The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has launched a major crackdown on irregularities within India’s organic certification system, penalising several certification bodies and an exporter for failing to comply with the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) guidelines.
Eccentric Organic Private Limited faced the strictest action, with its accreditation fully revoked and its directors blacklisted for three years. Three other private agencies—Global Certification Society (GCS), Natural Organic Certification Agency (NOCA), and Krishi Certification Private Limited—had their accreditations suspended for one year and were fined ₹5 lakh each.
State-run bodies were not exempt from penalties. The Bihar State Seed and Organic Certification Agency (BSSOCA) had its accreditation restricted to Bihar and was fined ₹5 lakh, while the Uttarakhand State Organic Certification Agency (USOCA) was fined ₹10 lakh and its accreditation limited to Uttarakhand.
In addition, the certification of exporter M/s Adroit Indulgence Private Limited has been suspended pending investigation.
APEDA said the actions reflect its “zero tolerance” stance toward non-compliance, aimed at safeguarding the credibility of India’s organic exports. India’s organic sector has grown rapidly, but lapses in certification have led to product rejections in key markets such as the European Union, the United States, and Japan.
The authority emphasised that strict enforcement is essential to maintain global confidence and ensure transparency, credibility, and competitiveness of Indian organic products.
