of animals shall not be kept together,
unless for specific purposes, such as, free range poultry birds in cow/buffalo
shed for scavenging on ticks and other insects

v. The housing system shall ensure prevention of abnormal behaviour, injury

and disease;

vi. Appropriate facilities to cover emergencies such as the fire, the breakdown of
essential mechanical services and the disruption of supplies, shall be
available;

vii. Housing for Livestock and Poultry shall not be mandatory in areas where
appropriate climatic conditions exist to enable animals to live outdoors without
compromising their comfort, health and welfare. Conditions shall be inspected
and permitted by the accredited Certification Body on producer and location-
to- location basis. Outdoor open areas may be partially covered;

viii. Housing conditions shall meet the biological and behavioural needs of the
livestock and poultry by providing easy access to feeding and watering and
shall ensure:

43
 a. Insulation, heating, cooling and ventilation of the building to ensure that
air circulation, dust level, temperature, relative air humidity and gas
concentrations are kept within limits which are not harmful to the
livestock and poultry;

b. Plentiful natural ventilation and light to enter;

c. Appropriate fencing not harmful to the animals

ix. Confinement shall be permitted under following conditions:

a. Inclement weather to protect animals from injury;

b. Ensure health safety or welfare;

c. To protect plant, soil and water quality;

x. Minimum requirement of surface area for indoor housing and for outdoor run
and pens is given in Annex 1;

xi. The outdoor stocking density of livestock kept on pasture, grassland, or other
natural or semi-natural habitats, must be low enough to prevent degradation
of the soil and over-grazing of vegetation.

6.1 Special conditions for Mammals

i. All mammals shall have access to open-air exercise or resting area, paddock,
pen or run which may be partially covered and/or shall have space for
protection from rains and hot sun;
ii. The accredited Certification Body shall grant exceptions for the access of
males or bulls to open areas to avoid mixing with female animals for controlled
breeding;

44
iii. Other animals may also not have access to open-air exercise area or run
during the heavy rain period, harsh winter/ summer or the final fattening
phase;
iv. Livestock shed shall have properly laid and smooth floor, although not
slippery. The floor shall not be entirely of slatted or grid construction;
v. The housing conditions shall aim at providing comfortable, clean and dry
laying/rest area of sufficient size, consisting of a solid construction. Wherever
possible, straw bedding shall be provided;
vi. The calves may be housed separately and never in the adult animal shed;
vii. Pigs must be kept in groups, except in the last stages of pregnancy and
during the suckling period. Piglets may not be kept on flat decks or in piglet
cages. Exercise areas must permit dunging and rooting by the animal.
Breeding boars may be kept separately.

6.2 Special conditions for Poultry

i. Housing of poultry in cages shall not be permitted;
ii. Water fowl/duck shall have access to a stream, pond or lake whenever the
weather conditions permit;
iii. Poultry house floor shall be of solid construction covered with litter material
such as straw, wood shavings, sand or turf. In case of layers, the floor area
must be large enough to permit dropping collection. Perches/ higher sleeping
areas of a size and number commensurate with the species and size of the
group and of the birds shall be provided. For outdoor access appropriate
exit/entry holes of adequate size must be provided;
iv. In the case of laying hens, manipulation of day length may be permitted
through the use of artificial lights;
v. Poultry shall have access to open area as specified in Annex 1 and shall have
freedom to move freely between indoor and outdoor area;
vi. Open air areas for poultry shall be mainly covered with vegetation and be
provided with protective facilities and permit birds to have easy access to
adequate numbers of drinking and feeding troughs;
vii. Where poultry are kept indoors due to restrictions or obligations imposed on
the basis of provincial legislation they shall permanently have access to

45
 sufficient quantities of roughage and suitable material in order to meet their
ethological needs;
viii. Multi-level aviary systems for layers shall have no more than three levels or
tiers above ground level. Total floor space shall meet minimum indoor and
outdoor surface area requirements specified in Annexure I. In all such cases
access to the open air run, needs to be ensured under all-in and all-out
system to avoid the mixing of birds among flocks;
ix. Buildings shall be emptied, cleaned and disinfected, between flocks, and runs
shall be left empty to allow the vegetation to grow back.

6.3 Special conditions for Silkworms

i. Silkworm rearing is done under both open and domesticated conditions.
Under open situations worms are reared on host plants either in wild or
under cultivated conditions. In both cases the host plants shall be certified
under wild harvest collection or under crop production as specified under
Appendix 1 of these rules;

ii. Under domestic rearing situations housing shall be clean and ventilated with
adequate space for movement between rearing trays. Multilayer rearing
system can also be adopted provided adequate space is kept between trays
and arrangements are made to ensure that trays do not get contaminated
with falling excreta of worms in above layers;

iii. Accredited certification agencies shall define the adequate housing and
rearing conditions keeping in view of the local practices used and conditions
required according to the species used.

6.4 Special conditions for Rabbits

i. The keeping of rabbits in cages shall not be permitted. If required for comfort
and safety rabbits may be temporarily confined, for example overnight, in cages or
hutches. Continuous confinement is prohibited;
ii. Rabbits shall have space to run, hop and dig, and to sit upright on their back
legs with ears erect. The minimum indoor and outdoor space requirements
are shown in Annex 1.

46
7 Conversion Period for Animal Production
i. Simultaneous conversion of livestock and poultry and land used for raising
feed/fodder within the same unit should be a preferred approach. Land for
production of feed, fodder, pasture, grazing etc shall be certified organic as
per the provisions in Appendix 1 under Chapter 3 of these rules including
conversion requirements;

ii. When a livestock production unit, with entire herd, or flock of sheep/ goat or
batch of poultry birds or small mammals such as rabbits, is in transition to
organic production, pasture and feed produced on the land undergone a
minimum period of 12 months of conversion period may be considered
organic for feeding to organic livestock;

iii. In case of silkworm rearing, there is no requirement for conversion period,

provided the larva are fed with organic feed grown in compliance of these
rules for a minimum period of 12 months for their entire lifespan period;

iv. The conversion period shall be determined by the accredited Certification

Body and the conversion period shall be accounted from the date of first
inspection;

v. In cases, where the land and livestock and poultry conversion to organic
status is not simultaneous and the land alone has reached organic status and
the livestock and poultry from a non-organic source is introduced, these must
be reared according to these guidelines for at least the following compliance
periods before their products are sold as organic:

a. Bovine including buffalo

i. Meat products: Twelve (12) months and at least 3/4th of their life span
is spent in the organic management system;

ii. Calves for meat production: Six (6) months when brought in as soon as
they are weaned and less than six (6) months old;

47
 iii. Milk products: Six (6) months.

b. Ovine and caprine (Sheep & Goat)

i. Meat products: Six (6) months;

ii. Milk products: Six (6) months.

c. Pig
i. Meat products: Six (6) months.

d. Small mammals (such as Rabbits)

i. Meat products: From the second week after their birth to the entire life
span as determined by the accredited Certification Body.

e. Poultry
i. Meat products: from the second day of hatching to the entire life span
as determined by the accredited Certification Body;
ii. Eggs : Six (6) weeks.

8 Feed
Livestock and poultry farms shall provide maximum diet from feedstuffs (including 'in
conversion' feedstuff) produced as organic as per the requirements of these
guidelines. Agricultural processed residues of organic origin, such as from grain
fermentation, fruit processing, vegetable processing, etc., shall be permitted for
purpose of feeding, provided that the overall feeding practices satisfy the daily
energy and nutrient requirements of the concerned animals.

The agriculture land committed to cultivation of feed / fodder crops intended to be

used as feed for livestock and poultry shall be organically grown.

During the operations, the products shall maintain their organic status provided that
livestock and poultry are fed with at least 85% for ruminants and 80% for non-
ruminants calculated on a dry matter basis, feed obtained from organic sources that
have been produced in compliance with these guidelines.

48
Accredited Certification Body can grant permission to allow a restricted percentage
of feedstuffs not produced according to these guidelines to be fed for a limited time,
provided that it does not contain genetically engineered/modified organisms or
products thereof.

Specific livestock and poultry rations shall take into account:

i. The need of young animals for natural feed, such as, feeding of maternal milk,
milk from other mammal or milk replacer of organic origin that has maximum
similarity with maternal milk, provided that it does not contain any genetically
modified ingredient, antibiotics, hormone, etc;

ii. That in herbivores, substantial proportion of the dry matter and energy in the
daily rations should consist of roughage, fresh or dried fodder, or silage; need
for inclusion of cereals in the fattening phase of poultry and livestock and
poultry must have ample, free access to water appropriate to maintain full
health and productivity;

iii. Due to reasons of animal welfare, health and productivity, if supplements are
to be added, it shall be permitted on advice of a qualified veterinarian. The
permitted list of such supplements, feed materials (probiotics, and biologicals,
immunolgicals and procuring aids etc) and processing aids that comply the
guidelines under these rules is given at Annex 2.

8.1 General Criteria for feedstuff and nutritional components

Substances shall be permitted as per Annex 2. Such substances should
significantly satisfy feeding requirements of the livestock and poultry fulfilling
the physiological, behavioral and welfare needs of the concerned species;
and such substances should not contain genetically engineered/modified
organisms and products thereof; and are non-synthetic and are primarily of
plant, mineral or animal origin. Accredited Certification Body may allow the
use of feedstuff not included in Annex II and have been recommended by the

49
veterinarian, provided that all such substances are non-synthetic and are
primarily of plant, mineral or animal origin

8.2 Specific Criteria for Feedstuffs and Nutritional Elements

i. The feedstuffs should not be prepared by using chemical solvents and
chemical treatment. All the ingredients of the feed including supplements,
fed to organic animals should be from organic sources. In case of
shortage of these substances, or in exceptional circumstances, well-
defined analogic substances listed under Annex 3 may also be used;

ii. Feedstuffs of animal origin, with the exception of milk and milk products,
fish, other marine animals and products derived thereof shall not be used.
The feeding of mammalian material to ruminants is not permitted with the
exception of milk and milk products;

iii. Synthetic nitrogen or non-protein nitrogen compounds shall not be used.

8.3 Specific Criteria for Additives and Processing Aids:

i. The supplements should be derived from natural sources;

ii. Feed processing aid supplements like binders, anti-caking agents,

emulsifiers, stabilizers, thickeners, surfactants, coagulants if used should
be from natural sources;

iii. Antioxidants: only from natural sources shall be permitted;

iv. Preservatives: only natural acids are allowed;

v. Colouring agents (including pigments), flavors, odor masking agents and

appetite stimulants: only natural sources are allowed;

vi. Probiotics, enzymes and microorganisms are allowed but should not be
from genetically modified sources;

50
 vii. Any synthetic chemicals, such as, antibiotics, coccidiostat, medicine,
growth promoters or any other substance supplemented for purpose to
stimulate growth or production shall not be fed to the organic livestock &
poultry;

viii. Silage additives, additives for enriching crop residues and processing aids
may not be derived from genetically engineered/modified organisms or
products thereof, and may be comprised of only:

a. Sea salt;
b. Coarse rock salt;
c. Yeasts;
d. Enzymes;
e. Whey;
f. Sugar; or sugar products such as molasses, jaggery, grain bran;
g. Honey;
h. Lactic, acetic, formic and propionic bacteria, or their natural acid
product when the weather conditions do not allow for adequate
fermentation and their use to be approved by the accredited
Certification Body.

9 Health Care
The organic livestock & poultry, in general, should follow the basic principles of
preventive health and productivity management wherein the focus would be on
preventing diseases, detecting underlying fertility and production problems and its
correction primarily on correcting management, nutrition and sanitation.

i. The producer in consultation with veterinarian should draw a program of health

management of animals and carry out testing of the herd as per the common
diseases of herd/ flock (Annex 4). The health care shall be based on the
following broad principles:

a. The choice of appropriate breeds or strains of animals that can acclimatize,

adapt to environment as per clause 4 of these standards;

51
 b. The setting up of the animal husbandry practices should be appropriate to
the requirements of each species and should focus on encouraging strong
resistance to disease and prevention of infections;
c. The use of good quality organic feed, together with regular exercise and
access to fodder/roughages, and/or open-air runs, so as to have positive
effects on natural immunological defence of the animal;
d. Appropriate stocking density of livestock & poultry so as to avoid
overcrowding and spread of infections or competition to feeding.

ii. The farm should have an established system of detection of sub-clinical, sick or
injured animals and if, so detected, must be treated immediately. In cases where
isolation is necessary it will be so carried out in suitable housing areas. The
paramount interest in case of sickness would be animal welfare and mitigating
pain and suffering, and hence the producer shall not withhold medication even if
the use of such medication will cause the animal to lose its organic status;

iii. The use of veterinary medicinal products in organic farming shall comply with the
following principles:

a. All vaccinations required by law of the land shall be permitted. Where

specific disease or health problems occur, or is predicted to occur, and
there are no alternative permitted treatment or management practice exist,
use of parasiticides, or therapeutic use of veterinary drugs are permitted
under prescription and supervision of a registered veterinarian, provided
that the mandatory withdrawal periods as provided under these guidelines
under Annex 5 are observed. In drugs where withdrawal period is not
prescribed in these guidelines, a minimum of 48 hours of withdrawal period
shall be observed;

b. For purpose of treatment and prevention of diseases and under-

performances, herbal/phyto-therapeutic (excluding antibiotics),
homeopathic or ayurvedic products shall be preferred to allopathic
veterinary drugs or antibiotics, provided that their therapeutic effect is

52
 effective for the species of animal and the condition for which the treatment
is intended;

c. In case alternative therapeutic or preventive measures are unlikely to be

effective in combating illness or injury, allopathic veterinary drugs or
antibiotics may be used under the responsibility and supervision of a
veterinarian.

iv. The use of allopathic veterinary drugs or antibiotics or drugs derived from
genetically modified source for preventative treatments and for enhancing
productivity or fertility is prohibited;

v. Hormonal treatment may only be used for therapeutic reasons and under
veterinary supervision;

vi. Growth stimulants, agents or substances used for the purpose of stimulating
growth or production shall not be permitted.

10 Breeding and Management

i. The major focus of livestock and poultry management shall be to provide care,
comfort, and respect to the animals and ensure their welfare in the farming
system;

ii. Livestock and poultry breeding methods shall be in accordance with and in
compliance with the principles of organic farming and shall take into account:

a. The breeds and strains most suited to local conditions;

b. The preference for reproduction through natural methods, although artificial
insemination may be used;
c. Embryo transfer techniques and any other breeding techniques employing
genetic engineering shall not be used;
d. The use of hormonal reproductive treatment shall not be used unless
prescribed therapeutic, directed towards correcting the physiological problem.

53
iii. Mutilation, such as, tail docking, cutting of teeth, trimming of beaks and
dehorning are not permitted. In exceptional cases, some of these may be
authorized by the accredited Certification Body for reasons of safety (e.g.
dehorning in young animals, hoof trimming, cutting of pin teeth in pigs etc) or if
they are intended to improve the health and welfare of the livestock and poultry.
Such surgical procedures shall be carried out by a registered veterinarian at the
most appropriate age; and any suffering to and pain shall be reduced to a
minimum. Wherever possible, anesthetic and analgesics shall be used. Physical
castration is allowed only in order to maintain the quality of products and
traditional production practices (meat-type pigs, bullocks, capons, etc).

11 Manure and Urine Excreta Management

i. The collection, handling and disposal of the dung and urine from shed, paddock,
open run or grazing areas shall be implemented in a manner that:

a. Minimizes soil and water degradation;

b. Does not significantly contribute to contamination of water by nitrates,
phosphates, and pathogenic bacteria;
c. Optimizes recycling of nutrients and
d. Does not include burning or any practice inconsistent with organic practices.

ii. All manure storage and handling facilities, including composting facilities shall be
designed, constructed and operated to prevent contamination of ground and/or
surface water;

iii. Manure application rates shall be at levels that do not contribute to ground
and/or surface water contamination. The accredited Certification Body shall
establish maximum application rates for manure or stocking densities as per
local conditions. The timing of application and application methods shall not
increase the potential for run-off into ponds, rivers and streams.

54
12 Transport
i. During transport, the producer shall prevent stress, injury, hunger, thirst,
malnutrition, fear, distress, physical & thermal discomfort, pain, disease during
the transport and shall observe the protocols as prescribed under law of the land
including:
a. All necessary arrangement be made in advance to minimize length of the
journey and meet the animal’s need during the journey;
b. Animals must be fit for the intended journey;
c. Means of transport as well as the loading and unloading facilities must be
designed, constructed, maintained and operated so as to avoid injury and
suffering and ensure the safety of the animals;
d. Personnel that handle animals must be trained and competent as
appropriate for this purpose and must carry out their tasks without using
violence or any other method likely to cause unnecessary fear, injury or
suffering;
e. Transport must carry out without delay to the place of destination and the
welfare conditions of the animals must be regularly checked and
appropriately maintained;
f. Sufficient floor area, height and other spacing requirements must be
provided for the animals, appropriate to their size and intended journey
and
g. Water, feed and rest must be offered to the animals at suitable intervals
and should be appropriate in quality and quantity to their species, size and
age.

ii. Efforts should be made to avoid or reduce following stress factors:

a. Stress due to gathering and handling;
b. Stress due to deprivation of, or changes in quantity or quality of food and
water;
c. Stress due to extremes of temperature or change in climatic conditions;
d. Stress due to the groupings of animals strange to each other both within
and between species;
e. Stress due to separation from others of the animals’ own kind;
f. Stress due to unfamiliar surroundings, noises and sensations;

55
 g. Stress due to overcrowding and isolations;
h. Stress due to fatigue;
i. Stress due to exposure to disease.

iii. The use of electric stimulation or allopathic tranquilizers shall not be permitted
during loading and unloading of animals.

13 Slaughter of Animals
i. The slaughter of livestock and poultry shall be undertaken in a manner, which
minimizes stress and suffering, and shall be in accordance with the applicable
rules framed for the purpose;

ii. Approved products for cleaning and disinfection of the buildings and installations
are given at Annex 6;

iii. The slaughter, evisceration and packing of livestock and poultry should be
conducted in such a manner as will result in hygienic processing, proper
inspection and preservation for the production of clean and wholesome meat and
meat products. Hygiene standards must comply the requirements laid down by
the FSS Act with the exception that the chemicals not allowed under these rules
shall be replaced with the substances allowed under these rules;

iv. Separate rooms should be provided for:

a. Livestock and poultry receiving and holding;
b. Washing and disinfection of coops;
c. Slaughter and bleeding;
d. Feather removal;
e. Evisceration, chilling and packing;
f. Inedible products room.

v. Water Supply: The quality of water should satisfy the requirements of potable
water;
vi. Ventilation: Particular attention should be given to ventilation. Illumination should
be sufficiently strong, properly situated and should not cause glare;

56
vii. Personnel hygiene: Personnel should wear special working clothes of washable
material. Proper training shall be given regarding hygiene, frequent hand
washing, disinfection etc and
viii. Activities such as stunning, bleeding, scalding, plucking, feet removal,
evisceration and chilling, draining, grading etc. shall be done in accordance with
the applicable rules framed for the purpose.

57
 Annex 1

Minimum Surface Area Indoors & Outdoors and Other Characteristics

of Housing in Different Species and Types of Production

1. Bovines, Ovine, Caprine and Pig

Livestock Indoor Area Outdoor Area

(net area available to animals) (exercise area,
excluding pasturage)
Breeding & fattening Live Weight M2/Head M2/Head
bovine Minimum (Kg)
Up to 100 1.5 1.1
Up to 200 2.5 1.9
Up to 350 4.0 3
Over 350 5 with a minimum 3.7 with a minimum of
of 1m2/100 kg 0.75m2/100kg
Dairy Cows 6 4.5
Bulls for breeding 10 30
Sheep & Goats 1.5 for sheep/goat 2.5
0.35 for lamb/kid 0.5
Farrowing Pigs with 7.5 for sow 2.5
piglets up to 40 days
Fattening pigs Up to 50 0.8 0.6
Up to 85 1.1 0.8
Up to 110 1.3 1
Piglets Over 40 days and 0.6 0.4
up to 30 Kg

Brood Pigs 2.5 for female 1.9

6 for male 8.0
(If pens are used
for natural service:
10m2/boar)

Poultry

Poultry Indoor Area Outdoor run

(net area available to animals)
Layers 6 birds m2 4 bird/m2
Pullets 0-8 weeks 24 birds m 2 16 birds m2
Pullets 9-18 weeks 15 birds m 2 10 birds m2
Broilers/ fattening 10 birds m with maximum of
2 10 birds m2 with maximum
chickens 21 kg live weight/m 2 of 21 kg live weight/m2
Turkeys/ large birds Up to 26 kg live weight/m2 Up to 17 kg live weight/m2
Outdoor runs are not required when flocks are undergoing immunization programme and
when in the final phases of fattening

Minimum indoor and outdoor space requirements for rabbits

Rabbits Indoor Space Outdoor –runs and Outdoor – pasture
concrete exercise
From weaning 0.3 m²/ head 2 m² / head 5 m² / head
to slaughter
Pregnant does 0.5 m²/ head 2 m² / head 5 m² / head
Does and litters 0.7 m² /head 2 m/head -
Bucks 0.3 m² / head 2 m²/ head 5 m² / head

58
 Annex 2
Permitted List of Feed Materials, Feed Additives & Processing
Aids for Animal Nutrition

1. Feed materials from plant origin

1.1. Cereals, grains, their products and by-products. The following substances are
permitted:
Oats as Grains, Flakes, Middlings, Hulls and Bran;
Wheat as Grains, Wheat as Germ, Middling, Bran [IS 2239:1971], Gluten Feed,
Gluten and Germ; [IS 2239:1971
Barley as Grains, Protein and Middlings;
Maize as Grains; Bran [IS 2153:1985] Middling; Germ Expeller and Gluten [IS
2152:1972];
Sorghum as Grains;
Rice Germ Expeller and bran;
Millet as Grains;
Rye as Grains and Middlings;
Triticale as Grains, Bran, Middlings, Brewers' Grains.
Other cereals & grains

1.2. Oil seeds, oil fruits, their products and by-products. The following substances are
permitted:
Rape seed and mustard [IS 1932:1986] as expeller and hulls;
Soya bean as bean, toasted, expeller and hulls;
Sunflower seed [IS 14702:1999] as seed and expeller;
Cotton as seed and seed expeller;
Linseed [IS 1935:1982] as seed and expeller;
Sesame seed [IS 1934:1982] as expeller;
Groundnut seed [IS 3441:1982] as expeller;
Palm kernels as expeller;
Safflower decorticated cake [IS 6242:1985]
Toria Cake
Taramira Cake
Pumpkin seed as expeller;

59
 Other oilseeds
Vegetable oils (from physical extraction).

1.3. Legume seeds, their product and by-products. The following substances are
permitted:
Bengal gram as seeds, middlings and hulls
Black gram as seeds, middlings and hulls
Pigeon pea as middlings and hulls
Green gram as middlings and hulls
Horse beans as seeds middlings and bran
Lentil as middlings and hulls
Chickpeas as seeds, middlings and bran;
Ervil as seeds, middlings and bran as seeds submitted to heat treatment, middlings
and bran,
Peas as seeds, middlings, and bran;
Broad beans as seeds middlings and bran; and
Lupin as seeds, middlings and bran.
Other legumes

1.4. Tuber, roots, their products and by-products. The following substances are included
in this category:
Sugar beet pulp, potato
Sweet potato as tuber,
Potato pulp (by-product of the extraction of potato starch), potato starch, potato
protein and manioc
Carrot
Turnip
Other tubers

60
1.5. Other seeds and fruits, their products and by-products. The following substances are
permitted:
Fruits & Fruit Pulps of apple, citrus fruits, pears, peaches, grapes, figs, Pineapple,
quinces, pumpkins;
Chestnuts, walnut expeller, hazelnut expeller; cocoa husks and expeller; acorns.
Mango seeds [IS 12829:1989], tamarind seeds meal.

1.6. Forages and roughages. The following substances are permitted:

Cultivated fodder crops. Only the following fodder crops are included in this
category:
 Sorghum (Sorghum vulgare)
 Maize (Zea Mays)
 Bajara (Pennisetum typhoides)
 Teosinte (Euchlaena Maxicana)
 Cow Pea (Vigna ungui culata)
 Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba)
 Oats (Avena sativa)
 Berseem (Trifolium Alexadrinum)
 Lucerne (Medicago Sativa)
 Senji (Melilotus Parviflora)
 Hybrid Napier
 Para Grass (Brachiaria mutica)
 Rhodes Grass (Chloris Gayana)
 Guinea Grass (Panicom Maximum)
 Sudan Grass (Soreghum Sudanenes)
 Mustard (Brassica spp)

Clover, Clover meal, Grass (obtained from forage plants), Grass meal,

Hay, Silage & Straw of ceral crops and Root vegetables for foraging.

