Organic certification is a certification process for producers of organic food & other organic agricultural products. In general, any business directly involved in food production can be certified, Including Seed Suppliers, Farmers, Food processors and Retailers
Steps for Certification
Request for organic certification by the operator :- Anybody (an individual/grower/a company / a society etc herein after called the operator) desirous of getting services of OSOCA must submit a written request for organic certification of their production/processing detailing the requirement. The letter is to be submitted in person in the office of OSOCA located at 326, Baramunda, Bhubaneswar.
Forwarding of necessary formats by OSOCA:-The operator will be provided with the OSOCA brochure, organic standards, application form & OSOCA fee structure on production of written request in the OSOCA office.
Submission of application for organic certification by the operator:-The operator shall submit the filled in application form completed in all respects to OSOCA for organic certification.
Scrutiny of application & approval of organic plan by OSOCA :-On receiving the completed application, authorized personnel of OSOCA shall scrutinize the various aspects of organic management of the operator.If approved; OSOCA shall intimate the operator for deposit of fees & sign of contract. 50% of the estimated fees shall have to be paid during the contract.
Contract between the operator & OSOCA:-The operator shall have to enter into a contract with OSOCA for carrying out the organic certification.
Inspection of organic projects by the inspector of OSOCA:-Organic certification requires yearly inspection. In addition, unannounced or more detailed inspections shall be carried out at irregular intervals or in response to concerns regarding possible violations of the standards. The cost of such additional inspections shall be charged to the Operator only in case,that substantial non-conformities are found. For very large operations, or operations with a special risk,a second annual inspection will be carried out as a routine,and will be included in the offer. OSOCA inspectors shall inspect the organic projects in accordance with NPOP & prepare an inspection report.The operator shall cooperate with the Inspector & sign on the inspection documents required by the inspector. A copy of the inspection report shall be made available to the operator.
Certification decision by OSOCA:-The OSOCA inspector shall submit the inspection report to the inspection manager & he shall submit the report to the Assessor who shall assess the organic management system of the operator based on the inspection report of the inspection manager & shall submit the same to the Quality Manager with his remarks & Quality Manager shall place it before the certification committee. The certification committee shall take the certification decision & the same shall be communicated to the operator.
Issue of certificate & label approval by OSOCA:-On the basis of the decision of the certification committee the operator shall be issued with the certificates after obtaining his written request & deposit of balance 50% fees.
Appeal by operator:-If the operator is not satisfied with the certification decision of OSOCA he has the right to appeal against the decision to the Appellate Authority.
Complaints:-When written complaint is received by OSOCA regarding own operation( against Inspector, say)or against certified operators the Complaint shall be addressed expeditiously
