Organic Food Certification

Overview

Quality Assurance International (QAI), an NSF company, provides independent, third‑party organic certification to protect the integrity of organic products and support market access across North America and beyond. We certify operations at every stage of the supply chain, from farm to fork, to the applicable national organic standards in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and in several countries to USDA Organic requirements.

With more than 30 years of organic certification experience, QAI supports brands, producers, processors and retailers in demonstrating compliance, credibility and consumer trust in global organic markets.

USDA organic certification – United States

QAI offers certification to the USDA National Organic Program, the federal regulation governing organic production, handling, processing and labeling in the United States. USDA Organic certification verifies compliance with strict requirements covering inputs, production methods, recordkeeping, traceability, and annual inspections.

Certified products and operations may use the USDA Organic seal and the QAI Certified Organic mark, demonstrating verified organic integrity across crops, livestock, dairy, processed foods, beverages, dietary supplements, food service and retail operations.

Learn more about USDA Organic Certification

Organic certification in Canada and Québec

QAI provides organic certification for products sold in Canada and Québec through the Canadian Organic Regime and the Québec Organic Reference Standards. QAI enables operators to leverage USDA Organic certification through the United States–Canada Organic Equivalency Arrangement, reducing duplication and supporting efficient access to the Canadian market.

Certified operations demonstrate compliance with national and provincial organic requirements and may be eligible to use the Canada Organic logo, where applicable, as well as the QAI Certified Organic mark available in English or bilingual English and French.

Learn more about Canada’s Organic Certification

Organic certification in Mexico

QAI provides organic certification for products sold in or exported to Mexico under the Organic Products Law, overseen by SENASICA. QAI is an approved certification body authorized to issue organic certification for the Mexican market.

Certification verifies compliance with Mexico’s organic regulations and supports the use of the Orgánico SAGARPA México seal, as well as the QAI Certified Organic mark, where applicable.

Learn more about Mexico Organic Certification

Cross-Border recognition and organic equivalency

Many organic standards are aligned through formal equivalency arrangements, supporting certified operators in accessing multiple markets more efficiently. USDA Organic certification is recognized in Canada through the United States–Canada Organic Equivalency Arrangement, enabling products certified to USDA National Organic Program requirements to be sold as organic in Canada with limited additional requirements. Canada Organic certification is likewise recognized in the United States under the same framework.

Mexico maintains equivalency pathways with USDA Organic but requires certification to the Mexico Organic Products Law for products sold in the Mexican market. NSF, through Quality Assurance International, supports operators in leveraging existing USDA Organic certification while addressing Mexico-specific regulatory and labeling requirements.

Working with QAI allows companies to streamline certification across the United States, Canada and Mexico, reducing duplication, managing compliance differences and accelerating access to key organic markets.

Why choose NSF and QAI

QAI offers one trusted certification partner across multiple organic markets, supported by dedicated account representatives, experienced technical experts, a global auditor network and a secure online client portal. Organic certification can be bundled with other NSF services like Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Plant-Based and others, to support efficiency, consistency, and long-term compliance.

Accredited organic certification services for products sold in the United States, Canada and Mexico.