Pasture Grass & Legumes: Following are included in this category:
 Anjan (Cenchrus ciliaris)
 Marvel (Dichanthium Annulatum)

61
  Dinanath (Penniactum pedicellatum)
 Kazungla (Setaria Sphacelata)
 Sain (Sehima nervosum)
 Siratro (Macroptilum atropurpureum)
 Stylo (Stylosanthes Humilis)
 Bankulthi (Atylosia Scarabaeoides)
 Field bean (Dolichos lablab)
 Butterfly Pea (Clitoria termatea)

Leaves of common Indian trees. Following tress are included in this category whose
leaves can be fed to animals
 Acacia Arabica (Babul)
 Acacia Senegal (Kumat)
 Adina cordifolia (Haldu)
 Ailanthus excelsa (Ardu)
 Amaranthus spinosus (Goja),
 Albizia lebbeck (Siras)
 Azadirachta indica (Neem)
 Banhinia variegate (Kachnar)
 Cassia auriculata (Tarwad)
 Dalbergia Sissoo (Sissoo)
 Ficus benghalensis (Bargad)
 Ficus relegiosa (papal)
 Ficus Glomerata (gular)
 Hardwickia binata (Anjan)
 Leucaena leucocephala (Subabul)
 Morus alba (Tut)
 Marus indica (Mulberry)
 Prosopis cineraria (Khejri)

1.7. Other plants, their products and by-products. The following substances are included
in this category:
Molasses

62
 Seaweed meal (obtained by drying and crushing seaweed and washed to reduce
iodine content),

Powders and extracts of plants,

Plant protein extracts (solely provided to young animals),

Spices and herbs.
2. Feed materials from animal origin
2.1. Milk and milk products. The following substances are included in the category:
raw milk

milk powder, skimmed milk, skimmed-milk powder,

buttermilk, buttermilk powder,

whey, whey powder, whey powder low in sugar, whey protein powder (extracted by
physical treatment),

casein powder, lactose powder, curd and sour milk.

2.2. Fish, other marine animals, their products and by-products. Only the following
substances are included in the category:
fish, fish oil and cod-liver oil not refined;

fish molluscan or crustacean autolysates, hydrolysate and proteolysates obtained by
an enzyme action, whether or not in soluble form, solely provided to young animals.

Fish meal [IS 4307:1983]

2.3. Eggs and egg products for use as poultry feed, preferably from the same holding.

3. Feed materials from mineral origin [IS 1664:2002]

The following substances are included in this category:
Sodium:

63
  unrefined sea salt
 coarse rock salt
 sodium sulphate
 sodium carbonate
 sodium bicarbonate
 sodium chloride [IS 920:1972]

Potassium:
 potassium chloride;

Calcium:
 lithotamnion and maerl
 shells of aquatic animals (including cuttlefish bones)
 calcium carbonate
 calcium lactate
 calcium gluconate;

Phosphorus:
 defluorinated dicalcium phosphate [IS 5470:2002]
 defluorinated monocalcium phosphate
 monosodium phosphate
 calcium-magnesium phosphate
 calcium-sodium phosphate;

Magnesium:
 magnesium oxide (anhydrous magnesia)
 magnesium sulphate
 magnesium chloride
 magnesium carbonate
 magnesium phosphate;

Sulphur:
 sodium sulphate

64
4. Feed additives, certain substances used in animal nutrition and
processing aids used in feeding stuffs

4.1. Feed additives

4.1.1. Trace elements the following substances are included in this category:

Iron
 ferrous (II) carbonate
 ferrous (II) sulphate monohydrate and / or heptahydrate
 ferric (III) oxide;

Iodine:
 calcium iodate, anhydrous
 calcium iodate, hexahydrate
 sodium iodide;

Cobalt:
 cobaltous (II) sulphate monohydrate and/or heptahydrate
 basic cobaltous (II) carbonate, monohydrate;

Copper:
 copper (II) oxide
 basic copper (II) carbonate, monohydrate
 copper (II) sulphate, pentahydrate;

Manganese:
 manganous (II) carbonate
 manganous oxide and manganic oxide
 manganous (II) sulfate, mono- and/or tetrahydrate;

Zinc:
 zinc carbonate
 zinc oxide
 zinc sulphate mono- and/or heptahydrate;

65
Molybdenum:
 ammonium molybdate,
 sodium molybdate;

Selenium:
 sodium selenate
 sodium selenite

4.1.2. Vitamins, pro-vitamins and chemically well defined substances having a

similar effect. The following substances are included in this category:

preferably derived from raw materials occurring naturally in feeding stuffs, or

synthetic vitamins identical to natural vitamins only for monogastric animals

By derogation from the first subparagraph, and during a transitional period as

determined by the competent authority, the use of synthetic vitamins of types A, D and E
for ruminants may be authorized in so far as the following conditions are met:

the synthetic vitamins are identical to the natural vitamins, and

the authorization issued by the Competent Authority is founded on precise criteria.

Producers may benefit from this authorization only if they have demonstrated to the
satisfaction of the inspection body or authority that the health and welfare of their
animals cannot be guaranteed without the use of these synthetic vitamins.

4.1.3. Microorganisms: following microorganisms are included in this category:


microorganisms such as lactobacillus, yeast, etc., that are not genetically modified.

4.1.4. Preservatives: the following substances are included in this category:


Sorbic acid


66
 Formic acid

Acetic acid

Lactic acid

Propionic acid

Citric acid

The use of lactic, formic, propionic and acetic acid in the production of silage shall be
only permitted when weather conditions do not allow for adequate fermentation.

4.1.5. Binders, anti-caking agents and coagulants. The following substances are
included in this category:
Calcium stearate of natural origin

Colloidal silica

Kieselgur

Bentonite

Kaolinitic clays

Natural mixtures of stearites and chlorite

Venniculite

Sepiolite

Perlite

4.1.6. Antioxidant substances. The following substances are included in this category:
Tocopherol – rich extracts of natural origin

4.1.7. Silage additives. The following substances are included in this category:
enzymes, yeasts and microorganisms that are not genetically modified.

67
4.2. Certain products used in animal nutrition

The following products are included in this category:


brewer's yeasts

4.3. Processing aids used in feeding stuffs

4.3.1. Processing aids for silage. The following substances are included in this
category:

sea salt, coarse rock salt, whey, sugar, sugar beet pulp, cereal flour and
molasses,

4.4. Biologicals and Immunologicals in feed:


Colostrum powder / whole colostrum provided that it is preferably derived from
animals that are reared under organic farming.

Ayurvedic and plant-derived products that are claimed to have

immunopotentiating properties

68
 Annex 3
Enzymes and their Sources Permitted for Use in Animal / Poultry
Name of the Enzyme Source
alpha-Amylase Aspergillus niger, var.
Aspergillus oryzae, var.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
Bacillus lentus
Bacillus licheniformis
Bacillus stearothermophilus
Bacillus subtilis, var.
Barley malt
Rhizopus niveus
Rhizopus oryzae, var.
Maltogenic alpha-Amylase Bacillus subtilis
beta-Amylase Barley malt
Cellulase Aspergillus niger, var.
Humicola insolens
Trichoderma longibrachiatum (formerly
reesei)
alpha-Galactosidase Aspergillus niger, var.
Mortierella vinaceae var. raffinoseutilizer
Saccharomyces sp.
beta-Glucanase Aspergillus niger, var.
Bacillus lentus
Bacillus subtilis, var.
Humicola insolens
Trichoderma longibrachiatum (formerly
reesei)
ß-Glucosidase Aspergillus niger
Glucoamylase also known as amlyo - Aspergillus niger, var.
glucosidase Aspergillus oryzae, var.
Rhizopus niveus
Rhizopus oryzae, var.
Hemicellulase Aspergillus aculeatus
Aspergillus niger, var.
Bacillus lentus
Bacillus subtilis, var.
Humicola insolens
Trichoderma longibrachiatum (formerly
reesei)
Invertase Aspergillus niger, var.
Saccharomyces sp.
Lactase Aspergillus niger, var.
Aspergillus oryzae, var.
Candida pseudotropicalis Kluyveromyces
marxianis var.lactis (formerly Saccharomyces
sp.)

69
Name of the Enzyme Source
beta-Mannanase Aspergillus niger, var.
Bacillus lentus
Trichoderma longibrachiatum
Pectinase Aspergillus aculeatus
Aspergillus niger, var.
Rhizopus oryzae
Pullulanase Bacillus acidopullulyticus
Bacillus licheniformis containing Bacillus
deramificans gene for pullulanse
Xylanase Aspergillus niger, var.
Bacillus lentus
Bacillus subtilis, var.
Humicola insolens
Trichoderma longibrachiatum (formerly
reesei)
Lipase Aspergillus niger, var.
Aspergillus oryzae, var.
Candida rugosa (formerly cylindracea)
Rhizomucor (mucor) miehei
Rhizopus oryzae
Rhizomucor (Mucor-) miehei
Rhizopus oryzae
Bromelain Pineapples – stem
fruit
Ficin Figs
Papain Papaya
Protease (general) Aspergillus niger, var.
Aspergillus oryzae, var.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
Bacillus licheniformis
Bacillus subtilis, var
Catalase Aspergillus niger, var.
Micrococcus lysodeikticus
Phytase Aspergillus niger, var.
Aspergillus oryzae, var.

70
 Annex 4
List of Diseases for Herd / Flock Diagnosis

In consultation with the veterinarian should draw a program of health management of the animals
and carry out testing of the herd for following diseases:

Cattle including buffaloes:

 Brucellosis:
 Leptospirosis
 Mastitis
 Tuberculosis
 Para-tuberculosis

Sheep and Goat:

 Brucellosis:
 Leptospirosis
 Tuberculosis
 Para-tuberculosis

Pigs:
 Swine fever
 Brucellosis

Poultry:
 Mycoplasma gallinarum
 Fowl Typhoid

71
 Annex 5
Antibiotic / Antibacterial Withdrawal Period

Intramammary Preparations Discard time for milk

1 Benzathine cloxacillin 72 Hrs (of milk discard)
2 Cloxacillin sodium 48 Hrs (of milk discard)
3 Hetacillin potassium 72 Hrs (of milk discard)
4 Prcaine penicillin G (Peanut oil) 84 Hrs (of milk discard)

Withdrawal periods (Sheep and Goats)

Sr. No. Drug Pre-slaughter withdrawal
time (days)
1 Chlortetracycline (Oral) 2
2 Procaine penicillin-G 9
3 Procaine penicillin-G, dihydrostreptomycin 30
sulphate
4 dihydrostreptomycin sulphate 30
5 Erythromycin 3
6 Sulphamethazine 10
7 Sulphamethazine (Oral) 10
8 Sulphaquinoxaline(Oral) 10
9 Sulpfisoxazole(Oral) 10
11 Tetracycline(Oral) --
12 Thiabendazole (Oral) 30

Withdrawal periods (Swine)

Sr. No. Drug Pre-slaughter withdrawal
time (days)
1 Chlortetracycline (Oral) 2
2 Procaine penicillin-G 30
3 Procaine penicillin-G, dihydrostreptomycin 30
sulphate
4 Dihydrostreptomycin sulphate 30
5 Erythromycin 7
6 Ampicillin trihydrate 15
7 lincomycin hydrpchloride 2
8 Oxytetracycline HCl 26
9 Tylosin 4
10 Amoxycillin trihydrate (oral) 15
11 Ampicillin trihydrate (oral) 15
12 Chlortetracycline, Sulphathiazole, Procaine 7
penicillin (oral)

72
13 Chlortetracycline, sulphamethazine, penicillin 15
(oral)
14 Chlortetracycline HCl (oral) 5
15 Dihydrostreptomycin (oral) 30
16 Erythromycin (oral) 7
17 Furazolidine (oral) 5
18 Hygromycin B (oral) 2
19 Lincomycin (oral) 6
20 Nystatin (oral) --
21 Oxytetracycline (oral) 26
22 Penicillin 50gm/900kg ffed (oral) 0
23 Spectinomycin dihydrochloride pentahydrate 21
(oral)
24 Streptomycin, sulphathizole, 10
phthalylsulphathiazole (oral)
25 Sulphachloropyridazine sodium (oral) 4
26 Sulphaethoxypyridazine (oral) 10
27 Sulphamethazine (oral) 15
28 Sulphaquinoxaline (oral) 10

Withdrawal periods (Poultry)

Sr.No. Drug Pre-slaughter withdrawal
time (days)
1 Bacitracin 0
2 Carbomycin 1
3 Chlortetracycline 1
4 Erythromycin 2
5 Gentamycin sulphate (inj) 35
6 Lincomycin 5
7 Monensin sodium 5
8 Nitrofurazone 5
9 Novobiocin 4
10 Oleandamycin --
11 Oxytetracycline (50-200gm/900kg feed) 0
12 Penicillin (2.4-125 gm/900kg) 0
13 Spectinomycin 5
14 Sulphadimethoxine 5
15 Sulphaquinoxaline 10
16 Tylosin Phosphate 5
Reference : Jones Veterinary pharmacology and Theraputics, Vth edition. Toxicity of drug and
chemical residues

73
 Annex 6
Products Authorized for Cleaning and Disinfection of Livestock
Buildings and Installations

 Potassium and sodium soap

 Water and steam

 Milk of lime

 Lime

 Quicklime
 Sodium hypochlorite (e.g. as liquid bleach)

 Caustic potash

 Hydrogen peroxide

 Natural essences of plants

 Citric, peracetic acid, formic, lactic, oxalic and acetic acid

 Alcohol

 Nitric acid (dairy equipment)

 Phosphoric acid (dairy equipment)

 Formaldehyde
 Sodium carbonate

74
 Appendix 3
ORGANIC BEE KEEPING/APICULTURE

1. Choice of breed/strains

For the choice of bees for rearing, preference shall be given to indigenous species of
bee, such as Apis cerena indica, Apis mellifera, A.lorae, A.dorsata, Mellipona spp. &
Trigona spp.-Dammar (Indian stingless honey bees) and their local ecosystem.

1.1 Sources/origin
i. A planned programme of establishing bee nurseries shall be encouraged.
ii. The hives shall be made of the natural material to avoid contamination to the
environment and the apiculture products.
iii. The bee wax for the new foundations shall be sourced from organic production
units.
iv. Only natural products such as propolis, wax and plant oils shall be used in the
hives.
v. A colony infested with any one of the notifiable diseases (Annex 1) shall not
be certified and allowed to be sold, purchased or transferred from the hives,
walls, pots, logs etc.

2. Conversion Period
i. The conversion period shall not apply when bees are grown in wild and in
natural conditions.
ii. One-year conversion period shall apply to those bee colonies/apiaries which
are reared.
iii. During conversion the bee colonies shall be placed in isolation and the
foundation comb shall be made from organic wax.

3. Hiving the Honey Bees

i. Where wall hives are in use, these shall accommodate movable standard
frames depending upon the requirement of honey bee species.
76
 ii. The foundation comb shall be made from organic wax.

iii. For renovation of apiaries, 10% per year of the queen bees & the swarms may
be replaced by the non-organic queen bees & swarms in the organic
production unit, provided that the queen bees & swarms are placed in hives
with combs or comb foundations coming from organic production unit.

iv. Each bee hive shall primarily consist of natural materials. Use of construction
materials with potentially toxic effects is prohibited.

v. Persistent materials may not be used in bee hives where there is a possibility
of permeation of the honey and where residues may be distributed in the area
through dead bees.

vi. The apiaries shall be placed within a radius of 3 kms from the organic farms.
These conditions shall not apply when the farms are not in flowering stage or
when the hives are in the dormant condition.

vii. Natural products such as propolis, wax & plant oils can be used in the hives.
The use of the chemical repellants is prohibited during the honey extraction
operations.

4. Apiary Management
i. A location where one or more honey bee colonies are assembled together and
collectively managed may be considered as an apiary.
ii. An apiary site shall be as close to a natural source of clean hygienic water and
bee flora as possible, protected from wind, direct sunlight, severe heat, severe
cold, rain, wild animals, ants, termites and exposure to insecticides or toxic
fumes or poisonous chemicals. An apiary shall not be located in unclean areas
or at a site where the presence of bees is likely to cause public nuisance. It
shall be 5 m away from public path or highway.
iii. In case of wild collection, the collection area shall be organic or wild, and
shall be varied as possible to fulfill the nutritional needs of the colony and
contribute to good health.
77
iv. The number of honey bee colonies kept in such an apiary shall be limited to
optimum in relation to forage resources within the same flight, range, so as to
avoid over stocking.
v. All brood or full-depth frames shall be wired to withstand breakage of combs
during inspection, migration and extraction, etc.

5. Feed
i. During the short intervals of local dearth periods, if there are no adequate
honey and or pollen stores within the colony, the producer shall provide
organic sugar feeding or organic pollen supplements or both so as to maintain
colony strength or both so as to maintain colony strength without letting the
honey bee starve. Feeding shall only take place after the last harvest before the
season when no foraging feed is available.
ii. At the end of the production season, hives shall be left with sufficient reserves
of honey & pollen to survive the winter. The feeding of colonies shall be seen
as an exception to overcome temporary feed shortages due to climatic
conditions.
iii. The feeding of the colonies shall only be permitted where the survival of the
hives is endangered due to climatic conditions & only between the last honey
harvest & 15 days before the start of the next nectar or honey dew flow period.
The feed supplied shall be fully organic. Feeding shall be with organic honey,
organic sugar syrup or organic sugar.

6. Health care
i. Veterinary medicine shall not be used in bee keeping.

ii. For pest and disease control and for hive disinfection the products mentioned
in Annex 2 are allowed.
iii. For the purpose of protecting frames, hives & combs, in particular from pests,
products listed in Annex 2 are permitted.
iv. Physical treatments for disinfections of apiaries such as steam or direct flame
are permitted.

78
 v. The practice of destroying the male brood is permitted only if the colony is
infested by Varroa destructor.

vi. If despite all the preventive measures, the colonies become sick or infested,
they shall be treated immediately and, if necessary, the colonies can be placed
in isolation apiaries.

7. Breeding and Management

i. Clipping of wings of queen bees are prohibited.
ii. For the renovation of apiaries, 10% per year of the queen bees and swarms
may be replaced by non-organic queen bees and swarms in the organic
production unit provided that the queen bees and swarms are placed in hived
with combs or comb foundations coming from organic sources.

8. Periodic cleaning
Beehives shall be cleaned periodically. Each colony shall be periodically inspected
once or twice in a month and in a manner causing least disturbance and provocation to
honey bees. Debris accumulated on the bottom board shall be collected in a container
and incinerated. Pieces of wax combs shall be pooled together and be melted for wax
recovery. Old combs shall be melted and comb renewal induced.
Where colonies are over- wintered and packed, periodic cleaning shall be dispensed
with, during the packed period.

9. Record keeping
Records shall be maintained for each of the colonies during periodic inspections. If
case of suspicion of incidence of any disease immediate remedial measures shall be
taken.

10. Transport/Migration
i. If the local dearth period or periods are prolonged beyond 6 to 8 weeks
continuously, the producer shall, if possible, migrate the colonies to the
nearest sources of organic forage from farm(s) or forest(s) through individual

79
 or collective migration. The producers may also migrate in other organic
localities having different flora and different flowering periods.
ii. Prior to migration all the colonies shall be thoroughly examined for any
deficiencies like absence of queen bee, food shortage, etc, and such deficiency
shall be rectified.
iii. Colonies shall be packed so as to :
 secure in position various hive components, frames in particular;
 avoid shaking during transit;
 provide adequate ventilation to the bees;
 prevent congestion inside;
 provide feeding or water in transit, if necessary; and
 prevent honey bees escaping through gaps in entrance gates, and other
components.
iv. The migration shall be done preferably at night or in cool weather avoiding
adverse temperature. The colonies shall be loaded with their frames parallel to
the direction of movement in case of trucks and at right angles in case of train
transport. Migration by air, rail or truck shall be planned well in advance so as
to avoid damage due to avoidable delay in transit.

v. Proper arrangement like cleaning the apiary site, arranging hive stands,
providing clean water shall be done prior to the arrival of the colonies at the
migratory site(s).

vi. On arrival at the migratory site, the colonies shall be promptly arranged on the
hive stands and the entrance gates opened at the earliest appropriate hour.

vii. The first post–migration inspection shall be done within 7 days after the colonies
settle down to work. During this inspection, it may be observed whether there are
any combs broken, queens lost, bees dead, etc. The old combs which need
immediate replacement shall be taken to one side of the hive where the queen
does not generally lay eggs. These old combs shall be subsequently removed and
wax recovered and the empty frames shall be sterilized by dipping in hot water
and shall be dried in direct sun before giving foundation strips for comb renewal.

80
 viii. In addition to honey flow and pollination, this migration period can also be
looked upon as an occasion for increase in the number of colonies by simple
divisions or planned queen rearing programme. The superannuated queens
shall be replaced by young mated queens.

ix. A colony infested with any of the notified as epidemic region, inter-state or
inter-regional migration from such area to other regions shall be prohibited.

11. Product extraction

i. Colonies shall be developed to their full strength by the beginning of the flow
season by uniting weak colonies.

ii. Augmenting medium colonies with sealed brood combs and honey bees or
both;
iii. Giving simulative organic feeding; and
iv. Giving comb foundation strips for drawing combs and expanding brood nest.
v. Dummy or division boards shall be used for colonies which still fall short of
full strength by a couple of combs so as to induce them to the supers. The
colonies which are still weak shall be transferred to nuclei, to obtain some
surplus honey yield.
vi. The moment nectar starts coming in, supers shall be added to the colonies.
When the first supers are more or less filled with honey but not sealed, a fresh
super shall be given in order to provide additional storing space. It may be
desirable to have three supers for each colony in the apiary as the normal life
of super combs is three years.
vii. Honey shall be extracted only when the combs are sealed by the honey bees.
Extract or unripe honey will lead to fermentation and spoilage.
viii. Towards the end of the flow the brood rearing is reduced, and honey is often
instinctively stored in the brood combs to provide for the ensuring local dearth.
Therefore, honey shall never be extracted from brood combs.
ix. At the end of the flow, and after the honey has been extracted, the empty combs
shall be got cleared of honey bees and preserved carefully in supers in a cool,
dry, rat-proof enclosures with suitable preservatives against wax moth and other
inspect pests. Such drawn out combs shall be reused during the next honey

81
 flow. A producer shall equip himself with at least two supers of such drawn out
combs for each colony in his apiary to derive maximum harvest from each
honey flow.

12. Extraction of honey

i. Honey shall be extracted only from sealed combs.

ii. The used of brood combs is prohibited for honey extraction.
iii. At time of harvest, repellent consisting of prohibited substances (chemical
synthetic repellents) shall not be used, except smoke.

iv. Excessive smoke shall not be used as it may taint the flavour of honey or
otherwise spoil it.
v. Extraction shall be done only in a clean, fly-proof enclosure.
vi. All the equipments used for extraction shall be thoroughly cleaned in boiling
water, before use. The use of brood combs is prohibited for honey extraction.
vii. During extraction, the honey shall run through a strainer of 1.40mm.
viii. The containers used for collecting the extracted honey shall be of stainless steel,
aluminum or if of other metal, shall be thickly tinned or galvanized.
ix. The container shall have covers and each shall carry a label specifying the name
of the producer, date and place of extraction.
x. Persons engaged in extraction of honey shall be free from any contagious
disease, shall wear clean clothes and shall clean their hands with a disinfectant
soap.
xi. Honey extracted from the colonies with infectious bee diseases shall be kept
separate and not mixed with general lot. This honey shall be pasteurized before
marketing. It shall never be fed either in processed or unprocessed form to the
bees.
xii. The extracted honey in air-tight containers shall be taken to the pooling and
processing centres as early as possible. Even during the short interval the honey
remains with the roducer, it shall be stored in cool, dry and hygienic place and
shall be protected from smoke, heat and insects.

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13 .Extraction of beeswax

i. Every producer shall scrupulously collect every bit of beeswax. This is usually
obtained from the old combs during renewal, bits of bur and brace-honey cells.
Wax from different honey bee species shall be kept separately.
ii. Beeswax from cappings is the purest form of wax and, shall be stored
separately without mixing it with general recovery of beeswax in apiary.
iii. The old and discarded combs shall be stored in containers with tight-lids and
shall be melted at the earliest to avoid further deterioration and infestation
with wax moth. These melting can be cast in slabs of desired size, shape &
mass.

14. Crop pollination

A producer shall realize that besides harvesting honey and wax, he shall also mobilize
his honeybees for pollination of agricultural/horticultural crops to increase the
agricultural productivity.

15. Conservation of bee flora

Viability of the beekeeping industry depends on the density and composition of local
flora. Forest vegetation shall not, therefore, be destroyed. Trees, shrubs and herbs
providing bee forage shall be particularly conserved.

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 Annex 1

List of Notifiable Honey Bee Diseases

(IS 6695:1998)

1. American Foul Brood (AFB)

2. European Foul Brood (EFB)
3. Acarine Disease
4. Nosema Disease

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 Annex 2
Approved Products in Beekeeping for Disinfestations/Cleaning/
Disease-Pest Control
 Caustic soda
 Lactic acid, Oxalic acid, Acetic acid
 Formic acid
 Sulphur
 Etheric oils
 Bacillus thuringiensis
 Menthol
 Thymol
 Eucalyptol
 Camphor
 Azadirachtin
 Gelatine
 Hydrolysed Proteins
 Lecithin
 Plant Oils
 Pyrethrins
 Quassia
 Rotenone extracted from Derris spp., Lonchocarpus spp. &
Terphrosia spp.
 Micro-organisms
 Diammonium phosphate in traps
 Pheromones (in traps & dispensers)
 Soft Soap
 Lime Sulphur
 Paraffin Oils
 Mineral Oils
 Quartz sand
 Sulphur
 Potassium bi-carbonate

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 Appendix 4

ORGANIC AQUACULTURE PRODUCTION

1. Organic Management Plan

During the registration of the farm by the accredited Certification Body, the producer
has to present an organic management plan to the accredited Certification Body which
requires to be verified during the inspection. This plan should be updated annually
and shall apply to all aquatic organisms cultured in fresh and brackish water ponds
and open water bodies in estuaries and sea. (Black tiger shrimps, Indian major carps,
freshwater prawns and bivalves) for production, processing and certification under
these standards.

