Tag: 3BL

Originally published on GEC’s New Feed

Today the Global Electronics Council (GEC) released its Final Product Category Proposal for Enterprise Data Storage products, which initiates coverage of this category under the EPEAT ecolabel, and development of the EPEAT “data center stack” to enable more sustainable data centers. The final proposal reflects stakeholder comments and data-supported recommendations submitted during the public consultation process.

This document outlines the rationale for adding enterprise data storage to the EPEAT portfolio, including market analysis, summary of sustainability impacts and strategies to reduce impacts, and stakeholder interest. It also provides an overview of product composition and makes recommendations on the scope and approach for developing criteria for this product category.

In order to activate this new EPEAT Product Category, GEC will apply the newly updated next generation sustainability criteria for Climate Change Mitigation, Reducing Chemicals of Concern and Responsible Supply Chains. GEC will also make necessary changes to apply the next generation EPEAT Sustainable Use of Resources Criteria to data storage equipment by convening Expert Ad Hoc Groups to review draft proposals for a Limited Criteria Revision. Where select Sustainable Use of Resources criteria have product specific thresholds and/or functional performance requirements, such as for recycled content and availability of replacement components, GEC will seek Expert Ad Hoc Group input on the applicability of server requirements to data storage products. No other revisions to EPEAT SUR-2025 Criteria or other next generation EPEAT Criteria are proposed. Following conclusion of the Expert Ad Hoc Group vetting process, GEC will initiate a Voluntary Consensus Process with NSF International for a Limited Criteria Revision of EPEAT SUR-2025.

EPEAT’s sustainability criteria are built and finalized via a community driven process. Stakeholders interested in participating in the Expert Ad Hoc Group are encouraged to contact criteria@gec.org by 11:59pm ET on April 16, 2025.

Please contact Erica Terek (eterek@gec.org) with any questions.

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career at GoDaddy.

I have been at GoDaddy for nearly nine years and lead the Global Research and Insights Team (GRIT). We are a Center of Excellence, providing insights to drive strategy and business decisions across GoDaddy. I joined GoDaddy Women in Tech (GDWIT) in my first year because I felt strongly about supporting other women across our company and it was a wonderful way to meet other GoDaddy employees. When we had an office in Santa Clara, California, I was the GDWIT leader for our location. We sponsored events and had speakers come into the office. One of my favorite events was an afternoon tea. We had a huge turnout, after all- who can resist tea sandwiches, scones and cookies?

My former manager, Laura Messerschmitt, who serves as the Executive Sponsor of GDWIT, encouraged me to get involved. Gradually, my engagement deepened, and I joined the leadership council to help plan events. I then progressed to the role of Co-Vice President and now proudly serve as Co-President. GDWIT has always been a valuable resource for its members and GoDaddy as a whole. I am honored to contribute to such an impactful Employee Resource Group.

What inspired you to pursue a career in the tech industry?

I found myself unexpectedly drawn to this path. While finishing my Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at UC Berkeley, with a focus on Quantitative Methods, I had initially planned to pursue a career as a professor. An internship opportunity arose with Tandem Computers in their Quality Improvement team, offering an attractive salary. I began working part-time at Tandem and was struck by the swift decision-making process, a stark contrast to the prolonged two-year cycle required for publishing academic research. The team was led by an exceptional woman who became my mentor. Later, I joined Cadence Design Systems and encountered another remarkable female leader who mentored me. These experiences pushed me to continue a career path within the tech industry.

What aspects of GoDaddy’s company culture do you appreciate the most?

I love that GoDaddy is inclusive and values diversity. The culture is incredibly collaborative and I am lucky to have a wonderful team, who are always willing to help one another out. Moreover, GoDaddy is very supportive of a healthy work-life balance and our Wellness Days are a perfect example of that commitment.

What advice would you give to other employees who want to get involved in GDWIT?

I highly recommend joining GDWIT. By participating, you will benefit immensely from networking with other employees who are passionate about supporting women in technology. You’ll have the opportunity to attend informative sessions, webinars, and talks, participate in wellness events, engage in mentor/mentee opportunities, and contribute to the community.

