Common Missing Information
This section provides a detailed outline of the stages and requirements of the review process, to help the journey toward receiving and maintaining OMRI listing go smoothly and efficiently.
The separate Get Listed menu has more information about fees and how to begin the review process for new applicants and those who are just starting.
Here we cover the general flow of OMRI’s review process, and describe review time, common missing information, and OMRI’s procedures to protect your confidential information. If your company needs assistance you may contact OMRI’s application support team directly, or you may refer to the list of private consultants that offer support for a fee.
Review Flow
Most OMRI reviews follow the sequence of events described below.
TIP: During the review process, please ensure that your company’s designated Review and Renewal contact is prepared to promptly address any questions or provide additional information that OMRI may need to determine the product’s compliance. Your company will be provided with a deadline for any requests for more information. In most cases, you can request additional time, if needed, from the OMRI staff member currently handling your review (i.e., the “reviewer”).
- Answer all questions.
- Gather and upload supporting documents.
- Complete the checkout process to submit.
- Staff perform an administrative review.
- You will receive correspondence about the next step of the review process, which is called Technical Review.
- OMRI performs a thorough evaluation and determines compliance with the acceptable ruling body.
- Staff makes a status recommendation based on the findings of the review process.
- OMRI's Review Panel votes to accept or reject the staff recommendation.
- If the product is compliant, it will be added to the OMRI Products List.
- Sometimes further information is required to make a decision. In that case you will be contacted.
- OMRI seeks to notify companies of their product's listing status within one week after the listing decision has been made.
- If your product has been approved, you will receive access to the OMRI Listed seal and downloadable certificate.
Timeliness
OMRI typically reviews applications in the order in which they are received. We cannot guarantee a length of time for the review, but we will make every effort to advance the review as quickly as possible.
TIP: The single most important factor in determining how long the review will take is whether the application is submitted with all of the required information.
During each step of the review process, the Review Program Specialist or Product Review Coordinator assigned to your file will contact you if any additional information is needed. See above for more information about the steps of the review.
How long does the review take?
The length of time varies according to the type of product and the completeness of the application. OMRI's median review time is currently three months. See this page for more information about expedited reviews.
In order to help applicants understand what to expect, OMRI updates the table below monthly with information about expected wait times.
Expected time waiting for pre-review
Expected time waiting for compliance review
Expected time waiting for Change Reports
Does OMRI have an expedited application process?
Yes, OMRI is trialing an expedited review service, for an additional fee. See this page for more information about expedited reviews and OMRI’s Review Cost page for information on our current fees.
See this video for more information about how to get the most expedient review time.
Confidentiality
OMRI's growing list of over 10,000 products would not be possible without strong confidentiality safeguards. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance to OMRI's mission and accreditation, and to you.
Applicants must disclose their product ingredients, manufacturing processes, and other key information about the product to OMRI in order for OMRI to conduct a compliance review. Rest assured, maintaining confidentiality is something we handle with great care.
How can I be sure OMRI will keep our information confidential?
Section 1.6 of the OMRI Policy Manual details our confidentiality policies and the information that OMRI does not consider confidential (your product label, company name, product name, public contact information, etc.—basically, the information included in the OMRI Products List(s)).
What are the steps that staff take?
OMRI safeguards confidentiality through multiple mechanisms. All staff, contractors, and other personnel must sign a confidentiality agreement and they receive regular training on the policies and protocols to protect confidentiality.
When your company first creates a company account with OMRI, you will be asked to set up a list of authorized contacts. Those listed as authorized contacts will be the only individuals who can submit applications to OMRI on behalf of your company and discuss confidential information about your product reviews with OMRI staff. It is essential that your company keep this list of contacts up to date, which is why we will ask you to verify this information each year when you renew. See our section on maintaining your authorized contacts for more information.
Important Acknowledgements
One of the benefits to listing products with OMRI is that you can submit your information once to OMRI, instead of repeatedly sharing with multiple organic certifiers. Without OMRI listing, certifiers and farmers may need to collect information about your product to determine whether it is compliant for organic production. That could mean many farmers and certifiers seeking confidential information from you. OMRI listing works to streamline material review, to protect confidentiality, and to make your job easier.
Exclusions from Confidentiality
OMRI assumes anything submitted by an applicant is confidential, aside from what is excluded from confidentiality at §1.6.1.1 of the OMRI Policy Manual (labels, company name, public contact information, etc.). Many of these exclusions encompass the public information included in the OMRI Products List(s). §1.6.1.2 of the OMRI Policy Manual describes some legal and regulatory exceptions to confidentiality, such as court orders.
Non-Affiliated Consultants
Some OMRI applicants choose to work with a consultant to navigate the review process. Below is a list of consultants who may be able to assist your company.
OMRI does not endorse or recommend any particular consultant. The following list is not comprehensive, but includes consultants that may be able to help you with organic input products. If you are a consultant and would like to be added to this list or need to update your information, please contact OMRI with your request.
During the review process, OMRI staff may contact you with requests for extra details or clarifications. Here is a list of the information most frequently requested during the administrative and technical review stages.
Product Labels
Product labels play a crucial role in the review process. It’s our job to ensure that your packaged product is easily identifiable using the information from your listing found on the OMRI Products List(s), so that the public can effortlessly find it. Here are some tips to help you double-check your label before submitting it:
Elements of a Compliant Label
Required for Review
All labels used to sell the product are required to be submitted with the product application. Label variations where the only difference is the net weights or volume do not need to be submitted. For labels that use non-English text, OMRI requires that an English translation be submitted alongside the original label.