2. Conversion period
i. Adoption of organic aquaculture requires an interim period, ‘the conversion
period’. Commencement of the conversion period shall be taken as the date of
first inspection by the accredited Certification Body.
ii. The conversion shall take into account the species-specific needs like the
husbandry practices and management system, past use of the site with respect
to waste and sediment, and water quality for welfare of the animal. Adequate
separation between the organic and non-organic production unit should be
maintained.
iii. The length of the conversion period would vary depending on the species,
method of production, location and local conditions. Generally, for drainable
systems where cleaning and disinfection is carried out, the conversion period
shall be 6 months/ one crop whichever is longer and in case of drainable and
fallowed, the conversion period shall be 12 months. In case of non-drainable
systems which can not be disinfected, the conversion period shall be 24
months (freshwater prawn, carps). In case of open water farming, the
conversion period shall be considered as 3 months (bivalves).

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 iv. In a hatchery/farm practicing parallel production, the producer shall keep the
organically produced and in-conversion animals separate and maintain
adequate records to show the separation.

3. Ecosystem management
i. Conversion of mangrove ecosystem to aqua pond is prohibited. Mangrove
destruction is also prohibited while constructing water intake channels,
approach road etc for farming.
ii. In existing coastal farms, where ever possible, due consideration may be given
for planting mangroves as a means for ecosystem restoration and conservation.
iii. Care shall be taken during construction of the ponds so as not to create water
logging condition in the adjacent area that would affect surrounding
ecosystems or result in conditions not conducive for
iv. A buffer zone of at least 10 m should be left between farms following organic
farming principles and conventional farming. The size of the buffer zone could
be increased based on the natural situation, water distribution system, tidal
flow, the upstream and downstream locations of organic production unit. The
buffer zone could be a barren piece of land or a pond/cultivated land. The
production of this buffer zone shall follow organic principles but the produce
will be treated as conventional.
v. Salination of adjacent agriculture land and drinking water sources by way of
organic shrimp farming is strictly prohibited. Wherever saline water culture is
adopted, a buffer zone of around 200 m should be left between the pond and
adjacent agriculture land/drinking water source.
vi. Exposed area of the farm should be planted with native vegetation to prevent
soil erosion and to enhance natural ecosystem dynamics. Farms located in
areas free from vegetation (dunes, desert) may be excluded from this
requirement.
vii. Adequate steps are required to minimize nutrient discharge and/or suspended
solids to water bodies especially during harvesting.
viii. Release of toxic or otherwise harmful substances in the pond, channels or the
banks should be prevented. Care should be taken while handling equipments

87
 and machineries such as pumps, generators and aerators to avoid any leakage
of fuels and lubricant.
ix. Care should be taken so that the materials and substances used in the
construction should not affect the biodiversity and environment.
x. Specific measures should be adopted to minimize negative environmental
impact including escape of farmed stock.
xi. Killing predatory birds and animals are prohibited. Scaring devices/protective
fencing etc, are allowed to save crops.

1. Selection of site
i. In selecting the site, ensure that the surrounding aquatic and terrestrial
ecosystems are not adversely affected through modifications brought about by
construction of the farm.
ii. Areas with known record of contamination with heavy metals or industrial
pollution may be avoided. Testing is required to be carried out for record of
the contaminants in an ISO17025 approved and APEDA /recognized
laboratory.
iii. Soil quality should be conducive for culture and extreme conditions like high
saline or acid soil may be avoided.
iv. Forest area or land with thick vegetation should not be used for construction of
new farms.
v. In developing new farms or expanding existing farms, the producer should
ensure that the natural vegetation is protected. Care should be taken to have
significant coverage of bund area with vegetation.
vi. Use of ground water for the culture purpose of tiger shrimps is prohibited. For
other species the groundwater should be avoided.
vii. In case of the bivalve farm, the location of the farm should be as close as
possible to the sea to ensure maximum circulation of sea water.
viii. The bivalve farm site should meet the criteria as per Annex 1 in terms of
general water quality, trace metal contents, biotoxin levels and microbial loads
(within the optimum range of pH, salinity, temperature etc.)

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 2. Choice of breeds and strains
i. Endemic species is preferred over exotic species. If exotic species are to be
selected, their impact on endemic species and environment should be
ascertained.

ii. Any kind of genetically engineered stock is prohibited. Stocks obtained

through selective breeding are permitted, but seed production in this case
should be based on organic principles.

3. Source of seed and breeding

i. Breeds and the breeding techniques appropriate for the species, environment,
production systems and local conditions should be followed for minimizing
stress to the brood stock.
ii. Collection of wild seed for selective stocking is prohibited (except for
bivalves). In traditional farming systems passive entry of wild seeds is allowed
as it ensures species diversity in farming operation.
iii. Organically certified seed should be used. When organic seed is not available,
the certifying body would prescribe a time limit for use of non-organic seed
depending upon the species.
iv. For carps and fresh water prawns, the maximum percentage of non-organically
produced juveniles allowed to be introduced to the farm shall be 80 %, 50 %
and 0 % by second, third and fifth year from the year of notification.
v. Collection of natural brood stock for tiger shrimp is permitted until
domesticated brood stock is commercially available in the country.
vi. As a rule physical manipulation of animals for obtaining egg/larvae as in the
case of eye stalk ablation in tiger shrimp are not encouraged. This practice will
be allowed up to five years from the date of notification, by when it is expected
that the on-going R & D programs in the country would lead to the development
of technology for natural spawning of captive brood stocks on commercial
scale.

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 vii. The certified organic hatchery should source the initial stock from natural water
bodies to raise them as brood stock with organic protocol at least for three
months before their breeding.
viii. Maintain documents to ensure traceability of brooders and all other inputs for
hatchery operation.
ix. Synthetic hormone application for artificial propagation is not allowed.
x. Since exogenous hormone supply is an essential requisite for induced spawning
of carps, use of pituitary gland may be accepted.
xi. To avoid stress to the animal, thermal manipulation for accelerated larval
development/growth or maturation, beyond natural range is prohibited in
hatcheries.
xii. In carps, pre- and postponement of brood stock maturation through thermal/
hormonal manipulation and their subsequent breeding is not permitted for seed
production in certified organic hatchery.
xiii. The disinfection and cleaning in the hatchery should not have any impact on
the surrounding environment. Only approved disinfectant and cleaning agents
should be used ensuring that there will not be residues. (Annex 2)
xiv. Use of antibiotics is prohibited (Annex 3), but use of probiotics is allowed.
xv. The soil and water quality parameters of the environment of the vicinity of the
hatchery/farm should be monitored and recorded to ensure no adverse impact.
xvi. Proper sanitation and hygiene of the hatchery/farm and its surroundings should
be maintained. Entry of stray animals such as dogs, cats, cattle etc., should be
avoided by proper fencing.
xvii. Transport practices shall ensure the welfare of the animals
xviii. A hatchery may convert in full or partial for the production of organic seed.
The hatchery shall maintain organically and conventionally produced seed in
separate units and maintain adequate records to show the separation.
xix. Hatchery/farm producers shall possess the necessary basic knowledge and
skills as regards to the health and the welfare needs of the cultured species.
xx. In case of bivalves, collection of natural brood stock is permitted, but use of
chemicals as a means of triggering spawning is not allowed.

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xxi. The bivalve seeds can be sourced from natural bed using spat collectors or
from organic hatchery. Remote setting is allowed, but use of chemicals for
spat settlements is prohibited. The producer shall maintain records
xxii. for source of the wild seeds to trace back the collection area.

4. Culture practices
Husbandry practices, including feeding, design of installations, stocking densities
and water quality shall ensure that the developmental, physiological and
behavioral needs of animals are fully met.

5. Pond preparation
i. For elimination of unwanted fishes, sun drying, netting or application of plant
derivatives like tea seed cake (Camellia sinensis), mahua oil cake (Bassia
latifolia), derris root powder (Linchocarpus sp.) and Neervalam (Crotelaria
tigilum) are permitted. Use of any synthetic herbicides and pesticides are
prohibited.
ii. Use of agricultural lime, dolomite or quick lime is permitted for disinfection
and acidity corrections.
iii. Fertilization with locally produced manures/ nutrients (organic types – farm
yard manure, vermicompost) for maintaining good phyto and zooplankton and
a stable pond environment should be followed. Biodegradable processing by-
products of plant or animal origin may be used depending upon the feeding
behavior of the cultured organisms. The list of inputs for nutrient management
should be followed as per annex 2. Integrated farming system can be adopted
for recycling of the nutrients.
iv. Cowdung/poultry manure/farm yard manure/vermi-compost may be used as
nutrient source for carp farming. Intermittent application of cowdung/poultry
manure during culture operation should be in the fermented form. The manure
to be used should be from organic sources.

6. Stocking
i. The production systems have to follow single-stocking unless it is defined as a

91
 polyculture system.
ii. Stocking density to be limited so as not to compromise with the animal well
being, ecological capacity of the site and species-specific physiological need
and animal behavior.
iii. For shrimp farming, the maximum stocking density is 6 no.s/m2 and biomass
in the pond shall not exceed 1400 kg/ha/crop and for freshwater prawns the
stocking density up to 2.5 no.s/m2 and biomass in the pond shall not exceed
800 kg/ha/crop.
iv. For nursery rearing of freshwater prawns, the maximum stocking density of
20 no.s/ sq.m is permitted.
v. For carp fry and fingerlings production in nursery, the maximum stocking
density is 2 million spawn/ha (200 no.s/m2) and 0.1 million fry/ha (10 nos/
m2), respectively.
vi. For grow-out production of carps, maximum stocking density of 4,000
fingerlings/ha (0.4 nos/ m2) may be followed and the maximum biomass
should not exceed 3 tonnes/ha at any point of time.
vii. In case of carp farming, polyculture of compatible carp species is preferred
over monoculture in order to utilize the ecological niche effectively.

7. Pond management
i. Ponds are required to be designed to maintain suitable environment most
befitting with the natural behavior of the stock. The water quality must be
conducive for the species to live in (within the optimum range of pH, salinity,
oxygen, temperature, nitrogen fractions, BOD etc) during the production
cycle.
ii. For cleaning and disinfections, only substances from approved list shall be
used.
iii. Periodic monitoring of water quality parameters (dissolved oxygen, pH,
salinity, temperature, ammonia etc) is to be undertaken to maintain optimum
water quality and plankton

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 iv. Effluent water quality (nutrient load, suspended solids, ammonia etc) has to be
closely monitored at least twice in a crop (mid way and during harvest).
v. In case of carp farming, floating vegetation cover with 10-15% of the water
surface should be provided in the production pond.
vi. Energy requirements for aeration, heating, pumping etc, should be kept to the
minimum. Data regarding energy consumption may be documented and
subjected for inspection.
vii. The energy requirement for pumping and aeration may be met from renewable
sources like wind, solar power etc., if possible.
viii. Measures of aeration must not be used in the pond to raise the stocking density
above the permitted level. Aeration is permitted only under exigencies of
culture conditions to save the stock.
ix. Use of substrate for periphytic growth is permitted for enhancing the natural
food availability in the pond. Use of plastics or any other synthetic materials
may not be permitted for this purpose.
x. As far as possible avoid use of plastics except for most essential items such as
nets, crates, floats etc.
xi. Placing hideouts such as tiles, bamboo twigs, earthen pipes etc., are allowed
for freshwater prawns for protection during moulting.

8. Bivalve farming
i. In the case of bivalves like mussels and oysters, the grow-out methods
permitted are off- bottom racks, rafts, long-lines and stakes using ropes and
nets.
ii. Production shall take place within areas delimited by posts, floats or other
clear demarcations and shall as appropriate be restrained by net bags, cages or
other man-made means.
iii. In case of mussels, the stocking density should not exceed 2 kg/m rope and the
production should not exceed 15 kg/m rope.
iv. Biofouling organisms shall be removed by physical means and appropriately
returned to the sea away from the farming site. Biological control measures
are allowed.
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12. Supplementary Feeding
i. Maximum advantage of the natural productivity of the pond should be
exploited in order to reduce the dependence on supplementary feed.
ii. The natural feeding behaviour of the animal should be explored to meet the
nutritional and dietary need of the species for all its life stages. To meet
requirements beyond the portion met by the natural productivity, certified
organic feed should be provided. The non-organic feed is permitted only if
organic feed is not available till initial one year of farming. Record should be
maintained regarding the source of the feed/ingredients.
iii. Farm made feeds can be used provided that the ingredients are from organic
sources. The accredited Certification Body shall verify the record of the
authenticity of the ingredients.
iv. Ingredients from Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) shall not be used .
v. To ensure environmental sustainability use of aquatic animal protein and oil in
feeds should be minimum and from verifiable source.
vi. In case of tiger shrimp and freshwater prawn, the fish meal content in the feed
should not exceed 20 % and the total protein content of animal origin should
not exceed 25%.
vii. In case of carp farming use of animal protein including fish meal in
supplementary feed should be avoided.
viii. Feed prepared from certified organic ingredients avoiding possible entry of
antibiotics/ pesticides/ heavy metals/ antioxidants/ preservatives/growth
hormones during the process is to be used for supplementary feeding. Excess
feeding should be avoided. Check trays may be used for assessing feed intake.
ix. Minerals, trace elements, vitamins or pro-vitamins to be used in the feed shall
be of natural origin as far as possible. Growth promoters and synthetic amino
acids are not permitted
x. An organic feed mill may convert in full or partial for the production of
organic feed. The feed mill shall maintain organically and conventionally
produced feed separate and maintain adequate records to show the separation.
xi. The daily ration should be distributed in accordance with the feeding habit of
the cultured organisms and should be closely monitored and recorded.

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xii. Culture of live fish food organisms, like algae, rotifers, artemia etc., for
shrimp hatchery may be carried out in accordance with principles of organic
agriculture wherever possible, otherwise permission should be obtained.

13.Health Management
i. Use of human excrement and sewage should be prohibited. There should be
routine health monitoring of stocked animals and this should be documented.
ii. ‘Prevention is better than cure’ should be the guiding principle for seed
production as well as grow-out farming.
iii. Chemotherapeutics with allopathic veterinary drugs, and other harmful
chemicals are prohibited (Annex 4). Herbal formulation and homeopathic
medicines are allowed.
iv. Yeast based organic preparations and probiotics of certified origin are
permitted to improve water/animal-rearing condition and to control pathogens.
GMO based preparations are not permitted.

14.Harvest and Transportation

i. Harvesting method shall be humane and aquatic animals shall be subject to
minimum stress during harvest
ii. Harvesting should be carried out by repeated netting or by draining the pond
water slowly. Sufficient care is taken that non-target organisms like aquatic
birds, reptiles and mammals are not accidentally killed.
iii. Care should be taken that the harvesting practice should not harm the natural
system and surroundings.
iv. Animals sold live should be transported with minimum stress. Others should
be chill killed at farm site itself.
v. Use of chemicals like sodium metabisulphate is prohibited, however ascorbic
acid is allowed to stop discoloration. (Annex 2 & 3 for approved & restricted
inputs and methods)

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15. Processing
i. Pre-processing and processing of the animals is not to be carried out at the
farm site.
ii. The post-harvest handling including storage and transport should be carried
out hygienically.
iii. Processing and packaging of the organic produce shall be carried out in the
Organic certified processing units. Defined measures shall be taken to
maintain the organic integrity of the processed product. The limit of permitted
and prohibited substances for use in aquaculture processing is at Annex 5.

16. Mandatory visit for the Accredited Certification Bodies

i. Accredited Certification Bodies shall inspect the units during the production
cycle.
ii. Bivalve production units shall be inspected before and during maximum
biomass production by the accredited Certification Bodies.

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 Annex 1

Classification of Water bodies for Bivalve Farming

The site should meet the criteria of the ‘approved’ in terms of general water quality
and microbial load as per the specification given below:

Class Microbial standard Post-harvest treatment

A Live bivalve molluscs from these areas must not None
exceed 230 MPN E. coli per 100 g of flesh and
intra-valvular liquid
B Live bivalve molluscs from these areas must not Purification, relaying in class A
exceed the limits of a five tube, three dilution area or cooking by an approved
Most Probable Number (MPN) test of 4,600 E. method
coli per 100 g of flesh and intra-valvular liquid
C Live bivalve molluscs from these areas must not Relaying for a long period or
exceed the limits of a five tube, three dilution cooking by an approved
Most Probable Number (MPN) test of 46,000 E. method
coli per 100 g of flesh and intra-valvular liquid
Prohi 46,000 E. coli per 100 g of flesh and intra-valvular Harvesting not permitted
bited liquid

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 Annex 2

Approved List of Aquaculture Inputs

Piscicides of Herbal Origin

 Mahua Oil Cake (Bassia latifolia)

 Tea Seed Cake (Camellia sinensis)

 Neervalam (Crotelaria tigilum)

 Derris root powder (Linchocarpus sp.)

Water/Soil reformers/conditioners

 Agri lime (CaCO3)

 Quick Lime

Biofertilisers/manures/nutrients (from organic sources)

 Compost from FYM

 Vermi-Compost

 Cowdung

 Biodegradable processing by-products of animal/plant origin

 Micronutrients and essential chemical fertilizer for micro algal culture

 Mushroom spent wash

Chelating Agents

 EDTA

Disinfectants

 Iodine (IP Grade)

Live feed from hatchery

 Micro Algae

 Artemia
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  Moina

 Branchionus

 Copepodes

Seed

 Seed material from Certified Organic Hatchery (as 1st choice)

 Seed from conventional hatcheries (in the absence of certified organic

hatchery)

Feed

 Compounded feed from Certified organic feed-mill with certified ingredient

from organic agriculture

 Live feed reared under the principles of organic agriculture/aquaculture

Processing

 Cleaning Compounds

o Tea pol (Labolene)

 Sanitizers

o Chlorine

 Processing Additives

o Food Grade Oxygen (O2)

o Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

o Nitrogen (N2)

 Taste/Flavouring agents

o Table Salt

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 Annex 3

Prohibited List of Aquaculture Inputs

1. All synthetic weedicides, piscicides, pesticides and insecticides

2. Chemical fertilizers

3. Wild seeds and seeds from GMO’s and their derivatives

4. Synthetic hormones

5. Processing chemicals such as Ethylene oxide, Methyl bromide, Aluminium

phosphide, Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) Lindane, Pyrethrum extract and

Sulphite

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 Annex 4

List of Prohibited Antibiotics and Pharmalogically Active

Substances for Aquaculture

1. Chloramphenicol

2. Nitrofurans including Furazolidone, Nitrofurazone, Furaltadone,

Nitrofurantoin, Furylfuramide, Nifuratel, Nifursoxime, Nifurprazine and all
their derivatives
3. Nemoycin

4. Nalidixic Acid

5. Sulphamethoxazole

6. Aristolochia spp and preparations thereof

7. Chloroform

8. Cholrpromazine

9. Colchicine

10. Dapsone

11. Dimetridazole

12. Metronidazole

13. Ronidazole

14. Ipronidazole

15. Other nitroimidazoles

16. Clenbuterol

17. Diethylstilbestrol (DES)

18. Sulfonamide except approved sulfadimethoxine, sulfabromomethazine and

sulfaethoxyrpyidazine
19. Floroquinolones

20. Glycopeptides

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 Annex 5
List of Permitted & Prohibited Substances for Use in
Aquaculture Processing

A. Processing Additives

Permissible additives

 Nitrogen (N2) (E941)

 Carbon dioxide (CO2 ) (E290)

 Natural vegetable substances for neutralization of unwanted components of

taste upon explicit approved under this standards

Prohibited additives

 Sulphite (Sodium metabisulphite (E223) for stabilisation of colour

 Phosphate (for using in order to make fish fillets look better)

 Carbon monoxide (CO) for stabilization of colour

B. Processing Methods

Allowed methods

All common methods used for the treatment of aqua produce and for the

production and preservation of the final products

Prohibited methods

The use of smoking process using smoke from the household fireplace with the

product to be smoked hanging from the roof

 Black smoking

 Liquid smoke treatment

 Salting by injection

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 Appendix 5

ORGANIC FOOD PROCESSING AND

HANDLING
1. Specific Requirements
Any handling and processing of organic products should be optimized to maintain the
quality and integrity of the product.
The operator must develop an organic production and handling plan. An organic
production and handling plan must include :
(i) Description of practices and procedures to be performed
(ii) List of each substances/inputs used during production, storage and
handling indicating its composition, source, locations where it will be
used and documentation of commercial availability as applicable. The
approved ingredients and additives used in food processing of organic
products is at Annex – 1 (A) & (B).
(iii) Description of the monitoring practices and procedures followed and
maintained to verify the plan is effectively implemented
(iv) Description of the record keeping system implemented to comply with
the requirements of NPOP
(v) Description of the management practices and separation measures
established to prevent commingling of organic and non organic
products during parallel processing and handling
(vi) Pollution sources shall be identified and contamination avoided.
(vi) Processing and handling of organic products should be done separately
in time or place from handling and processing of non-organic products.
(vii) All products shall be adequately identified through the whole process.
(viii) Certification programme shall regulate the means and measures to be
allowed.
(ix) Recommended for decontamination, cleaning or disinfections of all
facilities where organic products are kept, handled, processed or stored

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2. Pest control
(i) Pests should be avoided by good manufacturing practices. This includes
general cleanliness and hygiene.
(ii) Treatments with pest regulating agents must thus be regarded as the last resort.
(iii) Recommended treatments are physical barriers, sound, ultra-sound, light and
UV-light, traps (incl. pheromone traps and static bait traps), temperature
control, controlled atmosphere and diatomaceous earth.
(iv) A plan for pest prevention and pest control should be developed.
(v) For pest management and control the following measures shall be used in
order of priority:
 Preventive methods such as disruption, elimination of habitat and
access to facilities
 Mechanical, physical and biological methods
 Pesticidal substances contained in the Appendices of the national
standards
 Other substances used in traps
(vi) Irradiation is prohibited.
(vii) There shall never be direct or indirect contact between organic products and
prohibited substances. (e.g. pesticides). In case of doubt, it shall be ensured
that no residues are present in the organic product.
(viii) Persistent or carcinogenic pesticides and disinfectants are not permitted.

3. Ingredients

(i) 100% of the ingredients used in processing shall be organic except where an
organic ingredient is not available in sufficient quality or quantity, non organic
ingredients may be used to a minimum extent only in case of essential
technological need or for particular nutritional purpose. Such non organic raw
material shall not be genetically engineered. The accredited Certification Body
may authorize the use of non-organic raw materials subject to periodic re-
evaluation.

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 (ii) The same ingredient within one product shall not be derived both from an
organic and non-organic origin.

(iii) Preparations of micro-organisms and enzymes commonly used in food

processing may be used, with the exception of genetically engineered micro-
organisms and their products. For the production of enzymes and other micro-
biological products, the medium shall be composed of organic ingredients.

(iv) Water and salt may be used in organic products

(v) Minerals (including trace elements), vitamins and similar isolated ingredients
shall not be used. The certification programme may, grant exceptions where
use is legally required or where severe dietary, or nutritional deficiency can be
demonstrated.

(vi) Ethylene gas is permitted for ripening

4. Processing Methods
(i) Processing methods should be based on mechanical, physical and biological
processes.
(ii) The vital quality of an organic ingredient shall be maintained throughout each
step of its processing methods and shall be chosen to limit the number and
quantity of additives and processing aids. The following kinds of processes are
approved :
 Mechanical and physical
 Biological
 Smoking
 Extraction
 Precipitation
 Filtration
(iii) Extraction shall be either with water, ethanol, plant and animal oils, vinegar,
carbon dioxide, nitrogen or carboxylic acids. These shall be of food grade
quality, appropriate for the purpose

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 (iv) Filtration substances shall not be made of asbestos nor may they be permeated
with substances which may negatively affect the product.
(v) Irradiation is not allowed.

5. Packaging
(i) Biodegradable, recyclable, reusable systems and eco-friendly packaging
materials shall be used wherever possible
(ii) Material used for packaging shall not contaminate food. Certain additives for
use in manufacturing of packaging films for packaging of organic food stuffs
are allowed for restricted use (Annex 2)
(iii) The packages shall be closed in such a manner that substitution of the content
cannot be achieved without manipulation or damage of the seal.
(iv) The accredited Certification Body shall approve the packaging material for
use.

6. Labelling
6.1 Labeling Requirements:
(i) Labelling shall convey clear and accurate information on the organic
status of the product.
(ii) When the full standards requirements are fulfilled, products shall be sold
as "produce of organic agriculture" or a similar description.
(iii) The label for conversion products shall be clearly distinguishable from
the label for organic products by mentioning the year of conversion.
(iv) The name and address of the person or company legally responsible for
the production or processing of the product shall be mentioned on the
label.
(v) Product labels should list processing procedures, which influence the
product properties in a way not immediately obvious. All components of
additives and processing aids shall be declared.
(vi) Additional product information shall be made available on request.
(vii) Ingredients or products derived from wild production shall be declared
as such.

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6.2 Processed products
(i) Single ingredient products may be labelled as "Organic" when all standard
requirements have been met.
(ii) Multi ingredient products where not all ingredients, including additives, are of
organic origin may be labelled in the following way (raw material weight):
 Where a minimum of 95% of the ingredients are of certified organic
origin, products may be labelled "certified organic" or similar and
should carry the logo of the certification programme.
 Where less than 95% but not less than 70% of the ingredients are of
certified organic origin, products may not be called "organic". The
word "organic" may be used on the principal display in statements like
"made with organic ingredients" provided there is a clear statement of
the proportion of the organic ingredients. An indication that the product
is covered by the certification programme should be used, close to the
indication of proportion of organic ingredients.
 Where less than 70% of the ingredients are of certified organic origin,
the indication that an ingredient is organic may appear in the
ingredients list. Such product may not be called "organic".
(iii) Added water and salt shall not be included in the percentage calculations of
organic ingredients. For aquaculture products the use of iodized salt shall be
referred on the labels.
(iv) All raw materials of a multi-ingredient product shall be listed on the product
label in order of their weight percentage. It shall be apparent which raw
materials are of organic certified origin and which are not. All additives shall
be listed with their full name.
(v) If herbs and/or spices constitute less than 2% of the total weight of the
product, they may be listed as "spices" or "herbs" without stating the
percentage.
(vi) Organic products shall not be labelled as GE (genetic engineering) or GM
(genetic modification) free in order to avoid potentially misleading claims
about the end product. Any reference to genetic engineering on product labels
shall be limited to the production method.