What future changes do you hope to see for women in the tech industry?

I hope to see more women in senior leadership positions across the industry.

GoDaddy is fortunate to have many strong women leaders, and we have had the privilege of hearing their experiences and advice through GDWIT events.

Their stories are both inspirational and offer valuable guidance for women early in their careers.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I enjoy traveling, baking, and spending time with my family (my 24-year-old twin sons, Daniel & Gabriel, and my husband, Fred). Every year, I bake holiday cookies for friends, family and my rockstar GRIT team leaders. I make around 9 different recipes with 2-3 batches of each, which generates hundreds of cookies. With regard to travel, our most recent trips were to Vietnam/Cambodia, Costa Rica, Egypt and Portugal, and my favorite destination is Australia.

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

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April 2, 2025 /3BL/ – EarthShare brings its educational series the 30×30 Project back for a second year! This microsite and its corresponding promotional campaign highlight the importance of the 30×30 target established by the United Nations in 2022, a goal to protect 30% of our lands and waters, fresh and marine alike, by 2030.

As part of this second year of content development and expansion, the 30×30 Project microsite is now home to four new interconnected solutions that address various ways in which communities and organizations are working to tackle environmental concerns across the United States. These new solutions include:

1. Endangered Species Protection
2. Waste Prevention
3. Renewable Energy Adoption
4. Accessible Open Spaces

These four new solutions bring the total number of interactive solutions on the microsite to ten (with plenty of room to grow!)

Site visitors can tour each solution in a guided experience that breathes life into the most important environmental target of our time.

Why 30×30? 

Over the last century, biodiversity has come under significant threat due to habitat loss, urbanization and industrialization, pollution, and climate change. Biodiversity impacts the environmental systems and processes we all rely on—systems that support all life here on earth, from the water we drink, to the food we eat, to the air we breathe. It’s kind of a big deal.

Today only 16% of land, 15% of freshwater, and 8% of our oceans are protected. In the past 50 years alone, we’ve lost 60% of terrestrial (land-based) wildlife. Bottom line: the numbers do not look good. Thirty percent (or roughly one-third) is the minimum amount of land and water needed to be protected by 2030 if we’re going to avert ecological disaster.

The 30×30 Project: An Easy Way to Take Action for the Planet

The second year of the 30×30 Project brings more than four new solution areas, it also brings new ways for site visitors to take immediate action in support of the environmental issue areas and solutions they care about most. Each solution now boasts a “Get Involved” element, where users can find additional resources to continue their learning journey, vetted nonprofits to support, events and volunteer opportunities, tips and scripts for reaching out to congressional representatives, and more!

Our environment is our home, we all live here, it belongs to all of us. When our planet isn’t healthy, neither are we. Thankfully, it’s never been easier to do good for our environment—right from your own home! Visit the 30×30 Project microsite to get involved >> earthshare.org/30×30-project.

About EarthShare 

With over 35 years of experience and $400 million raised for environmental causes, EarthShare is a trusted philanthropic advisor, fiscal sponsor, and workplace giving partner offering the infrastructure and support to drive greater giving for a more just and sustainable world. From international groups to front-line grassroots organizations, EarthShare’s grantees and growing network of supporters are doing their part to tackle the most pressing environmental issues of our time.

Earthshare.org

Contact 
Katelyn Pettit, Program Director, 30×30 Project 
Katelyn@earthshare.org

NEW YORK, April 2, 2025 /3BL/ – As California looks to expand corporate climate disclosure requirements with the newly introduced Senate Bill 755 (SB 755), a groundbreaking analysis from Governance & Accountability Institute (G&A) and supporters Ceres, Carbon Accountable, and Persefoni, reveals that most of California’s largest state suppliers do not yet disclose key climate-related information. The findings have implications for the State of California’s supply chain as it pursues a goal of carbon neutrality by 2045.

