FAQ

Attach a certification procedure file.

SNI organic certification costs range from 13 million rupiahs, while organic exports range from 30 million rupiahs. We can provide an exact description of costs if you have obtained the information outlined in the application form. 

Fees are required to be paid before field inspection begins. 

If you fail to obtain certification, there will be no reimbursement of costs. This is stated in the organic certification agreement that is sent to the client before the audit desk begins. 

The average certification timeline takes 60-90 working days, starting from the last inspection. This time includes the repair time for Major's findings (30 days). If the client exceeds the deadline for submitting the corrective action of findings, the certification process will also be delayed. 

All food products that are soil-based (soil). 

Attach a list of document requirements per scope. 

In terms of business comparison, having both COR-NOP or NOP-COR certificates allows products to be distributed to the Canadian and American markets, either directly or indirectly, and grants the authorization to use both COR and NOP logos. If the certification is only COR or NOP alone, the flexibility to access markets in this way does not apply; only one standard in accordance with the chosen standard will be applicable. The benefit of accessing a wide market can be obtained with the condition after being under the supervision of LSO for 15 months. This is what distinguishes the certification requirements in terms of standard. 

Conversion/transition, namely the process of changing an agricultural system from conventional farming to organic farming. With the conversion period for annual crops, which is 2 years, and for annual crops, which is 3 years. The use of chemical inputs in the farm area is phased out during this period. 

Organic certificates are valid for 3 years for organic SNI, with the requirementthat operators undergo annual inspection obligation. The certificate will be revoked if the mandatory annual surveillance inspection is not carried out. 

CAN/CGSB 32.310 5.1.1 and SFCR 344.3 require that COR applications must be made for 12 months or up to 15 months for plant products and wild-gathering products (according to the type of product to be certified) before the product is declared organic. These provisions do not apply to Processors and Traders. Biocert has implemented this, there is no new interpretation. (Changes in the presence or absence of the product can be seen in number 3 below) 

If an operator was previously certified by NOP and is now requesting COR certification under the USCOEA agreement, they must fulfill the application requirements, which may take 12 to 15 months depending on the type of product to be certified before being declared organic. However, BIOCert has not fully implemented this requirement. Therefore, effective from June 1, 2023, certification requests from operators previously certified by NOP will only receive a COR product certificate for the first harvest after either 12 or 15 months have passed. It is important to ensure that starting from June 1, 2023, certificates for crop products are issued for products harvested after a minimum of 15 months have passed. As a result, the requirement for conducting inspections twice becomes relevant. The first inspection is conducted within 12 months from the date of application, and the second inspection is conducted just before harvest, prior to receiving the organic certificate. 

Under the regulation of the Canada Organic regime, Certification Bodies (CBs) cannot issue certificates without organic products. However, ifsuch situations arises , the CB may consider issuing another type of document confirming that the process complies with the standard and issue a certificate when there are actual products to be certified. Therefore, effective from June 1, 2023, inspections conducted in cases cases like the one mentioned above must be performed directly. The inspection cannot be solely based on production simulation. Prior to inspection, the operator must conduct production simulations to demonstrate the use of activity record documents/forms. If no production occurs and the operator still requests an inspection, no certificate will be issued. The implication is that Biocert only issues certificates a after the second inspection when production is confirmed. 

If the application for additions is made before the field inspection occurs, then the additions can still be included in the scope of the upcoming inspection. This can be doneby reporting to client management or inspectors, providing updated data, and attaching supporting documents/notes. If the application for additions is made after the field inspection has beenconducted , then two options are available . The first option is undergo additional audits. The eecond option is towait for the next year's inspection. Regardless of the chosen option, the process remains the same, which involves reporting to BIOCert. 

Annual inspections can be carried out outside the surveillance range, but the operator must submit a request to BIOCert to postpone the inspection. This allows BIOCert toreview the request and verify the completeness of the surveillance documents, enabling BIOCert to make a decision regarding the inspection delay. (Included in PR.5.2.1.1 and PM.5.2). 

Certificate suspension is imposed on the operator certification status if (1) the operator fails to conduct inspections within the surveillance period; and (2) if critical non-conformances are identified during the inspection and certification program. (listed in PM.5.8 and PR. 5.8.1). 

Inform BIOCert to facilitate a decision regarding the inspection postponement. 

Certificate Validity Extension occurs if a certification decision cannot be taken before the certificate's validity period expires due to delays in the inspection program or other considerations that impede the continuation of certification. 

Certificate extensions can be granted when the operator has confirmed the continuation of certification and/or is undergoing an annual inspection program and certification program. 

Certificate extensions can be given for a maximum of 6 months. Requests for extension must be submitted before the validity period expires and will be decided upon after an evaluation review by Biocert. 

Certificate extensions can be provided for a maximum duration of 6 months. Requests for extension must be submitted prior to the expiration of the validity period and will be determined following an evaluation review by Biocert. 

After BIOCert reviews the document submitted for validity extension. BIOCert will inform the operator of the review results. 

The misuse of organic logos or signs occurs when operator fail fail to adhere to the established provisions governing their usage within the selected organic scheme. This abuse manifests in various forms, including:

• Operators are prohibited from providing false or misleading information or statements regarding food traded through, in, and or labeled products if the information or statements are untrue and or misleading.

• The inclusion of statements about the benefits of food for health on labels can only be supported by scientifically accountable facts.

• Operators are prohibited from imprinting the Organic label if the they violate the rules regarding its usage and operators may reapply it once compliance has been restored.

Misuse of of logos and inappropriate or deliberate language can undermine the organic status of products. Therefore, we provide information about certificate or organic products misuse to inform producers, traders, and consumers about proper use.Example of misuse include:

1. Misuse of logos or non-compliance signs by operators certified by BIOCert, for example, due to breaches of agreement, improper quality control, or incorrect conformity assessment by BIOCert or laboratories;

2. Unathourized use of marks by unauthorized parties, for example, the use of marks on un certified products

• Sending a letter of subpoena and a request for clarification regarding the violation to the respective operator, demanding the withdraw of all materials/products that violate or misuse the BIOCert logo and the Indonesian ORGANIC mark.

• If the violation and abuse are committed by an operator certified by BIOCert, BIOCert will suspend or revoke the organic certificate of the operator. BIOCert may also revoke the operator's organic certificate as a further action in this case. If within 30 days from the date the letter, there is no response from the operator, and/or the clarification provided by the operator does not fulfill the settlement of the intended case. BIOCert will take action by reporting related cases to the appropriate authorities. BIOCert will also publish the violation cases to the public.

The cost terms can be provided by BIOCert to existing operators. The terms & conditions apply which can be discussed directly with BIOCert's finance manager, Yulie Rosdiana at 082298189527 or by email at financeteam@biocert.co.id 

Remote audits are determined by the certification team based on risk analysis result from the last inspectionconducted . If the inspection method requires a full visit, it can be interpreted that the results of the operator's risk analysis are classified as high.