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(vii) The label of a certified organic product must depict the name and logo
of the accredited Certification Body, accreditation number and India Organic
Logo
(viii) The accredited Certification Body shall verify the labelling
requirement and approve the labels of their certified operators before the
labels are used

7. Storage & Transport

(i) Organic products shall be stored at ambient temperature. The following

special conditions of storage are permitted
 Controlled atmosphere
 Cooling
 Freezing
 Drying
 Humidity regulation

(ii) Product integrity should be maintained during storage and transportation

of organic products. Organic Products must be protected at all times from
co-mingling with non-organic products and from contact with materials
and substances not permitted for use in organic farming and handling.
(iii)Where only part of the unit is certified and other products are non-organic,
the organic products should be stored and handled separately to maintain
their identity.
(iv) Bulk stores for organic product should be separate from conventional
product stores and clearly labeled to that effect.
(v) Storage areas and transport containers for organic product should be
cleaned using methods and materials permitted in organic production.
Measures should be taken to prevent possible contamination from any
pesticide or other treatment not listed in Annex – 2 of Appendix 1.

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 Annex 1 (A)

Food Additives Including Carriers for Use in Production of

Processed Organic Food
International Product Preparation of Conditions for use
Numbering food products
System Plant Animal
origin origin
INS 170 Calcium carbonate   Not for use for
colouring/calcium
enrichment of products
INS 220 Sulphur dioxide   For fruit wines without
added sugar
INS 270 Lactic acid  For concentrated fruit /
veg. juice & fermented
veg. products
INS 296 Malic acid 
INS 290 Carbon dioxide  
INS 300 Ascorbic acid   For meat products
INS 306 Tocopheroles, mixed,   Antioxidant for fats and
natural concentrates oils
INS 322 Lecithin   For milk products (to be
obtained without use of
bleaches and organic
solvents)
325 Sodium lactate  For milk based and
meat products
INS 330 Citric acid   For concentrated
fruit/veg. Jam,
fermented veg. product
INS 331 Sodium citrate 
INS 333 Calcium citrate 
INS 334 Tartaric acid 
INS 335 Sodium tartarate 
INS 336 Potassium tartarate 
INS 341 Mono calcium  For raising flour only
phosphate
INS 400 Alginic acid   For milk based products
INS 401 Sodium alginate   For milk based products
INS 402 Potassium alginate   For milk based products
INS 406 Agar   For milk based and
meat products
INS 407 Carrageenan   For milk products
INS 410 Locust bean gum  
INS 412 Guar gum  
INS 414 Arabic gum  
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INS 415 Xanthum gum  
INS 422 Glycerol  For use in plant extracts
INS 440 Pectin   For milk based products
INS 464 Hydroxy propyl methyl  For encapsulation
Cellulase material for capsules
INS 500 Sodium carbonate   For milk product
substances
INS 501 Potassium carbonate  For drying of grape
resins
INS 503 Ammonium carbonate 
INS 504 Magnesium carbonate 
INS 509 Calcium chloride   For milk coagulation
INS 516 Calcium sulphate  Restricted; For use only
as carrier
INS 524 Sodium hydroxide 
INS 551 Silicon dioxide  Anticaking agent for
herbs & spices
INS 553 Talc  Coating agent for meat
products
INS 938 Argon  
INS 939 Helium  
INS 941 Nitrogen  
INS 948 Oxygen  

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 Annex 1 (B)

Processing Aids and Other Products for Use for Processing of

Ingredients of Agricultural Origin from Organic Production

Product Preparation of food Conditions for use

products of
Plant origin Animal
origin
Water   Potable water standards
Calcium chloride  Coagulation agent
Calcium carbonate  Coagulation agent
Calcium hydroxide 
Calcium sulphate  Coagulation agent
Magnesium chloride  Coagulation agent
Potassium carbonate  Drying of grapes
Sodium carbonate  Sugar production
Lactic acid  For regulation of pH of
brine bath in cheese
production
Citric acid   For regulation of pH of
brine bath in cheese
production; oil production
and hydrolysis of starch
Sodium hydroxide  Sugar production, oil
production from rape seed
Sulphuric acid   Gelatin production
Sugar production
Hydrochloric acid  Gelatin production
Ammonium hydroxide  Gelatin production
Hydrogen peroxide  Gelatin production
Carbon dioxide  
Nitrogen  
Ethanol   Solvent
Tannic acid  Filtration aid
Egg white albumin 
Casein 
Gelatin 
Isinglass 
Vegetable oils   Greasing, releasing or
antifoaming agent
Silicon dioxide gel 
Activated carbon 
Talc  In compliance with the
specific purity criteria for
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 food additive
Kaoline  
Cellulose   Gelatin production
Diatomaceous earth   Gelatin production
Perlite   Gelatin production
Hazel nut shells 
Rice meal 
Bee wax  Releasing agent

Flavouring Agents

(i) Volatile (essential) oils produced by means of solvents such as oil, water,
ethanol, carbon dioxide and mechanical and physical processes
(ii) Natural smoke flavour
(iii) Use of natural flavouring preparations should also be approved by the
Certification Body

Preparations of Micro-organisms

(i) Preparations of micro-organisms accepted for use in food processing

(ii) Genetically modified microorganisms are excluded
(iii) Bakers yeast produced without bleaches and organic solvents

Ingredients

(i) Drinking water

(ii) Salt
(iii) Minerals (including trace elements) and vitamins where their use is legally
required or where severe dietary or nutritional deficiency can be
demonstrated.

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 Annex 2

Approved Products for Packaging of Organic Foodstuffs

Certain products are allowed for use in organic agricultural for packaging of
foodstuffs, however, many of these are restricted for use in organic production. In
this annex “restricted” means that the conditions and procedures for use shall be set
by the accredited certification programme.
Use of plastics for packaging of organic foodstuffs
S. No. Products Limitation
1. 4,4’-Bis(2-benzoxazolyl)stilbene Restricted
2. 9,9-Bis(methoxymethyl)fluorine Restricted
3. Carbonic acid, copper salt
4. Diethyleneglycol Restricted
5. 2-(4,6-Diphenyl-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl)-5-
(hexyloxy)phenol
6. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, copper salt Restricted
7. 2-(2-Hydroxy-3,5-di-tert-butyl-phenyl-5-
chlorobenzotriazole
8. 2-Methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one Restricted
9. Phosphoric acid, trichlorocthylester
10. Polyesters of 1,2 propanediol and/or 1,3-and 1, 4 Restricted
butanediol and/or polypropyleneglycol with adipic
acid, also end-capped with acetic acid or fatty acids
C10-C18 or n-octanol and/or n-decanol
11. 1,1,1-Trimethylolpropane
12. 3-hydroxybutanoic acid 3-hydro xypentanoic acid, Restricted
copolymer

Permissible Packaging Material for aquaculture

 Paper, wax paper, paper coated with PE

 Polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyacrylic, polyamide (PA) (single

compound or as coating)

 Polystyrene cold boxes with PE coating film or inside bag

 Textile packaging (tested for harmful substances)

 Glass other methods (clip seals)

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 CHAPTER 4

ACCREDITATION OF CERTIFICATION BODIES

APEDA shall function as the Secretariat to service the NAB for the implementation of
accreditation of the Certification Bodies under NPOP. APEDA shall meet the requirements of
ISO/IEC17011 and shall have documented policies and procedures for implementation of
accreditation and surveillance of the Certification Bodies.

4. ACCREDITATION CRITERIA
4.1 Categories for Accreditation
4.1.1 Accreditation under the National Programme for Organic Production (hereinafter the
NPOP) may be sought in respect of the Standards approved under the NPOP from time to
time including the following:
(i) Crop production

(ii) Livestock, Poultry and Products

(iii) Beekeeping /Apiculture

(iv) Aquaculture Production

(v) Food Processing & Handling

(vi) Any other categories of product Standards of which have been approved
under the NPOP by the National Accreditation Body (NAB) from time to
time

4.1.2 The NAB shall decide on the categories for accreditation based on the assessment of the
Certification Body’s compliance with the requirements for undertaking inspection and
certification for the respective categories.

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4.2 General criteria and principles
The general criteria and principles of accreditation shall be based on ISO Guide 65 /
ISO/IEC17065. However, the Certification Bodies would necessarily have to meet the
criterion set out in the present document.

The Certification Body shall have clearly laid out Policies and Procedures in their Quality
and Operating Manual(s). The policy and procedures shall be based on the following criteria
and principles. For each relevant criteria and principle, the evaluation of the certification
program shall not only assess the theoretical content, but also the practical application of the
policies and procedures.

4.2.1 Legal Entity/ Organization Structure

(i) The applicant body (National and International) seeking accreditation under
the NPOP shall have an established office in India for carrying out
certification of organic products of Indian origin.

(ii) The applicant body may either be a registered company, registered society,
trust, co-operative or State Government Organization with financial stability
and resources required for operating the certification programme

(iii) The applicant body shall have a defined organizational structure with adequate
infrastructure support as prescribed under ISO 17065. The organizational
structure of the Certification Body shall be such so as to foster confidence in
the implementation of its certification programme. In particular, the
Certification Body shall:
a. Be impartial

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b. Shall have well laid out procedures and be responsible for decisions relating
to the grant, maintenance, extension, suspension and withdrawal of
certification
c. Have a structured management, as explained in more detail herein below
d. Have the relevant documents evidencing its legal status
e. Have structures that enable participation of all groups/ individuals
concerned with the formulation and development of policies pertaining to its
certification programme
f. Ensure that decisions on certification are taken by persons other than those
who conduct the inspection and evaluation of the operators
g. Have adequate arrangements to cover liabilities arising from its operations
and activities
h. Have financial stability and resources required for the formulation and
implementation of its certification programme
i. Employ a sufficient number of personnel having necessary qualification and
technical capability for the formulation and implementation of its
certification programme
j. Maintain an Internal Quality System for better implementation of its
certification programme
k. Have policies and procedures to distinguish between product certification
and other activities in which it is engaged;
l. Ensure freedom from any commercial, financial and other pressures which
might influence the results of the certification process
m. Devise formal rules and regulations for the appointment and functioning of
committees and groups involved in the certification programme
n. Ensure activities of related bodies do not affect the confidentiality,
objectivity and impartiality of its certification and it shall not supply or
design products of the type it certifies
o. Have policies and procedures for redressal of grievances arising from its
certification programme.

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 4.2.2 Management

The Certification Body shall define the overall responsibility of its management to address, inter
alia the following:

 Inspecting and assessing the compliance of the operator as per the National
Standards for Organic Production
 Formulating policies relating to the functioning of the operator
 Taking decisions on certification of operator
 Supervising the implementation of its internal policies
 Supervision of the finances
 Delegating authority to committees or individuals as required for the
implementation of its certification programme.

4.2.3 Quality System

(i) The Certification Body shall have a documented policy for ensuring quality. It is
the duty of the Certification Body, through its management, to ensure that the said
policy is understood and implemented at all stages of its certification programme.

(ii) The Certification Body shall operate an effective quality system in compliance
with the standards and criteria provided in this document
(iii) The Certification Body shall designate the quality manager for ensuring that the
quality system is established, implemented and maintained in accordance with the
standards and criteria provided in this document.

(iv) The Certification Body shall follow a quality management system based on the
policies and procedures laid down in the form of a Quality Manual and an
Operating Manual. The quality manual shall, inter alia, include the following:
 a statement of intent;

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  brief description of the legal status of the Certification Body and its
activities, specifically in the field of certification activities for the last 3
years;
 the names, qualifications and experience of the Certification Body’s
management and those personnel involved in the certification programme;
 the Certification Body’s organizational set-up showing the allocation of
duties and functions of those involved in the certification programme;
 the procedures for conducting internal audits;
 the policy and procedures for conducting internal management reviews
including the review of the certification programme;
 administrative procedures including document control and record keeping
and maintenance;
 the operational and functional duties and responsibilities of those personnel
involved in the quality system;
 the policy and procedures for the selection, recruitment, training and
monitoring of personnel involved in the certification programme;
 the policy and procedures for handling non-conformities and for assuring
the effectiveness of any corrective and preventive actions taken;
 the procedures for evaluating products and implementing the certification
programme. This shall include the conditions for the issue, retention and
withdrawal of the certification granted and
 the policy and procedures for dealing with complaints, appeals and
disputes

4.2.4 Competence

(i) The Certification Body shall ensure that its management and all personnel
concerned with its certification programme demonstrate professional competence
in the formulation and implementation of its certification programme. The
Certification Body shall specify the basic minimum qualification of all the

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 persons involved in the organic certification programme in its Quality and
Operating Manual(s).

(ii) The Certification Body shall ensure that it has adequate resources, financial and
otherwise, for the competent and optimum formulation and implementation of its
certification programme.

(iii) The Certification Body shall conduct an internal review annually for the purpose
of effective implementation of its certification programme.

4.2.5 Independence

The Certification Body shall have clearly laid down policy and procedures in its manual
to enable it to be free to operate without undue influence from vested interest or
otherwise.

4.2.6 Accountability and Responsibility

(i) The management and personnel of the Certification Body shall be accountable for
their actions in the discharge of their functions in the certification programme.

(ii) The Certification Body shall be responsible for all the actions taken in furtherance
of its certification programme by its management, personnel and sub-contractors.

4.2.7 Objectivity

(i) The Certification Body and all those involved in the certification programme shall
be impartial.

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 (ii) The inspection and certification of operators shall be based on an objective
assessment of the relevant factors specified in the present chapter.

4.2.8 Credibility

The Certification Body shall have procedures to ensure that there is no misuse of the
certification granted to the operator and of the implementation of the certification
programme.

4.2.9 Internal Audits and Management Reviews

(i) The Certification Body shall conduct periodic internal audits, on an annual basis,
in a planned and systematic manner to ensure effective implementation of the
certification program.

(ii) The Certification Body shall ensure that:

 personnel responsible for the competency(s) audited are informed of the
outcome of such audit;
 corrective action is taken in a timely and appropriate manner and
 results of the audit are documented.

(iii) The Certification Body’s management shall periodically review its quality system
to ensure effective implementation of the Certification programme. Such reviews
shall be documented.

4.2.10 Public Information

(i) The Certification Bodies shall actively inform the public of the scope of its
certification and the contents of the standards.

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 (ii) The Certification Bodies shall have a documented policy for public
information. It shall at least include:

 standards and a general description of the Certification Bodies shall be

available to the public and
 Certification Bodies shall have an updated list of certified operators,
including names and addresses (location).

4.2.11 Documentation & Document Control

(i) The Certification Body shall maintain the following documents:

 Information about the authority under which the Certification Body

is conducting its activities
 A documented statement of its certification program including the
policies and procedures for the grant, maintenance, extension,
suspension and withdrawal of certification
 Information about the inspection and evaluation procedures and
certification process relating to each category of certification
 A description of the means by which the Certification Body
obtains financial support and general information on the fees
charged to operators desirous of being certified
 Information about the procedures for handling complaints, appeals
and disputes
 A directory of the certified products
 Any other information deemed relevant.

(ii) The Certification Body shall establish and maintain policies and
procedures for the creation and control of all documents and data that
relate to its certification programme. These documents shall be available
to the Evaluation Committee during their visit. The Evaluation Committee

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 shall have the right to give its feedback and recommendations to the
Certification Body on the better maintenance of documents, if required.

(iii) The Certification Bodies shall maintain a system for the control of all
documentation relating to the certification system and shall ensure that:
 The latest issue of the relevant documents are available
 All correction in documents are made by the authorized persons
 All changes are processed in a manner, which will ensure direct and
speedy action
 Obsolete documents are removed from use
 All certified operators are notified of the changes
 Documents shall be reissued when substantial amendments are made
 A register of all appropriate documents with the respective date of
issues shall be maintained.

4.2.12 Confidentiality

(i) The Certification Body shall have adequate arrangements consistent with
applicable laws to safeguard confidentiality of the information obtained in the
course of its certification programme at all levels of its organization, including
committees and external bodies or individuals acting on its behalf.

(ii) Except as required in this document or by law, the information collected during
the implementation of the certification programme about a particular product or
operator shall not be disclosed to a third party without the written consent of such
operator. Where the law requires information to be disclosed to a third party, the
Certification Body shall inform the operator in question of such requirement.

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 4.2.13 Participation

The Certification Body shall establish policies and procedures to ensure participation of all
stakeholders involved in the certification programme.

4.2.14 Non-discrimination

The Certification Body shall ensure that its policies and procedures are formulated and
implemented on a non-discriminatory basis and no distinction shall be made on the basis of race,
nationality, religion, gender etc.

4.2.15 Personnel

(i) The Certification Body’s personnel shall be competent and technically qualified
to perform their roles and functions in the certification programme. Specifically,
the Certification Body shall state in its quality manual the names, positions,
descriptions, qualification including experience, training and education of all the
personnel involved in the certification programme. The Certification Body’s
personnel should have minimum 2 years experience in relevant field.

(ii) The Certification Body shall also provide a description of any training that the
Certification Body has provided or intends to provide to its personnel in respect of
its certification programme.

(iii) The documentation of such information shall be open to inspection by the

Evaluation Committee.

4.2.16 Subcontracting

(i) If the Certification Body decides to subcontract work related to the inspection of
operators to a third party, it shall establish a documented system for overseeing

123
 the role and functions of the subcontracted party which shall address issues of
confidentiality and conflict of interest.

(ii) The Certification Body shall:

 Take full responsibility for subcontracted work which shall extend only to
inspection
 Ensure that the subcontracted party complies with the requirements laid
down in this document
 Ensure that the subcontracted party remains impartial in its functioning.

4.2.17 Conflict of Interest

(i) The Certification Body’s personnel involved in the formulation and

implementation of its certification programme shall declare in writing to the
Certification Body that they have no relation whatsoever, whether personal or
professional, with the operator.

(ii) All personnel with a potential conflict of interest shall be excluded from
participating in the certification program in all manner. In the case of paid
consultancy undertaken by inspectors, such exclusion shall apply only for a period
of 2 years.

4.2.18 Other functions

(i) The Certification Body shall not provide any product or services, which could
compromise the integrity, confidentiality and/ or implementation of its
certification programme. The Certification Body shall ensure that the functions of
any of its related entities do not affect the implementation of its certification
programme.

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 (ii) The Certification Body upon accreditation shall not provide any paid consultancy
services to the operators. The Certification Body may offer advice to the operators
regarding compliance with the standards prescribed in the NPOP.

(iii) Information available in the public as well as advice through newsletters,

seminars etc, may be offered to the operators by the Certification Body in a non-
discriminatory manner.

4.2.19 Annual Reports

The Certification Body shall be required to prepare and submit an annual report on the
status and outcome of its certification program in the prescribed format to APEDA
every year.

4.3 INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION

4.3.1 The Inspection and Certification procedures

The procedures mentioned in this chapter along with the National Standards for Organic
Production will cover the requirements to be fulfilled by the accredited Certification Bodies
under NPOP and for the organic programme operated by them under ISO Guide 65/ISO17065.
Details of the procedure of inspection, certification and the redressal of grievances regarding
certification are also covered in this chapter. Certification Bodies shall demonstrate a high degree
of competence, consistency and effectiveness in the practical application of these procedures
which shall form part of the operating manual of the accredited Certification Body.
The defined procedures shall apply to Certification Bodies for inspection and certification of
production at the production farms (individual and grower groups), wild collection, processing
units (including sub contracted units) and at all stages in handling (storage units, packaging,
shipments etc).

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4.3.1.1 Inspection
The accredited Certification Bodies shall follow Standard inspection procedures as per
ISO19011

(i) As per the documented procedure of the accredited Certification Body, a

qualified and trained inspector shall be assigned to inspect the operations of the
operator. Prior to assigning the inspector, the Certification Body shall ensure
adequate competence and no conflict of interest of the inspector

(ii) The same inspector shall not visit the same operator more than two years in a
row.

(iii) Operators shall have neither the right to choose nor to recommend inspectors.
In case the operator wants to change the Certification Body, they shall inform
the Certification Body stating the reasons for their decision and seek “No
Objection Certificate”.

(iv) The operators shall have the right to be informed about the identity of the
inspector before the inspection visit, and to raise objections related to any
potential conflict of interest.

(v) Sufficient information shall be made available to the inspectors about the
operator to allow proper preparation by the inspector. This includes, among
others, earlier inspection findings, a description of activities/processes,
maps/plans, product specifications, inputs used, earlier irregularities,
infringements, conditions and disciplinary measures.

(vi) The checklists used during the inspection, and the reports emanating from the
inspection, shall be comprehensive, covering all relevant aspects of the
production standards and shall adequately validate the information provided.

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(vii) The inspector shall have access to all relevant facilities, including
accounts and other documentation of the operator. Certification Bodies
shall have access to any non-organic production unit, or units associated
by ownership or management.

(viii) The inspector shall take precautionary measures by assessing the risk of
non-compliance during the inspection. When an irregularity is committed
by the operator relating to organic production as non-compliance to
chapter 3 of NPOP, the entire lot or production affected by irregularity
shall be made to be removed from the production site / chain and
sanctions shall be imposed on the operator. APEDA shall be informed
within 30 days about the action taken on the operator.

(ix) Inspection checklist, reports and inspection shall, follow a specified

methods to facilitate a non-discriminatory and objective inspection
procedure.

(x) Reports shall be designed to allow for elaboration and analysis by the
inspector on areas where compliance might be partial; standards might not
be clear etc.

(xi) Inspection reports shall give adequate information on what was actually
checked, including, but not restricted to
 Date and time of inspection
 Persons interviewed
 Crops/products requested for certification
 Fields and facilities visited
 Documents reviewed
 Buffer zones
 Risk of drift
 Risk of contamination

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  Inspector’s observations
 Calculation of input/output norms, production estimates etc.
 Assessment of production system of operator
 Assessment of the use of logos/ approvals (India organic logo, product
logo as well as the Certification Body’s logo)
 Product reconciliation and verification of stock
 Interview with responsible persons
 Evaluation of compliance to standards and
 Certification requirements.

4.3.1.2 Inspection methods and frequency

(i) The Certification Bodies shall have laid down policy and procedure on inspection
methods and frequency which shall be determined by, among others :

 Intensity of production
 Type of production
 Size of operation
 Outcome of previous inspections and the operator’s record of
compliance
 Any complaints received by the programme
 Whether the unit or operator is engaged only in certified production
 Contamination and drift risk
 Complexity of production
(ii) The inspector shall sign the inspection findings, which will have to be countersigned by
the operator

(iii) A copy of the inspection report relating to the certification of the operator’s production
should be available with the registered operator

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 a) Announced annual Inspections
(i) Inspection of certified operators shall take place at least once annually.
(ii) Inspection of sub-contracted operators or units shall take place at least
once annually.
(iii) Timing of inspections shall not be so regular as to become predictable.
(iv) There shall be provisions for more inspections with respect to the factors
stated below.
b) Unannounced Inspections
(i) The selection of operators for unannounced inspection shall be based on
risk analysis carried out by the Certification Body annually.
(ii) A minimum of 10% of unannounced inspections to be carried out annually
by the Certification Bodies.
4.3.1.3 Risk Assessment
(i) The accredited Certification Body shall have documented procedure for risk assessment
of its registered operators covering all scope of activities
(ii) The risk assessment procedure shall cover the criteria for determining the risk category as
high, medium or low
(iii)Based on the procedure of risk assessment, 10% inspections are required to be carried out
by the Certification Body annually in addition to the unannounced inspections
(iv) The selection of the operators shall be based on the risk assessment and the identified
level of risk and shall cover all scope of activities
(v) The risk assessment carried out for its registered operators shall be documented and
available with the Certification Body for verification

4.3.1.4 Analysis and Residue Testing

(i) The accredited Certification Bodies shall have documented policies and procedures on
residue testing, genetic testing and other analysis. These policies, must, interalia, include:
 Identification of cases in which samples shall be taken for analysis based on the
general evaluation of risk of non compliance with the organic process

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  The general evaluation shall take into account all stages of production, processing and
chain of custody

(ii) The accredited Certification Body shall take and analyze samples for detecting possible
contamination by products not authorized for organic production. The number of
samples to be taken and analysed by the accredited Certification Body every year shall be
at least 5 % of the total number of operators under its control.

(iii)The accredited Certification Body shall take and analyze samples in each case where the
use of products or techniques not authorised for organic production is suspected. In such
cases, samples in addition to 5% shall be drawn and tested.

(iv) Testing to be carried out in ISO 17025 accredited and preferably APEDA approved
laboratories

(v) Instructions to the inspectors on sampling requirements and methods and

(vi) Post-sampling procedures.

4.3.1.5 Inspection of parallel production of farms

If a farm is engaged in parallel production, the certification programme shall ensure, in addition
to the requirements for part conversion, the following: -

 Buffer zones are maintained for demarcation

 Crops are visually distinguishable
 Inspections are carried out at critical times
 Inspection is done in a timely manner
 Accurate production estimates are available
 The crops are harvested in such a way that there are reliable methods to verify the actual
harvest of the respective crops
 Appropriate storage capacity exists to ensure separate handling

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  The documentation regarding the production is well managed and makes a clear
distinction between certified and non certified production

Such a system shall be approved by the Certification Body for each individual operation of the
operator.

