DGFT clarification – Organic Textiles not covered for accreditation categories under NPOP

DGFT clarification regarding Export of “Organic Textiles – Organic textiles do not fall within the ambit of accreditation categories prescribed under the NPOP.

Organic textile refers to any fabric or material made from natural fibers grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs). These textiles are produced using eco-friendly processes that aim to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability. In 2014, DGFT briefly included organic textiles—yarn, fabrics, garments—under NPOP export certification. But after industry pushback and GOTS interventions, this mandate was deferred and eventually exempted from the NPOP regime effective June 1, 2015

Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Directorate General of Foreign Trade
*****

Policy Circular No. 1/2025-26

Dated: July 15, 2025

To,
1. All Regional Authorities of DGFT
2. All Customs Commissionerates
3. Members of Trade & Industry

Subject: Clarification regarding Export of “Organic Textiles” – regarding.

Sir/Madam,

Reference is invited to the Public Notice No. 39/2024-25 dated January 05, 2025 whereby the Eighth Edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) was notified.

2. In this regard, requests for clarification have been received from various stakeholders including exporters and Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) regarding applicability of the said Public Notice on the exports of organic textiles.

2.1. The matter has been taken up with Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), which is implementing the NPOP under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.

3. APEDA has clarified that as per Clause 4.1 of Chapter 4 of the said edition, the scope of accreditation is limited to specific categories, namely:

(i) Crop Production

(ii) Livestock, Poultry and Products

(iii) Beekeeping / Apiculture

(iv) Aquaculture Production

(v) Food Processing & Handling

(vi) Animal Feed Processing & Handling

(vii) Mushroom Production

(viii) Seaweed, Aquatic Plants and Greenhouse crop production, and,

(ix) Any other categories as approved under the NPOP from time to time.

3.1. In view of the above, it has been highlighted that organic textiles do not fall within the ambit of accreditation categories prescribed under the NPOP. Therefore, the requirement of a Transaction Certificate (TC) from a NAB-accredited body under the said Public Notice does not apply to exports of Organic textile products.

4. It may further be noted that for exports of organic textiles, the exporters need to furnish a valid Transaction certificate (TC) issued by the certification bodies designated through Textile Exchange, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or as mandated by the buyer(s) at the time of export.

This Circular is issued with the approval of competent authority.

(Pratibha Kumari)
Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade
E-mail: pratibha.kumari@nic.in
Tel: 011-2303 8759

(Issued from F. No. 01/91/171/009/AM23/EC-31782)

Download DGFT Policy Circular No. 1/2025-26 Click Here >>

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