Frequently Asked Questions About Product Review
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About OMRI
What is the difference between the OMRI Products List and the OMRI Generic Materials List?
The OMRI Products List consists of individual products sold by suppliers that have undergone the OMRI review process and have been found to conform to the National Organic Program Standards. This list can be searched online, downloaded from our website and can be found in the printed copy.
The OMRI Generic Materials List is a list of generic materials that specifies how they comply with the National Organic Standards. The Generic Materials List is divided into three main sections: Crop, Livestock and Processing. Within these three sections, products are further separated into Use Classes:
Crop Fertilizer and Soil Amendments (CF)
Crop Management Tools and Product Aids (CT)
Crop Pest Weed and Disease Control (CP)
Livestock Feed Ingredient (LF)
Livestock Health Care (LH)
Livestock External Parasiticide or Pesticide (LP)
Livestock Management Tool or Production Aid (LT)
Processing Agricultural Ingredient or Processing Aid (PA)
Processing Non-agricultural Ingredient or Processing Aid (PN)
Processing Pest Control (PP)
Processing Sanitizer or Cleaner (PS)
Processing Container and Packaging Material (PC)
Finally, within the Use Classes there are the Generic Material Categories. Products that are reviewed by OMRI and are listed on the OMRI Products List are reviewed to a use Class and Generic Material Category.
What is OMRI's shipping address for sending materials by private courier services like UPS?
If you're using a private courier service, such as FedEx or UPS, send your application to:
Organic Materials Review Institute
2649 Willamette Street
Eugene, OR 97405-3134 USA
Where can I get more information on organic food production in the United States?
The OMRI Links page lists websites that provide information about the organic industry, production, and regulation.
You can also check our list of OMRI Subscribing Certifiers, as these organizations often provide information on various farming topics.
Why is OMRI not USDA accredited as an organic certifier?
Agricultural products that are outputs of organic farms or processors (such as foods, fibers and feeds) can be USDA “certified organic.” Most input products (such as fertilizers, pesticides, additives, etc.) are ineligible for organic certification. However, inputs must be approved prior to use on a certified organic operation. OMRI reviews input products to verify that they meet the USDA’s National Organic Program Standards for use on organic farms or in organic processing. We are recognized by the USDA NOP as a reputable 3rd party input reviewer in Policy Memorandum 11-4 in the NOP Handbook. In addition, OMRI is accredited under the International Standards Organization (ISO) Guide 65 by the USDA Grading, & Verification Division. USDA auditors confirm on an annual basis that OMRI adheres to the policy and standards set forth in our Policy and Standards Manual, and by the National Organic Standards. OMRI Listed products can use language such as “for organic use” or “for organic production” to communicate compliance with organic rules.
Application Questions
Does OMRI have an expedited application process?
No. The best way to have your application reviewed quickly is to submit a complete application. This includes submitting completed forms and all supporting documentation for the final product and each ingredient as specified in the Application Kit. Complete applications are processed as quickly as possible in the order in which they are received. Applicants are encouraged to contact the OMRI Application Specialist at (541) 343-7600 X 105 or at apply@omri.org prior to submitting their application packet to confirm that the application is complete.
How should I present my completed application packet to OMRI?
OMRI prefers emailed applications. However we also accept applications that are mailed or faxed. If you do choose to mail your application please DO NOT use staples, binders, dividers or page protectors. We scan all documents into our database and store all files in confidential file cabinets. OMRI staff must remove all of these extraneous items for the application materials to be scanned and to fit in the cabinets.
Whether you are submitting by email, fax or mail be sure to include all applicable items as indicated by the Checklist and relevant Product Report from your Application Kit. Include a cover letter with any necessary explanations or comments.
• To submit your application electronically, simply attach the cover letter and all applicable documents (either as a single document or as multiple separate attachments). Send your application packet electronically to apply@omri.org. You can make a payment via PayPal or by credit card when you login to your account on the OMRI website or you may use the Payment Form included in the Application Kit. You can also contact the OMRI Administrative Specialist at (541) 343-7600 ext. 100 to submit payment over the phone.
