NOP Handbook: Guidance & Instructions for Accredited Certifying Agents & Certified Operations
The contents of this web page do not have the force and effect of law and are not meant to bind the public in any way. The following is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies.
The goal of the Handbook is to provide those who own, manage, or certify organic operations with guidance and instructions that can assist them in complying with the USDA organic regulations. It is important to note that the National Organic Program (NOP) Handbook is non-binding and any citation issued needs to reference the USDA organic regulations.
Available Formats
The NOP is no longer publishing print versions of the Handbook. It is now designed to be used electronically. The handbook sections can also be printed by the user.
- PDF Table of Contents
- NOP Handbook in Spanish (Manual del Programa Nacional Orgánico) (pdf) – this translation of the NOP Handbook has not been updated to reflect the most recent changes made to the English version.
- Introduction
- 2024 NOP Program Handbook Update
- Section A. Standards
- Section B. Certification
- Section C. Accreditation
- Section D. International
- Section E. Compliance & Enforcement
- Section F. Appeals
- Section G. Policy Memos
- Section H. Notices to Certifying Agents
- Section I. Other
- Section J: Draft Guidance
Staying Current
The National Organic Program issues notices to trade and email updates to inform the organic community on a wide range of functions, including regulatory updates, requests for public comments, and USDA programs and services. Access Organic Insider Archives | View Notice to Trade Archives
Contact Information
Please contact us with requests to:
- Issue, reconsider, modify, or rescind a guidance document in this Handbook
- Complain that we are not following the OMB Good Guidance Practices or are improperly treating a guidance document as a binding requirement
USDA National Organic Program: Standards Division
Room 2648-S, Stop 0268
1400 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20250-0268
NOP.guidance@usda.gov
202-720-3252
About NOP