1) Product Name
- All labels must display a single product name for listing. See Distinct Products for more information.
2) Company Name and Contact Information
- Must be consistent with the information on your Company Account.
Optional Elements
3) Organic Claims and Seals
- Certified organic claims require a supporting organic certificate. Certified organic final products may be outside of OMRI’s scope of review, depending on the intended use.
- Phrases like “for organic use” and “for organic production” are compliant language.
4) Use instructions
- At least one use must align with the applying Use Class and category.
5) OMRI Listed® Seal
- The OMRI Seal use and language must be compliant. See here for more information.
6) Ingredient Claims
- All claims should be consistent with the product’s formulation.
Company Name & Contact Information
Company Name
The company name reported in your application materials, including your signed Supplier Agreement, must match your product labels and reflect how you would like the company name to be displayed in the OMRI Products List(s) and on OMRI issued certificates.
Multiple company names are allowed to be present on the label, as long as at least one is consistent with the materials on file with OMRI.
Include All Identifiers
Company identifiers such as "Limited, (Ltd.) and "Incorporated, (Inc.)" must be used consistently between the label and the company name on file as reported to OMRI. Any deviation will increase review time and will require revision or clarification from you.
Contact Information
Much like the company name, the contact information on the product label must match information that OMRI has on file for your company. OMRI considers contact information to be a physical or email address, a website URL, a phone number, etc.
Company contact information is required on your product label so that customers can contact you with any questions about your product or OMRI listing status.
Product Name, Brand Name, and Distinct Products
Product Name
When evaluating a product name, OMRI staff reviews information provided and makes a determination based on the label you submit. The goal is to use a product name that will help users match your product label with your listing on the OMRI Products List(s). OMRI staff cannot provide direct advice on the formatting of your label, as that would be in violation of OMRI's policies regarding consulting for applicants. Please see the label example to familiarize yourself with specifics on what OMRI considers to be a compliant product label.
With Bulk Sales, Submit Equivalent Documentation
If your product is ever sold only in bulk or with a sales invoice, ensure that OMRI has the invoice or equivalent documentation on file, and that this document contains all the necessary elements of the product label (company name and contact information, product name ).
If your product is sold with a label and additional documentation, i.e. a bill of lading, receipt, etc. only provide OMRI with the additional documentation if there are circumstances where the label would not accompany the product upon delivery to the consumer.
Brand or Product Line
OMRI considers a brand line or product line to be a group of related products that a company markets under a single brand name. These products usually share a similar purpose, target audience, or category, but may vary in features. It is important to note that your OMRI listing applies to a specific product, not a general brand line.
For more information, please see OMRI Policy Manual © §2.1.2.1.
Distinct Products
OMRI determines product naming on the information displayed on your product labels (or bulk sales invoices, if the product is sometimes sold without a label). To ensure clarity in the organic sector, OMRI reserves the right to add additional identifiers to the product name included in the OMRI Products List(s).
Inconsistent product names across documents may result in an extended review time and require clarification or additional documentation.
Common Technical Issues
Inconsistency Between Documents
An important part of the review process is verifying consistency among the various forms of documentation submitted to OMRI, such as the product formulation, manufacturing process, Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and label. For instance, if ingredients are included in the manufacturing process and SDS, but not in the formulation, OMRI staff will need additional information to confirm the documentation on file is complete and correct. Should any discrepancies be discovered during the review, you will be asked to provide clarification.
Unclear Business Relationships
It is important to be proactive and disclose any partnerships or affiliations that may be referenced in laboratory reports, EPA registrations, invoices, or any other documentation provided throughout the application process, so that OMRI can maintain a clear document trail for your application. This also helps OMRI staff maintain confidentiality and will improve communication during the review.
Unclear Naming
Application materials should consistently reference and/or clearly link to your product. For example, it can create confusion if your product is listed with OMRI as 'SuperExcellent Compost for Home Gardeners,' but appears just as 'Compost' on supporting documentation. To avoid this, please ensure that names and descriptions are aligned and easily correlated across all documentation.
Labs
If you are asked to submit labs, they must be dated within an appropriate amount of time from when the product application was submitted (less than one year, unless a reasonable explanation is provided). It is important that the product name on the lab report is specific and identifiable as the product under review, so that the reviewer has a better chance of connecting the paperwork to the product or ingredient.
Manufacturing Process
Specific ingredients and their quantities are not always required in the manufacturing process to demonstrate compliance. However, if ingredients are included in the manufacturing process description, the list must be consistent with the formulation and other application materials.
Your manufacturing process description should include:
- Ingredient amounts
- Sequence and duration of events
- Temperature changes
- Reactions, including descriptions of any processes such as digestion, fermentation, extraction, etc. that change the product
Ingredient Information
OMRI must review the ingredients in your formulation to ensure they are compliant for organic use. For raw materials (such as agricultural by-products) and mined minerals, please begin your manufacturing process description at harvest or origin. This can help with confirming the nonsynthetic status of the ingredient.
If an ingredient is not made by your company, please be prepared to ask your supplier for specific information about how the ingredient is made, so that you can submit a complete application.