4.3.1. 6 Inspection of processing units

During the inspection of the processing units, the following shall be taken care

(i) The inspector shall verify that sufficient quantities of organic ingredients are used
and that organic integrity is maintained through all stages of processing.

(ii) The inspector shall review all ingredients and their sources to ensure that the
ingredients meet organic standards.

(iii) The inspector shall also review product formulation to determine if they meet
labelling standards.

(iv) Inspectors shall verify the existing record keeping system and evaluate whether it
is adequate of tracking organic products.

(v) The inspector shall conduct an audit trail to track the product from receipt of raw
material/ingredients, ingredient storage, through all stages of processing, packaging,
labelling, warehousing, shipping and sales of the finished product.

(vi) The inspector shall conduct a sample audit review, which consists of randomly
choosing a finished product(s) either from a sales invoice, a product purchased or
a product seen in the warehouse. The inspector shall record the Lot Number on the
finished product and follow the product back through the record keeping system

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 to the receipt of incoming ingredients. The inspector shall point out the
deficiencies if any in the product tracking system.

(vii) The inspector shall inspect all the subcontracted units annually.

4.3.1.7 Inspections of grower groups

The accredited Certification Bodies shall have clearly laid down policies and procedures for
carrying out inspection of grower groups as per the Guidelines for Certification of Grower
Groups given in chapter 5.
(i) The external inspection by the Certification Body shall be planned after internal
inspections of all the farmers are carried out by the Internal Control System (ICS)
twice annually
(ii) The Certification Body shall have a standardized format for sourcing the
information from the grower groups which shall include list of farmers, location
on an area map, year of joining in the grower group, date of internal inspections,
area of cultivation, crops and yield estimates
(iii) The inspector shall verify that new farmers are included in the group only after the
internal inspections are completed
(iv) The inspector shall carry out the risk assessment of the ICS
(v) The inspector shall draw a sample of farms for visiting the farmers in the ICS
(vi) The inspector shall prepare a list of farms of 4 Hectare and above 4 Hectare and
shall inspect such farms separately. The 4 Hectare and above farms shall not be
included in the sample of farmers drawn for re-inspection
(vii) The inspection shall include a witness audit of the internal inspector for assessing
his knowledge and inspection procedures
(viii) The inspector shall verify the documentation of the ICS that adequate records of
inspections are maintained
(ix) Instances of non-compliance and the active measures taken by the ICS with special
reference to sanctions shall be assessed from the documentation
(x) Internal control records are in compliance with the findings of the Certification
Body’s sample inspection results

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 (xi) The inspector shall interview the farmers, ICS manager to assess the knowledge of
operator on NPOP standards
(xii) The inspector shall verify the collected information from the ICS with the
submitted information by the grower group during registration/renewal.

4.3.1.8 Inspection of wild product collection

The Certification Body shall at least include the following for inspection of wild product
collection;

(i) To verify that the area of collection is properly identified on appropriate maps issued
by the concerned Government Authorities. The map shall be large and distinct
enough to reduce the risk of mixing up with non-certified production. However,
wherever community rights are recognised under Forest Rights Act, 2006, Gram
Sabha letter can be considered for verification of collection area by the community.
(ii) Verification of operator records of all collectors and the quantities bought from each
collector.
(iii)Visit to an appropriate portion of the certified area.
(iv) Visits and interviews of the concerned in the supply chain such as collectors, local
agents, landowners and other parties (environment agencies, NGOs etc.)

In case of cultivation by the operators in the forest area recognized under Forest Rights Act
2006, the verification of compliance shall follow the crop production standards given under
Appendix 1 of chapter 3 of this document.

4.3.1.9 Inspection of all stages in handling

The following applies to inspection of the whole production chain.

(i) Each step in the handling of a product shall be inspected, at least once annually
(storage units, packaging, shipment etc).
(ii) Any person who sells a product (raises invoice) shall be registered and certified.
This requirement applies until the product is in its final package/has its final label.

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4.3.1.10 Inspection of Packed Products
The accredited Certification Bodies are not obliged to have a system for inspection of products
that are further handled after being packed in the final consumer package, and/or after issuing of
a transaction certificate. The accredited Certification Bodies however, are obliged to take action
where there is reason to believe that the standards have been or may be violated at such later
stages.

4.3.1.11 Inspection of Storage Facilities

Depending on the kind of storage, the product, packing, prevailing storage practices (i.e.
fumigation) and the time of storage, inspections shall be required. Accredited Certification
Bodies shall conduct a risk assessment to determine future need for inspection for all storage
facilities including port facilities.

4.3.1.12 Inspection of Transport Facilities

Transport is not certified as such, but remains under the responsibility of the operator owning the
product during the transport.

4.3.1.13 Inspection of Chain of Custody

Accredited Certification Body shall not issue any license to use its certification mark or issue any
certificate for any products unless it is assured of the chain of custody of the product where steps
in the production chain have been certified by other accredited Certification Bodies under NPOP
as per the National Standards of Production.

4.3.1.14 Inspection for detection of use of Genetically Engineered Products

Accredited Certification Bodies shall implement a system of inspection for potential use of
genetically engineered products. When use of such products is detected at any stage, certification
shall not be granted.

When there is a risk of contamination of genetically engineered products, the following samples
shall be tested in identified APEDA approved laboratories.
 seeds and planting stock

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  production inputs
 livestock feed
 processing aids
 ingredients

4.4 Certification
The certification system shall be based on written agreements, with clear responsibilities of all
parties involved in the chain of operations for production of a certified product.

The certified operators shall sign contract/agreement with the accredited Certification Body
obliging them interalia to:

 follow the production standards and other published requirements for certification
 accept inspections
 provide accurate information
 inform the accredited Certification Body of any changes

4.4.1 Certification Procedure

The certification procedures shall interalia include:
(i) All procedural steps in processing the application, until final certification;
(ii) The certification status of all operators and their production be indicated throughout the
certification process;
(iii) The procedures for extension and updating certification, including certification of
individual products
(iv) The operators are required to inform the Certification Bodies of any changes in production
as modification in the products list, the manufacturing process, extension of acreage etc.
The Certification Bodies shall determine whether the announced changes require further
investigations. In that case, the operator shall not be allowed to release certified products
resulting from such changes until the Certification Bodies have notified the operator
accordingly.
(v) The certification decisions be recorded and clearly communicated to the operator;

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(vi) Where certification is denied, the reasons shall be clearly stated;
(vii) The certification programme shall be able to impose conditions and restrictions.
(viii) There shall be mechanisms for monitoring compliance with such conditions and
restrictions shall be in place and the same are documented.
(ix) The criteria for the acceptance of applicants, formerly certified by other Certification Bodies
shall be documented.
(x) The processing of inspection reports and certification decision shall be done in a timely
manner within three months.
(xi) The processing of any issue related to violations shall be done with highest priority.

4.4.2 Re- certification

 Certification Bodies shall not re-certify same activity for production, processing and trading
units already certified by another Certification Body under NPOP within the validity period
of the certificate.
 The operators shall not have multiple certifications for the same scope of activity under
different certification bodies under NPOP.

4.4.3 Certification Decisions

Certification decisions are not only limited to initial approval of operators, but also approval of
products, changes in production, disciplinary measures etc.

The accredited Certification Body shall ensure that each decision on certification is taken by
person(s) different from those who carried out the inspection.

Where certification decisions are delegated to a small committee or officers, the Certification
Body shall review their functions.

4.4.4 Disciplinary measures and sanctions

The accredited Certification Body shall have a clear policy for sanctions in the event of non-
compliances by the operators.

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The accredited Certification Bodies shall have a documented range of disciplinary measures
(sanctions) including measures to deal with minor and major infringements of the standards.

4.4.5 Withdrawal of certification

Where an infringement that affects the organic integrity is found, the accredited Certification
Body shall ensure that the non compliant lot of production is removed from the entire lot of the
production cycle which is affected by the infringement concerned.

In case of any violation by the operator, the accredited Certification Body shall withdraw
certification from the operator for a specified period and inform about their decision to APEDA
and shall also publish the same on their website.

4.4.6 Certification Records and Reports

4.4.6.1 Contract with operator
The accredited Certification Bodies shall have written agreements/signed contracts with their
registered operators obliging them inter alia to :
 Follow production standard and certification standards
 Accept inspections
 Supply accurate information
 Inform and surrender the Scope Certificate to their accredited Certification Body in case
they decided to withdraw from organic certification
 Notify the accredited Certification Body of any changes in their operations

4.4.6.2 Operator files

The accredited Certification Bodies shall maintain an operator file for each certified operators.

(i) The operator file shall have relevant data available for the certified production
units, including any sub-contractors and members of grower groups.

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 (ii) Such operator files shall be up to date and contain all relevant information,
including history, product specifications, maps, label approval.

(iii) Inspection reports and written documentation shall provide sufficiently

comprehensive information to enable the accredited Certification Bodies to
make competent and objective decisions.

(iv) This file shall demonstrate the way in which each certification procedure was
applied, including inspection reports and outcome of imposed disciplinary
measures.

4.4.6.3 Records
The accredited Certification Body shall maintain a record system to comply with existing
regulations. The records shall demonstrate that the certification program has been effectively
implemented. The records shall be identified, managed and disposed of in such a way as to
ensure the integrity of the process and the confidentiality of the information. The record system
shall be maintained throughout the duration of the accreditation.

The accredited Certification Bodies shall keep records of:

 Complaints
 Violations
 Precedents
 Exceptions
 Disciplinary measures

This will normally mean that such information shall be available both in the operator’s file as
well in a separate record, or registered in a database system of the accredited Certification Body

(i) Inspection reports, certification decisions, certificates and other relevant records shall be
signed by the authorized person.

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 (ii) The record keeping system shall be transparent and enable easy retrieval of information

(iii)The accredited Certification Body shall make the record system open for inspection by
the Evaluation Committee, as and when required

(iv) All records shall be safely stored and held secure and in confidence, for a minimum
period of five years.

4.4.6.4 Marks and Certificates

The accredited Certification Bodies shall exercise proper control over the use of its licences,
certificates and certification marks. The accredited Certification Bodies shall establish the
following :
(i) Develop guidelines concerning the use of its mark, accreditation number, National
Organic Logo or other reference to the certification.
(ii) Use of India Organic logo shall be permitted subject to the conditions and rules of its
application referred in Chapter 6 of this document.
(iii) Incorrect references to the certification system or misleading use of licences, certificates
or marks shall be dealt with by suitable disciplinary actions by the accredited
Certification Body. This shall also be applicable to use of these marks, licence or
certificates by any non-certified operator(s).

The accredited Certification Bodies shall have documented procedures for withdrawal and
cancellation of contracts, certificates and certification marks.

4.4.6.5 Scope Certificate

Scope Certificate shall be issued annually by an accredited Certification Body as per the
prescribed format available on APEDA website.

4.4.6.6 Transaction certificate

The accredited Certification Bodies shall issue Transaction Certificates for all the export
consignments. Transaction Certificates are issued on Tracenet in the prescribed format after the

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certified operator has provided all the required documents. The accredited Certification Body
shall take reasonable measures to verify that the information provided is correct and all the
documents have been submitted in original before issuance of the Transaction Certificate.

Wherever applicable, the original Transaction certificate(s) of purchased product that has been
sourced and certified by another accredited Certification Body shall be verified before issuance
of the Transaction Certificate.

Copies of transaction certificates and supporting documents issued to operators shall be stored in
a manner that enables easy retrieval of information on each operator.

4.4.7 CERTIFIED OPERATORS

The operators certified by an accredited Certification Body shall be obliged to meet the
following requirements and shall maintain necessary documents

4.4.7.1 Information to the Operators

The accredited Certification Bodies shall ensure that each certified operator shall be provided at
the time of application:

 An up-to-date version of the National Standards for Organic Production.

 An adequate description of the procedure for inspection, certification and appeals.

For the existing operators

 Communication of any changes in the standards and relevant procedures

 Valid contract with the accredited Certification Body
 A valid certificate depicting the certified products

Operators shall have the right to get copies of inspection report and other documentation related
to the certification of their products.

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4.4.7.2 Records and Documentation Maintained by the certified operator
The accredited Certification Body is required to ensure that each certified operator has proper
record keeping system adapted to the type of production that enables the accredited Certification
Body to retrieve necessary information and to seek verification of the production, storage,
processing, purchase and sales. The visiting inspector shall sign the verified documents.

4.4.7.3 Complaints record

The accredited Certification Body shall have policies and procedures for dealing with complaints
against its operation and against certified operators. It shall keep a record of all complaints and
remedial actions relating to certification. When a complaint is resolved a documented resolution
shall be made and forwarded to the complainant and the party concerned.

4.4.7.4 Appeals record

The Accredited Certification Body shall have procedures for the consideration of appeals against
its decisions and shall maintain the record of all appeals.

4.4.8 Input approval of off farm inputs

Accredited Certification Bodies shall approve off farm organic inputs / manufacturing units
without issuing any form of license or rights to the use of India organic logo to the producer/
manufacturer.

4.4.9 Approval of commercial inputs

Accredited Certification Bodies shall have documented procedures for evaluating the product’s
(commercial input) compliance with the NPOP standards as mentioned in Appendix 1 of chapter
3 of this document under Annex 1, 2 and 3.

The approval procedure, shall include the following:

 Visit the units annually for verification of the necessary documents of the producer
related to composition of the product manufactured;
 Period for which approval is granted;

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  Requirement for the manufacturer to report changes in composition or other relevant
factors; and
 A clear statement of the nature and guarantee of the approval.

4.4.10 Shifting of Operators

When an operator wants to change his Certification Body, he shall apply for the No
Objection Certificate (NOC) on Tracenet to the existing Certification Body. The
Certification Body shall issue the NOC resulting in on line transfer of the operator file along
with the reports to the subsequent Certification Body.

The new Certification Body shall ensure that the non-conformities reported by the earlier
Certification Body are closed before issuance of scope certificate.

4.4.11 Exchange of Information

(i) In case of irregularity or infringements observed by the Certification Body of its

registered operator, it shall without delay inform to APEDA.

(ii) When a Certification Body finds any irregularity or infringements with regard to the
products of the operator which was under the certification of the previous
Certification Body, he shall inform the latter without delay.

(iii)When APEDA observes and finds any irregularity or infringement, it will inform all
the Certification Bodies about such infringement. It may also reflect such
infringement in its official website.

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4.5 ACCREDITATION PROCEDURE

4.5.1 Application for accreditation

(i). Any organization (herein after referred to as ‘applicant body’) interested in establishing a
certification program under NPOP shall make an application in prescribed format at
annexure (Form 1) to APEDA.

(ii). The applicant body shall submit the duly completed Form- 1 available at APEDA
website along with the prescribed fee as notified from time to time. The fee shall be paid
by way of a bank draft drawn in favour of APEDA, payable at New Delhi. The NAB
shall have the right to revise the fee from time to time. APEDA shall acknowledge receipt
of the application within seven days of receiving the same.

(iii). The application in Form-1 shall be accompanied by the following documents:

 the applicant bodies legal status, organizational structure, financial status

(Audited balance sheet, Income Tax Return etc.) for the last 3 years
 the applicant bodies certification program including the manner of its
implementation;
 A copy of the operating and quality manual in accordance with the
accreditation criteria specified in this chapter;
 accreditation certificate, if any, obtained from another country or under any
other certification program;
 document evidencing the officer to sign as authorized signatory and
 any other relevant information

(iv). On receipt of an application, APEDA shall allot an application number to the applicant
body. The applicant body shall quote the application number in all its correspondence with
APEDA.

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4.5.2 Documentation Review

(i). On acknowledging receipt of the application, APEDA shall scrutinize the same to
determine:
 whether the application has been made in the prescribed format duly
accompanied by supporting documents; and
 whether the policies and procedures of the certification program are in
compliance with the standards laid down in this document.

(ii). If the application is found to be incomplete or deficient, APEDA shall prepare a report
on such deficiencies and forward the same to the applicant body within 30 days from date
of acknowledgment of receipt of the application.

(iii). The applicant body shall submit the compliance report along with documentary
evidence (where required) within a period of maximum of 3 months from the date of
issue of the report on deficiencies.

(iv). APEDA shall review the compliance report/additional information/ documents provided
and evaluate the compliance report within 30 days time of receipt and inform the
applicant body whether its application has been finally accepted.

(v). In case of some more deficiencies left out, the applicant body shall be informed in
writing and given another 30 days for rectification of the deficiency(s) and resubmission
of the second compliance report. In case the applicant body fails to submit second
compliance report in 30 days time, his application shall be rejected.

4.5.3 Evaluation
(i) If the application is found complete, APEDA shall draw up a Committee comprising of
three members from the panel of the Evaluation Committee (EC) approved by the NAB.
The three member committee shall carry out the evaluation of the applicant body.

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 (ii) The applicant body shall be given an advance notice of 15 days for the physical
evaluation by the EC. Prior to the commencement of the evaluation, APEDA shall
provide a documentary review report to the EC.

(iii) During the physical evaluation, the EC shall conduct an Office Audit as well as Witness
Audit.

A. The office audit shall involve visit to the applicant body’s office to verify files pertaining
to its certification activities.
The evaluation shall, inter alia, include the following:

 evaluation of the certification program of the applicant body to determine

if the same is implemented in accordance with the National Standards for
Organic Production (NSOP) and the Accreditation Criteria laid down in
this document;
 evaluation of the quality management system of the applicant body;
 interview with the applicant body’s personnel to assess their competence
and
 any other relevant documents as required by the EC

B. Thereafter, the EC shall conduct a witness audit on a farm organized by the applicant
body for assessing the audit skills of the applicant body’s inspector(s).

4.5.4 Conformity Report

(i). At the conclusion of the physical evaluation, the EC shall prepare a conformity report
containing their observations.

(ii). Two copies of the conformity report shall be duly signed by the authorized officer of
applicant body and the EC members. One copy of the conformity report shall be given to
the applicant body and another copy shall be forwarded to APEDA

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 (iii). The team leader of the EC shall prepare a detailed evaluation report. The evaluation
report shall comprise, inter alia, the findings of the conformity report along with
supporting documents as well as the recommendations, if any, of the Committee. A copy
of the evaluation report shall be submitted to APEDA within 21 days of the evaluation of
the applicant body.

(iv). The applicant body, within a time period of not more than 30 days, shall take
corrective actions against the non-conformities listed in the conformity report and submit
the compliance report to APEDA.

4.5.5 Review of Evaluation Report

(i) APEDA shall review the evaluation report forwarded by the team leader of the EC
and on analysis, if any additional deficiency/ non-conformity are noted, APEDA shall
inform the EC of the same.
(ii) On receipt of the applicant body’s corrective action report and upon its review, if
APEDA finds the said report to be in order, it shall prepare an overall assessment
report of the applicant body and shall forward it with clear
recommendations/observations to the NAB for its decision.
(iii). If the applicant body fails to take corrective measures within the stipulated time
frame of 30 days, its application shall be rejected and application fee shall be
forfeited for reasons to be recorded in writing.

4.5.6 Review of Assessment Report and Decision by the NAB

(i). NAB shall review the assessment report prepared by APEDA for a decision on
whether accreditation to the applicant body be granted or not.
(ii). The decision of the NAB shall be communicated by APEDA to the applicant body,
in writing, within 15 days from the date of such decision.

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 (iii). In case, if NAB directs for another evaluation for verification of additional
compliance and/or compliance to the applicable requirements, the applicant body
shall have to bear such charges as may be decided by the NAB from time to time.
(iv). However, if the applicant is not fully equipped with the organic inspection and
certification procedures even after second NAB review, their application will stand
rejected and the applicant shall be allowed to reapply only after completion of three
years from the date of such rejection.

4.5.7 Grant of Accreditation

The NAB’s decision for accreditation of the applicant body as accredited Certification Body
shall be granted for a period of three years and only in respect of identified categories of
accreditation for which it is competent and qualified under the NPOP.

4.5.8 Accreditation contract

Such accredited Certification Body shall then sign an accreditation contract and code of conduct.
The accredited Certification Body shall also submit the fee structure leviable on operators for
various activities and shall also display it prominently on their website and office site.

4.5.9 Certificate of Accreditation

On receipt of the duly executed Accreditation Contract, code of conduct and tariff structure from
the accredited Certification Body, APEDA, on behalf of the NAB shall issue the Certificate of
Accreditation to the accredited Certification Body valid for a period of 3 years from the date of
issuance of the certificate clearly mentioning the categories of accreditation.

The accredited Certification Body shall ensure to depict the accreditation number on all its
certificates and approved labels.

The accreditation granted may be renewed in accordance with the procedure laid down later in
this chapter

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4.5.10 Tracenet
It will be incumbent up on all accredited Certification Bodies to operate through the
APEDA’s software called ‘TRACENET’ access to which shall be provided by APEDA.

4.5.11 Annual Surveillance and Review Evaluations of Accredited Certification Bodies

(i). All the Accredited Certification Bodies under the NPOP shall undergo an evaluation /
assessment process by the Evaluation Committee during annual surveillance and at the time
of renewal of accreditation.

(ii) The EC shall verify the implementation of the certification program as per the
requirements of chapter 4 clause 4.3 and 4.4 under NPOP.

(iii). The annual surveillance report shall be submitted by the EC to APEDA for review and
will be placed before the NAB for its information and further directions, if any

(iv). In addition to the annual surveillance visit, within three years of the accreditation period,
two unannounced evaluation visits shall be carried out by a two member team to the
accredited Certification Body’s office or to any of their operator’s premises/farms.

4.5.12 Renewal of Accreditation

(i). The accredited Certification Body shall submit an application for renewal of its NPOP
accreditation along with the prescribed fee, to be received in APEDA 3 months prior to the
date of expiry of the accreditation.

(ii). The extension of accreditation for a further period of 3 years shall be subject to
evaluation by NAB for compliance with NPOP.
(iii). In the event of major/ repeated non-conformities in the certification programme
reported by the EC, NAB shall have the power to reduce the scope of certification or reduce

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 validity period of accreditation or reject the renewal of accreditation for reasons to be
recorded in writing.

4.5.13 Complaints
i) APEDA on receipt of complaints against the operator / Certification Body in respect of
violation of NPOP shall investigate the complaint by obtaining relevant documents from
the concerned stakeholder.

ii).In course of the investigation, if major irregularities/non conformities are observed,

APEDA shall issue a show cause notice to the operator / Certification Body as to why
sanction should not be imposed.

iii). The operator / Certification Body shall have to respond within 15 days from the date of
receipt of such Show Cause Notice.

iv). Thereafter, a final investigation report shall be prepared by APEDA and placed before
the NAB for its decision.

v). If the non conformities are confirmed against the operator / Certification Body, NAB
shall impose appropriate sanction.

4.5.14 Sanctions

(i). If an operator/ Certification Body commits offences, the NAB may impose such
sanctions as may be deemed fit, after taking into consideration the severity of offence(s)
committed. The conditions for imposing sanctions is prescribed in Annex-I.

(ii). Where an offence committed by an operator/ Certification Body is of such a nature as

to affect the integrity of NPOP, the NAB may provide for sanctions higher than those
prescribed from time to time.

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 4.5.15 Categories of Offences
Under the NPOP, offences are categorized in terms of their degree of severity in to major
and minor. Accordingly, the sanctions to be imposed shall depend on the nature, degree and
extent of such offences.

4.5.15.1 Minor Offences - Offences that do not affect the integrity of the accreditation
process and are rectifiable. Examples of such minor offences include, but are not limited to,
failure to submit information on time, improper document control, internal audit and
management review not been carried out as per requirement, documents on conflict of
interest and/or confidentiality not available, no timeframe on complaint and appeal handling
etc.

4.5.15.2 Major Offences - Offences that affect the integrity of the NPOP in general and
certification process in particular. Examples of such major offences include, but are not
limited to, non compliance with NPOP standard, knowingly providing false
information/documents, misrepresentation as to accreditation status, repetition of same non
conformities, failure to rectify such offences etc.

4.5.16 Categories of Sanctions

The NAB may apply one or more of the following sanctions
(i) Impose pecuniary penalty
(ii) Suspend accreditation
(iii) Terminate accreditation
(iv) Reduce the scope of certification
(v) Impose any other additional conditions

4.5.17 Procedures to be followed for imposing sanctions

For imposing Pecuniary Penalty
The following factors shall be taken into consideration:
 The amount of undue gains or unfair advantage, wherever quantifiable, derived by
the party as a result of the contravention;

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  The amount of loss caused or likely to be caused wherever quantifiable to any
person as a result of the contravention by the party,
 The repetitive nature of contraventions by the party,
 Whether the contravention is without the knowledge of the party,
 Any other relevant factor

4.5.18 Penalties not to interfere with other punishments

No penalty imposed under these provisions shall prevent imposition of any other punishment to
which the offending party is liable under any other law for the time being in force.

The Accredited Certification Body shall be given an opportunity to rectify the non-compliance
during the suspension period. In the event the Accredited Certification Body fails to remedy the
non-conformities during the term of suspension and or fails to pay the fine, the accreditation
shall be terminated. In such a case, the Accredited Certification Body shall be barred from re-
applying for accreditation for a period of one year.

4.5.19 Appeal
The accredited Certification Body who has been found guilty of violation of provision of NPOP
and has appropriately sanctioned by the NAB may have the option to file an appeal against the
decision (whole or part) by the NAB within a period of 30 days from the date of issuance of
communication conveying such NAB decision. Such an appeal shall be filed with the Commerce
Secretary in his capacity as ‘Appellate Authority’.

The appellate authority may, after giving to the appellant a reasonable opportunity of being
heard, if he so desires, and after making such further inquiries, if any, as it may consider
necessary, make such orders as it thinks fit, confirming, modifying or reversing the decision or
order appealed against, or may send back the case with such directions as it may think fit, for a
fresh decision, as the case may be, after taking additional evidence, if necessary.

