Japan Tightens Regulation for Organic Food Imports

The Japanese government has implemented tighter regulations for organic food imports, with firms required to appoint specific personnel and use standard organic certification labels to avoid being rejected, the FoodNavigator-Asia reported on November 15.

All companies importing organic food products from abroad must assign a specified person-in-charge with the necessary knowledge, skills and training to be in charge of the receipt, storage and packing of the organic products.  “The staff mush have completed the necessary course related to the receipt, storage and packaging of the imported items at workshops specified by the organic certification body, and will be the sole person responsible for organic-related matters,” the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) stated in a formal announcement notice.

In addition, MAFF has also specified sizing parameters for the local organic certification label that needs to be attached to all organic products in Japan, namely the Organic Japanese Agriculture Standards (JAS).  “Importantly, this label must be attached to a conspicuous location on every container or package (containing organic food products but) no items that could mislead general consumers about the content of the JAS with regard to grading shall be displayed,” MAFF said.