The report – “California Supply Chain: Current Practices & Trends in Climate Disclosure” – is the first industry-wide benchmark assessing how major suppliers to the State —representing billions of dollars in procurement spend—are aligned with its ambitious climate strategy, including regulations such as SB 253 (Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act), SB 261 (Climate-Related Financial Risk Act), and the newly introduced, supplier-focused SB 755 (California Procurement Climate Information Act). SB 755 would require suppliers with over $25 million in state contracts to report their climate-related financial risks and Scope 1-3 GHG emissions, and suppliers with $5 to $25 million in State contracts to report their Scopes 1-2 emissions.

While not all the suppliers included in this analysis are in scope for SB 253 and SB 261, most would be required to report under SB 755. The research finds low voluntary reporting rates among current suppliers, indicating a lack of readiness to comply with the proposed regulation and pointing to the potential level of transparency to be gained through mandated reporting. An increase in awareness of its supplier base’s climate disclosures would support the ability of California to reduce emissions and address climate risk across its supply chain.

“California is leading the way in climate disclosure policy, but our research shows that its supplier base largely is not yet aligned with climate disclosure expectations” said Louis Coppola, CEO & Co-Founder at G&A Institute. “With SB 755 on the horizon, we now have a critical baseline to measure progress over time. It’s a tool for policymakers, procurement teams, and suppliers themselves as they navigate this rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.”

Key Findings
Most of CA’s top suppliers don’t report climate data.

• 25% disclose Scopes 1 & 2 emissions
• 18% report Scope 3 emissions, the largest portion of most companies’ carbon footprints

Assurance and target-setting by CA suppliers lags behind expectations.

• 10% obtained third-party assurance for their reported GHG emissions.
• 11% have set science-based emissions reduction targets.

Climate risk assessments remain a blind spot for CA suppliers.

• 17% conducted a climate-related risk assessment aligned with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

These rates suggest state agencies, procurement teams, and policymakers should proactively drive supplier readiness by providing guidance on the specific requirements of each bill and their applicability, education on the complexities of climate reporting, and support for accurately measuring emissions and conducting climate-related risk assessments.

Establishing a Baseline for Future Progress
This new research provides a baseline for measuring progress in the years to come. As California’s climate regulations evolve, this analysis can be updated annually to track improvements, identify remaining gaps, and measure the impact of policies like SB 253, SB 261, and SB 755.

The report enables:

• Procurement teams to assess supplier progress and refine engagement strategies.
• Suppliers to benchmark their progress against their industry peers and make strategic and targeted improvements.
• Policymakers to track the effectiveness of climate laws and adjust guidance as needed.

“This report is an important resource for California policymakers and taxpayers and demonstrates the continued importance of ensuring that companies manage, measure, and disclose their climate-related risks and opportunities.” – Ceres

“Suppliers must do their part to help California achieve its ambitious climate goals. This analysis helps clarify where industry gaps exist and where targeted action is needed.”
– Carbon Accountable

“Persefoni is a carbon accounting and management platform that regularly supports customers as they examine their own supply chain risks and supplier specific emissions. Large institutional buyers – governments, universities, healthcare systems, corporations – are increasingly looking to suppliers to help assess and manage climate-related financial risks. This includes whether suppliers measure their own GHGs or consider potential disruptions to their own operations. Everyone is someone’s Scope 3, so all companies must be ready to provide emissions data and climate risk analysis. We’re only as resilient as our weakest supplier.” – Mike Wallace, Chief Decarbonization Officer, Persefoni 

What’s Next?
SB 755 is poised to bring even more suppliers into California’s climate disclosure framework. Analysis of the kind presented in this new report will be an essential tool for tracking progress, guiding industry engagement, and ensuring companies are prepared for increasing transparency demands.

Download the report at: https://www.ga-institute.com/research/research/research-reports/california-supplier-climate-trends-analysis/

About the Supporters

Ceres 
Ceres Accelerator for Sustainable Capital Markets is a center within Ceres that aims to improve the practices and policies that govern capital markets by engaging federal and state regulators, financial institutions, investors, and corporate boards to act on climate risk as a systemic financial risk.