• Using public mail service (USPS), send your application to: Organic Materials Review Institute PO Box 11558 Eugene, OR 97440-3758
• Using a private courier service, such as FedEx or UPS, send your application to: Organic Materials Review Institute 2649 Willamette Street, Eugene, OR 97405-3134 USA
I have already ordered the Application Kit. How can I receive extra copies of the application forms?
If you have already ordered an Application Kit, you should have received a user name and password in an email. If you requested a hard copy Application Kit you should have received it in the mail as well.
Additional forms and checklists can be found on the Individual Forms and Checklist link located in the right hand Applicant Menu available when you log into the website. In addition the OMRI Policy and Standards Manual can be found using the Manuals and Review Standards link, also located in the right hand Applicant Menu. If you are having trouble accessing these documents, please contact OMRI.
If you need additional forms mailed to you, please download and fill out the Application Kit Order Form.
Is there a list of consultants who can help with the application to OMRI?
While OMRI does not endorse or recommend any particular consultant, we maintain a list of consultants that have interest in helping with OMRI applications. Many have helped or have been involved in submitting applications to OMRI in the past. You may find the list of consultants here.
One of my ingredient suppliers is not willing to provide me with information on their formula or manufacturing process. How can I move forward?
OMRI has a system for handling confidential information from third parties. A third party confidentiality agreement allows an ingredient supplier to send proprietary information directly to OMRI. Only the third party and OMRI will be able to view this information, and OMRI will protect this information as it does any confidential information. Please contact OMRI for a copy of our agreement. OMRI must receive a third party confidentiality fee of $215.00, and the completed agreement, before the third party information is submitted. The third party confidentiality fee is subject to a yearly renewal fee of $130.
Should I send a sample of my product?
Please do not send samples of the product, as we do not have laboratory resources available to analyze them. However, OMRI may require official laboratory analysis to be submitted with the application for some product types. The Product Report form included in the Application Kit will indicate whether lab analysis is required. When this is the case, you will need to send your product to a reputable third party laboratory to have the analysis performed.
For help locating a lab to do the analysis, see the Partial List of Analytical Labs that OMRI maintains.
What is an OMRI Category?
An OMRI Category, or Listing, is a general category of materials used in organic crop production, food processing, and livestock production. Examples include “potting soil,” “fish meal” and “salt.” The specific categories used by OMRI are published as the OMRI Generic Materials List, and are included within the OMRI Standards Manual (and addendum), and are searchable online. Products are listed in the OMRI Products List according to their category. When applying for a product to be listed by OMRI, choose the one material listing that best fits your product. Categories are a useful way for buyers to find the type of product they are looking for.
What products are required to undergo an inspection?
OMRI performs three different types of inspections- High Nitrogen Liquid Fertilizer (HNLF) inspections, For-cause inspections and Random inspections.
If your product is a High Nitrogen Liquid Fertilizer (defined as a liquid fertilizer with a nitrogen analysis or label claim of greater than 3% nitrogen), the product must undergo one announced and one unannounced inspection annually per USDA policy. One announced inspection is conducted prior to the product being listed on the OMRI Products List and one unannounced inspection is conducted sometime in the first year after the product is added to the OMRI Products List. These two inspections will occur every year that the product 's OMRI listing is renewed. OMRI requires an annual fee of $3500 for a new product and $1500 for repackaged products to cover the cost of these inspections. For more information about the cost of these inspections see the Review Cost webpage. More information about inspections can be found in the OMRI Policy and Standards Manual or you are welcome to contact us at (541)343-7600.
Additionally, For-cause inspections and/or stream of commerce sampling may be conducted when there is cause to do so. More information about these types of inspections is available in the OMRI Policy and Standards Manual section §5.2.
Finally, random surveillance is preformed on 1% of all OMRI Listed products annually. Random surveillance consists of either stream of commerce sampling (buying the product and sending a sample into a lab for analysis), or through an inspection at the manufacturing site. Random surveillance is a part of OMRI’s ISO accredited procedures, and there is no additional cost for these tests or inspections.
Are laboratory tests are required for my product?
Lab results are only required for products requesting listing in the classes “Crop Fertilizers or Soil Amendments” or “Crop Management Tools.” Required tests must be included with the application and may include Fecal coliform and Salmonella, Heavy Metals, and Nutrient levels. OMRI now requires N-P-K test results for all products applying in the Crop Fertilizer and Soil Amendments class. Other specific categories, such as acid stabilized liquid fish products, require pH testing, while processed manure products require moisture level tests. For information on which tests are required, see the Product Report-Crop in your application packet. The Review Standards for Lab Analyses sheet provides specific information about acceptable results and how results should be reported.