If an ingredient supplier is not willing to share information with you, see below for information about having OMRI contact these Third Party Suppliers on your behalf.
Be descriptive, not excessive
In general, please be as descriptive as possible, as it may allow reviewers to connect the dots without needing to contact you. Providing an excess of information or re-sending information already submitted to OMRI may delay the review process. Please be thorough and descriptive in your submissions, but avoid including unnecessary details. It's best to submit only the information specifically requested.
Stay In Touch
The more communicative you are, the more efficient the review process will be. Whether you prefer phone calls, or emails, please let us know which method works best for you.
Unsure of what you have already submitted? It is okay to request that your reviewer tell you what documents were already submitted.
Make sure your company's Review and Renewal contact is well-informed and available to work with OMRI, as they will be the main point of contact for all correspondence.
This information can help you successfully submit your application to OMRI. We have additional content about OMRI’s fees, review standards, and common missing information if you’d like to learn more.
Please contact our Application Support team at +1 (541) 343-7600 ext. 105 or apply@omri.org if you have questions.
New vs. Repackaged Products
What does OMRI consider a repackaged product?
OMRI considers a repackaged product (or “repack”) to be 100% identical to another OMRI Listed product, but sold under a different product name or by a different company.
Whether you’re repacking your own product or one from another company, just remember:
- The OMRI listing for the repack will be listed in the same Use Class and for use under the same standard (NOP or COR) as the original product that you are repackaging
- You must not be adding ingredients or changing the product in any way (including adding water)
- Your company must either hold the original OMRI listing, be a sub-registrant (pesticide products only), or must purchase the OMRI Listed product directly from the OMRI Listed supplier or authorized distributor
- The product must be marketed under a different product or company name than the original OMRI Listed product
What is the benefit of submitting a repackaged product application?
Repackaging comes with great advantages, including a faster review process, potentially reduced costs, and the opportunity for multiple listings, which in turn will give your product higher visibility in the marketplace. It’s an efficient way to get your product on the market while maximizing your resources.
What does OMRI consider a new product application?
A new (not repackaged) application is needed for products that are new to OMRI—meaning they will require a full review of the product formulation, manufacturing process, labs, etc. The process is the same whether your product contains just one ingredient or a long list of ingredients. It’s the first step to getting your unique product OMRI Listed!
Application Requirements: New Vs. Repackaged Products
The specific information required for each application depends on the standards (NOP and/or COR) and Use Class (e.g., Crop Fertilizers and Soil Amendments, Livestock Health Care, Processing Sanitizers and Cleaners) selected in the application. Below is a list of information that will be required for each application:
New Product Application
- The product formulation (online declaration) quantifying all ingredients or feedstocks used to make the final product
- Written descriptions of the manufacturing process for the final product, and for each nonsynthetic ingredient
- Proof of purchase for OMRI Listed and certified organic ingredients not made by your company
- An SDS or MSDS for your final product, if required by a governmental occupational safety and health organization (OSHA or WHMIS)
- Declarations of any genetically modified organisms, ionizing radiation or nanotechnology used in your product, as applicable
- All versions of the product label used to market the product (all sizes, all languages, etc.)
- Lab analysis for your final product or feedstock, if required in your application
- All relevant fees detailed on OMRI's Review Cost page, as calculated in the application
Repackaged Product Application
- Declaration of the OMRI Listed product that is being repackaged and confirmation that no changes are made to the product
- Proof of purchase for the OMRI Listed product being repackaged, if the original OMRI Listed product is not made by your company
- All versions of the product label used to market the product (all sizes, all languages, etc.)
- All relevant fees detailed on OMRI's Review Cost page or as calculated in the application
Initial Application Review Process
You will receive a confirmation once OMRI has received your complete application. Then your product will undergo pre-review, compliance review and decision making by OMRI's Review Panel, as detailed in the Review Flow section. See the Timeliness section for more information about median review times.
Get Organized
This represents a brief summary of items that you should have on hand prior to submitting an application in order to streamline the review process. This is not intended to represent all documentation the OMRI may request.
Keeping the following items handy will help the review process proceed smoothly and efficiently. It also helps if the main point of contact is either well-versed in the product or can quickly connect us with someone who is, so ensure your Authorized Contacts are current!
Documents that are helpful to retain:
- Your OMRI application: Download your submission from OMRI.org to keep on hand for future reference. Please note that once the review process ends, the submitted application on OMRI.org will no longer appear on our website.
- OMRI does offer a File Copy service for previously submitted application materials for a fee upon request, but downloading it and saving it upon submission is the best option.
- Any documents uploaded with your application, including:
- All labels or bulk invoices used to sell your product.
- Recent proof of purchase for OMRI Listed or certified organic ingredients. Acceptable forms of verification include but are not limited to: invoice, proforma invoice, quote, bill of lading, letter of intent to sell, notice of supplemental distribution, or receipt.
- Lab Reports: The application will indicate which labs you need to submit, based on your responses.
- Compost logs: We ask for your most recent batches only (turning, temperature & other special case information).
- Recent Safety Data Sheet (SDS) also known as a Manufacturer Safety Data Sheet (MSDS): Include an SDS/MSDS if required by an occupational safety and health organization (OSHA or WHMIS). OMRI may request an SDS/MSDS for ingredients.
- Recent manufacturing process for the final product and any nonsynthetic ingredients.