Carbon Accountable
Carbon Accountable advances policies that increase the availability of the robust GHG emission data needed to inform corporate and investor decision making and empower consumers and policymakers.

Persefoni
Persefoni is a leading climate management and carbon accounting platform that enables businesses to track, manage, and disclose their carbon footprints in alignment with global standards.

About G&A Institute, Inc.

Founded in 2006, Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. (G&A) is a sustainability consulting and research firm headquartered in New York City. G&A helps corporate and investor clients recognize, understand, and develop winning strategies for sustainability and ESG issues to address stakeholder and shareholder concerns. G&A’s proprietary, comprehensive full-suite process for sustainability reporting is designed to help organizations achieve sustainability leadership in their industry and sector and maximize return on investment for sustainability initiatives.

Since 2011, G&A has been building and expanding a comprehensive database of corporate sustainability reporting data based on analysis of thousands of ESG and sustainability reports to help steer strategy for our clients and improve their disclosure and reporting. More information is available on our website at ga-institute.com.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES & INTERVIEWS, CONTACT
Louis D. Coppola, CEO & Co-Founder 
Governance & Accountability Institute, Inc. 
Tel 646.430.8230 ext 14 
Email lcoppola@ga-institute.com

Sean Grady featured Jim Sullivan, Chief Strategy and Development Officer, on a recent episode of The Environmental Transformation Podcast to talk about how Jim’s expertise has helped shape the sustainability strategy and vision at Veolia North America.

Since July 2024, Jim has supported the actualization of our Environmental Solutions & Services strategy and the execution of the business plan by leading the commercial operations group along with business development, marketing and mergers and acquisitions.

In this episode, Jim dives into details about key industry trends, including the challenges and strategies around managing PFAS, regulatory shifts, leveraging AI and data analytics for improved customer experience and the critical role of mergers and acquisitions in expanding Veolia’s environmental capabilities.

Catch the full conversation here.

Originally published on PSEG ENERGIZE!

Energy needs don’t take a break – whether it’s staying warm in January or cool in July. That’s why we are actively advocating for programs like LIHEAP, which provide critical financial support to low-income households through every season. During LIHEAP Action Day in Washington, D.C., our employees met with legislators to emphasize the importance of maintaining and expanding funding for these vital programs.

“At PSE&G, we understand that some of our customers are facing challenges, and we know how essential energy is to their daily lives. No one should have to choose between paying for utilities and other basic needs,” said Rosa Pagnillo-Lopez, PSE&G Payment Assistance Outreach, process lead. “That’s why we are committed to advocating for vital assistance programs and connecting our customers to the support they need. We’re here to help our customers through tough times.”

In 2024, we helped over 225,000 customers access more than $265 million in payment assistance. Yet, there’s still work to be done – we estimate that 100,000 additional customers may qualify for help but haven’t yet applied. By pushing for funding, we are working to help more families stay safe and comfortable year-round.

These programs are more than just financial assistance – they’re a lifeline for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, disabled and families with young children. LIHEAP provides an average of $350 for heating and $300 to cover medically necessary cooling costs and up to $800 in crisis assistance per eligible household each year, while the Universal Service Fund (USF) and PAGE program offer additional relief. These aren’t just numbers – they’re real solutions that help New Jersey residents maintain stability through heatwaves, snowstorms and everything in between.

We’re proud to advocate on behalf of you, our customers, for continued and heightened support of these energy assistance programs. Together, we’re helping create a brighter future for our communities, no matter the forecast.

Learn more about programs available to you at www.pseg.com/help.

LAUSANNE, Switzerland and SAN JOSE, Calif., April 2, 2025 /3BL/ – Logitech International (SIX: LOGN) (Nasdaq: LOGI) today announces significant progress in eliminating plastic clamshell packaging from its hallmark mice categories, with the transition to paper now nearly complete. The magnitude of this initiative is estimated to remove 660 tons of plastic and reduce 6,000 tons of carbon dioxide from the air, equivalent to eliminating over 37 million single-use plastic water bottles annually. The global transition to paper packaging across tens of millions of products continues across various retailers, with expected completion dates by the end of 2025.