If you need further clarification, please call OMRI’s Application Specialist at (541) 343-7600 x105. For help locating a lab to do the analysis, see the Partial List of Analytical Labs that OMRI maintains.
Lab analysis reports must be labeled in a way that is consistent with the product name, include the methods and units used, and must be less than a year old.
Are there any products that OMRI will not review?
OMRI reviews input products for use in organic crop, livestock and processing production. However, some input products may be considered out of OMRI's scope for various reasons. Here is a list of product types that are considered to be out of scope for OMRI to review:
- Machines or other types of devices.
- Products that are not relevant to the National Organic Program regulations, for instance products that are meant to be used in aquaculture systems, bug spray for humans, or beauty care products. A product such as cat litter would be considered out of scope unless the label had a specific agricultural use that complies with the organic regulations.
OMRI’s Review Program routinely encounters difficult technical issues for which industry experts are consulted for guidance and interpretation of the NOP Rule. When a product review has an issue that is outside of OMRI's or the National Organic Program’s (NOP's) current written standards, OMRI’s policy is to place the product under “Unresolved” status for a maximum of 275 days while OMRI gathers evidence to help guide the review. If OMRI is unable to resolve the issue within the given timeframe, application is forfeited and OMRI will refund the application fees. In certain cases where interpretation is needed from the NOP before making a decision, OMRI designates an unresolved issue as “Beyond Resolution,” and will no longer accept applications that pertain to that particular issue until the issue becomes resolved by the NOP.
Can I use Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) in my product?
OMRI refers to the U.S. National Organic Standards definition of genetic engineering at Title 7 Part 205.105 (e) and 205.2 Excluded Methods for review of input materials and processes. Ingredients that meet this definition are not allowed in OMRI Listed products or in certified organic production:
"Directly produced products or ingredients derived from genetic engineering techniques, cannot be made otherwise, and have a potential to express the trait that has been added by such techniques. Genetic engineering includes a variety of methods used to genetically modify organisms or influence their growth and development by means that are not possible under natural conditions or processes and are not considered compatible with organic production. Such methods include cell fusion, micro- and macro encapsulation, and recombinant DNA technology (including gene deletion, gene doubling, introducing a foreign gene, and changing positions of genes when achieved by recombinant DNA technology). Such methods do not include traditional breeding, conjugation, fermentation, hybridization, in vitro fertilization, or tissue culture."
All applicants must declare on their Product Report form (included in the Application Kit) whether their final product or any its ingredients are produced by Genetic Engineering. In most circumstances, the use of genetically engineered organisms or products of genetically engineered organisms are prohibited in any form or at any stage in organic production, processing, or handling.
When specific criteria are met, a GE material is reviewed as non-GE material and may be allowed for use in OMRI Listed products. To address questions about Excluded Methods (GE), OMRI has designed Decision Tree Flowcharts for GE in Crops, Livestock and Processing on pages 146 -149 of the OMRI Policy and Standards Manual. Please see the Decision Tree Flowcharts for questions about the use of GE materials in OMRI Listed Products. Applicants receive a copy of the OMRI Policy and Standards Manual with their Application Kit.
Do I need to know the manufacturing process for all of my ingredients?
Generally, if an ingredient is nonsynthetic, you will need to submit a manufacturing process that verifies the nonsynthetic nature of the ingredient. You do not need to submit the manufacturing process for any permitted synthetic ingredients or any currently OMRI Listed® products. If you are required to submit a manufacturing process and can not get this information from the manufacturer, OMRI and the manufacturing company may enter into a third party agreement where the manufacturer may share that information directly with OMRI to preserve confidentiality.
To find out whether a synthetic substance is permitted for your product, see the OMRI Generic Materials List or the National Organic Program Rule at §205.601,§205.603, or §205.605(b).
How can I get my product listed?
We have a whole page dedicated to that very topic...
How do I determine whether my product or ingredient is synthetic or nonsynthetic?