Other Record Keeping Requirements
The OMRI Supplier Agreement has more information about record keeping expectations. §2.4 of the OMRI Policy Manual describes record-keeping requirements for items that would be reviewed should your company undergo an on-site inspection. See the portions of this page about Complaint reporting and Inspections to learn more about those requirements.
If you've made any changes to your product, it's time to submit a Change Report to ensure that OMRI has current information on file.
Once a product becomes OMRI Listed, it will undergo periodic reviews to ensure that it continues to meet OMRI’s standards.
Companies are contacted via email regarding upcoming reviews, and it's important to actively manage your Authorized Contacts via your company page. Keep in mind that only individuals listed as contacts for your company can submit confidential business information to OMRI on behalf of your company.
Annual Renewal
Companies with OMRI Listed products must complete an online renewal questionnaire (available in English or Spanish) and submit renewal fees yearly in order for their products to remain on the OMRI Products List(s). The Annual Renewal process ensures that OMRI Listed products continue to meet OMRI's standards, and results in an updated OMRI certificate.
This process is simple and does not require the submission of a full product application.
- Use the email address OMRI has on file as your username and enter your password.
- Click "My Companies" menu near the top of the page.
- Select your company name from the dropdown list and navigate to your company page.
- Click the button to start your renewal or view your invoice. Answer all questions in the Renewal Questionnaire.
- Complete the checkout process to submit your renewal. Pay by Credit Card, PayPal, Check, Money Order, ACH Transfer or Bank Wire Transfer.
Watch our video on the Annual Renewal process for an overview of this topic.
When do I complete the Annual Renewal?
OMRI will notify your company when it is time to renew your OMRI Listed products for another year. This occurs roughly three months prior to the listing expiration date found on your OMRI certificate.
Your company’s Primary Review and Renewal Contact will receive a time-sensitive notification that contains instructions on how to submit your renewal on OMRI.org, payment methods and a due date.
How to get started and submit
The Annual Renewal has two components: the online renewal submission and payment of renewal fees.
1) Log in
- Use the email address OMRI has on file as your username and enter your password.
2) My Companies
- Click the “My Companies” menu near the top of the page.
3) Company Page
- Select your company name from the dropdown list and navigate to your company page.
4) + Start Renewal
- Click the button to start your renewal or view your invoice. Answer all questions in the Renewal Questionnaire.
5) Submit
- Complete the checkout process to submit your renewal. Pay by Credit Card or PayPal or indicate that you will be paying by Check, Money Order, ACH Transfer or Bank Wire Transfer.
OMRI must receive both components of your Annual Renewal prior to the deadline. Once received, staff will review your submission. Your company will be contacted via email if we need more information.
Once your renewal has been successfully processed, you will receive an email of acknowledgment, your payment receipt, and a link to download your updated OMRI certificate(s) for each product.
What to expect during the Annual Renewal review
Online Questionnaire/Submission
- Indicate whether you would like to renew your product(s) for another year.
- This is the section where you can choose if you would like to drop any of your OMRI Listed products from the OMRI Products List(s).
- Verify your company contacts are up to date.
- Report any relevant complaints.
- Report any product, company or labels changes that your company has not reported to OMRI within the last year.
Renewal Fees
The Annual Renewal includes:
- Company Fee that is based on annual gross sales for your company.
- Product Fee(s) for each product.
- Other fees may apply, such as HNLF Inspection fees, and fees related to review to an additional Use Class or Third Party Confidentiality Agreement.
Prorated Fees
Companies with more than one OMRI Listed product will have renewal fees for any newly listed products prorated so that all of their products are renewed at the same time. Keep in mind that there is only one opportunity to renew your company's products per year, therefore you must renew all products by the due date. Your invoice will specify any products that are prorated.
Complaint Reporting
Within the Renewal Questionnaire, your company will be asked to self-report any relevant complaints. Companies must keep a record of their customer complaints regarding any OMRI Listed product(s). Relevant complaints include issues that may affect compliance of your product(s) with OMRI policies and standards. Please also include any investigation results and corrective actions taken to resolve the complaint.
A fillable PDF Complaint Log form is available for download to Authorized Contacts within the For Applicants menu. To find this form, log in to OMRI.org, go to the For Applicants menu, and navigate to PDF Forms and Checklists.
What happens if I don’t renew my OMRI listings?
Failure to renew your OMRI Listings will result in the removal of all your company’s OMRI Listed product(s) from the OMRI Products List(s) at the listing expiration date. Once a product is removed from the OMRI Products List(s), the only way to relist a product is to resubmit a new product application along with any corresponding application fees.
Contact Us:
Please contact our Renewals Team at renewals@omri.org for more information about renewing your product listing(s).
Company and Product Changes
Companies with OMRI Listed products are responsible for notifying OMRI via a Change Report at least 60 days prior to the implementation of any changes to their OMRI Listed products, as specified in §2.9 of the OMRI Policy Manual.
Administrative vs. Technical Changes
Administrative changes, such as changes to the product name or product label, do not incur a fee. Technical changes, such as updating the manufacturing process or modifying an ingredient, typically do incur a fee. For an up-to-date list of all fee amounts, see the Review Cost section.