“Shifting away from plastic clamshell packaging marks a significant step toward our goal of completely eliminating single-use plastics from our portfolio. This milestone is about 90% complete and is our largest packaging endeavor to date,” said Delphine Donné, GM of the Personal Workspace Solutions business group at Logitech. “Before this transition, we successfully eliminated 1,800 tons of packaging material by implementing design modifications in other areas across our packaging. Every step forward brings us closer to saying goodbye to single-use plastic.”

A custom study conducted in partnership with GlobeScan’s Healthy & Sustainable Living report identified that 61% of consumers globally say they are interested in choosing recyclable packaging in the coming year. Single-use plastics and mixed-material packaging contribute to significant waste, as well as confusion about recyclability. While Logitech advocates 100% recycling of all materials, current waste management methods across geographical areas fall short. Instead, Logitech is proactively eliminating single-use plastics at the source.

“People increasingly value and actively seek out packaging less harmful to the environment. Using paper instead of single-use plastic enhances the customer experience by making packaging easier to open, visually appealing, and informative,” said Bliss Buter-Thompson, head of packaging at Logitech. “At the same time, we can optimize the weight and size of the package and lower the product carbon footprint – all in alignment with meeting our customers’ needs.”

Nearly 80% of a product’s environmental footprint can be influenced during its design process, impacting material choices and efficiency. As part of its Design for Sustainability initiative, Logitech has implemented packaging solutions that minimize environmental impact, including an FSC^TM-certified paper packaging program introduced in 2019 and a Single-Use Plastics Policy introduced in 2021. The company also removed plastic shrink wrap in its Logitech G gaming division, and implemented recyclable materials like paper pulp hang tabs and wood fiber bags for many products.

Removing single-use plastic packaging across its portfolio is part of Logitech’s broader efforts to design for sustainability, prioritize carbon reductions and enhance circularity. More information about Logitech’s sustainability programs can be found in its FY24 Impact Report or on the website.

About Logitech

Logitech designs software-enabled hardware solutions that help businesses thrive and bring people together when working, creating, gaming and streaming. As the point of connection between people and the digital world, our mission is to extend human potential in work and play, in a way that is good for people and the planet. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI). Find Logitech and its other brands, including Logitech G, at www.logitech.com or company blog.

# # #

Editorial Contacts:

Marie Perriard, Head of Sustainability Communications – USA mperriard@logitech.com
Ben Starkie, Corporate Communications – Europe +41 (0) 79-292-3499

• Various incentives offered for residential and business customers through the Charger Prep Credit, Off-Peak Charging Credit and Fleet Advisory programs

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 2, 2025 /3BL/ – Duke Energy Florida announced the launch of three new programs – the Charger Prep Credit, Off-Peak Charging Credit and Fleet Advisory programs – to offer both residential and business customers more choices related to electric vehicles (EVs).

“Not only do EVs help save on fuel and maintenance costs for drivers, but they have significant economic and environmental benefits as well,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “Our goal with these programs and the various incentives they offer is to make EVs more accessible for all of our customers, helping meet their individual needs, while contributing to the ongoing energy transition.”

Charger Prep Credit Program (Residential and Business Customers)

Through the Charger Prep Credit program, both residential and business customers can receive a one-time credit to defray the cost of installing EV charging infrastructure, including new electric plug-in outlets, electrical wiring improvements and other electrical upgrades required to support Level 2 or higher EV chargers. However, it does not apply to the charging station hardware and software (if needed), as well as permit fees. For more information, please click here (for residential customers) or here (for business customers).

Off-Peak Charging Credit Program (Residential Customers Only)

The Off-Peak Charging Credit program allows residential customers to get paid for charging their EVs during times when demand for energy is typically lower. Eligible customers using a Level 2 charger can earn a $7.50 credit on their monthly electric bills for charging their EVs during these off-peak hours – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Friday and anytime on weekends and holidays. It originally began as a pilot (reaching its threshold of 3,000 active participants while maintaining a lengthy waitlist) and is now a permanent offering without an enrollment limit. For more information, please click here.

