USDA Organic Certification Explained

Type: Cruelty-Free

Country: United States

Established: 2002

Scope

Organic food, farming, cosmetics (voluntary)

Audit rigor

Level: third-party-audit. Supply-chain verified: Yes.

Cost for brands

Cost-share programmes available. Certification fees vary by certifier.

Recognized in

USA, Recognised equivalent in many countries

Notes

The US federal organic standard. Certified by USDA-accredited certifiers. Four labelling levels: '100% Organic', 'Organic' (95%+), 'Made with Organic' (70%+), and ingredient listing. Does not certify vegan status. Does not regulate animal testing in cosmetics. A small number of cosmetics brands use the USDA Organic seal on high organic ingredient percentage products.