The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has taken strict action against six organic certification agencies and one exporter for serious lapses in their certification processes under the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP).
The action comes after an investigation found irregularities in the inspection and certification of organic products — a key requirement to maintain the credibility of Indian organic exports.
Who Faced Action
APEDA has suspended or restricted the accreditation of six certification bodies, including two state-run agencies — from Uttarakhand and Bihar — and four private ones.
-
Eccentric Organic Pvt. Ltd. – Accreditation cancelled under NPOP; the company’s directors have been blacklisted for three years.
-
Global Certification Society (GCS), Natural Organic Certification Agency (NOCA), and Krishi Certification Pvt. Ltd. – Accreditation suspended for one year and fined ₹5 lakh each for major violations.
-
Bihar State Seed and Organic Certification Agency (BSSOCA) – Can now operate only within Bihar and fined ₹5 lakh.
-
Uttarakhand State Organic Certification Agency (USOCA) – Its scope limited to Uttarakhand only and fined ₹10 lakh.
In addition, exporter M/s Adroit Indulgence Pvt. Ltd. has had its certification suspended pending an inquiry into major non-compliances.
Background and Previous Actions
This is not the first time APEDA has acted against certification bodies. Earlier in March 2025, similar penalties and restrictions were imposed on 12 agencies from states like Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Uttarakhand for violating NPOP norms.
Why This Matters
With India’s organic exports growing rapidly, the credibility of certification is crucial for maintaining trust among global buyers. However, repeated violations and poor compliance have led to the rejection of Indian organic products in foreign markets.
Officials from APEDA said the latest move sends a strong message to all certification bodies to follow global standards and maintain transparency. The agency is determined to ensure that the certification process under NPOP remains reliable and globally accepted.