Fleet Advisory Program (Business Customers Only)

By participating in the Fleet Advisory program, business customers can receive up to $12,000 to offset the cost of completing a fleet electrification study to assess the benefits of switching their fleet vehicles to EVs. The goal is for businesses to learn how to reduce their carbon footprint, while also discovering how EVs can lower their operating costs and improve overall efficiency. To qualify, a customer’s fleet must include 20 or more light-duty vehicles, five or more medium/heavy-duty vehicles, or a combination of 10 or more light-duty and/or medium/heavy-duty vehicles. For more information, please click here.

Duke Energy Florida

Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 12,300 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 2 million residential, commercial and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.4 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 54,800 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an ambitious energy transition, keeping customer reliability and value at the forefront as it builds a smarter energy future. The company is investing in major electric grid upgrades and cleaner generation, including natural gas, nuclear, renewables and energy storage.

More information is available at duke-energy.com and the Duke Energy News Center. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, and visit illumination for stories about the people and innovations powering our energy transition.

Contact: Aly Raschid
24-Hour: 800.559.3853
X: @DE_AlyRaschid

View original content here.

Since the Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Final Rule took effect under the National Organic Program (NOP) in March 2024, entities across the organic industry have undergone major operational shifts to achieve and maintain compliance with the updated organic regulations. These updates have increased rigor at all levels of the supply chain and bolstered trust in the organic label, with perhaps the most impactful change being the requirement of mandatory certification for organic importers and exporters. And while the SOE Final Rule will drive lasting positive change, some organic supply chains are experiencing a difficult transformation if they are unable to import organic products into the US.

In this blog, SCS Global Services’ organic program experts will answer some of the most important questions related to the ongoing challenges facing organic importers. Plus, we’ll talk about what SOE means for importers who happen to be uncertified at this time. By discussing essential elements, definitions, and expectations of the SOE Final Rule, we’ll equip you with everything you need to mobilize your company’s certification process under SOE — even if you are currently uncertified.

What is an organic importer?

Under SOE, an organic importer is defined as the operation responsible for accepting imported organic agricultural products within the United States. This role ensures NOP Import Certificate data are entered into the U.S. Customs and Border Protection import system of record.

How is an exporter different from an importer?

An exporter is defined as the final certified exporter of the organic agricultural product that facilitates the trade of, consigns, or arranges for the transportation or shipping of the organic agricultural product from a foreign country to the United States. An exporter is the entity that initiates the paperwork (NOP Import Certificate) that notifies United States Customs and Border Patrol of the incoming shipment of organic products through the importer.

What is an NOP Import Certificate?

An NOP Import Certificate is issued to the organic exporter by its certification body (CB), which verifies the organic status of the product contained in the shipment. NOP Import Certificates must be submitted by the importer to the United States Customs and Border Protection import system of record for all imported products regardless of origin. These certificates can be issued electronically by the exporter’s certifier using the Organic Integrity Database (OID), which means the certificate is issued upon exportation from the country of origin and not upon entry (import) to the destination country. These certificates may be issued for a single shipment or multiple shipments over a defined timeframe, up to a verified volume.

NOP Import Certificates include a review of the audit trail to verify organic status of the product exported to the United States. The certificate must include the following information:

• Country of origin
• Destination country
• Name of issuing certifier
• Harmonized System (HS) code(s)
• Total weight of product
• 10-digit exporter ID
• Unique numerical identifier

What is the process to issue an NOP Import Certificate?

While some variations in process may occur depending on the specific exporting country and organic entity, the issuance of an NOP Import Certificate generally follows these steps:

1. The exporter initiates NOP Import Certificate request with their organic certification body.
2. Certifier of exporter verifies the shipment and issues certificate.
3. Exporter provides NOP Import Certificate to US importer.
4. Importer or customs broker enters data into the Customs and Border Protection’s Automated Control Environment (ACE) System.
5. Product arrives at port of entry — this is where the shipment is accepted into the United States.
6. Importer verifies that the products received match the data provided on the certificate.
7. Certifier of importer audits accepted volumes of product.
8. NOP accesses CBP data to monitor for fraudulent activity.

