How to Get Organic Food Certification in India: Step-by-Step Guide

The demand for organic food in India is increasing as consumers become more conscious of food quality, farming practices and product authenticity. From organic vegetables and fruits to rice, pulses, spices, edible oils and packaged food, businesses are exploring opportunities in the organic food industry.

However, starting an organic food business involves more than simply using natural ingredients or avoiding chemical fertilisers. Businesses must understand the applicable organic production standards, certification requirements, food safety regulations and labelling rules.

If you are a farmer, food manufacturer, food processor, retailer or entrepreneur planning to enter this industry, understanding how to get organic food certification in India can help you build a compliant and trustworthy organic food business.

This guide explains the certification systems, eligibility, documents, application process, inspection, costs and important regulations.

What Is Organic Food Certification?

Organic food certification is a verification process that establishes whether agricultural products and food products comply with recognised organic production and handling standards.

It verifies that the relevant farming, processing, storage and handling activities follow prescribed requirements.

Organic certification generally covers:

• Organic farming and cultivation practices.

• Soil fertility and land management.

• Seeds and planting materials.

• Permitted fertilisers and pest-control inputs.

• Harvesting and processing methods.

• Storage and transportation.

• Prevention of contamination.

• Product traceability and record maintenance.

• Organic product packaging and labelling.

In India, organic food is regulated under the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017, notified by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

These regulations recognise the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and Participatory Guarantee System for India (PGS-India).

Why Is Organic Food Certification Important?

Organic certification helps businesses demonstrate that their products comply with recognised organic standards.

Some important benefits include:

1. Builds Consumer Trust

Consumers can have greater confidence in products that carry valid organic certification or assurance marks.

2. Improves Market Opportunities

Certification can help eligible businesses access organised retail channels, institutional buyers and applicable export markets.

3. Supports Product Authenticity

The certification process requires records and verification of production and handling practices.

4. Strengthens Brand Reputation

Organic certification can support a food brand's credibility when communicating genuine organic claims.

5. Supports Export Opportunities

Businesses seeking to export organic products can use applicable NPOP certification and meet the additional requirements of their destination markets.

Types of Organic Food Certification in India

India has two major recognised organic certification systems.

1. National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)

The National Programme for Organic Production is implemented by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

NPOP establishes organic production standards and provides an accreditation framework for certification bodies.

It is relevant to:

• Individual organic farmers.

• Farmer Producer Organisations.

• Organic food processors.

• Agricultural producers.

• Organic product traders and handlers.

• Export-oriented organic businesses.

Under NPOP, certification is provided through an accredited certification body that verifies compliance with the applicable standards.

It covers production, processing, handling, storage and other activities within the approved certification scope.

2. Participatory Guarantee System for India (PGS-India)

PGS-India is a participatory organic assurance system implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

It is particularly suitable for small farmers and producer groups supplying organic products in domestic markets.

Its important features include:

• Farmer participation.

• Group-based verification.

• Peer review and monitoring.

• Local-level assessment.

• Regional Council oversight.

• Production records and traceability.

Farmers and producer groups should follow the applicable PGS-India procedures and use the relevant organic claim only after obtaining the required status.

NPOP vs PGS-India: Which Certification Should You Choose?

Both systems are recognised under India's organic food regulatory framework, but they differ in their verification methods and market suitability.

Which one should you select?

If you are planning to export organic agricultural products or supply buyers who specifically require NPOP certification, consider the NPOP route.

If you are a small farmer or eligible producer group supplying local and domestic customers, PGS-India may be suitable.

Always check the requirements of your buyer, product category and destination market before selecting a certification system.

Who Can Apply for Organic Food Certification?

Different agricultural and food businesses can apply under the applicable certification system.

Common applicant categories include:

1. Individual farmers practising organic agriculture.

2. Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).

3. Agricultural cooperatives.

4. Organic food manufacturers.

5. Food processing businesses.

6. Organic product exporters.

7. Traders and handlers involved in organic supply chains.

8. Businesses involved in organic storage and distribution.

Applicants must demonstrate compliance with the standards relevant to their activities.

How to Get Organic Food Certification in India?

The application procedure depends on the selected certification system. The following steps explain the general process.

Step 1: Select the Right Organic Certification System

First, identify whether NPOP or PGS-India is appropriate for your business.

Consider:

• Your business activity.

• Type of organic products.

• Number of farmers or production units.

• Domestic or export market requirements.

• Buyer certification requirements.

• Applicable certification standards.

Selecting the correct system at the beginning can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Step 2: Contact an Approved Certification Body or Regional Council

For NPOP certification, contact a certification body whose accreditation is currently valid for the relevant activity and product category.

APEDA publishes the list of accredited certification bodies on its official organic certification portal.

For PGS-India, approach the appropriate Regional Council and follow the prescribed registration procedure.

Do not select a certification agency only on the basis of its name or website. Verify its current status and scope.

Step 3: Submit the Application

Complete the prescribed application with the required applicant and business information.

