USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and More — Know Your Certification Marks and When to Use Them | UPrinting
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USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and More — Know Your Certification Marks and When to Use Them

Written by UPrinting - Updated on May 27, 2025

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Last updated on May 27th, 2025 at 07:05 pm




Packaging symbols and certification marks aren’t just decorative — they carry weight. For consumers, they signal trust. For regulators, they communicate compliance. And for businesses, they’re a critical part of product packaging that can determine market access, brand credibility, and even legal viability.

Whether you’re launching a new food product, designing cosmetics packaging, or selling sustainable goods, knowing which symbols to use — and understanding what they actually mean — is non-negotiable. This guide breaks down the most important certification and compliance marks used across food, cosmetics, supplements, and general consumer packaging. Each mark is categorized by purpose and product type and comes with a clear explanation of when and why you might need to use it.

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Food and Beverage Certification Marks

These marks confirm that food or beverage products meet specific standards related to health, safety, sourcing, or dietary compliance.

 

  • USDA Organic
  • Indicates that a product contains at least 95% organically produced ingredients and meets the requirements of the USDA’s National Organic Program (NOP). The products must be certified by an accredited agent to qualify for this label. Furthermore, this label is mandatory if you’re marketing anything as “organic” in the U.S.

  • Non-GMO Project Verified
  • Issued by a third-party nonprofit, this label ensures the product was produced without genetically modified organisms. It is one of the most trusted non-GMO labels in North America and is used widely in natural and health food markets.

    Oversized Bookmark Sizes

  • Fair Trade Certified
  • This mark confirms that ingredients were sourced ethically and that the brand paid the workers fair wages, provide safe working conditions, and observe sustainable practices. This label is especially common in coffee, tea, chocolate, and spices, and it’s a strong indicator of social responsibility.

  • Gluten-Free Certified (GFCO)
  • The Gluten-Free Certification Organization certifies that the product contains less than 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is more stringent than the FDA’s 20 ppm threshold. This label is crucial for products marketed to celiac or gluten-sensitive consumers.

  • Kosher (OU, Star-K, etc.)
  • Kosher certification confirms that food is produced in accordance with Jewish dietary laws. Various agencies provide certification (e.g., OU, OK, Star-K), and the mark is often a factor for consumer trust well beyond religious adherence.

  • Halal Certified
  • Products bearing this label are certified to comply with Islamic dietary guidelines. It’s essential for reaching Muslim consumer markets and often overlaps with ethical sourcing and humane treatment claims.

  • FDA-Compliant (Claim)
  • While not a formal certification mark, “FDA-compliant” is often used to indicate that packaging and labeling meet FDA food safety and marketing standards. However, be cautious — this is a claim, not a badge, and misuse could result in penalties.

    Cosmetics and Personal Care Marks

    These certifications focus on ethical sourcing, ingredient transparency, and regulatory compliance in the beauty and personal care industries.

     

  • Leaping Bunny (Cruelty-Free)
  • A globally recognized symbol certifying that no animal testing was conducted at any phase of product development. Required for brands marketing to ethically conscious consumers.

  • Vegan Certified
  • This mark confirms the product contains no animal-derived ingredients or byproducts. It often appears alongside cruelty-free certification but covers a different dimension of ethical production.

    Oversized Bookmark Sizes

  • ECOCERT Natural & Organic
  • ECOCERT certifies natural and organic cosmetic products under strict guidelines. Their seal requires a minimum percentage of natural origin and organic ingredients, as well as environmentally responsible manufacturing.

  • EU Cosmetic Regulation (CPNP Compliance)
  • Represented by the “open jar” symbol with a time indicator (e.g., 12M), this is required for cosmetics sold in the European Union. It communicates the product’s shelf life after opening and ensures compliance with the Cosmetic Products Notification Portal (CPNP).

    Sustainability and Recycling Symbols

    These marks don’t always signify certification but play a crucial role in communicating recyclability, biodegradability, and sustainable sourcing to both consumers and waste management systems.

     

  • Mobius Loop (Recycling Symbol)
  • A universal symbol for recyclable materials. Variants may include percentages or codes that specify how much of the product is recycled or recyclable, helping clarify end-of-life handling.

  • Plastic Resin Codes
  • This mark confirms the product contains no animal-derived ingredients or byproducts. It often appears alongside cruelty-free certification but covers a different dimension of ethical production.

  • Compostable (BPI Certified, OK Compost)
  • These marks confirm that a product or package will break down in composting conditions — either industrial (BPI Certified) or home compost (OK Compost Home). They’re essential for brands committed to zero-waste packaging solutions.

    Regulatory Compliance Marks

    These symbols are legally required for certain products and geographies. They indicate that a product complies with health, safety, or environmental regulations enforced by a government body.

     

  • California Prop 65 Warning
  • Mandatory for products sold in California that contain chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm. This warning label must be visible on packaging.

  • WEEE Directive
  • Required for electronics in the European Union, this symbol indicates that the product must not be disposed of as unsorted municipal waste and should be recycled via an appropriate system.

  • CE Marking
  • A legal requirement for many products sold in the European Economic Area (EEA), the CE mark shows that a product meets EU safety, health, and environmental protection requirements.

  • FDA-Compliant (Claim)
  • Reappears here for broader context — especially relevant for cosmetics, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs. This claim suggests adherence to applicable FDA regulations but isn’t an official mark.

    Knowing which symbols to use — and when to use them — goes far beyond aesthetics. It helps your business meet regulatory requirements, appeal to value-driven consumers, and position your brand as trustworthy and transparent.

    For packaging designers, manufacturers, and brand managers, these marks should be an integral part of your compliance strategy and visual identity. Whether you’re targeting organic shoppers, entering the EU market, or highlighting your sustainability efforts, the right certification marks do more than check a box — they tell a story of integrity, safety, and responsibility.

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