What is JAS?
Japan has developed standards for organic production and processing, and all plant-based products exported to Japan must be in compliance with Japan Agricultural Standards (JAS).
What is Organic Certification?
Organic certification is when an organic certifying group audits a business’ methods to ensure that they comply with national or international standards for organic farming and processing. Many people have their business certified to reassure wholesalers, retailers and consumers that their produce is organic.
How long does the conversion to organic status take?
The certification process takes usually between 2 and 3 months depending if any corrective action needs to be taken by the client. For more details on the process and to see a timeline please refer to the “Certification Process” page.
What is the benefit of the JAS logo?
The JAS logo is the only organic symbol recognized and trusted in Japan. It is displayed on packaging and marketing literature, the Logo adds value to your product.
What are the benefits of being certified?
Integrity of certification allows protect good operators from being associated with less than best management practice in your industry, some operations do not achieve certification with JAS, because they are not deemed as fulfilling the requirements of the standard.
How is JAS certification different from other organic certifications?
Organic certification assesses the processes that occur along the organic chain, and, similarly, JAS requires evaluation of the internal structure and managerial competence that supports such processes. JAS further focuses on verifying that systems are in place for deciding and ensuring that products meet the relevant standards.
Do you need JAS certification if you are already certified organic?
Yes, you need JAS certification in addition to your other organic certifications if you wish to export products with the JAS seal to Japan. Only JAS certified products and ingredients may display the JAS seal and be sold as organic in Japan. A JAS certifier must verify that the internal structure and managerial competence are sufficient enough to support JAS grading system in place. Starting the 2nd year, your yearly JAS evaluation will occur at the same time of the other yearly organic evaluation.
Do we or our subcontractor need re-packer certification?
A re-packer must be certified in cases where they reattach the Organic JAS mark to re-packed products at levels such as wholesale, brokerage or retail. A JAS re-packer certification is necessary for a producer or processor in addition to other organic certification if the term “organic” is labeled on containers or packages of re-packed agriculture products including those prepared and cut for sale.
How often do onsite inspections need to occur?
An annual onsite inspection is required to maintain “organic” status. Once the certification process is complete, future onsite inspections should occur every 12 months (or less). It is strongly recommended that inspections are set up a couple months in advance to assure they are carried out within the allowed time frame. If a period of more than one year passes without an onsite inspection, the certified body’s organic status may be nullified without warning.
Who can certify JAS standards?
Certifying organizations that are contracted by Ecocert-QAI Japan may perform inspections for overseas companies exporting to Japan. However, only Ecocert-QAI Japan is designated by MAFF to make the final certification judgement. Therefore, copies of all completed forms and inspection results must be forwarded to Ecocert-QAI Japan for review. If the applicant is in compliance with JAS standards, a JAS certificate will be issued. If the applicant is not considered compliant, outstanding issues must be resolved before JAS certification can be completed.
For more information, 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