USDA Confirms Renewal of 56 Substances Under the National Organic Program National List

Details of the Update

The rule renews 56 synthetic and nonorganic substances currently listed for use in organic production and handling following review by the National Organic Standards Board. AMS determined that these substances remain necessary for organic production and handling and continue to comply with the Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 and USDA organic regulations in 7 CFR Part 205. 

The renewed substances include commonly used materials such as hydrogen peroxide, ammonium soaps, pheromones, magnesium sulfate, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and processing aids such as pullulan, polysaccharide, and collagen gel. Certain substances used in animal health and processing, including oxalic acid dihydrate and tolazoline, are also covered by renewal.

The rule also confirms that prohibited natural substances, including ash from manure burning, remain restricted and are not newly permitted under organic production rules.

Effective Date

The renewed status of the 56 substances takes effect on July 26, 2026, with a new sunset date of July 26, 2031.

Why It Matters

This update provides regulatory continuity and clarity by extending the allowance or prohibition status of substances already embedded in the U.S. organic regulatory framework. By completing the statutory sunset review without changes to substance scope, the rule supports digital alignment, compliance efficiency, and supply chain stability, while avoiding additional administrative or operational burdens for organic producers and processors.

Who This Is Relevant For

This update is relevant for regulatory affairs, quality assurance, product development, labeling, and compliance teams responsible for certified organic products across crops, livestock, and processed foods.

Next Steps

Stakeholders should review current and planned product formulations to ensure continued alignment with the renewed National List through 2031. Supplier specifications, compliance records, and internal documentation should be updated to reflect the extended sunset dates. Ongoing monitoring of future National Organic Standards Board agendas and sunset review cycles is recommended to anticipate potential changes beyond this renewal period.

As organic regulations continue to rely on periodic substance reviews, staying ahead of renewal timelines and documentation requirements becomes increasingly important. RegASK is a leading agentic AI regulatory intelligence and workflow orchestration platform that empowers global organizations in highly regulated sectors, including consumer products and life sciences, to proactively navigate complex regulatory landscapes. By combining advanced Agentic AI with experts in the loop, RegASK delivers timely predictive actionable insights and end-to-end automation, streamlining compliance processes, mitigating risks, and accelerating market access across more than 160 countries. Learn more or book a demo now. 

FAQs

What is the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances under the U.S. organic program?

It is the official list defining which synthetic and nonorganic substances may or may not be used in organic crop production, livestock production, and organic food processing under USDA regulations.

How many substances were renewed in the 2026 sunset review?

A total of 56 substances were renewed following review by the National Organic Standards Board.

When do the renewed substances expire under the new sunset date?

The renewed substances are valid through July 26, 2031.

How can RegASK support teams managing U.S. organic compliance updates?

RegASK helps teams monitor regulatory updates, track substance approvals and sunset dates, and maintain alignment between formulations, suppliers, and documentation through AI-driven regulatory intelligence and workflow automation.