The USDA National Organic Standards define synthetic as follows:
"A substance that is formulated or manufactured by a chemical process or by a process that chemically changes a substance extracted from naturally occurring plant, animal, or mineral sources, except that such term shall not apply to substances created by naturally occurring biological processes."
Determining whether a substance is synthetic can be a very technical task. OMRI recommends following these steps to help you determine whether a substance is synthetic:
- Search for your substance in the OMRI Generic Materials List online, the printed copy, or contained within the OMRI Policy and Standards Manual (if you are looking at the manual, be sure to download the addendum, for the latest updates). The Generic Materials List specifies for each substance whether synthetic or nonsynthetic versions of the substances are permissible for use in organic agriculture or organic food processing. The OMRI Generic Materials List is organized into three sections based on the product's intended use: CROPS, LIVESTOCK, and PROCESSING & HANDLING. Look for the “Use Class” that is specific to your products intended use.
- If you do not find the substance in the appropriate section of the OMRI Generic Materials List, or if you are still unsure whether your particular ingredient/product would be considered synthetic, turn to pages 142–143 of the OMRI Policy and Standards Manual and read section 10.1.1 Synthetic versus Nonsynthetic Determination and review Figure 1: Proposed Decision Tree to Distinguish Synthetic and Nonsynthetic Substances.
OMRI policy prevents our staff from providing specialized advice to any individual or company. However, if you have a question about whether a particular substance is synthetic and it is not answered by using the OMRI Policy and Standards Manual, then please contact us. Please keep in mind that OMRI may not be able to determine whether a particular substance is synthetic without reviewing your complete application.
What are OMRI policies for product labeling?
OMRI policies for product labeling are described in §2.7 and §4.2.2 of the OMRI Policy and Standards Manual. Here are some tips...
- Company and product name on the label (or bulk sales documentation) must match the information submitted on the application materials and listed on the OMRI Products List.
- The terms "USDA Organic", "certified organic" and "NOP organic" cannot be used unless the product is a food or fiber that is certified organic by an accredited certification agency. In all cases, the phrases "for organic use" and "for organic production" are permitted on OMRI Listed products. See the table below for specific rules.
- Processing Sanitizers and Cleaners (Class PS) products which contain any ingredient that is not on the National List of allowed nonagricultural substances at 205.605, must provide product users with use instructions (on product label or other information conveyed with the sale of the product) which include demonstrably effective methods to prevent contact between organic food and prohibited substance. Such instructions should include dilution and application rates and intervening events as applicable.
Specific rules for using the term "organic" on labels for products in the following classes identified by their two letter code in this table, the following rules should be observed:
| Classes | Rules |
| CF, CT, LT, LH, PS, PN | None beyond the general rule noted in the OMRI Policy and Standards Manual. |
| CP, LP, PP | Must conform to rules promulgated under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and, Rodenticide Act and specifically PR Notice 2003-1 for products used in the USA only. |
| LF, PA, PN | "Organic" is permitted with proof of relevant organic certification on the final product |
What are the OMRI Standards?
OMRI publishes the OMRI Policy and Standards Manual, which contains standards for products intended for use in certified organic production or processing under the USDA National Organic Program. We base these standards on the USDA regulations for organic agriculture (7 CFR part 205—also called the National Organic Standards). Suppliers receive a copy of the OMRI Policy and Standards Manual when they order an application kit.
What is an OMRI Class?
Classes are part of the OMRI classification system that groups products with similar end use attributes. This helps to determine which standards are applied when reviewing the product for organic use and assists buyers in finding appropriate products. Applicants complete a Product Report form (which is included in the Application Kit) specific to the Use Class you are applying for.
The OMRI Product Use Classes are:
Crop Fertilizer or Soil Amendment (CF)
Crop Pest, Weed, or Disease Control (CP)
Crop Management Tool or Production Aid (CT)
Livestock Feed Ingredient (LF)
Livestock Health Care (LH)
Livestock External Parasiticide or Pesticide (LP)
Livestock Management Tool or Production Aid (LT)
Processing Agricultural Ingredient or Processing Aid (PA)
Processing Non-agricultural Ingredient or Processing Aid (PN)
Processing Pest Control (PP)
Processing Sanitizer or Cleaner (PS)
Processing Container and Packaging Material (PC)
For more information on the OMRI Product Use Classes, see the OMRI Generic Materials List, which is also contained in Part 9 of the OMRI Policy and Standards Manual.
