The Indian Ministry of Commerce launched the National Programme on Organic Production (NPOP) in 2000, laying down the National Standards of Organic Production (NSOP). These standards regulate production, processing, labelling, storage and transport as well as inspection and certification procedures for organic products. They form the basis of organic production and certification in India. Under the NPOP framework, a national organic label (“India Organic” label) was developed, which is awarded to producers who are inspected and certified by one of currently 24 accredited certification agencies for compliance with the NSOP. The Indian organic standards can be viewed at agmarknet.nic.in/NPOPStandards(English).pdf