Administrative changes include, but are not limited to, changes in:
- Ownership: product or company ownership
- Name: product or company
- Label
- Manufacturing location: adding or changing
- Packaging or storage locations
- Suppliers of ingredients: removing
Technical changes include, but are not limited to, changes in:
- Formulation
- Manufacturing process
- Ingredient changes
- Suppliers of ingredients: adding or substituting
- Adding alternate formulations
- Changing a product’s Use class, or adding or changing the listing category
How to submit a Change
Authorized contacts can log in to submit a Change Report using our online interface or to download the Change Report PDF form.
- Use the email and password OMRI has on file.
- Click the "My Companies" menu near the top of the page.
- Select your company name from the dropdown list and navigate to your company page.
- Use the “Report a Change” button and provide all information requested.
- Submit the form and complete the checkout process, if payment is required.
Changes Online
1) Log in
- Use the email and password OMRI has on file.
2) My Companies
- Click the “My Companies” menu near the top of the page.
3) Company Page
- Select your company name from the dropdown list and navigate to your company page.
4) Report a Change
- Use the “Report a Change” button and provide all information requested.
5) Submit
- Submit the form and complete the checkout process, if payment is required.
Change Report PDF form
The downloadable Change Report PDF form is available when you log in to the OMRI website and navigate to the PDF Forms and Checklists page under the For Applicants menu. Any other forms that you may need, including a Total Ingredient List, will also be available.
- Include a cover letter with any necessary explanations or comments to describe your change.
- The Change Report form must be signed by an authorized contact.
- Submit your Change Report and any supporting documentation to apply@omri.org.
- Must be from an email address on file with OMRI.
- All supporting documents must be in English or include an English translation.
- Separate Change Report forms are required for products undergoing different types of changes.
- One fee is required for all technical changes submitted on the same business day.
- Bear in mind that all required information and fees must be received before the change can be processed.
Payments may be submitted online at: OMRI.org/fee-payment.
How long does it take to process changes?
The length of time it takes for OMRI to review a Change Report varies based on the complexity of the change. Generally, administrative changes (e.g., label updates) take less time to review than technical changes, such as changes to a product’s formulation or manufacturing process.
Most changes are processed in the order in which they are received. See the Timeliness section for details about expected wait times.
The best way to expedite the review is to submit a complete Change Report either online or via the PDF form, with all supporting documentation, and to respond quickly and completely to any requests for more information from OMRI staff.
Contact Us
Please contact our Application Support Team at apply@omri.org or +1 (541) 343-7600 ext. 105 if you have any questions about submitting a Change Report.
Ongoing Compliance
To ensure the continued integrity of the OMRI Products List(s), all OMRI Listed products are required to undergo periodic full re-reviews every few years. These free-of-charge reviews ensure that OMRI Listed product(s) continue to conform to applicable organic standards, and are required for OMRI’s ISO 17065 accreditation. Section §2.10.3 of the OMRI Policy Manual provides information about the Ongoing Compliance review process.
Watch our video on Ongoing Compliance reviews for an overview of this topic.
What is the process for Ongoing Compliance reviews?
OMRI sends Ongoing Compliance notifications with application packets to companies with OMRI Listed products when it’s time to undergo the Ongoing Compliance review. These time-sensitive notifications are sent to the Primary Review and Renewal Contact via hardcopy and email.
Companies submit their Ongoing Compliance application and supporting documentation for each product selected to oc@omri.org.
What kind of Information is required for Ongoing Compliance reviews?
Ongoing Compliance submissions use fillable PDF forms, and we encourage you to complete them electronically and submit all documentation to us via email. Signatures may be typed, as long as the documents are signed by an authorized contact and are submitted from an email address on file with OMRI. To minimize requests for additional information, please submit all requested documentation with your initial submission.
The information OMRI will collect for this review may include, but is not limited to:
- Manufacturing process
- Formulation
- SDS
- Lab analyses
- Product label
Are there fees?
There are no fees associated with the Ongoing Compliance review, unless you are also reporting a change that would incur a fee.
How does Ongoing Compliance differ from the Annual Renewal?
Listed Products
| Annual Renewal | Ongoing Compliance |
| Annually | Every 3-5 Years |
| Fee Information | No Fees |
| Short questionnaire | Full Re-Review |
Ongoing Compliance and Annual Renewal reviews are very different from one another, and each have their own specific review requirements and strict deadlines. The Ongoing Compliance review is a full re-review of your company’s OMRI Listed product(s) and occurs once a product has been listed for 3-5 years.
The Annual Renewal occurs annually where you submit a simple online questionnaire and provide payment to renew all of your company’s OMRI Listed products. See our section on the Annual Renewal for more information.
What happens if I don’t submit my Ongoing Compliance application(s)?
You may choose not to submit the required application(s) or withdraw your product(s) from the Ongoing Compliance review.
By choosing not to submit the Ongoing Compliance application(s), the product(s) will be removed from the OMRI Products List(s) and will no longer be authorized to use the OMRI seal or be marketed as OMRI Listed.
Contact Us
Please contact our Application Support Team at oc@omri.org if you have any questions about submitting your Ongoing Compliance application materials.
Managing Company Contacts
Your company’s list of Authorized Contacts is established when an Application Kit is purchased and your Company Account is created. This list can be maintained via your company page when you log in on the OMRI website. Authorized Contacts are the only individuals who can submit applications to OMRI and discuss confidential information with OMRI staff on behalf of your company. Each Authorized Contact will receive a login for the OMRI website.
- Log in to OMRI.org with email and password on file.
- Click the "My Companies" menu near the top of the page.