What is required to request an additional class of use for my product listing?
When a company wishes to have a currently OMRI Listed or an applying product listed under an additional class of use, the following documents and payment need to be submitted to OMRI:
- Product Application. The product application must be from the same company and have an identical product name as the OMRI Listed or applying product.
- Application Fee Worksheet and payment of $215 for additional use class review.
- Product Report for the additional use class. (If the product is listed as a Processing Sanitizer or Cleaner and the supplier wants to also list the product as a Crop Tool, the supplier completes any item on the Product Report-Crop, which was not submitted with the original application).
If you have any questions, please contact OMRI Application Specialist at 541-343-7600 x105.
What is the difference between a single ingredient product and a multi-ingredient product?
Single ingredient products contain only one ingredient or feedstock. For example, if limestone was simply mined from the earth it would be considered single ingredient (non-added impurities would not count as a second ingredient in this instance). Water (or moisture) does not count as an ingredient while calculating the fee, but its percentage in the final product should be included on the Total Ingredient List. Products that consist of a single multi-ingredient product that is already OMRI Listed are also considered to be a single ingredient. This is different from a repack as it may contain water and/or be listed in a different use class.
A multi-ingredient product contains two or more ingredients or feedstocks (including ingredients that are OMRI Listed). These include products that consist of previously formulated multi-ingredient products that are not already OMRI Listed®. For example, a blended fertilizer with blood and bone meals that is not already OMRI Listed and is being packaged is a multi-ingredient product because the product contains two separate substances. Another example is if OMRI Listed Product A is mixed with OMRI Listed Product B.
Each ingredient should be expressed on the Total Ingredient List provided in your Application Kit. There are examples of both single and multi-ingredient Total Ingredient Lists when you log into the website and navigate to the Individual Forms and Checklists page in the right hand Applicant Menu. There is also an example Compost Application on the Application Support Downloads page.
OMRI charges a product fee based on whether a product is single ingredient or multi-ingredient with the exception of water and OMRI Listed products. For a full explanation of fees, please see the Review Cost page.
Will OMRI securely guard the confidentiality of my formula and ingredient sources?
Yes, OMRI takes matters of confidentiality very seriously. OMRI policies on confidential information are outlined in section 1.6.1 of the OMRI Policy and Standards Manual. Confidential materials are clearly separated from public materials (Supplier Application Form and Product Application Form), and are never released to the public
During Review
What are OMRI review standards for compost products?
Applications for compost products must include lab results for pathogens and heavy metals. Composts which have levels above the pathogen threshold will be listed as Allowed with Restrictions in the Category: Manure-raw. Composts which do not meet the heavy metal requirements may receive a caution statement, or may not be eligible for OMRI Listing. For information about maximum allowable levels of pathogens or heavy metals see the Review Standards for Lab Analyses information sheet in your Application Kit (you need to be logged in to the OMRI website to follow the link provided). Depending on the compost type, additional requirements may apply. See compost requirements by category on pages 80-81 of the OMRI Generic Materials section of the OMRI Policy and Standards Manual and in the table below.
If you have ordered an Application Kit, then you can login to the website and access advanced application support materials such as a completed Sample Compost Application. The Sample Compost Application is an excellent reference for applicants applying for a product review of a compost product.
| Table of Compost Categories for Comparison | |||||
| OMRI Listed Category | OMRI Listed Status | Feedstocks | Time at Temperature 131-170°F | Turning Frequency | C:N Ratio of initial uncomposted feedstocks
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| Compost – in-vessel or static aerated pile (plant and animal materials)
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Allowed | Plant and/or animal materials | 3 days | n/a | Between 25:1-40:1 |
| Compost – windrow | Allowed | Plant and/or animal materials | 15 days | 5 times in 15 days | Between 25:1-40:1 |
| Compost – plant materials | Allowed | Plant materials only | 3 days | Periodic | n/a |
| Compost – other | Allowed | Plant and/or animal materials | 3 days | Periodic | n/a |
What if I want to reformulate during the initial review of my product?