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PROVIDED that an order enhancing or imposing a penalty of a greater value shall not be made
under this chapter unless the appellant has been given an opportunity of making a representation,
and , if he so desires, of being heard in his defense.

The order made in appeal by the appellate authority shall be final.

4.5.20 Reciprocity
4.5.20.1 National
Products certified as organic by any accredited Certification Body under the NPOP shall be
accepted as being organic by other accredited Certification Bodies also.

4.5.20.2 International
Imported organic products for re-export
Organic products certified under the exporting countries organic standards are required to be re-
certified as per NPOP for the purpose of re-export. The accredited Certification Bodies are
required to apply to APEDA for re-certification of imported organic products

For countries with whom there is an equivalence agreement, the re-export of value added organic
products with imported ingredients will be as per the scope of such equivalence agreement.

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 Annex-1
Conditions for Imposing Sanctions
A. Accredited Certification Bodies
S. No. Nature of non compliance Prescribed sanction
1 Where subsequent to receiving accreditation, an Accredited Punishable with a fine extending upto Rupees Five Lakhs (500,000).
Certification Body is found to have knowingly provided any In addition, the accreditation granted to the Accredited Certification
false or misleading information or document Body may be terminated and it may be debarred from re-applying for
accreditation for a period of one year
2 False information and/ or documents have been provided by The application for accreditation shall be rejected
an applicant body seeking accreditation
3 If an Accredited Certification Body fails to comply with the Accreditation shall be suspended for a period extending up to one
standards prescribed under the NPOP year and it shall be liable to a penalty, which may extend to Rupees
Five Lakhs (500,000).
4 If it is found that the certification of the operator was Certification shall be withdrawn and such delinquent Accredited
wrongly granted by a delinquent Accredited Certification Certification Body shall be liable to compensate the operator for the
Body losses suffered to the extent quantifiable.
The NAB shall decide such compensation based on the facts and
circumstances of each case.

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5 Where an Accredited Certification Body fails to update and Penalty, may extend to Rupees Three Lakhs (300,000).
verify the entered data on Tracenet relating to the organic
production including but not limited to the nature and
quantity of the product, area of the farm and movement of
the products in the chain of custody
6 Where an Accredited Certification Body knowingly updates Penalty may extend to Rupees Five Lakhs (500,000).
or enters wrong data on Tracenet relating to the organic
production including but not limited to the nature and
quantity of the product, area of the farm and movement of
the products in the chain of custody
7 When an Accredited Certification Body makes a Penalty may extend to Rupees Three Lakhs (300,000).
misrepresentation to the scope of the certification .
8 Where a Certification Body seeking accreditation, fails to Application for accreditation may be rejected
submit information and/ or documents within the prescribed
time period
9 If an Accredited Certification Body commits a subsequent Penalty may extend to Rupees Five Lakhs (500,000). In addition, the
offence, whether of the same or similar nature as the accreditation granted to the Accredited Certification Body shall be
previous offence or of a different kind terminated and the Accredited Certification Body shall be barred
from re-applying for accreditation for a period of two years.

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10 If an Accredited Certification Body commits an offence for Penalty may extend to Rupees Two Lakhs (200,000).
which no penalty is provided herein
11 Where the NAB has imposed fines on the delinquent NAB shall have the right to initiate appropriate legal action for
Certification Body, in accordance with the above recovery of such fines.
provisions, and the said delinquent Certification Body has
failed to pay such fines
12 Where the delinquent Certification Body has committed an NAB shall have the right to initiate appropriate legal action.
offence of a civil nature, such as breach of contract, breach
of trust etc.

B. Operator

1 If a certified operator fails to comply with the standards Penalty may extend to Rupees Five Lakhs (500,000). In addition, the
prescribed under the NPOP certification may be withdrawn for one year
2 If non conformities are established for the presence of Penalty may extend to Rupees Two Lakhs (200,000).
residues of prohibited substances in the exported
consignments
3 If the presence of residues of prohibited substances is Penalty may extend to Rupees Five Lakhs (500,000). In addition, the
repeated in the exported consignments exporter shall be banned for one year

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 CHAPTER 5
GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION
OF GROWER GROUPS

5.1 SCOPE
Grower Groups are organized group of farmers /producers who intend to produce organic
products/engage in organic processes in accordance with the National Standards of
Organic Production.

The grower group shall be based on the Internal Control System (ICS) and shall apply to
grower groups, farmers’ cooperatives, contract production and small scale processing
units. The producers in the group must apply similar production systems and the farms
should be in geographical proximity. Individual farms with land holding of 4 ha (10
acres) and above can also be a part of the group but will have to be inspected separately
every year by the accredited Certification Body. The total area of such farms shall be less
than 50% of the total area of the group. The grower group shall consist of minimum 25
and maximum 500 farmers. Processors and exporters/traders can own/ manage the
Internal Control System (ICS) but will have to be inspected annually by the external
Certification Body. Separate certificates (Scope and Transaction Certificates) are required
to be issued for the ICS, processors and traders to maintain the traceability of the product
flow.

The Certification Body shall not certify if there is no ICS as per NPOP and 100% internal
inspections are not conducted. In case the farmer group does not maintain an Internal
Quality System as described in this chapter, the Certification Body shall inspect all the
individual farms.

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5.2 CONSTITUTION OF THE ICS
The ICS will have a registered legal identity and have a constitution of the organization
and shall be presented by an organizational chart. For implementation of the procedures
to maintain the internal control system, responsibilities shall be delegated to individual
members / committees for carrying out specific activities.

The ICS application form is at Annex-1. In case the farmers cannot run the ICS, they
may enter into a contract with an external service provider/mandator/trader to facilitate
the maintenance of internal control system, training, co-ordination and marketing of
certified produce and to facilitate the certification from an accredited Certification Body.
The ICS contract form is at Annex 2.

5.3 INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM (ICS)

Group certification is based on the concept of an internal Quality Management System
comprising of the following: -

 Implementation of the internal control system

 Internal standards
 Risk assessment.

An accredited Certification Body should be identified for conducting annual inspection of

the individual group / unit. The accredited Certification Body shall evaluate the ICS by
verifying the location of the ICS, quality manual, documentation, and its implementation,
related to internal inspections, training, warehousing and purchase and sale. Thereafter
the accredited Certification Body will approve the ICS and then conduct the external
inspections.

All the farmers shall maintain the farm diary for noting their activities on their farms.
The format of the farm diary is at Annex 3. If a farmer in a grower group defaults in
following the NPOP norms, the ICS shall remove such farmer from the group and ensure

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that the produce of such default units does not get mixed with the produce originating
from the group. Moreover, the ICS manager must ensure that all the neighbouring
farmers in the group take requisite contamination control measure. The Certification
Body has the responsibility to carry out appropriate risk assessment before certifying the
group.

5.4 HOW TO DEVELOP AN ICS

The following are minimum requirements for setting up an ICS for grower groups: -
 Development of Internal Control System (ICS) manual containing policies and
procedures
 Identification of farmers in the group
 Creation of awareness about Grower Group Certification
 Identification of qualified / experienced personnel for maintaining the Internal
Control System
 Give necessary training in production and ICS development
 Implementation of the policies and procedures
 Review and improvement of the ICS document for maintaining a harmonized
quality management system.

5.4.1 Internal Control System Manager (ICS Manager)

ICS manager shall develop and implement the ICS and would be responsible to organize
internal inspections, coordinate between field staffs, approval staff, and the accredited
Certification Body. The ICS manager shall define procedures for the following:

 for approval for inclusion of new members in the existing group

 rating of non conformities as major if found using prohibited substances and as
minor in case of inadequate documentation
 for verification of implementation of corrective actions taken by the defaulting
farmers

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  for imposing sanctions on default members of the group (removal from the group,
downgrading the organic status)

The format for imposing sanction on the farmer is at Annex 4. The responsibility of ICS
manager shall be to ensure that all the requirements under NPOP are fully implemented
by the group.

5.4.2 Internal inspectors

The ICS shall nominate adequate number of internal inspectors from their group and
there shall be at least one internal inspector per 50-60 farmers for ensuring 100%
inspection of all farmers in the group is carried out twice a year.
The inspectors shall be well versed with the standards to perform internal inspections.
The format of the internal inspection is at Annex 5.

5.4.3 Approval manager / committee

Qualified person or approval committee shall be designated from within the group to take
the approval decision. The approval manager/committee shall be well versed with organic
procedures of ICS, internal standards and NPOP standards.
5.4.4 Field officers

Field officers shall be identified from among the group, one at each production area. The
field officer shall train the farmers by organizing field extension services.

5.4.5 Purchase officers

Purchase officers shall be identified who would be responsible for correct purchase of
produce from the farmers. The purchase officer is required to be well versed with ICS.

5.4.6 Warehouse manager

If there are separate warehouses, it may be necessary to have a warehouse manager who
would be responsible for handling the produce. He / she shall be well versed with the
procedures of ICS for proper implementation.

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5.4.7 Processing manager

If the ICS operator operates a processing unit, it may be necessary to assign a processing
manager. The processing manager is required to be trained in the handling procedures.
When the processing of the produce is being organized in a company, the latter needs to
be inspected by the certifier and would be responsible for processing according to the
internal handling rules. In such case, the processing unit shall have a formal contract with
the grower group.

5.5 INTERNAL STANDARDS

The internal standards shall be prepared in local language by the ICS manager for the
region of operations under the framework of NPOP standards. The format for developing
the internal standards is at Annex 6. If the farmers are illiterate, the internal standards
shall contain illustrations in the text for better understanding. The internal standards
would contain: -

 Definition of production unit

 How to deal with part conversion
 Conversion period
 Maintenance of buffer zone
 Farm production norms for the entire production unit (e.g. seeds, nutrient
management, pest management, soil management, approved inputs, prevention of
drifts, livestock husbandry management)
 Harvest and post harvest procedures

5.6 CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The ICS personnel shall not have any conflict of interest that might hinder the work. All
possible conflicts shall be declared in a written statement. In such cases, the ICS shall
ensure that alternative solutions are found.

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5.7 SCOPE OF CERTIFICATION
The certification shall be granted by the accredited Certification Body to the group as per
NPOP.

5.8 TRADE
The group will market the products under a single entity. For trading the products from
the group of producers, the ICS shall draw up relevant procedures.

5.9 PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNAL

CONTROL SYSTEM
For maintaining the internal control system, the following procedures shall be adopted by
the grower group.

5.9.1 Registration of members

All members of the group will be legally registered under a single entity (name) with
address of its operations (location, taluka, village)

5.9.2 Provision of documents to the members of the grower group

Each member of the grower group will be supplied with docket in local languages, which
will contain the following:
 Internal standards document in local language. Details and description of the
various steps required for the process flow right from cultivation to harvest and
sales of the products (Each member / staff shall be communicated when there is a
revision in the standards.)
 Farm data sheet, to indicate last use of prohibited inputs
 Farm Diary which should indicate the main crops cultivated use of inputs,
harvested quantities.
 Prevailing farming system and package of practices available for the area
 Schedule on training programmes.

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5.9.3 Provision of exit of members from grower groups

The members in a grower group shall have the right to exit the ICS subject to payment of
dues of ICS if any. The application format for exit of member farmer from Grower Group
with Internal Control System is at Annex 7.

Thereafter, the ICS shall provide formal exit approval from the contract, to the exiting
operator at the end of the notice period. The exit approval format for a member farmer
from a grower group is at Annex 8.

The grower group accepting a new member from another ICS, shall inform the accredited
Certification Body immediately.

The accredited Certification Body shall take measures to verify the credentials and
documentation of the new member during the sample inspection.

The accredited Certification Bodies shall exchange the relevant information among
themselves when the member exits from one group and joins another group.

To maintain the traceability, the accredited Certification Body should check the product
flow, i.e. quantity produced by the individual farmer within the group, self consumption
and quantity sold.

Individual farmers in the grower group shall not market their product individually as
certified organic.

5.10 OPERATING DOCUMENT

The ICS manager shall prepare the operating document, which shall be followed by all
the members of the group. The operating document will contain the following: -

5.10.1 An overview map (village or community map) showing location of each member’s
production unit. The map should indicate the crops cultivated in rotation and also

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 mark any farm in an area, which could be identified as high risk due to drift from
non-conventional farms.

5.10.2 Farmer’s list with code and name of the farmer, total area, area under crop (or
number of plants), date of registration with the group, date of last use of forbidden
products, date of internal inspection, name of internal inspector, result of internal
inspection (separate lists for in-conversion farmers).

5.10.3 List of farmers who have been issued sanctions with the reason and the duration of
the sanction (if relevant).

5.10.4 The risk shall be assessed by ICS manager for the grower group every year. The
risk assessment should be made at the farm level, processing, transporting and
during trade. The ICS will take all measures to minimize the identified relevant
risks.

5.10.4.1 Critical control points for risk assessment

 Measures taken by the farmers to deal with part conversion (if farmers still grow
some non-organic crops).
 Conversion period
 Production rules for the whole production unit, e.g., seeds, fertilization and soil
management, pest management, approved inputs, prevention of drifts, animal
husbandry.
 Harvest and post harvest procedures.
 Processing and handling procedures

5.11 INTERNAL INSPECTIONS

 At least two inspections of the group (one in growing season of each crop) shall
be carried out by the internal inspector and will be documented.
 The inspection will be carried out in presence of the member or his representative
and must include a visit of the whole farm, storage of inputs, harvested products,
post harvest handling and animal husbandry.

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  The internal inspector will also verify if the internal standards have been followed
and whether the conditions of the previous internal inspection have been fulfilled.
 The visit of the internal inspector will be documented in the farm inspection
checklist duly signed by the inspector and counter-signed by the member or his
representative.
 In case of severe non-compliance, the results will be reported immediately to the
ICS manager and all measures will be taken according to the internal sanction
procedures.

5.12 INTERNAL APPROVALS

The ICS manager will have a defined procedure to approve or impose sanction on the
farmers in the group. All internal farm checklists are screened by internal approval staff
with special focus on the critical control points of risk / difficult cases.
 The approval committee for providing internal certification status will check the
assessment of the internal inspector. If necessary, conditions will be set out for
achieving compliance with the NPOP.
 The next competent person or committee must confirm results of the internal
inspection in an approval procedure.

5.13 EXTERNAL INSPECTIONS BY ACCREDITED

CERTIFICATION BODIES
5.13.1 Sampling plan

The accredited Certification Bodies shall undertake inspections of the ICS after ensuring
that 100% internal inspections by the ICS have been undertaken at least twice for all the
registered members of the grower group.

The accredited Certification Body will inspect some of the farms for the evaluation of the
grower group for efficient internal control system for compliance with the NPOP
Standards.

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The accredited Certification Body shall inspect farms of 4 Hectare and above separately
in addition to the sample of farms having the area of less than 4 Hectare.

The sampling plan for inspection shall be based on the inspector’s perception of risk
based on the following factors:

1. Size of holding
2. Number of the members in the group
3. Degree of similarity between the production system and crop system
4. Inter-mingling / contamination
5 Parallel production
7. Split production
8. Local hazards
9. Change in the production plan
10. Joining of new members in the group

5.13.2 Risk Assessment

A minimum sample size of the members in the grower group shall be inspected by the
accredited Certification Body. The sample size shall be determined as square root of the
number of members registered in the grower group. Based on the risk assessment made
by the accredited Certification Body prior to the inspection visit, the number of sample
inspections shall be planned. The risk assessed by the accredited Certification Body shall
be documented.

The accredited Certification Body shall establish criteria for assessment risk under high,
medium and low categories.

5.13.3 Sampling Pattern for verifying the ICS by the accredited Certification Body

The accredited Certification Body shall follow the given pattern below for minimum
number of farmers for inspections:

 High risk : 2 X square root of number of farmers

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  Medium risk : 1.5 X square root of number of farmers
 Low risk : square root of number of farmers

5.14 YIELD ESTIMATES

Yields will be estimated for each crop for individual farmer in the group by the ICS. This
activity should be carried out especially during harvesting and should be counter-checked
with the estimates during external inspection by the accredited Certification Body.

5.15 NON-COMPLIANCES AND SANCTIONS

In case of non-compliances, the ICS shall take corrective or mitigating measures.

 Procedures for implementation of sanctions will be defined in case of

noncompliance.
 Sanctions have to be documented (list of farmers issued sanctions, documentation
of identified non-conformities in the files).
 Farmers who have used prohibited inputs on their farms must undergo again the
full conversion period (if they remain in the group). In such cases, it has to be
checked whether the farmers have already delivered produce and whether this
(now no longer certified) produce has been mingling with other produce. If this
has been the case, the accredited Certification Body needs to be notified
immediately and the mingled produce kept separate until further instructions.

5.16 TRAINING OF ICS PERSONNEL

1. A competent person will train each internal inspector annually.
2. The date of the training, list of participants will be documented.
3. The date of participation and content of the training of all ICS staff needs to be
documented in the staff files.

5.17 TRAINING OF FARMERS

The ICS manager will organize regular training to the farmers in the group: -

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 1. Each farmer needs to receive at least one initial advisory visit by the extension
service or in an organized training.
2. The list of participants and content of the training needs to be documented.

5.18 BUYING PROCEDURES

To ensure genuineness of the products from the group, the following minimum
requirements should be followed during buying: -

1. The status of the farmer in the group should be checked.

2. The supplied amount should be compared with the harvested amount and
estimated yield. In case of doubt, the produce is kept apart until clarified by the
ICS manager.
3. The delivered quantity of the product will be registered in the purchase record.
4. Farmer will be issued a receipt duly signed by the purchase officer stating the
quantities of the product delivered with date.
5. All documents have to indicate the status of the certified product (organic or in
conversion).
6. Bags should be labeled as ‘organic’ or as ‘in-conversion’.

5.19 STORAGE AND HANDLING PROCEDURES

The purchase or the warehouse manager during the handling of produce shall check the
document to ensure the compliance with the NPOP standards. The following are the
minimum requirement that will be followed during storage and handling: -

 Identification of the product at all stages of product flow during transition.

 Segregation of organic products from in-conversion products.
 Fumigation of containers, irradiation / ionization, etc. are prohibited.
 The location in the warehouse during storage must be labeled as ‘organic’ or ‘in
conversion’.

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5.20 PROCESSING
During the handling of the produce, the documentation must be checked for compliance
with the NPOP standards.

 The accredited Certification Body will inspect Central Processing Units.

 Ingredients and processing aids must be used as defined in Annex-1 and 2 of
Appendix 5 of Chapter 3 of NPOP standards.
 During the product flow (transition), the products should be separated from non
organic products.
 The processing steps will be documented.

***

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 Annex 1
ICS APPLICATION FORM (for use by the farmer)
To,
The ICS Manager
(Quality Manager/Service Provider/Mandator)
Farmer name:
Farmer Code :…………………
Village name:
Farmer address & Contact details
(To be filled by ICS Office)

Farm (No. of fields including conventional plots)

Khasra No. /GPS Area in Main Inter Main Crop Inter Crop List all the inputs used for
No. Hectares crop Crop (Kharif) (Kharif) organic farming
(similar on field (Rabi Rabi)
map) )

Total

Notes on field situation in organic crop

Organic holding in field with multiple owners, no clear borders
All owners are organic
Field is clearly separated from other fields by
Other: (describe)

Declaration of the farmer

I, the farmer, declare that the information provided above is correct and that I have understood the
conditions for Organic Production and ICS rules and I agree to sign the ICS contract.
Date: Signature of
Place: farmer:
I, the ICS manager, confirm that the above mentioned information is correct.
Date : Signature of the
ICS Manager for
Place: acceptance

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 Annex 2
FARMERS CONTRACT WITH ICS
Name of the ICS
and
Farmers name & Code No.

The ICS shall

1. Be responsible for co-ordinating the project and organic certification from an

accredited organic certification body.
2. Advise farmers on the organic farming methods and organize farmer training
programmes
3. Conduct the internal inspections and approval of organic farmers
4. Buy the organic crop at the prevailing market price plus any possible organic
premium (depending on market). The ICS shall make the payments within one
week of the purchase of the products from the farmer.
5. Entertain the complaints and appeals of the farmers and do justification within
reasonable time.

The farmer shall:

1. Undertake organic farming as per the organic standards outlined in the Internal
Organic Standard as well as the Internal Control System (ICS).
2. Not use pesticides, herbicides or synthetic fertilisers on any crop within the
certified organic fields.
3. Attend all the training programmes organized by the Internal Control System.
4. Maintain the farm records in the required format.
5. Fulfil the conditions enforced by the internal control system and the accredited
certification body.
6. Endeavour to maintain and improve the ecosystem by not cutting trees and
burning organic material and littering plastic wastes unnecessarily
7. Sell the certified products to the Internal Control System only.
8. In case of any violation of the organic standards in the project, the same shall be
reported to the ICS.

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9. Accept the sanctions prescribed by the ICS in case of violations of the internal
standards by the farmer.
10. Shall allow inspections by persons authorised by ICS and the inspector of the
accredited Certification Body and give access to the fields, stores and documents.

Farmer For ICS

Signature Signature

Name: Name Stamp

Place & Date Date:

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 Annex 3
FARM DIARY (for ICS)

Year of the Current Crop :

Season : Rabi / Kharif / Annual / Others

Name of the farmer____________________ Code No._____________________

Name of the farm Unit__________________________________________________
Address of the Unit ___________________________________________________
Year on which organic production was started by the farmer_____________
Date on which farmer joins the ICS ____________________________________
Total land (acre)_______________________ No. of farms / plots____________
Present production technique: Fully chemical / Part organic –split / Part
Organic –parallel / Fully organic / Others
Crops under organic production and their area_________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Other crops (name and area)___________________________________________

Certification Status : Registered ICS / In conversion / Certified / Others

Name of the accredited Certification Body:_____________________________________

Farm-Crop-Area Details :
Name of the Area in Year and season of Method of Remarks
crop Hectares production production (organic/ in
(irrigated, non conversion/
irrigated) others)

Seed & Planting Material:

SNo. Name of Variety Purchase Name of Type of seed Seed
the crop date of Supplier & (organic, untreated Treatment
seed Address non organic, treated (give
non organic) details)

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Soil Conditioners & Fertility Input Records:
SNo. Name of Area Name of Name of Source Details of application
farm / the crop the of input /
plot no inputs brand
Time Rate

Disease, Insects, Pests & Weed Management Record:

SNo. Name of Area Name Name of Treatment Source Rate of
farm / of the pest, used for /brand application
plot no. crop disease control of
and weed input
Name Time

Contamination Control Records:

SNo. Chances of Source Time of Contamination Remarks
contamination & contamination management
Details control
Prevention Control
Machinery

Water

Air

Neighbour

Drift Control &

Buffer Zone

Others

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Estimates of Production & Harvest Record:
Name of farm Name of the crop Time of Estimated Actual
/ plot & area / produce harvest production production
(MT) (MT)
Estimated Actual

Marketing and Dispatch Record:

Name of Quantity Details of transport Quantity Other Remarks
the of Left uses
produce Storage
Date Quantity Mode

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 Annex 4
FORMAT FOR SANCTIONS BY ICS
(Letter Head)

To,
……(Name of Farmer)…………
……(ID Number)…………..…..
……(Address).…………………..
……………………………………..

List of sanctions and conditions of the approval committee

The following sanctions have been listed by the approval committee based on the internal
inspections on xx/xx/xxxx

i) Removal of farmer from the group

ii) Downgrading the organic status to conventional
iii) Sale of farm produce as conventional

The following conditions have to be met by the farmer for maintaining the certification
status and continuing with the project

i)……………………………………………………….
ii)……………………………………………………..
iii)…………………………………………………….

You are requested to fulfill the conditions listed at S.No.-------- within xx/xx/xxxx and
convey the same to the ICS office. The rest of the conditions have to be fulfilled by the
next internal inspections.

You may appeal against the sanctions within a week of receiving this letter.

Date :

Place : (For ICS) Signature

(Seal of ICS)

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 Annex 5
INTERNAL INSPECTION CHECKLIST

Farmer’s name Farmer ID

Internal Inspector: Date of Inspection
Village/Taluka/Block:
Farmer Present during Inspection

Farm details (all plots, incl. nonorganic plots)

Total area Ha
Organic Area Ha
Number of plots

Plot No. Area Main Intercrops Use of Inputs incl. Seeds (last year)
crops Product, Quantity, Date

Total Plots

Check points Yes/ No/ Remarks

NA
Animal Husbandry
Living condition of the animals on farm are
acceptable
Animals fed with organic or non-organic feed
No medication without veterinary prescription
Farm and Farm Management
Whole farm is managed organically (all crops)
If also non-organic crops: conventional plots
clearly separate from organic plots; storage of
inputs is separate
If also non-organic crops: organic crop is not
grown on non-organic plots (no parallel
production)
Seeds and planting material used
Farmer trained in organic standards

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Farmer aware of internal organic standard
General assessment of the farm with regard to
sustainability
Burning of crop residues
Border and prevention of drift
Weed control
Pest Management
Disease Management
Prevention of erosion

Cleanliness of the farm

Implementation of all required activities
General assessment of crop
Yield estimate (list the yield estimate of the
current crops)
Post Harvest Measures and Processing
Harvesting (no chemicals used, no co-mingling
of the final produce)
Processing (only allowed ingredients used, no
co-mingling/contamination)
Storage (no co-mingling / contamination)
Transportation (no co-mingling / contamination)

Risk Management
Risk of contamination from Low/ Med / High Comments
Neighbouring non-organic fields
Non-organic activities of same farm
Industry, motorways, wastewater,
etc.
Others (specify)

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Measure taken to minimise the risk

Approval / Recommendations of the internal inspector (whole farm)

Compliance with previous conditions

□ good □ partially/acceptable □ missing/not acceptable □ no conditions
last year
Compliance this year
□ to approve without conditions □ to approve with conditions □ cannot be approved
Comments by internal inspector

Declaration
The farmer herewith confirms that he/she has complied with the internal organic standard and has
declared all used inputs activities as stated in this form. The farmer has noted the set conditions.