Details may include:

• Applicant's name and address.

• Farm or business location.

• Type of agricultural or food activity.

• Product categories.

• Cultivation or processing area.

• Production capacity.

• Details of suppliers and farmers.

• Storage and processing arrangements.

The application requirements may vary depending on the certification system.

Step 4: Prepare an Organic System Plan

An Organic System Plan describes how your business will follow organic production and handling standards.

It may include:

• Farm management practices.

• Soil fertility management.

• Seed and planting material details.

• Fertiliser and pest-management methods.

• Water management.

• Harvesting procedures.

• Processing and packaging methods.

• Storage and transportation.

• Contamination prevention.

• Record-keeping and traceability.

The plan should accurately reflect your actual business activities.

Step 5: Complete Inspection and Verification

For NPOP, the certification body conducts an inspection to evaluate compliance with the applicable standards.

The inspection may cover:

• Agricultural land and farm operations.

• Soil management.

• Seeds and agricultural inputs.

• Production records.

• Harvesting and storage.

• Processing facilities.

• Packaging and labelling.

• Separation of organic and non-organic products.

For PGS-India, the verification process follows the participatory system, including group-based assessment and Regional Council oversight.

Step 6: Resolve Non-Compliance Issues

If the inspection identifies any non-compliance, the applicant may be asked to provide clarification or take corrective action.

Common issues include:

• Incomplete farm records.

• Incorrect input usage.

• Inadequate separation of products.

• Poor storage practices.

• Missing traceability information.

• Incorrect organic labelling.

The applicant must address the findings within the applicable procedure and timeline.

Step 7: Obtain Organic Certification

After the application, assessment and required verification are completed successfully, the relevant certification or assurance status may be granted.

Businesses must continue following organic standards and maintain records for subsequent monitoring and renewal.

Documents Required for Organic Food Certification

The documents depend on the applicant's business structure and certification category.

However, the following documents may commonly be required.

Identity and Business Documents

• PAN card.

• Aadhaar or other identity proof, where applicable.

• Business address proof.

• Certificate of incorporation, where applicable.

• Partnership deed, where applicable.

• Authorisation letter, where applicable.

Farm and Agricultural Documents

• Land ownership proof or lease agreement.

• Farm location and field details.

• Crop and cultivation details.

• Previous farming history.

• Seed and planting material records.

• Fertiliser and pest-management input records.

• Soil and water information, where required.

Processing and Handling Documents

• Product and ingredient details.

• Processing information.

• Storage facility details.

• Packaging information.

• Supplier details.

• Purchase and sales records.

• Transportation details.

• Traceability records.

• Applicable FSSAI registration or licence details.

The certification body or Regional Council may request additional documents according to the applicant's activity.

What Is the Conversion Period for Organic Farming?

A conversion period is the time required for a farm to transition from conventional farming practices to organic production under the applicable standards.

During this period, the farmer must follow organic farming requirements and maintain the necessary records.

The conversion period can depend on:

• Type of crop.

• Previous land-use history.

• Agricultural inputs used earlier.

• Applicable organic standards.

• Certification body assessment.

Under NPOP, conversion requirements differ for annual and perennial crops. Special provisions may apply depending on the land's history and other conditions.

A farmer should not assume that a product can immediately be marketed as fully certified organic simply because chemical fertilisers and pesticides have been discontinued.

The certification authority determines the applicable status and permitted claims.

Organic Food Labelling Rules in India

Organic food labelling is an important part of the certification process.

Under the Food Safety and Standards (Organic Foods) Regulations, 2017, labels must communicate accurate information about the organic status of the product.

Applicable labelling requirements may include:

• Name of the food product.

• Ingredient details.

• Manufacturer or packer information.

• Net quantity.

• Batch or lot number.

• Date marking.

• Applicable FSSAI logo and licence number.

• Jaivik Bharat organic logo.

• Relevant certification or assurance mark.

Organic Labelling Under NPOP

Under NPOP, a single-ingredient product that meets the prescribed standards may be labelled as "Organic".

For multi-ingredient products, generally at least 95% of the ingredients must be of certified organic origin to use the "Certified Organic" claim, subject to the applicable rules.

Organic Labelling Under PGS-India

Under PGS-India, eligible single-ingredient products may be labelled as "PGS-Organic".

Multi-ingredient products generally require at least 95% organic ingredients to use the applicable PGS-Organic claim, subject to the prescribed requirements.

Businesses should verify the current labelling rules before printing packaging or advertising products as organic.

What Is the Jaivik Bharat Logo?

Jaivik Bharat is the unified organic food identity logo introduced by FSSAI.

It helps consumers distinguish genuine organic food products from non-organic products.

The logo supports the identification of products complying with the recognised organic food framework.

Businesses must use the logo according to applicable FSSAI requirements and should not display it without the necessary eligibility and compliance.

Consumers and businesses can also use the official Jaivik Bharat portal to verify organic food products and food business operators.

Is FSSAI Registration Required for an Organic Food Business?

