Clarification Issued on Export Policy for Organic Textiles

The export landscape of organic products continues to evolve under the regulatory framework of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP). With the Eighth Edition of NPOP being notified via Public Notice No. 39/2024-25 dated January 05, 2025, stakeholders from across the industry—particularly exporters of organic textiles—have raised important questions regarding the applicability of the updated norms to their products.

 What is NPOP?

The National Programme for Organic Production is India’s official certification framework for organic agriculture and related products, implemented by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry. The programme governs the accreditation of certification bodies, the establishment of organic production standards, and the promotion of organic farming.

Key Clarification: Are Organic Textiles Covered Under NPOP?

In response to requests from stakeholders including the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC), the matter was taken up with APEDA, the implementing authority for NPOP.

As per Clause 4.1, Chapter 4 of the 8th Edition of NPOP, the scope of accreditation is limited to the following categories:

1. Crop Production
2. Livestock, Poultry, and Products
3. Beekeeping / Apiculture
4. Aquaculture Production
5. Food Processing & Handling
6. Animal Feed Processing & Handling
7. Mushroom Production
8. Seaweed, Aquatic Plants, and Greenhouse Crop Production
9. Any other categories as approved under NPOP from time to time

👉 Organic textiles are not included in the above list.

 What This Means for Exporters

Because organic textiles are not within the scope of NPOP accreditation, exporters are not required to obtain a Transaction Certificate (TC) from NAB-accredited certification bodies under NPOP for these products.

This clarification is significant, as it helps prevent unnecessary procedural delays or confusion at the time of export.

What is Required Instead?

For exports of organic textile products, exporters must ensure they possess a valid Transaction Certificate (TC) from:

• Certification bodies designated through Textile Exchange
• Certification bodies under the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)
• Or as required by international buyers

This requirement aligns with established international practices and buyer expectations in global markets for organic apparel and textiles.

Conclusion

This clarification provides relief and direction to organic textile exporters by confirming that the NPOP framework does not apply to their products. Instead, exporters should continue to follow the globally recognized certification paths such as GOTS or Textile Exchange standards.

This circular has been issued with the approval of the competent authority, reaffirming the government’s commitment to transparent, category-specific export compliance.