Date & Signature Farmer Date & Signature Internal Inspector

Approval Decision
Compliance this year
□ approved without conditions □ approved with conditions □ not approved
Additional conditions or sanctions:

Date & Signature Approval Manager

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 Annex 6
FORMAT FOR DEVELOPING ICS INTERNAL STANDARDS IN
LOCAL LANGUAGES
This Internal organic standard is based on the National Standard for Organic
Production

Condition for admissions

• The farmer should be practicing organic farming
• The whole farm has to be converted to organic
• The farmer shall not be a member of any other farmer group certification
Conditions on seeds and planting material
• All seeds/seedlings/planting stock used must be source from organic farms. If no
organic seeds and planting material are available, conventional but untreated seeds
may be used only for the first year after getting permission from the Internal Control
System Manager.
• The farmer shall keep all the empty packets of seeds for inspections.
• No seed treatment with un-allowed inputs shall be done.
Conditions for plant nutrition/fertilization
• Only use of farmyard manure and compost from own farm is permitted for plant
fertilisation. Other organic inputs can be used only after obtaining permission of the
Internal Control System Manager.
• The farmer should undertake crop rotation, green manuring, composting etc. as per the
recommendations of the field officer (extension worker) to improve soil fertility

Conditions for plant protection measures

• The farmers shall undertake necessary preventative methods as per the directions of
the field officer for prevention of pests and diseases, which will include choice of
crop, varieties & cultural practices etc.
• For plant protection only inputs listed in the approved input list shall be used. In case
of necessity, the product will be distributed by the internal control system. The farmer
is not allowed to use any off-farm inputs without getting the prior permission of the
Internal Control System.
• Only hand and mechanical weeding is allowed for weed control.
Other conditions
• The borders and buffer zones shall be maintained as per the recommendation of the
field officer for prevention of drift of un allowed inputs from neighbouring farms
• Measures for prevention of erosion shall be undertaken by the farmers as per the
recommendation of the Internal Control System. Such practices shall include measures

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 like cultivation according to the slopes, planting green barriers, building terraces and
earth bundles, etc.
• The crop residues and weeds should not be burned and should be composted or used
as mulch
• The farmer shall not store any un allowed inputs on the farm.
• The farmers shall maintain the farm records in the farmer diary supplied by the
Internal Control System
• The farmer shall feed only on farm products to the animals maintained in the farm.
The use of off farm products and medication shall be done only after informing the
Internal Control System.
• The farm implements should be thoroughly cleaned before use if the implement is
borrowed from a conventional farm. It is preferred that the implements be borrowed
from an organic farmer only.
• The farmer should attend all the trainings organized for them by the Internal Control
System
• The farmer shall store the harvested produce hygienically and shall use the bags given
to them by the ICS for the purpose.

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 Annex 7
APPLICATION FORMAT FOR EXIT OF FARMER FROM ICS

From (Member of Farmer Group under certification)

Name………………………..
ID Number ………………….
Address ……………………..

To (The ICS Incharge)

….……………………………
……………………………….
……………………………….

Dear Sir,

Sub:- Request letter for exit from ICS

I am not interested to continue with the …………………………………….. (name of the

grower group) under organic certification for the following reasons
…………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Hence kindly allow me to exit from the grower group during the renewal of certification
of this group.

(strike out the below paragraph if not applicable)

Also kindly forward the details of my certification status as on the date of my exit, to

………………………………………………… who are the new certification body under

which I intended to be certified.

Yours faithfully

Date Signature of the farmer

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 Annex 8
EXIT APPROVAL FORMAT FOR A MEMBER FARMER FROM A
GROWER GROUP

(Letter Head, ICS)

To,
……(Name of Farmer)…………
……(ID Number)…………..…..
……(Address).…………………..
……………………………………..

Exit Approval

Your application for exit from the grower group has been accepted by the
……………………………. (Responsible authority) (name of Grower group).

The details of your certification status as on xx/xx/xxxx is as follows:

Name of member :
ID number :
Crops and Status :
Start of Conversion :
Validity of current certification :

The corrective action listed by the approval committee and/or by the internal inspector (if
any)
i)
ii)

List of products already sold to ICS and quantity

Crop Quantity
1. xxxxx xy
2. zzzzz zy

Date :

Place : (for ICS )Signature

(Seal of Grower Group)

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 CHAPTER 6
ORGANIC CERTIFICATION MARK

6.1 ORGANIC LOGO

A trademark – “India Organic” will be granted on the basis of compliance with the National
Standards for Organic Production (NSOP). Communicating the genuineness as well as the
origin of the product, this trademark will be owned by the Government of India. Only such
exporters, manufacturers and processors whose products are duly certified by the accredited
Certification Bodies, will be granted the licence to use of the logo which would be governed
by a set of regulations.

6.2 SPECIFICATIONS

The Indian Organic Logo must comprise of the colour specifications listed below: -

6.3 CONCEPT OF ORGANIC LOGO

Symbolizing the rhythm of cosmic and earth forces represented by the blue and brown waves
of force and energy, ‘India Organic’ logo celebrates the essence of nature. These forces work
in harmony upon the earth’s environment and this rhythm is reinforced and supported by the

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green plant growth. The colours used have a special significance in the logo concept. The
cosmic force in blue symbolizes universal purity. Richness of soil, nourished with natural
ingredients in organic farming, is symbolized by the earth forces in golden brown. The plant
in green uses the colour of nature and natural products untouched by chemicals. The blue
background is symbolic of earth’s environment that is congenial for life to thrive in and is
also free of pollution and harmful chemicals. India Organic etched over the surface
authenticates the carrier as “Organic” and also establishes the Indian connection for all the
carriers of the mark. Beautifully synthesizing all the elements of our environment, the logo
also communicates total adherence to the National Organic Standards.

6.4 REGULATIONS GOVERNING USE OF THE CERTIFICATION

TRADE MARK ‘INDIA ORGANIC LOGO’

The following regulations, which include any modifications and additions thereto, shall apply
for grant of a licence for use of the Certification Trade Mark ‘INDIA ORGANIC LOGO’
only on the certified products produced, processed, packed and labeled as per the National
Standards for Organic Products.

6.4.1 Short Title and Commencement– (1) These regulations may be called the Organic
Products Certification Trade Mark Regulations, 2014.

6.4.2 Definitions – In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires-

a. “Applicant” means any manufacturer, processor, exporter who applies to the

Accredited Certification Body for grant of a licence to use the Certification Trade
Mark.

b. “Certification Trade Mark” means the India Organic logo as shown in Exhibit ‘A’
hereto.

c. “Accredited Certification Body” shall mean an agency accredited and authorized by

NAB to operate and promote the NPOP on behalf of the NAB.

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 d. “Licensee” shall mean an applicant who has been granted the licence to use the
Certification Trade Mark.

e. “National Accreditation Body (NAB)” means a body appointed by the National

Steering Committee constituted under the National Program for Organic Production
by the Government of India.

f. “National Steering Committee” (NSC) is the Committee responsible for the

implementation and administration of the NPOP and comprises members from
APEDA, Tea Board, Spices Board, Coffee Board, Ministry of Agriculture etc. and
may include any other body as may be notified from time to time.

g. National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) refers to a Programme of the

Government of India which provides for an institutional mechanism for
implementation of the National Standards for Organic Production.

h. “National Standards for Organic Production” shall refer to standards contained in the
National Programme for Organic Production.

i. “Regulations” shall refer to the instant Regulations governing use of the India Organic
Logo, as amended from time to time by the NAB. The Regulations are open to public
inspection in the same way as the Indian Register of Trade Marks is open to public
inspection, any amendment of the Regulation is not effective until the amended
Regulation have been accepted by the Indian Registrar of Trade Marks.

j. All other words and expressions used in the Regulations and not defined herein shall
have the ordinary meanings assigned in the English language.

6.4.3 Proprietorship of the India Organic Logo; Authorized Users

6.4.3.1 A product will be allowed to be exported as “Organic Product” only if it is produced,

processed and packed under the Certification Trade Mark issued by Accredited Certification
Bodies authorized by the NAB, constituted under the provisions of the NPOP.

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6.4.3.2 NAB is the sole, absolute, and exclusive owner of the Certification Trade Mark. The
Accredited Certification Bodies are agents of the NAB. The relationship between
NAB and the Accredited Certification Bodies is governed by the terms of an Agency
Agreement entered into between the Parties. A sample Agency Agreement is attached
hereto and marked as Exhibit B. Nothing in these Regulations modifies the terms of
the Agency Agreement.

6.4.3.3. The Accredited Certification Body, while granting certification to an Applicant is

merely acting as an agent of the NAB and any certification conferred on such
Applicant is deemed to have been ultimately conferred and authorized by NAB.

6.4.3.4 A license to use the Certification Trade Mark may be revoked if the licensee

6.4.3.5 challenges the validity of the Certification Trade Mark; or

6.4.3.6 challenges NAB as the sole, absolute, and exclusive owner of all right, title, and
interest in the Certification Trade Mark , and the goodwill associated therewith; or

6.4.3.7 takes any action, which would impair the rights of NAB in and to the Certification
Trade Mark or the goodwill associated therewith.

6.4.3.8 A license granted to an Applicant to use the Certification Trade Mark in India is a
privilege bestowed at will and does not constitute a legally enforceable right, title or
interest. At all times this permission is subject to the rights, duties, and restrictions
contained in the Regulations. By accepting Certification, the Licensee
acknowledges and accepts that:

6.4.3.9 Grant of a license to use the Certification Trade Mark is not an assignment or grant
of any right, title or interest in or to the Certification Trade Mark.

6.4.3.10 No right, title or interest in or to the Certification Trade Mark can be acquired or
claimed by virtue of the permission granted herein or through any use of the
Certification Trade Mark;

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6.4.3.11 All goodwill deriving from use of the Certification Trade Mark inures to and for the
benefit of NAB; and

6.4.3.12 NAB is the sole, absolute, and exclusive owner of the Certification Trade
Mark.

6.4.3.13 NAB through the Accredited Certification Body(s) shall maintain a register of the
licensees who are authorized to use the Certification Trade Mark

6.5. Manner of Applying for Licence

6.5.1 Every application for the grant of a licence to use the Certification Trade Mark shall
be made to the Accredited Certification Body on Form 1 prescribed in the NPOP
from time to time.

6.5.2 Every application for a licence shall be accompanied by a statement furnishing in

detail any scheme of inspection and testing, which the applicant maintains or has
been in use or proposes to maintain or to put into use and which is designed to
regulate, during the course of manufacture or production, the quality of the product or
process for which the licence is applied for.

6.5.3 Every application shall be signed in the case of an individual, by the applicant or, in
the case of a firm, by the proprietor, partner or the managing director of the firm or by
any other person authorized to sign any declaration on behalf of the firm. The name
and designation of the person signing the application shall be recorded legibly in the
space set apart for the purpose in the application form.

6.5.4 Every application for a licence shall, on receipt by the Accredited Certification Body,
be numbered in the order of priority of the receipt and be acknowledged.

6.5.5 The Accredited Certification Body may call for any supplementary information or
documentary evidence from any applicant in support of or to substantiate any
statement made by him in his application, within such time as may be directed by the
Accredited Certification Body, and non-compliance with such direction may have the
effect of the application being summarily rejected by the Accredited Certification
Body.

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6.5.6 On receipt of an application for a licence and before granting a licence, the Accredited
Certification Body may
a) require evidence to be produced that the product or process in respect of which
a licence has been applied for conforms to the standards and specifications set
out in the National Programme for Organic Production (hereinafter NPOP)
and the National Standards for Organic Production (hereinafter NSOP);

b) require evidence to be produced that the applicant has in operation a scheme

of routine inspection and testing, which will adequately ensure that all marked
products or process shall conform to the standards and specifications set out in
the NPOP and the NSOP;

c) require all reasonable facilities to be provided to an Inspector of the

Accredited Certification Body to inspect the farms, processing units, office,
workshop, testing laboratories or godowns and any other premises of the
applicant and to draw and test a sample or samples for the purpose of verifying
the evidence produced by the applicant under clause (a) or clause (b) or both;

d) for the purpose of clause (a), direct the applicant to submit samples to such
testing authority as Accredited Certification Body may consider appropriate.
The expenses for testing shall be borne by the applicant; and

e) On the basis of any report received under clause (c) or clause (d) or both, the
Accredited Certification Body may, as deemed fit, require the applicant to
carry out such alterations in, or in addition to, the process of manufacture or
production in use by the applicant.

6.6 Grant of Licence

6.6.1 If, after having regard to requisite skill, resources, production, processing previous
performance and antecedents relevant to the issuance of the licence, the Accredited
Certification Body, is satisfied that the applicant is fit to use the Certification Trade
Mark, the Accredited Certification Body shall grant a licence in Form 2 authorizing

188
 the use of the Certification Trade Mark in respect of the product or class of products
manufactured by the applicant in respect of the process employed in any production,
manufacture or work, subject to such terms and conditions as specified in these
regulations. The Accredited Certification Body shall intimate the applicant about
grant of licence.

(a) The Applicant shall be entitled to use the Certification Trade Mark and restrict
its use to such products or services, which will meet the norms and standard
specifications of the products, set out in the NPOP. The Certification Trade
Mark may be affixed to the products and/or used on packaging or promotional
material or in the context of advertising activities.

(b) In the event of a withdrawal of the right to use the aforesaid Certification
Trade Mark, the certificate or the Licence shall be returned to the Accredited
Certification Body. The right to use the Certification Trade Mark expires at
the same time without giving rise to any indemnification claim against the
NAB and/or the Accredited Certification Body.

( c) The Applicant is entitled to use the aforesaid Certification Trade Mark in

accordance with these Regulations governing its use.

(d) Where the application for a licence is made by a person, whose licence is
cancelled by the Accredited Certification Body due to furnishing of incorrect
information or use of the Certification Trade Mark in relation to any product
other than that for which it has been granted license, he shall not be eligible to
reapply for a period of time as determined by the Accredited Certification
Body having regard to the facts and circumstances of each case. In any event,
such period shall not exceed one year.

6.6.2 A licence shall be granted on Form 2 prescribed in the NPOP from time to time for a
period of one year and a declaration by licensee shall be given on Form 3.

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6.6.3 The Accredited Certification Body may by giving one month’s notice to a Licensee,
alter any terms and conditions subject to which the licence has been granted during
the validity of the licence.

6.6.4 Where the Accredited Certification Body, after a preliminary inquiry, is of the opinion
that a licence should not be granted, it shall give a reasonable opportunity to the
applicant of being heard, either in person or through a representative authorized by
him on his behalf, and may take into consideration any fact or explanation urged on
behalf of the applicant before rejecting the application.

6.6.5 A licence shall expire at the end of the period for which it is granted.

6.6.6 Particulars of all licences issued by Accredited Certification Body under these
Regulations in connection with the use of the Certification Trade Mark shall be
entered in a register which shall be maintained by APEDA on behalf of the NAB.

6.7 Conditions of a Licence-

6.7.1 The Certification Trade Mark shall be applied in such manner as it may be
easily visible as a distinct mark on the products or the packaging or on test certificates
relating to articles which cannot be labeled or covered. The Certification Trade Mark
shall be applied to only such types, grades, classes, varieties, sizes of the products for
which the licence has been granted. The manner in which the licensee proposes to
place or use the Certification Trade Mark, must be approved by the Accredited
Certification Body.

6.7.2 When a Certification Trade Mark has been specified in respect of an article or
process, no person other than the licensee in possession of a valid licence shall make
any public claim, through any advertisement, sales promotion leaflets, pricelists or the
like, that his product conforms to the relevant Certification Trade Mark or carries the
Certification Trade Mark.
6.7.3 (a) Every licensee shall institute and maintain, to the satisfaction of the Accredited
Certification Body, a system of control to keep up the quality of his production or

190
 process by means of a scheme of testing and inspection, so as to ensure that the
articles or process, in respect of which the Certification Trade Mark is being used,
comply with the relevant norms and procedures of the Accredited Certification Body
and the NPOP.

(b)The licensee shall maintain a complete record of the tests and inspection and such
other data as specified in the scheme for testing and inspection, to establish to the
satisfaction of the Accredited Certification Body that the required control of
production or process has been and is being satisfactorily maintained. Such records
shall, on demand, be made available for inspection to the Accredited Certification
Body.

6.7.4 (a) Any licence granted by the Accredited Certification Body may be
suspended or cancelled by it, if it is satisfied:-

i. that the products marked with the Certification Trade Mark under a
licence do not comply with the related norms and procedures as
prescribed in the NPOP; or
ii. that the licensee had used the Certification Trade Mark in respect of a
process which does not comply with the procedures and specifications
prescribed in the NPOP; or
iii. that the licensee failed to provide reasonable facilities to the
Accredited Certification Body to enable them to discharge the duties
imposed on them; or
iv. that the licensee has failed to comply with any of the terms and
conditions of the licence.

(b) Before the Accredited Certification Body suspends or cancels any licence, it
shall give the licensee not less than fourteen days notice of its intention to
suspend or cancel the licence.

(c) On the receipt of such notice, the licensee may submit an explanation on its
behalf to the Accredited Certification Body within fourteen days from the
receipt of the notice. If an explanation is submitted, the Accredited

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 Certification Body may consider the explanation and give a hearing to the
licensee within fourteen days from the date of receipt of such explanation or
before the expiry of the notice whichever is longer.

(d) If no explanation is submitted, the Accredited Certification Body may, on the

expiry of period of the notice, suspend or cancel the licence by addressing a
written communication within 14 days of the expiry of the period stipulated in
sub-paragraph (c) herein above.

(e) Where a licence has been suspended or cancelled, the licensee shall forthwith
discontinue the use of the Certification Trade Mark notwithstanding the
pendency of any proceeding before an Arbitrator and if there be, with the
licensee or his agents, any articles in stock which have been improperly
marked, the licensee or his agents, as the case may be, shall take steps to get
the Certification Trade Mark on such articles either removed, cancelled,
defaced or erased.

6.7.5 When a licence has been suspended or cancelled, the Accredited Certification Body
shall so advise the licensee in writing and publish such a suspension or cancellation
in a manner as found appropriate by the said Accredited Certification Body.

6.7.6
(a) If, at any time, there is some difficulty in maintaining the conformity of the
product or articles to the specification or if the testing equipment goes out of
order, the marking of the product shall be stopped by the licensee, under
intimation to the Accredited Certification Body. The marking may be resumed
as soon as the defects are removed and information regarding such resumption
of marking be sent to the Accredited Certification Body, immediately
thereafter.

(b) If, at any time, the Accredited Certification Body has sufficient evidence that
the product carrying the Certification Trade Mark may not be conforming to
designated norms and procedures, the licensee shall be directed to stop the
marking of such product. The resumption of marking on the product shall be

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 permitted by the Accredited Certification Body after satisfying itself that the
licensee has taken necessary actions to remove the deficiencies.

6.7.7 The decision of the Accredited Certification Body for arriving at such decision shall
be communicated, in writing by registered post, to the applicant or the licensee, as the
case may be.

6.7.8 An inspection, specially made at the request of an applicant or a licensee, shall be

chargeable to the account of the applicant or the licensee. Charges for such special
inspection or inspections shall be such as may be decided by the Accredited
Certification Body.

6.7.9 When the designated norms and procedures of the Accredited Certification Body are
withdrawn and not superseded by any other norms and procedures, any licence issued
in respect thereof shall be deemed to have been cancelled from the date of withdrawal
of such designated norms and procedures as stated above and any such licence shall
be forthwith surrendered to such Accredited Certification Body by the licensee. In the
case of such cancelled licence, a part of the licence fee, if paid in advance,
proportionate to the unexpired period of the licence shall be adjusted against any
future fee payable by the licensee or the said part of the licence fee can be refunded
depending on the decisions of the Accredited Certification Body.

6.7.10 The following procedures shall apply in the case of inspection in respect of any
product or process where a licence for the use of Certification Trade Mark in respect
of that article or process has been issued, or an application has been made for a
licence.

a. When the Accredited Certification Body proposes to inspect the process or

product of an applicant, it shall, preferably, give reasonable notice of its visit
to the applicant. However, where the Accredited Certification Body proposes
to inspect the premises of a licensee, such notice is not necessary;

b. If during an inspection, the Accredited Certification Body wishes to take one

or more samples of any product, material or substance, it shall do so in the

193
 presence of the applicant or a responsible person belonging to the
establishment of the applicant, as the case may be;

c. The Accredited Certification Body may at its discretion, and shall if the
applicant or the responsible person belonging to the establishment demands it,
take duplicate samples and give one sample to the applicant or such
responsible person;

d. The Accredited Certification Body may at its discretion, and shall if the
applicant or the responsible person belonging to the establishment demands it,
place each such sample in a covering and jointly seal each sample. In the case
of samples drawn by the Accredited Certification Body which cannot be so
sealed, such samples shall be marked with certain identification to establish
their identity;

e. Impression of the seals and details of identification shall be given in the

Accredited Certification Body’s report. The samples shall be labeled giving
complete details; and

f. The Accredited Certification Body shall give a receipt for a sample or samples
taken and retain a duplicate copy of the receipt duly signed by the person in
whose presence the sample was taken.

6.7.11 The Accredited Certification Body may take samples of products marked with the
Certification Trade Mark from the godowns or any such premises of any agent of the
applicant or from the articles put up for sale in the open market by the applicant or its
agent.

6.7.12 The Accredited Certification Body shall arrange at least one inspection visit in a year
in respect of each licence granted.

6.7.13 The Accredited Certification Body shall make a detailed report of every inspection
made by it.

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6.8. Fees
6.8.1 Every application for the grant of a licence shall be accompanied by a fee payable to
the Accredited Certification Body and which shall not exceed the fee prescribed for
this purpose by the NAB from time to time.

No such fee or part thereof shall, in any circumstances, be refunded, except in the event of
operation of paragraph 5 (10) herein.

6.9 Undertaking
Prior to grant of licence, the applicant shall sign an undertaking to the effect that he will make
no claim, direct or implied, that the licence to be granted relates to any products or processes
other than those that will be set out in the licence.

6.10 Surveillance and regular review –

a. The grant of a licence shall be followed by surveillance visits. The frequency
and extent of visits shall be determined by the Accredited Certification Body.
b. The surveillance visits may be without notice to the applicant to ensure that
the systems and procedures already assessed are being maintained.
c. The special reassessment visit shall be necessary where an applicant fails to
observe the conditions of the licence or where there have been significant
changes in the organization of the applicant. The licensee shall be liable for
the costs of such special visits.

6.11 Use of Certification Trade Mark

The licensee may use the Certification Trade Mark only as authorized by the Accredited
Certification Body.

6.12 Publicity
a. The Accredited Certification Body shall maintain a list of licensees and make it
available to APEDA;
b. The list shall be updated periodically;

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 c. The licensee shall inform potential customers, purchasers or purchasing
authorities of the full and exact details of the licence;
d. The licensee shall display the licence in his premises;
e. The licensee shall make use of the Certification Trade Mark as authorized;
f. The licensee shall state in documentation brochures or through advertising
media that the organization or location to which the licence applies have been
assessed and approved by the Accredited Certification Body. In such
advertisement the standards pertaining to the products or process for which a
licence has been granted is to be stated and a higher level of approval than
granted is not to be implied;
g. An applicant who has been granted a licence for the Certification Trade Mark
shall not claim or imply that the product manufactured by him has been
certified or approved by the Accredited Certification Body unless he is
holding a valid licence for that product under the recognized product
certification scheme of the NAB.

6.13 Obligations of the applicant

An applicant on grant of a licence to use of the Certification Trade Mark shall:

a. at all times comply with the requirements of the licence as set out therein and
comply with these Regulations or any amendments thereto;
b. only claim that it is holding a licence in respect of the capability which is the
subject of the licence and which relates to the products or processes in accordance
with the licence requirements;
c. not use the licence in any manner to which the Accredited Certification Body
may object and shall not make any statement concerning the authority of the
applicant’s use of the licence which in the opinion of the Accredited Certification
Body may be misleading;
d. submit to the Accredited Certification Body for approval the form in which it
proposes to use its licence or proposes to make references to the licence;
e. upon suspension or termination of the licence, however determined, discontinue
its use forthwith and withdraw all promotional and advertising matter which
contains any reference thereto;

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 f. permit access to the Inspector of the Accredited Certification Body for purposes of
assessment, audit or surveillance. The licensee shall give full details of all actions
taken in response to field problems arising from allegations of defects in products
or processes covered in the licence and allow the Inspector of the Accredited
Certification Body access to all relevant records and documents for the purpose of
verifying such details;
g. be required to produce evidence of continuing operations for the products or
processes covered by the licence. The licensee shall notify the Accredited
Certification Body in writing of discontinuance in such operations exceeding three
months. Discontinuance of a licence in excess of six months or more may lead to
cancellation of licence. In such cases, a new application shall be lodged with the
Accredited Certification Body and an assessment visit will be necessary prior to
grant of a new licence;
h. pay all financial dues to the Accredited Certification Body in the manner
prescribed by it, even for the period of discontinuance or suspension of licence.

6.14 Surrender of Licence

A licence may be surrendered by the licensee at any time in writing to the Accredited
Certification Body. In the case of surrender, the licensee shall return the licence with all the
related documents to the Accredited Certification Body.

