NPOP Certification stands for the National Programme for Organic Production, India’s official organic certification system. It regulates organic farming, processing, handling, labeling, and export of organic products from India.
The NPOP system is administered by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.
This Saving Mantra blog explains the step-by-step process for NPOP certification in India, including eligibility, documents, inspection, timelines, and benefits—carefully written to rank higher on Google and help organic businesses stay compliant.
What is NPOP Certification?
NPOP certification verifies that agricultural and processed products are produced in accordance with Indian organic standards. Certified products can be sold using the “India Organic” logo in India and certain international markets.
NPOP covers:
- Organic crop production
- Organic livestock
- Organic processing & handling
- Organic labeling and traceability
Who Needs NPOP Certification?
NPOP certification is required for:
- Organic farmers and grower groups
- Organic food processors
- Organic traders and exporters
- Storage units and handlers of organic products
📌 Mandatory for selling products as organic in India and exporting to many countries.
Benefits of NPOP Certification
- 🌱 Legal use of India Organic logo
- 🌱 Higher trust among consumers and buyers
- 🌱 Eligibility for organic exports
- 🌱 Premium pricing and better market access
- 🌱 Compliance with national organic standards
Step-by-Step Process for NPOP Certification in India
Step 1: Select an APEDA-Accredited Certification Body
- Choose a certification body approved under NPOP
- Ensure it covers your product scope and region
Step 2: Application Submission
- Submit application with details of:
- Farm / unit
- Crops / products
- Area, volume, and activities
Step 3: Organic System Plan (OSP) Preparation
Prepare a detailed Organic System Plan, including:
- Farm practices and crop rotation
- Soil fertility and pest management
- Input usage records
- Harvesting, storage, and transport controls
Step 4: Document Review
- Certification body reviews OSP and records
- Clarifications or corrections may be requested
Step 5: On-Site Inspection
- Physical inspection of farm/unit
- Verification of records, inputs, buffer zones, and traceability
- Sampling may be done if required
⏳ Inspection Timeline: Depends on farm size and complexity
Step 6: Compliance & Corrective Actions
- Address non-compliances (if any)
- Submit corrective action report
Step 7: Grant of NPOP Certificate
- NPOP certificate issued after compliance
- Authorization to use India Organic logo
⏳ Overall Timeline: 2–4 months (project dependent)
Documents Required for NPOP Certification
- Application form
- Organic System Plan (OSP)
- Land records / lease documents
- Input purchase invoices
- Farm activity & harvest records
- Processing SOPs (if applicable)
- Business registration documents
Validity & Renewal
- NPOP certification validity: 1 year
- Annual inspection and renewal are mandatory
NPOP vs NOP Certification
| Aspect | NPOP | NOP |
|---|---|---|
| Market | India & select countries | United States |
| Logo | India Organic | USDA Organic |
| Authority | APEDA | USDA |
| Mandatory in India | Yes | No |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Using prohibited inputs
- ❌ Poor record-keeping
- ❌ Mixing organic and non-organic produce
- ❌ Using organic claims without certification
Why Choose Saving Mantra for NPOP Certification?
- ✔ APEDA-accredited certifier coordination
- ✔ Organic System Plan (OSP) drafting support
- ✔ Inspection readiness & compliance guidance
- ✔ Support for farmers, FPOs, MSMEs & exporters
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is NPOP certification mandatory in India?
Yes, to sell products as organic in India.
Q2. Can small farmers apply for NPOP certification?
Yes, individually or through group certification.
Q3. Is NPOP accepted internationally?
Yes, in several countries under equivalence agreements.
Q4. What is the validity of NPOP certificate?
One year, with mandatory annual renewal.
Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. NPOP standards, certification procedures, and APEDA guidelines may change from time to time. Readers are advised to consult professional experts or accredited certification bodies before proceeding.