If a product undergoes a change in formulation as defined in the OMRI Policy and Standards Manual at §2.9.5 during the review process, the applicant is required to submit a Reformulation Fee of $215 and all documentation regarding the change.
Other changes, such as changes to the product name or product label usually do not incur a fee. For an up-to-date list of all fee amounts, see the Review Cost page.
What is the difference between the OMRI status of "Allowed" (A) and "Allowed with Restrictions" (R) on the OMRI Products List?
OMRI assigns a status of Allowed with Restrictions to products that contain one or more ingredients that are allowed with restrictions on the OMRI Generic Materials List. Allowed products are composed solely of ingredients listed on the OMRI Generic Materials List as allowed. All products must be used as directed on their labels. While Allowed products may be used in certified organic production, Allowed with Restrictions products may be used only for certain uses, or only under specific documented conditions. OMRI considers materials Allowed with Restrictions when the substance is listed with a restriction on the National List, or there is a restriction described in the text of the USDA National Organic Program Rule. Some Allowed with Restrictions materials may be used only after preferred alternatives were attempted and their use is documented in the Organic System Plan. Both allowed synthetic and prohibited nonsynthetic materials that appear on the National List may have annotations that limit their use. Some materials may be used only from a specific source or if the material is free from contamination by prohibited substances. Check with the certification agency for policy regarding material evaluation and usage restrictions as certifiers may not allow use of an Allowed with Restrictions material if it does not comply with regulations for that material's usage.
What is the OMRI process for reviewing applications?
OMRI processes applications in the order in which they are received. Upon receipt, a Review Program Assistant will pre-review the application to ensure that all forms are complete. If they are not complete or clarification is needed then the applicant will be contacted via email. Once the pre-review stage is complete an OMRI Product Review Coordinator will be assigned to the product. This person will be your contact for any questions you have about the progress of your product application from that day forward. The reviewer may ask for additional information relevant to the review of the product.
Once the application is complete, the reviewer prepares a summary and a recommendation for the application. The OMRI Review Panel then studies the summary and recommendation, then either votes on a product's status or requests more information. Products that comply are given an "Allowed" or "Allowed with Restrictions" status and are added to the OMRI Products List. Your reviewer will notify you within 12 business days after the Review Panel completes their decision-making process.
When the decision is made to approve the application, OMRI issues a certificate and an approval letter. Also, OMRI will post your product on our website and in our quarterly supplement to the printed OMRI Products List. Every January, we print the OMRI Products List in full, which will include your product if it has been approved. Finally, the OMRI Listed® Seal is licensed to your company for use in association with the product.
How long does the review take?
The length of time for a product to complete the review process varies according to the type of product. OMRI does not guarantee the length of time needed to complete a review of an application. Repackaged product applications and Product Changes can be reviewed in as little as one month. The average review time for new product applications is three to four months, or less if the application is complete. Incomplete applications often take longer than the average. OMRI reviews applications in the order in which they are received. We can not guarantee of the length of time it will take to review an application. However, we will make every effort to advance the review as quickly as possible. The single most important factor in determining how long the review will take is whether the application arrives with all the required information. Please contact the Application Specialist if you have any questions at apply@omri.org or (541)343-7600 x 105.
Post Review
Can I call my product "certified organic" once approved?
No. The term "certified organic" is reserved for food and fiber products that meet the USDA National Organic Program production standards. Organic operators look for the OMRI Listed® Seal because it assures them the product has passed OMRI expert review for use as an input for organic production.
Foods, fibers, and feeds are eligible to be called "certified organic" and carry the USDA's seal for organic products. Input products are used to grow, process, or produce organic foods, feed, or fibers including substances such as fertilizers, pesticides, and other materials used on the farm or in the food processing facility. They are typically not eligible to carry the USDA seal or use the term "certified organic." Inputs are either allowed, allowed with restrictions or prohibited for use in organic agriculture or food processing.
Because the job of determining whether individual inputs products comply with the National Organic Standards can be a tough one, OMRI is dedicated exclusively to this task. This means that OMRI is the most experienced reviewer available. OMRI also assists with the promotion of those inputs by licensing the OMRI seal and the use of the term OMRI Listed®, and by including these products in the OMRI Products List, which is viewed and trusted by thousands of organic farmers and gardeners throughout North America.
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