- Select your company name from the dropdown list and navigate to your company page.
- Click the pencil icon and modify the contact information.
- Add a contact by clicking the green "Add Contact" button. Remove an alternate contact by clicking the "X".
OMRI sends all important notices and review communications to the Primary Review and Renewal Contact designated by your company, but Alternate Contacts can also be included. It’s important to keep your company’s Authorized Contacts up to date so you don’t miss important notices and deadlines that could result in the forfeiture of product reviews or the removal of your OMRI Listed product(s) from the OMRI Products List(s).
Primary Review and Renewal Contact
The Primary Review and Renewal Contact is the default person that OMRI staff will contact about reviews. This contact will be responsible for ensuring your applications successfully proceed through the OMRI review process. They will receive important notices, may need to respond to information requests and can submit application materials on behalf of your company.
Contacts and Confidentiality
OMRI enforces strict confidentiality policies to safeguard your company’s proprietary business information. Staff will not discuss review status or other confidential information with someone who is not on the list of Authorized Contacts. To read more about our confidentiality policies, please visit the section on Confidentiality or see §1.6 of the OMRI Policy Manual.
Keep your company contacts updated
Here are some important reminders and reason why keeping your list of Authorized Contacts up-to-date is so important:
#1: Status and Review Updates
Keeping you apprised of the status of your OMRI Listed products is a priority for us here at OMRI, and we need current contact information to make that happen.
Missing notices from OMRI could mean that your company is unaware of upcoming reviews or deadlines, which may lead to forfeiture or removal of your company’s products from the OMRI Products List(s).
#2: Employee or Company Transitions
Staff changes are a normal part of doing business. To ensure that your company receives important updates and requests regarding your company’s OMRI Listed products, it’s important to regularly verify your company’s Authorized Contacts.
The Primary Review and Renewal Contact is considered the authority on your OMRI Listed products and is OMRI’s first point of contact. If that person’s information has changed, such as their name, direct contact information or job title, etc. please update their contact information on OMRI.org.
OMRI has procedures in place to reset contacts, in the rare event that all the authorized contacts have left a company. Keep in mind that this procedure takes time and can cause delays in your review, so keeping your company contact information up to date should be your first line of defense.
#3: Physical Business Locations
Along with employee transitions, your business’s physical location may change or move. OMRI periodically sends hardcopy notifications to the physical address on file for the Primary Review and Renewal Contact. Please make sure that if your business moves offices or buildings, physical mail can be received.
Manage Your Contacts
It is highly recommended that your company have multiple contacts listed as authorized contacts.
If OMRI staff are unable to connect with the Primary Review and Renewal Contact for your company, we will make every attempt to contact the alternate contacts listed.
Please whitelist our email domain (@omri.org) and add us to your approved senders list to reduce the risk of our emails going to your spam folder.
Authorized Contacts must be individual employees or consultants, but you are welcome to add a shared email (such as, “registrations@company.com”), if it helps your team coordinate work more effectively.
Edit your company contacts
Authorized Contacts for your company may log in to edit your contacts at any time. More information is available in the For Applicants menu when you are logged into OMRI.org.
Contact Us
Please contact our Application Support Team at apply@omri.org or +1 (541) 343-7600 ext. 105 if you have any questions about maintaining your company contacts.
Ingredient suppliers play a crucial role in the organic industry. These suppliers provide input manufacturers with essential ingredients and/or final products that can’t be manufactured in-house. To conduct a compliance review of an input material, OMRI must review confidential information, including the composition and manufacturing process of all nonsynthetic ingredients.
Recognizing that some ingredient suppliers may not be willing to share this information directly with their clients during the application process, OMRI’s Third Party Agreement option allows applicants to set up a formal arrangement where their ingredient supplier (the third party) can provide confidential information directly to OMRI, for the purposes of product compliance review. There is a small fee associated with Third Party Agreements.
Third Party Support for Applicants
Have you recently set up a Third Party Agreement with an OMRI applicant? Help set your customer up for success by following a few key guidelines:
- Keep the lines of communication open. Once you enter into an agreement with OMRI and one of our applicants, you can expect to receive a request for information soon. Timely responses to these requests can help the review process move along smoothly. Need more time to answer a request? Usually there are extensions available to information request deadlines; please reach out to either OMRI or the applicant to ask!
- Provide complete answers and be sure to clarify if there is information you will not or cannot provide. The Third Party Agreement is set up to protect your proprietary business information. Please respond fully to requests, even if you are unclear why that information is being requested. You can rest assured that OMRI will not share this information with anyone else. If there is something you cannot provide, it’s better to let OMRI know sooner rather than later.
- Communicate changes. Did your confidential ingredient and/or product change? Or has your company undergone a change in ownership or contacts who previously coordinated with OMRI? Be sure to let OMRI or the applicant know if either technical information or contact information has changed.
- Consider applying for your product to be OMRI Listed. If your ingredient and/or product is used as an ingredient in other products, it can be a large efficiency gain to already be OMRI Listed. OMRI reviews your product/ingredient as “new” each time we see it in a product. If your product has achieved OMRI listing, OMRI will already have a decision documented, as well as relevant information on file – like formulation, manufacturing processes, or suppliers - that can be directly linked to any application using your OMRI Listed product in its formulation, resulting in a faster, more efficient process.