What are the major impacts of SOE for organic importers?

SOE impacts organic importers in multiple, significant ways. For example, not only do importers and exporters of organic products have to be certified, but they must work directly with a USDA-accredited certifying agent. Like all certified organic entities, importers must also develop an Organic System Plan (OSP), part of which is the mandatory Organic Fraud Prevention Plan (OFPP). Once established, the OSP must undergo an annual compliance audit. Additionally, NOP Import Certificates are required for all products being shipped to the United States. The stakes for complying with SOE are high: Shipments without proper documentation may be rejected at ports of entry, causing significant disruption along the organic supply chain.

What happens if I am an uncertified importer of organic products?

Major disruptions can occur if an uncertified entity attempts to import organic products into the United States. Such disruptions mean that organic products cannot obtain customs clearance at the US border, and importers are prohibited from transacting organic products until they are certified, which can translate into serious business complications and even mandatory cessation of the ability to conduct business within the organic industry.

Under the SOE Final Rule, all organic entities are expected to have a baseline familiarity with the NOP regulations, the audit process and cycle, as well as a deeper understanding of traceability, identity preservation, and organic fraud prevention.

If these concepts and terms are unfamiliar to you, we encourage you to contact our experts as soon as possible. We can help uncertified importers of organic products better understand, prepare for, and earn organic certification under SOE.

Are there any exemptions under the new SOE?

Exemptions from SOE certification are now extremely limited, but some do exist. The following entities are considered exempt under SOE: Entities with gross sales under $5,000 annually, those handling products that contain less than 70% organic ingredients, distributors who only transact retail products in tamper-evident packaging, warehouses that store or prepare shipment products in tamper-evident packaging, and certain operations such as transportation companies, customs and logistics brokers, and some retail operations.

It’s important to note, though, that record keeping is mandatory even for entities that are exempt from SOE.

What should I do if I’m operating as an uncertified importer?

If you are currently uncertified, you should make plans to earn certification as soon as possible. Because enforcement for SOE is underway, every day that you operate without organic certification poses serious risks to your business.

The only means of earning certification is to work directly with an organic certification body. If you are involved in the trade of organic products, we recommend reaching out to our experts at SCS Global Services.

We’ve served as the preeminent certification body for the National Organic Program since 2000 and we encourage any importers in need of certification or support navigating and adapting workflows to remain compliant with SOE regulations to get in touch with us. At SCS, we are proud to act not only as a helpful source of knowledge and insight into all the technicalities of these important SOE updates, but also as a strategic partner helping companies navigate the often stressful and exhausting realities associated with inadvertently missing the implementation deadline for SOE.

Where can I learn more about organic importers and SOE?

In case you missed our SOE blog series last year, be sure to review these essential articles:

• Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) Summary: Top Seven Changes to Watch as 2024 Deadline Nears
• Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) – Top 8 Questions about Uncertified Operations and Missing the March 19, 2024 Deadline
• SOE Organic Fraud Prevention – What Every Business Needs to Know

Our webinar replay, Understanding the USDA’s New Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule, offers a high-level overview of SOE and what to expect.

Companies can also turn to a number of resources to learn more, including the full summary of the Organic Trade Association’s SOE final rule, the Federal Register’s formal communications about the SOE amendment, and an official side-by-side comparison of the original organic program regulatory language and the new SOE rule.

If you think you’d benefit from dedicated, one-on-one expert support, please contact Ned Halaby at nhalaby@scsglobalservices.com or call +1.510.993.0235.

In this latest blog, Lindsay Wright, Director, Communications and Strategic Partnerships, Better Buying, explains why supplier participation in the Better Buying ratings cycle is essential to amplifying their voices and driving improvements in purchasing practices. Wright highlights how the data and insights gathered not only help buyers understand the impact of their practices on suppliers but also empowers suppliers with valuable knowledge to strengthen their own business relationships.

Read the full blog, titled: Why Should Suppliers Participate in Better Buying’s Rating Cycle?