The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has decided to allow the export of organic products to global markets with transaction certificate during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The decision was taken by the authority due to Corona virus outbreak in the country and subsequent imposition of restrictions on travelling and movement to avoid spread of the disease. And it was decided that there should be alternate options to continue with the daily operations in the certification programme for organic products, according to a notice issued by the authority.
“The issuance of scope certificates is a time-bound activity which starts 90 days in advance of expiry of certificate and further 90 days grace period provision is also available on TraceNet (certification service). However, it has been brought to our notice that some of the certification bodies are unclear considering the prevailing situation,” states the notice.
“In order to ensure that the certification status of any operator shall not be lost due to delay in renewal of scope certificate on TraceNet, an additional grace period of one month will be provided. However, certification bodies are required to inform APEDA regarding such operators. Further, to ensure smooth trade of certified organic products, all the certification bodies accredited under NPOP and NOP are advised to continue issuance of Provisional Transaction Certificate/Transaction Certificate as per the procedure on TraceNet. It is advised that certification bodies shall not compromise on integrity of certified organic products and comply with NPOP and NOP requirements in all their operations. The certification bodies may also make adequate arrangements to ensure that work should not get affected at the same time safety and health of officials be taken care of,” further reads the APEDA notice.
The notice added that the certification bodies which have been informed specifically regarding their accreditation renewal beyond March 31, 2020, may proceed with the process as advised individually to them by APEDA.
According to APEDA, major Indian organic exports include 23,866 metric tonne of soyabean, 1,089 metric tonne of non-basmati rice, 760 metric tonne of sugar, 363 metric tonne of flax seeds, 849 metric tonne of basmati rice white and 4,273 metric tonne of other products including fruits and vegetables.