Yes, an organic certification and an FSSAI registration or licence are separate matters.

Organic certification verifies compliance with organic production and handling standards.

FSSAI registration or licensing relates to food safety and the regulation of food businesses.

Depending on the business activity, an FSSAI registration or licence may be required for:

• Manufacturing organic food.

• Processing organic products.

• Packaging organic food.

• Storing food products.

• Distributing organic food.

• Selling food products.

The applicable FSSAI category depends on the business activity, turnover, capacity and other regulatory criteria.

Obtaining organic certification does not automatically replace an FSSAI registration or licence.

Is Organic Certification Mandatory for Small Farmers?

The FSSAI Organic Foods Regulations provide a specific exemption from the NPOP or PGS-India system requirement for organic food marketed through direct sales by a qualifying small original producer or producer organisation to the end consumer.

The small producer or producer organisation category is determined by FSSAI and includes an annual turnover limit not exceeding ₹12 lakh.

This is a conditional exemption. It should not be treated as a general exemption for all small food businesses, traders, intermediaries or processors.

Businesses must check the applicable food safety and labelling requirements before making organic claims.

What Is the Cost of Organic Food Certification in India?

The cost of organic food certification is not the same for every applicant.

It depends on several factors, including:

• Type of certification selected.

• Size of agricultural land.

• Number of farms or group members.

• Number of products.

• Nature of processing activities.

• Inspection requirements.

• Certification body charges.

• Testing and documentation requirements, where applicable.

For an accurate estimate, contact the relevant accredited certification body or PGS-India Regional Council.

Applicants should request a written quotation explaining inspection, certification and other applicable charges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Organic Certification

Businesses should avoid the following mistakes:

1. Choosing an unsuitable certification system.

2. Applying through an agency without checking its accreditation.

3. Maintaining incomplete farming or processing records.

4. Using inputs not permitted under the relevant standards.

5. Mixing organic and non-organic products.

6. Ignoring storage and transportation requirements.

7. Printing organic claims before obtaining the required approval.

8. Using certification marks without authorisation.

9. Ignoring inspection observations.

10. Assuming organic certification replaces FSSAI licensing.

Proper preparation can make the certification process more organised and reduce avoidable compliance issues.

Start Your Organic Food Business with First Startup

Planning to launch an organic food brand or agricultural business in India? Along with organic certification, you may need business registration, FSSAI licensing, GST registration and trademark protection.

First Startup provides professional assistance with business registrations and food-related compliance services.

Our services include:

• FSSAI Registration and Licensing.

• Private Limited Company Registration.

• LLP Registration.

• GST Registration.

• MSME Registration.

• Trademark Registration.

• Business Compliance Assistance.

• Startup Registration Support.

Our team can help you understand the applicable business and food safety requirements for your proposed organic food venture.

Contact First Startup

Phone: +91 63956 22281

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.firststartup.in/

Frequently Asked Questions About Organic Food Certification in India

1. How to get organic food certification in India?

You can apply through an NPOP-accredited certification body or the PGS-India system, depending on your business and market requirements. The process generally includes application, documentation, inspection or participatory verification and compliance approval.

2. What are the two organic certification systems in India?

The two recognised systems are the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and Participatory Guarantee System for India (PGS-India).

3. Is organic food certification mandatory in India?

Organic food offered or promoted for sale must generally comply with the recognised organic certification systems under FSSAI regulations. A conditional exemption applies to qualifying small original producers or producer organisations making direct sales to end consumers.

4. What is NPOP certification?

NPOP is the National Programme for Organic Production, implemented by APEDA. It establishes organic production standards and provides an accreditation framework for certification bodies.

5. What is PGS-India certification?

PGS-India is a participatory organic assurance system involving farmers and other stakeholders in group-based verification and monitoring.

6. Is FSSAI registration compulsory for organic food businesses?

Organic certification and FSSAI registration are separate requirements. Food businesses must assess their applicable FSSAI registration or licensing obligations according to their activities.

7. What is the Jaivik Bharat logo?

Jaivik Bharat is the unified organic food identity logo introduced by FSSAI to help consumers identify genuine organic food products.

8. Can I export organic food products from India?

Yes. Eligible organic products can be exported under applicable NPOP certification and destination-country requirements. Exporters should verify the relevant product and importing-country standards.

9. How much does organic food certification cost?

There is no single fixed fee for every business. The cost depends on the certification system, land area, products, inspection requirements and certification body.

10. How long does organic certification take?

The timeline depends on the certification system, conversion status, application completeness, inspection findings and applicable standards. Farming conversion requirements may mean that certification cannot be obtained immediately.

11. Can I sell organic food without certification?

A specific exemption is available for qualifying small original producers or producer organisations making direct sales to end consumers, subject to the prescribed turnover limit and conditions. Other businesses should follow the recognised certification requirements.

12. Where can I verify organic food certification in India?

You can use the official Jaivik Bharat portal to search for certified organic food products and food business operators.