Depending on the Standard (USDA NOP or COR for Canada), Use Class, and Category selected in your application, OMRI may require different types of documentation to demonstrate compliance of your product with relevant organic standards.
Please review §2.1.2 of the OMRI Policy Manual for more information about document requirements. You are welcome to contact our Application Support team at +1 (541) 343-7600 ext. 105 or apply@omri.org with any questions.
Testing Requirements
Lab analyses are needed to prove compliance for many product types. Entering your information into OMRI’s responsive online application is the best way to determine the specific labs needed for your product.
Commonly requested labs:
- Total Nitrogen (TN) Labs for any liquid fertilizers reviewed to the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards
- Heavy Metal Labs showing levels of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), and Lead (Pb) for any product that contains compost, manure, vermicompost, mulch, mined minerals, soil, or ash
- Fecal coliform and Salmonella Labs for any product that contains microbes or the products of microbial processes, compost, vermicompost, or animal by-products (including fish)
- pH Level Labs for any product containing acid-stabilized fish or squid (prior to being blended with other ingredients if a multi-ingredient product)
- Humic Acid Content Labs for any alkali extracted humic acid product, unless humic acid is claimed on the product label
- COR only: Trace Metal Labs showing Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb) and Mercury (Hg) for any product that contains microbes or the products of microbial processes, anaerobic digestate, compost, fulvic acid, ash, humates, or struvite
- COR only: Persistent Contaminant Labs (please see form for specifically monitored contaminants) for products that contain compost, vermicompost, or frass
Follow these links for detailed information about testing requirements, detection limits and acceptable results:
- National Organic Program (NOP) Review Standards for Lab Analyses
- Canada Organic Regime (COR) Standards for Lab Analyses
Lab Reports: Basic Requirements
For OMRI to evaluate the compliance of your product and provide an impartial review, the information in your application file must be clear and complete.
We understand that testing can have significant financial implications for a business, and understanding the minimum requirements helps you to provide acceptable labs on the first try. Not meeting one of the following requirements may mean a less efficient review or needing to submit additional samples for testing to prove compliance.
For a lab to be accepted for your review, it must:
- Be from an independent, verifiable lab. The lab that your sample is sent to should not have an established relationship or financial ties to your business outside of the fee(s) paid to evaluate your product sample.
- For example, even if your facility has the capacity to evaluate the heavy metal (HM) content of your product for Quality Control purposes, OMRI will not accept in-house lab analyses documenting HM levels of the final product.
- If you don’t currently have an independent lab you work with, see below for a list of labs who may be able to meet your needs.
- Be labeled in a way that is consistent with the product name. This is one of the most common reasons an OMRI staff member might respond with a missing information request to perform new analyses or get an explanation from you. The name on the lab report should be specific or distinguishable from other products your business might be selling, and easy to link to the product name you are applying under.
- For example, “Organic Fertilizer” is not a useful label for a sample, especially if your business sells several products that might fit under this umbrella, whereas “Super Awesome Organic Fertilizer 4-2-5 +Mg” might help the product be distinguished from other products you may be selling.
- Declare methods and units. See OMRI’s NOP and COR Lab standards documents above for specific information about specifications for each lab test. Detection limits should be included in lab reports, and certain tests may have specified methods or product form (e.g. as-received, dry weight basis).
- Be less than one year old. OMRI expects that products that need testing are quality controlled (consistently manufactured) and that testing is up to date. Small variances may be acceptable depending on the type of product, but having recent lab reports is an important compliance consideration.
Non-Affiliated Labs
OMRI does not endorse or recommend any particular analytical lab. Check with your intended lab to verify that they provide the type of analysis required by OMRI, as specified in the Review Standards for Lab Analyses documents, even if the lab appears on the list below. The following list is not comprehensive.
If you are a laboratory service provider and you would like to be added to this list or update your information, please contact OMRI to submit your request.
Source Using the OMRI Products List©
It can be a dramatic efficiency gain for your review to source ingredients that are already OMRI Listed.
If your product uses ingredients that have achieved OMRI listing, OMRI will already have relevant information on file – like formulation, manufacturing processes, or ingredient suppliers – and will have a decision documented. Using OMRI Listed ingredients may allow your product to bypass certain lab analyses that would otherwise be applicable.
For Compost Products
Compost is one of the most commonly listed products at OMRI, and also has unique requirements compared to other categories of products.
Evaluation of compost products is based off the source materials or feedstocks, any additives or ingredients, methods to process the raw feedstock into a finished product, and conditions of the final product. The goal of using compost in organic production is to manage crop nutrients and soil fertility without causing contamination.
Information needed to determine compliance:
- Feedstock source. For example, using material from the waste stream of another production processes is common practice. Are you using the by-product of another production chain? If yes, we will likely ask for information about the original source of the material, the manufacturing processes that led to your feedstock, and information about who supplied it to you.
- Composting method. OMRI will ask you to provide your manufacturing process for all final products and nonsynthetic ingredients. A complete manufacturing process for compost often includes the following information:
- Feedstock source and/or formulation
- Contamination or quality control methods
- Aerobic condition management
- Temperature evaluation frequency
- Turning frequency
- (for certain categories) Carbon to Nitrogen ratio of feedstocks
Compost Logs
OMRI requests compost logs to verify that compost has reached the minimum temperature, duration and turning requirements outlined in the category description. Generally, logs are considered acceptable if they include the dates of events, the events themselves, and the batch identifier.
