The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has launched strict action against several certification agencies and an exporter for violations under the National Program for Organic Production (NPOP). The authority aims to protect the credibility of India’s organic certification and ensure global compliance.
Penalties and Restrictions Imposed by APEDA
APEDA enforces clear standards for organic certification through NPOP. Recent inspections revealed irregularities by some certification bodies. In response, APEDA issued penalties, suspensions, and operational limits to restore trust in the certification process.
Eccentric Organic Pvt. Ltd. lost its accreditation, and its directors will remain blacklisted for three years. Global Certification Society (GCS), Natural Organic Certification Agency (NOCA), and Krishi Certification Pvt. Ltd. received one-year suspensions and fines of five lakh rupees each. State agencies also came under scrutiny. The Bihar State Seed and Organic Certification Agency (BSSOCA) can now operate only within Bihar and must pay a five-lakh-rupee fine. The Uttarakhand State Organic Certification Agency (USOCA) received a fine of ten lakh rupees, and its work is restricted to Uttarakhand. APEDA also suspended the certification of exporter M/s Adroit Indulgence Pvt. Ltd. The company will remain suspended until the Sub Committee or National Accreditation Body (NAB) completes its inquiry under NPOP.
According to APEDA officials, the sub-committee of the National Accreditation Body recommended these actions during its recent meeting. Officials stated that strict enforcement ensures India’s organic products meet international standards and maintain market confidence. Earlier in March 2025, APEDA penalized twelve other certification agencies from states including Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Uttarakhand. The latest move continues APEDA’s effort to strengthen oversight and accountability in the organic certification network.
India’s organic sector is growing rapidly, both in domestic and export markets. However, repeated non-compliance with global standards has led to rejection of some consignments abroad. To address this, APEDA is reinforcing audits and compliance checks to maintain quality and integrity. The recent crackdown sends a clear message. Certification agencies and exporters must follow NPOP norms without compromise. APEDA’s decisive steps reaffirm its zero-tolerance policy toward negligence and its commitment to ensuring transparency in India’s organic certification system.
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