JAS Japanese Agricultural Standard Certification : Japanese Agricultural Standards

What is JAS: Japanese Agricultural Standard ?

The JAS certification represents a series of standards and quality criteria governed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF), aimed at ensuring the quality, safety and traceability of food, agricultural products, The European Union is a Member State of the Union.

This food certification concerns various products, including organic products, for which special regulations have existed since 2002. These are characterized by the non-use production of synthetic chemicals, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), irradiations or growth hormones, in accordance with strict JAS production, processing and distribution standards.

To export and sell organic products in Japan, JAS certification is essential. Certified items can wear the JAS logo, a sign of trust and high quality highly esteemed by Japanese consumers.

It should be noted that organic products that do not have the JAS logo are not allowed to be marketed as «organic» in Japan.

Certification is granted by bodies accredited by the MAFF, in Japan (Registered Certification Organization or RCO) or abroad (Registered Foreign Certification Organization or RFCO). ICEA is among the first European organizations to be recognized by the MAFF, thus allowing the JAS certification for organic producers.

Which organizations offer JAS certification ?

JAS certification is provided by certification bodies authorized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF). There are two categories of organizations that can issue this certification: local organizations in Japan (RCO: Registered Certification Organization) and international organizations (RFCO: Registered Foreign Certification Organization).

These certification bodies are subject to strict technical and administrative standards to ensure the reliability and transparency of their services.

The Japanese Organizations (RCO)

BCOs are entities based in Japan, authorized to certify products according to the criteria of the JAS standard. They have the capacity to certify both local and international operators, provided they have qualified experts and adequate resources to conduct the necessary inspections. Currently, the MAFF recognizes 32 BCRs.

Foreign organizations (RFCO)

The RFCO, located outside Japan, also has permission to certify according to JAS standards. They can work with operators, either in their own country or internationally, provided they have a formal partnership with the MAFF. In total, 29 RFCO benefit from this recognition by the MAFF.

ICEA, a reference certification body

ICEA stands out as one of the main European organizations recognized by the MAFF, offering JAS certification to operators in the organic sector. ICEA validates a variety of products, ranging from agricultural and livestock products to products processed for human and animal consumption, with the exception of wines, alcoholic beverages and aquaculture products. The organization also offers training and consulting services to guide operators towards JAS certification.

What are the specific JAS certification requirements for my industry ?

The JAS certification establishes precise criteria adapted to each category of organic products desired for export to Japan. The standards cover production, processing, labelling and traceability. The requirements vary according to the nature of the products: agricultural, livestock, processed, or in conversion.

Agricultural products

For plants or fungi, JAS certification requires :

• The use of certified organic seeds, plants or mushrooms, or failing that, not chemically treated.
• Lack of use of synthetic chemicals, GMOs, irradiations or growth hormones.
• The conservation of soil fertility and the protection of biodiversity through appropriate farming methods.
• Maintaining a record of inputs, harvests and sales.

Livestock products

Products derived from animals or their derivatives must comply with the following rules for certification :

• Use of certified organic animals, or, in their absence, raised in accordance with JAS standards for a specified period.
• Feeding of animals with certified organic products, free of prohibited substances.
• Respect for animal welfare and their physiological needs.
• Ban on the use of synthetic chemicals, GMOs, irradiations or growth hormones.
• Maintain a detailed record of inputs, animal production and sales.

Les produits transformés

Products obtained by processing agricultural or animal raw materials must :

• Incorporate at least 95% certified organic ingredients, without the presence of prohibited substances.
• Refrain from the use of synthetic chemicals, GMOs, irradiations or growth hormones.
• Strictly follow hygiene and food safety standards.
• Clearly display on the label the list of ingredients, operator details, JAS logo, and the identity of the certifying body.
• Maintain a record of inputs, treatments and sales.

Conversion products

This category refers to products from areas or animals transitioning to organic. Conditions for JAS certification include :

• Compliance with the requirements for organic products, with the exception of the specificities of the conversion period.
• Mention of the conversion period on the label, in addition to standard information (contact details, JAS logo, certifying body).
• Rigorous monitoring of inputs used, production in conversion and documented sales.

