A major crackdown has been launched against the rapidly growing market and export of organic products in India. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has suspended the licenses of several agencies and imposed heavy fines for Organic Certification Irregularities. This move reflects the government’s resolution that India’s organic credentials will not be compromised.
Six agencies under probe due to organic certification irregularities
APEDA has taken action against six certification agencies and one exporter for non-compliance with reference to National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) guidelines. In retribution, the accreditation of Eccentric Organic Private Limited has been completely revoked and its directors have been blacklisted for three years. Moreover, the accreditation of Global Certification Society (GCS), Natural Organic Certification Agency (NOCA), and Krishi Certification Private Limited has been suspended for one year along with the imposition of fine of ₹5 lakhs.
APEDA’s action against government agencies as well
Not only this, but APEDA has also taken action against state government agencies which has been found conducting irregularities in organic certification process . The accreditation of the Bihar State Seed and Organic Certification Agency (BSSOCA) has been limited to the state of Bihar along with the imposition of ₹5 lakh. The Uttarakhand State Organic Certification Agency (USOCA) has been fined ₹10 lakh and its accreditation has been limited to Uttarakhand. Meanwhile, at the same time, the certification of exporter M/s Adroit Indulgence Private Limited has been suspended till the completion of the investigation.
Impact on India’s reputation in the Global Market Exports of organic products from India are growing rapidly, but low-quality certification often results in rejection of Indian products in foreign markets. To maintain buyer confidence and uphold the credibility of Indian products in markets like Europe, the United States, and Japan, APEDA is now implementing a “zero tolerance policy also”.