Organic Exemption Processing

Background

The federal Hass Avocado Promotion, Research, and Information Order (hereinafter referred to as “Order”) provides as of February 29th 2016, that an importer/producer who imports Hass Avocados that are eligible to be labeled as “organic” or “100 percent organic” under the NOP, or certified as “organic” or “100 percent organic” under a U.S. equivalency arrangement established under the National Organic Program (NOP) (7 CFR part 205), may apply for exemption from the payment of the Hass Avocado Board assessment on those Hass Avocados. Please read the HAB Organic Import Protocol for complete details on procedures and requirements.

Organic Exemption Request Form

Eligible importers/producers may submit documentation to the Board and request an exemption from assessment on certified “organic” or “100 percent organic” Hass avocados on an Organic Exemption Request Form (Form AMS-15) at any time initially, and annually thereafter on or before November 1, as long as the importer/producer continues to be eligible for the exemption. The Board will have 30 days to approve the exemption request. If the application is disapproved, the Board will notify the applicant of the reason(s) for disapproval within the same timeframe. To submit the AMS-15 form click here: Begin Organic Exempt Request
Begin Organic Exempt Request

Organic Import Refund Request

Organic refund requests should be submitted no later than 30 days following the close of the month the exempt certified organic imports occurred. Only importers holding a valid Certificate of Exemption issued by the Board at the time of import, will be qualified to claim a refund. All required documentation is necessary for the refund request to be considered valid and processed in a timely manner. To submit refund requests click here: Begin Organic Refund Request
Begin Organic Refund Request