Overview

Amazon requires every product marketed as “organic” on its U.S. marketplace to meet the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic standards. Sellers must hold a valid USDA‑approved certification—or an internationally recognized equivalent—display the certifying agent’s name on the label, and follow strict labeling rules. Failure to comply can trigger listing removal, account warnings, or legal exposure, making accurate compliance essential for anyone selling organic goods on Amazon.

Key Points

• USDA certification is non‑negotiable — Any agricultural item listed as organic in the United States must be backed by a USDA‑approved organic certificate or an equivalent foreign standard that the USDA has formally accepted. For example, a vendor importing organic almond butter from Spain must verify that the Spanish certifier is listed in the USDA’s Organic Integrity Database.
• Labeling must mirror federal guidelines — Products bearing the word “organic” or the USDA organic seal must show the name of the USDA‑accredited certifying agency on the packaging. A seller of organic cotton t‑shirts, for instance, must print “Certified Organic by XYZ Certifying Agency” on the tag.
• Organic seafood faces extra hurdles — Claims of “organic” for fish, shellfish, or aquaculture products are subject to additional jurisdictional limits and often require enrollment in recognized sustainability or third‑party organic programs. An Amazon seller offering wild‑caught organic salmon may need to join a program such as the Aquaculture Stewardship Council to satisfy Amazon’s policy.
• Responsibility rests entirely with the seller — Amazon places the burden of proof on the merchant; sellers must understand, document, and enforce every aspect of organic production, certification, and labeling. A vendor who sources organic honey from a local apiary must keep the certifier’s paperwork on file and be ready to present it during an Amazon audit.
• Amazon’s guidance is informational, not legal — The platform provides resources to help sellers navigate organic rules, but it advises consulting legal counsel for definitive compliance questions. A seller unsure whether a “natural” claim qualifies as “organic” should seek attorney advice rather than rely solely on Amazon’s help pages.