Source:  USDA, 10/20/10

Today, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan issued the following statement regarding the U.S. government's agreement to establish export and import codes for selected organic products under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States:

"I commend the committee for their efforts to establish export and import codes for selected organic products. As the organic industry continues to grow in the United States and around the world, this will provide a more complete picture of the international demand and sources of supply for organic products. This decision will support the development of more international trade and the work of the National Organic Program to ensure compliance with U.S. organic standards. "

The new codes will be available on January 1, 2011 on the U.S. International Trade Commission website: www.usitc.gov/tata/hts/bychapter/index.htm.