USDA extends National List substance approvals through 2031 following required five-year review
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP) has completed its 2026 Sunset Review and renewed 56 substances on the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances. These renewals extend the status of these materials through 2031 and confirm their continued eligibility — or prohibition — for use in certified organic production and handling.
This update is important for organic importers, handlers, processors, and ingredient suppliers who rely on National List substances for compliant production and formulation.
What Is the USDA National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances?
The National List is the regulatory foundation that defines which substances may — and may not — be used in:
- Organic crop production
- Organic livestock production
- Organic processing and handling
It covers:
- Allowed synthetic substances
- Prohibited natural substances
- Nonagricultural substances used in handling and processing
- Certain nonorganic agricultural ingredients permitted in handling when organic forms are not commercially available
If a synthetic or nonorganic material is used in an organic operation, it must appear on the National List with any required restrictions.
What Is the Organic Sunset Review and Why Does USDA Conduct It Every Five Years?
Every substance on the National List must be reviewed at least once every five years through the NOP “sunset review” process.
The National Organic Standards Board evaluates each listing to determine whether it continues to meet required criteria, including:
- Ongoing necessity in organic production or handling
- Impacts on human health and the environment
- Compatibility with organic principles
- Availability of alternatives
If the criteria are met, the listing is renewed and extended for another five-year cycle.
How Many Substances Were Renewed in the 2026 NOP Sunset Review?
In the 2026 cycle, USDA renewed 56 substances on the National List.
According to the Federal Register notice, the renewals include:
- 24 synthetic substances allowed in organic crop and livestock production
- 2 natural substances that remain prohibited
- 24 nonagricultural substances allowed in organic handling
- 6 nonorganic agricultural substances allowed in organic handling
All renewed listings are extended through 2031.
Which Types of Organic Materials and Inputs Are Covered by These Renewals?
The renewed listings span multiple operational categories across the organic supply chain, including materials commonly used for:
- Processing aids
- Sanitation and disinfection
- Livestock treatment applications
- Handling and formulation inputs
- Specialized production supports
Organic producers, processors, and importers using approved materials in these areas can continue operating under the renewed listings, subject to any existing use restrictions.
Which Organic Businesses Are Affected by the 2026 Substance Renewals?
The renewals affect a wide range of organic supply chain participants, including:
- Organic food and beverage importers
- Organic ingredient suppliers
- Processors and handlers
- Livestock product importers
- Private label brands with certified organic products
- Co-manufacturers and contract processors
Any company whose organic certification depends on National List materials should confirm that supplier documentation and formulations align with the renewed listings.
Do Organic Importers or Handlers Need to Take Action After the Sunset Review?
The renewals primarily provide regulatory continuity, but companies should still perform routine compliance checks, including:
- Confirming supplier material disclosures
- Verifying certifier records remain current
- Reviewing formulations that depend on listed substances
- Updating internal compliance references where applicable
Proactive verification helps prevent certification or audit issues later in the supply chain.
Where Can You Find the Full List of Renewed Organic Substances?
USDA published the complete table of all 56 renewed substances — including crop, livestock, and handling categories — in the official Federal Register notice for the 2026 Sunset Review.
Organic importers, handlers, and certifiers should review the official listing when validating substance status and use conditions.
You can access the full Federal Register notice and substance tables here:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/09/2026-02548/national-organic-program-2026-sunset-review-and-substance-renewals
Companies should coordinate with their certifier and suppliers to ensure continued alignment with National List requirements through the new review cycle.
Reference:
Docket: AMS-NOP-25-0089; NOP-25-05
Federal Register Publication Date: February 9, 2026
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