What are the steps to obtain JAS certification ?

The following are the key steps to achieving JAS certification :

1. Choose a certification body

Start by selecting a certification body recognized by the MAFF. You can choose either an organization located in Japan (RCO) or an international organization (RFCO). The full list is available on the MAFF website.

Make sure that the chosen organization is authorized to certify organic products specific to your field.

2. Complete an application for certification

Then proceed to submit a certification request to the selected organization. Include details about your business, the products involved, the production, processing, and distribution processes, and provide the required supporting documentation.

It is also important to commit to JAS standards and accept audits by the certification body.

3. Pass an initial check

An initial check by the certification body is the next step. The purpose of this control is to verify that your products and processes comply with JAS standards. It may involve a site visit, sampling for analysis, and an assessment of documents and records.

4. Obtain JAS certification

By successfully passing the initial check, you will receive the JAS certification. This allows you to affix the JAS logo on your organic products, thus promoting their export and marketing in Japan. The certification is valid for one year from the date of award.

How much does a JAS certification cost ?

The cost of obtaining a JAS certification is influenced by various factors, including but not limited to the type of organic products concerned, the number of operators involved, the extent of the area, the volume of production, the turnover, the number of sites to be certified, the complexity of the procedures and the time required for the evaluation. In addition, travel and accommodation costs for auditors may also affect the total cost.

Generally, the cost of an JAS certification is divided into two main categories: registration fees and control fees. The first concerns the administrative expenses involved in the certification application process, the revision of the documents provided and the issuance of the certificate. The latter include costs related to initial inspection, annual audits, and surprise visits.

It is important to note that the cost may vary depending on the certification body selected. It is therefore recommended to consult the offers of several organizations approved by the MAFF, whether in Japan (RCO) or internationally (RFCO), in order to compare and choose the most suitable option.

The list of certification bodies is available on the MAFF website, where you can also request a personalized quote from the organization of your choice.

ICEA, for example, is known for its competitive pricing and transparency. They offer tailor-made support throughout the JAS certification process, offering training and consulting services specifically aligned with your needs.

How long does it take to get JAS certification ?

The time required to obtain JAS certification varies and is influenced by several elements, including the type of organic products concerned, the number of operators, the complexity of the process to be certified, as well as the availability of the certification body responsible for assessing your application.

To understand this duration, it is essential to break it down into two main phases :

• Conversion time : This is the time required for your plots or animals to comply with JAS standards. This transition period is typically two years for agricultural crops and one year for livestock.
• Certification period : This refers to the time it takes for the certification body to review your certification application, complete the initial inspection, and, if applicable, issue the certificate. This process varies from body to body but usually takes a few months.

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It is possible to reduce these delays if your products benefit from an equivalence with other internationally recognized organic certifications, such as the European organic regulation. This recognition exempts you from the conversion period, allowing a direct JAS certification request.

The ICEA is an example of an organization offering a fast and efficient JAS certification process. By choosing ICEA, you will benefit from personalized support throughout your certification process, including training and consulting services adapted to your specific needs.

Is there a renewal to be done regarding the JAS certification ?

The validity of the JAS certification extends over one year from the date of issue. In order to keep this certification active, an annual renewal with your certification body is required.

The stages of JAS recertification include :

• Complete a renewal request, specifying any changes to your products, methods or contact information.
• Pay the renewal fee, which consists of registration fees and fees for the annual review.
• Undergo an annual control to ensure the continued compliance of your products, facilities, equipment, procedures and records to JAS standards. This may involve on-site inspection, sample collection, laboratory analysis, and document review.
• Receive a new JAS certificate, confirming that you still meet JAS standards, allowing you to continue to affix the JAS logo to your organic products.

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Renewing your JAS certification is crucial to maintaining your access to the Japanese market and solidifying your reputation with Japanese customers. This process also gives you access to the support and expertise of the certification body throughout the year.

ICEA, for example, offers an easy and fast JAS recertification service. ICEA supports you in your renewal process by providing personalized training and consulting services.