The Japanese Agricultural Standard (a broad system of standards concerning agricultural and forestry prdoucts, consisting of the ‘JAS Standards System’ and the ‘Quality Labeling Standards System’) regulates labelling of agricultural products (not only organic) and is governed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF). The labelling standard came into force in 1950 with the Law N° 175, ‘The Law Concerning Standardization and Proper Labeling of Agricultural and Forestry Products’.

In 2000, the JAS Standard has been extended byrequirements for organic production and processing of plant products. Enforcement date of the organic certification programme was April 1st, 2001. From this date, all agricultural plant products meant for human consumption sold in Japan must carry the JAS organic seal. In 2005, regulations for the organic production of livestock and feed have been added. The latest partial revision of these standards took place in October 2006.

The JAS organic standard covers agricultural food crops growing in fields (incl. wild collected prdoucts – plant products or funghi), livestock products, funghi, processed food and animal feed.

The following products can NOT be JAS certified: Hors-sol cultures, products from rockwool production, etc.; apiary, aquaculture products and marine products; spirulina, seaweed and other algae; alcoholic beverages or drugs.

>> JAS certification by IMO (requirements, procedures)

>> how to become certified by IMO (if you are not yet IMO certified)