JAS ORGANIC CERTIFICATION
Welcome! This website provides information related to the JAS organic program in order to assist overseas growers, processors, and re-packers with how to obtain organic certification and sell their goods in Japan.
JAS History
The JAS System was introduced in 1950 as the Agricultural and Forestry Standard Law. It assumed its current status in 1970 with the addition of quality labeling standards system. The JAS System has been reviewed in light of social situations and other pertinent factors. For example, after deceptive labeling cases in 2002, the JAS system needed to be improved to assure reliable labeling and meet new social demands.
As of April 1, 2001, all plant based organic products and materials exported to Japan must be compliant with Japan’s Agricultural Standards (JAS), as established by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (MAFF). They must have an Organic JAS Seal affixed as it allows consumers to recognize organic foods easily.
Law Revisions
In 2005, JAS certifiers are now accredited by MAFF to make the final decision on the certification of their clients. These Registered Certified Bodies are now private sector third-party organizations and no longer agencies of MAFF. It is important to note that if a Registered Certified Body’s registration were to be cancelled it automatically makes certifications of its operations invalid because the government is no longer directly involved in the certification process.
A three year interim period is provided for certified operators under the previous JAS Law. They are recommended to be certified by Registered Certifying Bodies under the revised JAS Law and periodically audited so that they are confirmed to comply with the technical criteria for certification.
Under the new revised Law, the are now fewer registered certified bodies and therefore, some operators will be certified with a new certifier. For the operators that this pertains to, the name of the certifying body printed at the bottom of their JAS labels will change to reflect this. 
Want to get certified?
Please go to the “Certification Process” page for more information.
The “FAQ” page answers common questions regarding JAS certification.
Steps needed to receive JAS approval are outlined on the “JAS Flow Cart”
Application forms are available on the “Forms and Links” page.
For those already familiar with the organic certification process, JAS certification will include many of the same provisions as previous organic inspections. However, there are important differences, so please review this program.
For more information or appointment, contact:
ECOCERT-QAI JAPAN LTD.
Kanagawa Science Park West 300-D 3-2-1 Sakado, Takatsu-ku Kawasaki 213-0012
Telephone: (81) 03-5413-7330 Fax: (81) 04-4833-6263
e-mail: sales@ecocert.qai.jp
Located near Mizonokuchi Station on the Tokyu Denentoshi line and Musashi Mizonokuchi on the JR Nanbu Line. Take the KSP Bus from bus stop #9 in front of the police station to the KSP West Tower, near Hotel KSP. 15 min. from Shibuya. 20 min. from Kawasaki.