European Union Unearths Deficiencies in Indian Organic Product Certification

• The European Union (EU) conducted an audit to assess the certification of Indian organic products for exports to the EU.
• The audit identified several weaknesses in the supervision and implementation of controls related to organic farming practices.
• This article outlines the key findings of the audit, including non-compliance, lack of follow-up actions, and deficiencies in the control system.

Identified Deficiencies:

• Significant Non-compliances and Inadequate Action against Certification Bodies:
  • The audit discovered consistent non-compliances among certification bodies during unexpected inspections.
    • For example, there was no action taken against the certification bodies despite the identified non-compliances.
  • Impact: This raises questions about the effectiveness of the certification process and the requirement for more robust enforcement measures.
• Deficiencies in Organic PGs and Implementation of NPOP:
  • The audit uncovered that some farmers belonging to Producer Groups (PGs) had little or no understanding of organic farming practices.
  • Non-compliance with National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP) guidelines was observed in 26 PGs, including poor implementation and unauthorized use of substances.
  • Impact: This undermines the credibility of organic certification and compromises consumer confidence in Indian organic products.
• Inspector’s Oversight and Non-compliance Detection:
  • Instances were highlighted where inspectors failed to identify non-compliances during inspections.
    • Examples include the oversight of unburned plastic containers containing prohibited substances and the overlooked presence of non-organic seeds and chemicals in fields.
  • Impact: Raises concerns about the competency and thoroughness of inspections, highlighting the need for improved training and oversight.
• Deficiencies in APEDA’s Supervision and Enforcement:
  • Significant deficiencies were identified in APEDA’s supervision and enforcement of organic production controls.
    • For instance, there was a lack of follow-up actions after findings were reported, particularly regarding non-compliant certification bodies.
  • Impact: Indicates systemic failures in the control system and the need for stricter supervision and enforcement mechanisms.
• Delegation of Inspections and Training to Mandators:
  • The practice of delegating internal inspections and training to “mandators” (processors, exporters, or traders) was observed.
  • The report highlighted the potential hindrance to effective internal controls when the mandator is not certified by the same certification body as the PG.
  • Impact: Raises concerns about the consistency and reliability of internal inspections and calls for greater alignment between PGs and mandators.
• Inadequate Audits and Risk Assessment:
  • The audit found that the frequency, scope, and focus of audits for supervising certification bodies did not meet NPOP requirements.
  • The lack of documented procedures for risk assessment by one certifying body was identified as a violation of NPOP.
  • Impact: Indicates the need for more rigorous and comprehensive audits to ensure compliance with NPOP guidelines.

National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP)

• Initiated by the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry in 2001, the NPOP aims to achieve the following key objectives:
  • Evaluation Platform: Establishing a robust framework for evaluating certification programs related to organic agriculture and products based on government-approved criteria.
  • Accreditation Recognition: Recognizing and accrediting certification programs offered by various bodies seeking accreditation or certification in the organic sector.
  • Standard Compliance: Facilitating the certification process for organic products, ensuring their compliance with approved standards and regulations.
  • Import Certification: Assisting in the certification of organic products intended for import, either through mutual equivalence agreements between nations or as per the specific requirements of the importing countries.
  • Promotion of Organic Farming: Promoting the adoption of organic farming practices, supporting organic processing methods, and fostering their overall development across the country.
• The National Programme for Organic Production plays a crucial role in providing a structured framework for organic certification, ensuring the integrity and quality of organic products in India.
• By promoting organic farming and facilitating trade in organic products, the program contributes to sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and the growth of the organic sector in the country.
• Read more on the National Programme for Organic Production in the linked article.

Conclusion:

• The EU audit findings reveal deficiencies in the certification process of Indian organic products for exports to the EU.
• Non-compliances, lack of follow-up actions, deficiencies in supervision, and weaknesses in control systems were identified.
• Strengthening the certification process, improving inspections, and ensuring effective enforcement measures are necessary to restore trust in Indian organic products and protect their authenticity in the global market.