6.15 Powers of the Accredited Certification Body

The Accredited Certification Body may at its discretion:

a. Refuse to grant a licence or extend its scope or cancel or alter so as to reduce

the scope of the licence provided that the refusal, cancellation or alteration is a
recommendation of the Inspector of the Accredited Certification Body as to
which a decision by the committee constituted by the Accredited Certification
Body shall be conclusive. The refusal to renew or cancel a licence for failure
to discharge its obligations shall be based on the report of the Inspector of the
Accredited Certification Body on assessment/audit during surveillance and

197
 regular review. Such decisions shall be communicated to the licensee in
writing;

b. The Accredited Certification Body shall be entitled to suspend a licence if

there are sufficient grounds of non-compliance of the following:

i) if surveillance by the Accredited Certification Body proves non-

conformity to the relevant requirements, but immediate termination is
not considered necessary;

ii) if improper use of the licence, related documents, is not remedied to

the satisfaction of the Accredited Certification Body;

iii) if there has been any contravention of the procedures set out by the
Accredited Certification Body;

iv) if the licensee fails to meet financial obligations to the Accredited

Certification Body; and

v) on any other grounds specifically provided for under the procedures,

rules or formally agreed between the licensee and the Accredited
Certification Body.

c. Where a licence has been suspended or cancelled on the expiry of the period
of its validity, the licensee shall forthwith discontinue the use of the licence
notwithstanding the pendency of any Appeal in terms of para 16 hereinafter
and shall return the licence and related documents to the Accredited
Certification Body.

d. Where the licensee is unable, in a reasonable period of time, to rectify any

deficiencies, which makes the licensee unable to comply with the
requirements of this scheme, the licence may be cancelled. Cancellation of the
licence in such case shall require the licensee to lodge a fresh application

198
 followed by the procedure prescribed in these regulations for the grant of a
new licence.

6.16 Misuse of licence

The licensee shall be deemed to have misused the licence, if it does not cease to display or
otherwise use the licence for use of the Certification Trade Mark immediately after:

a. Surrender of licence, suspension or cancellation;

b. The licensee has failed to implement changes as advised by the Accredited
Certification Body.

6.17 Appeals

Any appeal arising from any order of the Accredited Certification Body shall be finally
settled through arbitration to be held only in New Delhi by a sole arbitrator in accordance
with the provisions of the Indian Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The sole arbitrator
shall be jointly nominated by the disputing parties and in the event the parties are unable to
reach any understanding, the same shall be decided by the High Court of appropriate
jurisdiction. Any award made by the arbitrator in pursuance of an arbitration as stated in this
clause shall be conclusive and binding on the parties thereto.

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 FORM 1

APPLICATION for grant of LICENCE to use the CERTIFICATION

MARK
Under the Organic Products Certification Mark Regulations 2012

*I/We carrying on business at ______________________________________

Under the style of ________________________________________________

Hereby apply for a license to use the Indian Organic Logo Certification in respect of the
product/process which conforms to the National Standards for Organic Products norms and
procedures listed below:

a) **Product ______________________________________________________
Type ______________________________________________________
Size ______________________________________________________
Grade ______________________________________________________
Related norms of Standards for Organic Products

b) **Process _______________________________________________________
Related norms of Standards for Organic Products.

2. The above product is manufactured by _________________________________ process

is carried out

_________________________________________________ Name of location

(address)

* Strike out one not applicable

** Only one of the two items under (a), (b) may be covered by one application strike out the
other.

3. a) The composition of the top Management of my/our firm is as follows:

S. No. Name Designation

b) I/we undertake to intimate to the Certification Body any change in the above
composition as soon as it takes place.

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4. I/We hereby enclose an attested copy/photocopy of the certification of incorporation
issued by the Registrar of firms or Societies/Companies/director of Industries (In case of
Small Scale Units) Or similar other Documents authenticating the name of the firm and
its producing location.

1. a) I/We have testing arrangements as per enclosed list and as per norms and
procedures of Standards for Organic Products.
OR
b) The following testing arrangements as per norms and procedures of Standards for
Organic Products are still to be made:
OR
c) Details of Accredited Laboratory

Name Job

a) Trade-Mark (s)/Brand Name (s) used by us as follows:

b) I/We intended to apply the India Organic Logo Certification with our following
Trade-Mark (s)/Brand Name (s):

c) Registration No. and Date of the trade-Mark (s)/Brand Name (s) proposed to be
used with the India Organic Certification Mark.
OR
In case of non-registration, I/We enclose documentary evidence in form of
publicity/packing material, etc. in support of the Trade-Mark(s) Brand Name(s)

5. Production figures of the said product/process and the value thereof to the best of my/our
knowledge and estimates are as follows:

Year Production Unit Value Rs.

Last year from

____________

to
____________

Current year from

_____________
to ___________
(estimate)

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6. In order to ensure conformity of the said product/process to the related norms and
procedures of the Standard for Organic Products.

*I/We have in use/propose to use the scheme of Inspection and Testing described in the
Statement attached hereto. Routine records of all the inspections and tests are being/will
be kept in the form detailed in the Statement. I/We further undertake to modify, amend or
alter my/our Scheme of Inspection and Testing to bring it in line with that which may be
specified by you from time to time.

**I/We have at present no scheme of Inspection and Testing in operation. I/We,

however, undertake to put in operation any such as recommended by the Certification
Body.

7. Should any initial enquiry be made by the Certification Body, I/We agree to extend to the
Certification Body all reasonable facilities at my/our command and I/We also agree to
pay all expenses of the said enquiry, including charges for a testing, as and when required
by the Certification Body.

I/We request that the preliminary inspection of location may be carried out by
_____________________________ (indicate date)
OR
I/We shall intimate the time, date etc. suitable for carrying out the preliminary Inspection
as soon as production of the product applied for is undertaken and I/We are ready for
drawl of samples.

8. a) Certified that earlier I/we had applied and the application No. was
It did not mature into a license because of ____________

b) Certified that earlier I/We held CMS/T, No. ___________________ which was
lapsed/cancelled because of _________________ vide letter No. _________________
dated ______________ from Certification Body.

c) I/We have never been warned/advised by the Certification Body for any of our actions
violative of the norms and procedures of the Standards for Organic Products.
OR

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 The details of warning/advice received by me/us for violating the norms and
procedures of the Standards for Organic Products are as under:

___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________

9. I/We undertake that should any of the information supplied above in the application form
is found to be wrong, the application may be rejected forthwith.

10. Should the license be granted and as long as it will remain operative, I/We hereby
undertake to abide by all the terms and conditions of the license and the prescribed
regulations. In the event of the license being suspended or cancelled, I/we also undertake
to cease with immediate effect to use the Certification Mark on any product covered by
the license and to withdraw all relevant advertising matters and to take such other steps as
may be necessary to fulfill the provisions of the aforesaid Regulations with immediate
effect. We also undertake to comply with each and every provision contained in the
aforesaid Regulations, where a license is granted to us.

Date this day of

Signature ____________________
Name _______________________
Designation __________________
For and on behalf of ___________
____________________________
(Name of the firm)

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 FORM 2

License for the Use of India Organic Logo CERTIFICATION MARK

LICENSE NO. CMS –

1. By virtue of the powers conferred on it by the Regulations pertaining to Certification

Mark of India Organic Logo, the Certification Body hereby grants to

(hereinafter called ‘the licensee’) this license to use India Organic Logo Certification
Mark se out in the first column of the first Schedule hereto, upon or in respect of the
product/process set out in the second column of the said Schedule which is produced or
processed in accordance with/conforms to the related norms and procedures of Standard
for Organic Products.

2. This license carries the rights and obligations stipulated in the above mentioned
Regulations.

3. This license shall be valid from to

4. This license is being granted to ____________________________ subject to the

condition that _______________________________ has agreed to be subjected to the
provisions contained in the Organic Products (Certification) Regulations, 2012.

Signed, Sealed and Dated this day of

For ACCREDITED CERTIFICATION BODY

204
 THE FIRST SCHEDULE

CERTIFICATION MARK PRODUCT

(1) (2)

205
 FORM 3

DECLARATION
To
The Chairman
NAB

I/We, ………………………….. of ………………… declare that we have been granted

license no. ……………… dated ………….. to use of the INDIA ORGANIC LOGO, and we
undertake to be subjected to the Regulations for INDIA ORGANIC LOGO Certification
Mark for Agricultural Products March 2012.

------------------------
Dated ----------------

206
 Appendix 6

ORGANIC ANIMAL FEED PROCESSING

AND HANDLING

Organic animal feed processing and handling includes processing of organic feed

and food for all types of domesticated animals including livestock, poultry,

aquaculture and pet animals for production of commercial animal feed/ food

products. On-farm processing and handling of feed as part of livestock or

aquaculture farm for their captive consumption will continue to remain part of their

livestock/ aquaculture farm certification operations.

1. General Requirements

1.1 The handling and processing operator of organic animal feed/ food products

must set up a written organic handling plan detailing all the facilities,

equipments and machines, raw materials used, processing methods and

processing ingredients, storage and shipment equipments.

1.2 Necessary measures shall be put in place to minimize air, water and soil

contamination during the processing and handling operations.

1.3 Description of the monitoring practices and procedures followed and

maintained to verify that the plan is effectively implemented.

1.4 Description of the record keeping system implemented to comply with the

requirements of NPOP.

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1.5 Description of the management practices and separation measures established

to prevent commingling of organic and non organic feed products during

parallel processing and handling

1.6 Processing and handling of organic products should be done separately in time

or place from handling and processing of non-organic products.

1.7 All products shall be adequately identified through the whole process.

2. Cleaning, disinfection and pest control

2.1 Preventive measures need to be put in place to protect organic feed from

substances prohibited for use in production, processing, manufacture, or

handling from pests, pathogens and other alien substances.

2.2 Organic feed must not come in contact with substances used for cleaning,

sterilizing and disinfection of facilities and equipments.

2.3 For cleaning and disinfection of facilities and sterilization of equipments and

tools substances listed in Annex 9 of Appendix 2 of NPOP can be used.

2.4 For pest management and control the following measures shall be used in

order of priority:

 Preventive methods such as disruption, elimination of habitat and access

to facilities

 Mechanical, physical and biological methods

 Physical barriers, sound, ultra-sound, light and UV-light, traps (incl.

pheromone traps and static bait traps), temperature control and controlled

atmosphere.

 Pesticidal substances contained in the Appendices of the national

standards

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  Irradiation is prohibited.

 Persistent or carcinogenic pesticides and disinfectants are not permitted

3. Ingredients

3.1 The ingredients and supplementary feed used for production of organic feed

shall be derived from following sources

 Organic crop products

 Organic livestock product

 Organic processed products

 Ingredient or supplementary feed referred to in Annex 5 and Annex 6

of Appendix 2 and in Annex 2 and 5 of Appendix 4 of NPOP.

3.2 In cases where an organic ingredient is not available in sufficient quality or

quantity, non organic ingredients may be used to a minimum extent only in

case of essential technological need or for particular nutritional purpose.

Such non organic raw material shall not be genetically engineered. The

accredited Certification Body may authorize the use of non-organic raw

materials subject to periodic re-evaluation.

3.3 To fulfil the essential dietary requirements and in case of severe dietary or

nutritional deficiency the use of minerals, vitamins and amino acids, derived

from raw materials occurring naturally may be used. Accredited certification

bodies may allow the use of nature identical synthetic amino acids and

vitamins in cases where their requirement cannot be met by other permitted

sources.

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 3.4 Preparations of micro-organisms and enzymes commonly used in food

processing may be used, with the exception of genetically engineered micro-

organisms and their products.

3.5 Water and salt may be used in organic feed processing

3.6 Use of following is prohibited:

 Genetically modified organisms or ingredients originating from

genetically modified organisms are prohibited

 Synthetic chemicals used for boosting metabolism is prohibited

 Synthetic nitrogen or non-protein nitrogen compounds are prohibited

 Antibiotics, synthetic antimicrobials, growth enhancing substances,

parasiticides, coccidiostatics or hormones

 Other substances produced or modified through artificial synthesis

 Feed or raw material of mammalian origin including slaughter house

waste for making feed for ruminant livestock

4. Processing

4.1 Processing methods should be based on mechanical, biological, smoking,

extraction, precipitation and filtration.

4.2 Water, ethanol, plant and animal oils, vinegar, carbon dioxide, nitrogen or

carboxylic acids may be used for extraction.

4.3 Filtration substances shall not be made of asbestos nor may they be

permeated with substances which may negatively affect the product.

4.4 Irradiation is not allowed

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5. Processing facilities

5.1 Processing facilities to be managed in such a way that organic integrity is

maintained throughout the process without any chance for mixing or co-

mingling with non-organic products or ingredients.

5.2 Organic feed production lines must be separated from non-organic feed

production line. In case if the processing of organic feed is carried out in the

same line processing non-organic feed also, then adequate measures to be

put in place to clean the entire processing assembly after the production of

non-organic feed.

5.3 Separate storage facilities must be in place and managed separately so that

ingredients used for producing organic feed do not get mixed with non-

organic ones.

6. Processed products

6.1 100 percent organic - A raw or processed animal feed sold, labeled, or

represented as "100 percent organic" must contain (by weight or fluid

volume, excluding water and salt) 100 percent organically produced

ingredients.

6.2 Organic - A raw or processed animal feed sold, labeled, or represented as

"organic" must contain (by weight or fluid volume, excluding water and salt)

not less than 95 percent organically produced raw or processed agricultural

ingredients.

6.3 Made with organic - Multi-ingredient animal feed sold, labeled, or

represented as "made with organic (specified ingredients or food group(s))"

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 must contain (by weight or fluid volume, excluding water and salt) at least 70

percent organically produced ingredients.

6.4 Where less than 70% of the ingredients are of certified organic origin, the

indication that an ingredient is organic may appear in the ingredients list.

Such product may not be called "organic

7. Packaging

7.1 Packaging methods and materials must protect the integrity of organic feed

and have no adverse effects on the environment.

7.2 Biodegradable, recyclable, reusable systems and eco-friendly packaging

materials shall be used

7.3 Material used for packaging shall not contaminate animal feed.

7.4 Packaging materials, containers and storage containing or treated with

synthetic chemicals or prohibited substances must not be used.

7.5 Recycled packaging materials or containers that had come in contact with

substances that may compromise the organic integrity of organic feed must

not be used.

7.6 The packages shall be closed in such a manner that substitution of the

content cannot be achieved without manipulation or damaging the seal.

8. Labelling

8.1 All organic processed animal feed shall be labelled as per the requirements

specified in Clause 6 (6.1 and 6.2) of Appendix 5 of NPOP.

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9. Storage and transport

9.1 Storage, shipping and transportation requirements must be in compliance of

Clause 7 of Appendix 5 of NPOP.

9.2 If products are transported in bulk, then vehicles intended for transporting

organic feed must not carry any other non-organic product alongside the

organic feed.

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 Appendix 7

Organic Mushroom Production

1. General
Mushroom production is although similar to crop production but with a difference that
it is an indoor activity under controlled environment and without the involvement of
soil as growing medium. Mushroom production standards cover all edible
mushrooms intended for human consumption, whether grown on compost, raw
biomass or wood.

2. Organic Management Plan

During the registration of the farm or organic mushroom production unit with the
Accredited Certification Body (ACB), the operator has to submit an organic
management plan, which will be verified by the ACB during inspection. The organic
management plan shall be updated annually.

3. Management of production site

The operator shall maintain the entire production site including housing facilities in a
way that prevents contact with prohibited substances with production site, tools and
boxes/ trays, organically produced mushrooms and each and every step throughout
the entire growing cycle including harvesting and post-harvesting process. Any wood
or plant material used for construction of mushroom house, racks, substrate holding
containers, boxes, trays etc shall be free from prohibited substance treatment.

Organic and nonorganic production units must be in separate facilities separated by

space and time and have separate ventilation systems, boxes, trays, tools, substrate
holding racks etc including facilities for compost production.

4. Substrate and Growing media

All substrate and growing media shall be prepared on the farm in compliance of
these standards or sourced from certified organic sources certified in accordance
with the standards prescribed in Appendix 1 of these rules.

In case of unavailability of certified organic raw material needed for making the
substrate accredited certification bodies may allow the use of chemically untreated
conventionally grown raw material up to a maximum limit of 25% for making the
compost.

The composting process shall ensure that the substrate has reached a temperature
of at least 65oC for about 6-7 days prior to use. All composts and growing media

215
used (from the commencement of the composting process) shall be audited and
verified for compliance with this Standard by the accredited certification body.

Steam is allowed for final sterilisation of compost.

In cases where raw crop residue/ biomass is used without composting as substrate,
such as straw, hey or grains, they shall be sourced from organic operations certified
as per crop production standards prescribed under Appendix 1 of these rules.

Logs, sawdust or other wood based material when used as substrate shall come
from wood, trees or logs that have not been treated with prohibited substances

5. Fungus spawn
Organic spawn (seed) shall be used. Accredited certification bodies shall evaluate
the conformance of spawn production as per the evaluation process given in Annex
3 of Appendix 1 under these rules. In case of non-availability of organic spawn
accredited certification bodies may allow the use of conventionally grown spawn for
limited period of time.

Use of GMO products or its derivatives or genetically modified organisms (spawn) at

any stage of the production process is prohibited.

6. Conversion
Existing Mushroom production systems on being converted to organic management
shall have to undergo a minimum period of 12 months as conversion period from the
date of registration with the certification body. During the conversion period all
management practices must be in compliance of these standards.

In case of new installations where the entire production system is being implemented
in compliance of these standards, two or more production cycles must have been
produced under organic conditions compliant with this standard prior to products
being sold as organic.

7. Pest control and sanitation

Preventive pest and disease management shall be the preferred approach.
Methodologies and measures listed at Clause 8 of Appendix 1 and at Clause 2 of
Appendix 5 can be used in cases where preventive measures are not sufficient to
tackle the problem.

For sanitation and disinfection of installation, equipments and facilities products

listed in Annex 9 of Appendix 2 of these rules can be used.

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 Appendix 8

Organic Seaweed, Aquatic Plants and Green

House Crop Production
1. General
Organic seaweed, aquatic plants (including algae) and green house crop production
being crop production activity, needs to comply the overall requirements, unless
otherwise described under these rules as exception, of crop production rules
prescribed under Appendix 1 of these rules.

Organic seaweed
Organic seaweed production includes collection of wild seaweeds and parts
thereof growing naturally in the sea and cultivated in the coastal areas for use
as food for human or livestock consumption or for use as raw material for
processing of food or feed.

Organic aquatic plants

Organic aquatic plants includes macro and micro green plants including algae
grown under aquatic environment in open natural habitat or under artificial
conditions in ponds or tanks in open or under green house conditions.

Green House crops

Green house crops includes general agricultural and horticultural crops
cultivated under green house conditions in permanent in-ground soil systems or
in containers filled with plant and soil based growing substrate connected with
soil, except nursery plants which can be grown in containers in plant based
growing medium.

2. Organic Management Plan

During the registration of the farm or production site/ unit with the Accredited
Certification Body (ACB), the operator has to submit an organic management plan,
which will be verified by the ACB during inspection. The organic management plan
shall be updated annually.

3. Specific requirements for Seaweeds

3.1 Collection from wild – The collection of wild seaweeds and parts thereof shall
comply with the overall requirements specified under Clause 11 of Appendix 1 as
applicable under sea ecosystem. In addition the wild sea weed collection shall also
be subject to following:
i. The collection area shall be far away from human habitation and human
activity and free from any external contamination source.

217
 ii. The collection area shall be of sound ecological quality and not declared
unsuitable from human health point of view.
iii. The collection shall not affect the long term sustainability of the natural habitat
or the maintenance of the species growing in the area.

3.2 Cultivation in sea and inland tanks – The cultivation of sea weeds can be
taken up in coastal areas under natural conditions or under inland tanks with specific
purpose. Following specific rule shall be followed in sea weed cultivation:
i. Coastal area where sea weed cultivation is done must be free from any
external contamination source and at a distance from human habitat.
ii. The cultivation area shall be of sound ecological quality and not declared
unsuitable from human health point of view.
iii. Sustainable practices leading to natural conditions be used in all stages of
production starting from collection of juvenile sea weed to harvest.
iv. Seeding of seaweeds can be done by indoor culture stocks grown under
conditions specified in these rules.
v. In case of non-availability of organic seed material and/ or to maintain the
wide gene pool with natural vigour juvenile sea weed from the wild can be
supplemented in the growing area.
vi. No fertilizers or any growth enhancing input shall be used in natural cultivation
area on the coasts.
vii. In case if seaweed is cultivated in tanks or juvenile seaweeds are raised in
tanks then the coastal marine water without any treatment be used and the
tanks shall have bottom surface as natural soil. Cultivation of seaweed in
complete cemented tanks or made of artificial material without any contact
with soil is prohibited.
viii. Under inland tank conditions inputs authorised for use in crop production
under Annex 1 and Annex 2 in Appendix 1 can be allowed by the certification
body.
ix. Use of synthetic inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, hormones etc and
genetically modified organisms or their products are prohibited.
x. For sanitation and hygiene maintenance of tanks inputs allowed under Annex
9 of Appendix 2 can be authorised by the Certification body, but in all such
cases it must be ensured that the washings of such operations are not
drained to the sea.
xi. In areas where cultivation is done in sea coast the product shall be allowed to
be sold as organic after a minimum period of six months after the date of first
inspection by the certification body. In case of inland tanks the product shall
be allowed for sale as organic only after 24 months of starting the production
after the date of registration with the accredited certification body. In cases
where operator can demonstrate to the satisfaction of ACB that the lad where
cultivation tanks have been made has not been used for any cultivation
activity then the conversion period can be reduced to 12 months after the date
of first inspection.

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 xii. Organic and nonorganic production units must be in separate facilities
separated by space and time and have separate equipments, storage,
processing facilities and drying beds. Tanks used for cultivation of seaweeds
with prohibited inputs shall not be used for cultivation of organic seaweeds
unless have gone through the conversion period as mentioned above.

4. Aquatic plants including algae

Cultivation of aquatic plants is a crop production activity and all requirements under
Appendix 1, crop production, of these rules as applicable under aquatic environment
shall apply including conversion requirements.

i. Cultivation of aquatic plants in artificial tanks without any soil base or organic
substrate/ media complying to the standards does not qualify for organic
production under these rules.

ii. Organic and nonorganic production units must be in separate facilities

separated by space and time and have separate equipments, storage,
processing facilities and drying beds. Tanks used for cultivation of aquatic
plants with prohibited inputs shall not be used for cultivation of organic aquatic
plants unless have gone through the conversion period as mentioned above.

iii. The water used for cultivation shall be of potable quality and the soil shall be
free from any contamination including heavy metals.

iv. Use of synthetic chemicals/ prohibited substances for sterilization/ sanitation

of production sites is prohibited, except the ones allowed under these rules.

v. Mother culture or seeding material shall also be organic in compliance of

these rules. In case of non-availability, non-organic seeding material can also
be used without any chemical treatment or contamination.

vi. Use of genetically modified seeding material is prohibited

vii. Weeds shall be controlled by physical or biological prevention methods

viii. Use of chemical fertilizers (including trace elements), pesticides, hormones

etc is prohibited

ix. Mineral fertilizers in their natural composition can be used. Fertilization

practices shall be in conformity of practices allowed under Appendix 1 of
these rules.

219
x. Physical and biological practices can be used for pest management. Use of
synthetic chemical substances and plants extracts harm full to human health
shall not be used.

xi. Inputs or substances approved under these rules in Appendix 1 can be used
with the prior permission of certification body.

xii. Processing of aquatic plants and their parts thereof shall be done in
accordance with the requirements specified under Appendix 5 of these rules.

5. Green House Crop Production

Green house crop production is a crop production activity with difference that it is
done under partially controlled conditions. All the requirements specified under
Appendix 1 shall also apply under greenhouse (Glass house, poly house or net
house) conditions, including conversion requirements of land. In addition following
requirement shall also be met:

i. Green house design and its surroundings shall be orientated towards

environmentally positive outcomes and resource efficiency, including water
reuse where applicable.

ii. Hydroponic and aeroponic systems where plants are fed principally through
soluble fertilisers through water cannot be certified under these rules as they
are not grown in healthy and complex soil ecology.

iii. Under green house conditions parallel production or split production under
same green house is prohibited. In case if an operator cultivate both organic
and conventional crops under green house then the two systems must be
separate with adequate buffer zone and implements/ equipments used must
be properly cleaned before using under organic operations.

iv. During non-crop-production periods, a cover crop or green manure phase, or

similar methods, shall be practised to ensure ongoing soil life protection and
enhancement.

v. Media used to produce plants may include coconut fibre and other sources
permitted under Annex 1 of Appendix 1 of these rule or have been evaluated
for their suitability as per the procedure prescribed under Annex 3 of Appendix
1 of these rules.

vi. Media shall have contact with soil or mixed with soil and shall be incorporated
or recycled during or at the end of the cropping cycle.

vii. Where containers are used, containers shall consist of non-contaminating

products of plant origin. Optimally such containers shall be reusable after
phytosanitary considerations are satisfied.

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viii. Sterilisation of growing containers for purposes of disease management shall
either utilise steam, heat or other physical means or other practices or
products listed in Annex 9 of Appendix 2 of these rules.

ix. The fertility management shall be in accordance with the fertilizatrion policy
for crop production under these rules.

x. A diversity of crop species shall be chosen in any one season to ensure good
rotations and general diversity.

xi. Intercrops and harbouring floral species shall be encouraged for biocontrol
agents.

xii. Heating and lighting, where used, shall achieve best management practice in
terms of efficiency and environmental impact, and wherever practicable shall
rely upon renewable resources.

221