Get Certified
Certification in Five Steps
Certification can be a confusing maze of paperwork and requirements. At ICS, we consider it part of our job to help you understand the requirements, and to guide you through the steps of certification. We custom design our services to meet the needs of our individual clients and their unique operation. Our service commitment is to do everything in our power to make your life simpler, while still providing you with a first class quality, internationally recognized, organic guarantee.
While certification paperwork may seem extensive, the ICS Production Plan is a useful tool for managing your organic operation.
1. Request a Quote
The first step in the certification process with ICS is to tell us a little about your operation so we can estimate how much your certification may cost. Review of your information and development of your cost quote is a free service and does not obligate you in any way. Request a Quote.
2. Review Paperwork
Application
An application will be sent to you with your cost estimate. Complete, sign and date the application and return with the “Set-up Installment” amount shown on the 2nd page of Module 1A – Application (Under the section “Cost Assessment”)..
Certification Package
Upon receipt of your completed application and the Set-up Installment, you will be assigned a Customer Care Specialist (CCS). Your CCS will send you the Certification Package which includes your Production Plan, Contractual Agreement, requirements, checklists, and policies. Complete the Production Plan and attach any necessary documents (refer to the checklist in your package for what to attach). Sign and date the agreement. Return these completed documents to ICS with the “Review Installment” shown on the 2nd page of your Module 1A – Application (Under the section “Cost Assessment”).
Production Plan
Your CCS will review the returned production plan to ensure it is complete. All documents will then be sent to one of ICS’ reviewers. The reviewer may require you to adjust your plan to comply with requirements and policies. You will be sent a Review Findings letter informing you of any needed adjustments/information. Your plan must be approved prior to scheduling of your inspection.
3. Inspection
The next step of the process is to verify the information presented in the Production Plan. ICS uses contracted inspectors who conduct the on-site audit.
4. Review Inspection Results
After the inspection, ICS’ reviewers will make a decision on your operation. During this review, product labels (in any) will also be looked at to ensure compliance with labeling requirements. You may receive another Review Findings letter of any additional information needed before approval can happen. This letter will need to be signed and any non-compliances will need to be addressed within the time-frame indicated in the letter.
5. Certification
Upon final approval and payment of any outstanding fees (Certificate Installment if applicable, Inspection fees, etc), your CCS will countersign and return your contractual agreement along with your certificates. NOP certified operations will then be authorized to market product as NOP certified and use the USDA Organic logo. If you are an FVO certified operator, you will then be authorized to issue certificates to your buyers and to use the FVO name and/or logo on your product (FVO program only). If you wish to use the IFOAM logo (FVO program only) you will need to request and sign an addendum to the Contractual Agreement
Continuing Certification
Every year you will need to update your paperwork, pay your annual fee, and have an on-site inspection. Learn More.
The first step in the certification process with ICS is to tell us a little about your operation so we can estimate how much your certification may cost. Review of your information and development of your cost quote is a free service and does not obligate you in any way. Request a Quote.
2. Review Paperwork
Application
An application will be sent to you with your cost estimate. Complete, sign and date the application and return with the “Set-up Installment” amount shown on the 2nd page of Module 1A – Application (Under the section “Cost Assessment”)..
Certification Package
Upon receipt of your completed application and the Set-up Installment, you will be assigned a Customer Care Specialist (CCS). Your CCS will send you the Certification Package which includes your Production Plan, Contractual Agreement, requirements, checklists, and policies. Complete the Production Plan and attach any necessary documents (refer to the checklist in your package for what to attach). Sign and date the agreement. Return these completed documents to ICS with the “Review Installment” shown on the 2nd page of your Module 1A – Application (Under the section “Cost Assessment”).
Production Plan
Your CCS will review the returned production plan to ensure it is complete. All documents will then be sent to one of ICS’ reviewers. The reviewer may require you to adjust your plan to comply with requirements and policies. You will be sent a Review Findings letter informing you of any needed adjustments/information. Your plan must be approved prior to scheduling of your inspection.
3. Inspection
The next step of the process is to verify the information presented in the Production Plan. ICS uses contracted inspectors who conduct the on-site audit.
4. Review Inspection Results
After the inspection, ICS’ reviewers will make a decision on your operation. During this review, product labels (in any) will also be looked at to ensure compliance with labeling requirements. You may receive another Review Findings letter of any additional information needed before approval can happen. This letter will need to be signed and any non-compliances will need to be addressed within the time-frame indicated in the letter.
5. Certification
Upon final approval and payment of any outstanding fees (Certificate Installment if applicable, Inspection fees, etc), your CCS will countersign and return your contractual agreement along with your certificates. NOP certified operations will then be authorized to market product as NOP certified and use the USDA Organic logo. If you are an FVO certified operator, you will then be authorized to issue certificates to your buyers and to use the FVO name and/or logo on your product (FVO program only). If you wish to use the IFOAM logo (FVO program only) you will need to request and sign an addendum to the Contractual Agreement
Continuing Certification
Every year you will need to update your paperwork, pay your annual fee, and have an on-site inspection. Learn More.
International Certification Services, Inc.
301 5th Ave SE Medina, ND 58467 United States
Tel: 701-486-3578 * Fax: 701-486-3580 * email: info@ics-intl.com
