Finding a non-conformity is only half the work; the other half is making sure it is corrected, verified and closed. NPOP sets out how non-conformities are graded and what a Certification Body's sanction policy must include. This episode covers the grading, a tracking system, and closure.
The short version
- Minor: does not affect organic status, such as documentation lapses.
- Major: affects organic status, or false information, or repeated problems.
- Repeated minor non-conformities must be upgradable to major.
- Track each finding to closure, with evidence.
How NPOP Grades Non-Conformities
Minor ones do not affect organic status; major ones do, or involve false information or repetition.
Minor (examples)
- Information not submitted on time
- Poor document control
- Missing conflict-of-interest declarations
- Inadequate disclosure
Major (examples)
- Non-compliance with NPOP standards
- Knowingly false information
- Repetition of the same non-conformity
- Failure to fix an earlier major one
Each CB must have a sanction catalogue covering minor and major infringements, with provision to upgrade repeated minor non-conformities to major. For a grower group, sanctions apply to the whole group when the sample shows the ICS has failed.
A System for Tracking
One log: an ID for each finding, the operator and farm, the corrective action, the evidence needed, and a deadline.
- One master log.Every non-conformity from every inspection.
- A unique ID.For each finding, used on every related document.
- Operator and farm.Who the finding belongs to.
- Action and evidence.What must be done, and what proof will close it.
- A deadline.Agreed and recorded.
Verifying and Closing
Close a finding only when the evidence is satisfactory; escalate when it is not.
- Review evidence promptly: photos, records, bills, or a follow-up visit.
- Close only when the evidence shows full correction, and record the date.
- Where a finding affects organic integrity, remove the affected lot, and withdraw certification for serious cases.
- Inform APEDA of withdrawal decisions, and publish them on the CB's website.
Appeals and the wider sanctions picture are in NPOP sanctions and appeals.
Check yourself
Tap an answer to see whether you are right, and why.
A farmer knowingly gave false information. How is it graded?
- Minor
- Major
- Not graded
NPOP 6.1.5 lists it as major.
What must a CB's sanction catalogue allow for repeated minor non-conformities?
- Ignoring them
- Upgrading them to major
- Deleting them
NPOP 4.9.1.
Remember these things
- Know minor versus major.
- One log with IDs and deadlines.
- Close only with evidence.
- Report withdrawals to APEDA.
A finding tracked to verified closure protects both the farmer and the certificate. KrushiFlow validates these fields and submits farmer records to the portal in bulk.