Manufacturers and vendors seeking the use of the label must submit an application for each biobased product or package for which the company is seeking certification.

Your product or package must meet the minimum biobased content for the appropriate Designated Product Category or categories.

If USDA has not established a minimum biobased content for the relevant product category (including intermediate products and feedstock), the minimum biobased content is 25%.

USDA Certification Process Fact Sheet

Obtaining biobased product certification is a multi-stepped process that entails communication, both via email and personally with BioPreferred program staff, and other entities. Have questions about the certification protocol? Visit our FAQ page here first to review the most common questions about the BioPreferred program, and the program’s voluntary bioproduct certification protocol. Review this .pdf tutorial that outlines the biobased product certification process screen-by-screen before you get started, and as you make progress so you may stay on track throughout the process. Program personnel are available to assist you on a limited basis. If you have additional questions *after* reviewing the resources above, we suggest you:

Email USDABioInfo@iastate.edu
Call 877-251-6522.

Due to the high volume of certification applications, your inquiry will be addressed in the order it’s received. We thank you for your interest in the BioPreferred program and for your patience