These may be as complex as a spreadsheet, or as simple as a hand drawn or template table. As long as it is legible and contains necessary information, OMRI can accept it.
- For example, in order for a product to be listed in the Compost, windrow (plant and animal materials) category, it must maintain a temperature between 131F and 170F for 15 days, and turned a minimum of five times. To confirm compliance with this category, OMRI would look for a frequent/daily log where temperature is measured, with an indication or note of when it was turned, and labeling by batch or product. OMRI will evaluate the log to determine compliance for the compost category, and we may and apply any necessary restrictions, or ask for additional information based on your submission.
Inspections are not required for most product reviews. OMRI performs inspections for one of three reasons:
- High Nitrogen Liquid Fertilizer (HNLF) products must undergo two inspections each year in accordance with the requirements at USDA policy, Guidance 5012.
- For-cause inspections are conducted when an inspection is needed to verify certain information.
- Random surveillance inspections are conducted yearly for 1% of all OMRI Listed products.
Section §2.4 of the OMRI Policy Manual has more information about site inspections.
High Nitrogen Liquid Fertilizer (HNLF) Products
An HNLF product is defined as a liquid fertilizer, reviewed to the USDA National Organic Program (NOP) standards, with a nitrogen analysis or label claim of greater than 3% nitrogen.
How often are HNLF inspections required?
Per USDA policy, Guidance 5012, HNLFs are required to undergo one announced and one unannounced inspection annually.
What are the costs?
OMRI charges a flat rate to cover the inspection costs. This fee is charged per inspected facility/site. For more information about the additional review fees associated with this type of review, please see the Review Cost page.
What if I'm repacking an OMRI Listed HNLF product?
A Repackaged HNLF product is still subject to two annual inspections, and the inspection fee would still apply to your company. However, your company could be subject to a lower fee if the product is packaged and labeled at the same facility where the original product is made. In this case, your inspection would occur simultaneously with the original product. The company that holds the original product listing will schedule, host and facilitate the inspection and will receive the full inspection results. Your company will be informed via a letter that the inspection was complete.
If the product is packaged at a separate facility, a full inspection fee is required and your company will be responsible for any logistics related to the inspection.
See our Review Cost page for further details.
How long does it take OMRI to review an HNLF product?
An announced inspection must occur prior to the product becoming OMRI Listed, and a new facility or site that OMRI has not inspected will typically lead to a longer review time than average.
Shared Inspections Agreement
This optional agreement allows OMRI to share your product’s high nitrogen liquid fertilizer inspection results directly with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). See the associated fees for more information.
For-Cause Inspections
For-cause inspections and/or stream of commerce sampling are uncommon and may be conducted when there is cause to do so, such as a complaint that necessitates further investigation of production practices.
Fees to cover the costs associated with inspections and sampling may be billed to the inspected party to cover:
- Inspector fees
- Inspector travel and other expenses
- Sampling and other inspection-related supplies
- Product purchase
- Sample shipping
- Lab analysis fees
- OMRI administrative expenses
Random Surveillance Inspections
Random surveillance is performed for 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), an information and record review, or an inspection at the manufacturing site. Random surveillance is required as part of OMRI’s ISO accredited procedures, and there is no additional cost for these tests or inspections.
Inspection Records
Since OMRI listing depends on recordkeeping to prove and also maintain compliance, production records must be kept for no less than five years. The inspected party should be prepared to provide the following during an on-site inspection:
- Manufacturing instructions and/or Standard Operating Procedures
- Formulation statements and/or batch sheets
- Ingredient purchase records
- Product labels
- Log of Complaints (specifically those related to OMRI Listed products)
- Organic process controls for preventing contamination
- Inventory of ingredients and finished product
- Production/batch records
- Record of waste created
- Record of product sold or transferred
- Lab analyses or technical data sheets demonstrating that relevant parameters meet specification
Mass Balance and Traceability
A mass balance exercise supports that the quantity of ingredients used to make your OMRI Listed product(s) were available during the selected period to manufacture the amount of product that was produced. In a traceability exercise, the inspector will follow ingredient records to sales records, or vice versa.
In order to allow an inspector to conduct these exercises, records and/or an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system should fully disclose all activities and transactions for your operation in sufficient detail.
- HNLF inspections require a full mass balance and traceability annually (this may also apply during For-Cause inspections).
- During a Random Surveillance inspection, traceability is evaluated, but a mass balance is not conducted.
Organic Process Controls
In order to avoid cross-contamination with noncompliant materials, OMRI Listed companies should have measures in place to mitigate their risks. Companies that produce HNLF products will be required to have documentation of these practices on file with OMRI.
Preventive measures may include, but are not limited to:
- Separate storage
- Separate processing lines
- Cleaning or purging between runs
- Labeling
- Lot numbers
- Training of staff
Facilities that are exclusively producing OMRI Listed products will have lower risk of co-mingling. However, it is important to ensure that your facility maintains:
- Product integrity
- Traceability
- Labeling
Contact Us
Please contact us at info@omri.org or +1 (541) 343-7600 if you have any questions about the inspections process.
Appropriate use of the OMRI Listed seal on your product label ensures instant recognition and trust from the organic community. Review the FAQs below to understand the basics of proper seal use. If your company sells OMRI Listed products, review OMRI’s Seal Use Policy and log in to download the seal from the For Suppliers menu.
