#Japan #Tokyo #Organic Alcohol #JAS Certification

Exciting News for Organic Alcohol Exports from Japan

Starting on October 1, 2025, a landmark development will allow Japan to export organic alcoholic beverages, such as sake, to the UK and the US, along with Australia and New Zealand. This agreement comes as a result of extensive discussions between Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and the National Tax Agency, aiming to ease regulations and reduce costs associated with exporting organic products.

Background

Previously, Japan had established a system whereby various organic agricultural products, including organic livestock and processed foods, could be exported and imported between Japan, the UK, the US, Australia, and New Zealand. However, alcoholic beverages were not included until organic sake became eligible for the Organic JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standards) certification in October 2022. This significant change has opened the door for potential market expansion for organic Japanese alcoholic products.

Details of the Agreement

The agreement allows for mutual recognition of organic certified products, streamlining the export and import process under the JAS system. Here are the highlights of the agreement for each nation:

Japan to the UK

• - Scope: Organic alcoholic beverages produced and processed domestically in Japan under the JAS system.
• - Production Standards: Must conform to the Japanese Agricultural Standards for organic processed foods established by the government.
• - Effective Date: October 1, 2025.

UK to Japan

• - Scope: Organic alcoholic beverages made and certified in the UK.
• - Production Standards: Must adhere to the UK's organic standards regulations.
• - Effective Date: October 1, 2025.

Japan to the US

• - Scope: Similar to the UK agreement, this applies to organic products certified under the JAS system.
• - Production Standards: Must comply with the US National Organic Program guidelines.
• - Effective Date: October 1, 2025.

US to Japan

• - Scope: Organic alcoholic beverages made and certified in the US.
• - Production Standards: Must follow the standards set under the National Organic Program.
• - Effective Date: October 1, 2025.

Japan to Australia

• - Scope: Alcoholic beverages following JAS regulations.
• - Production Standards: Australian organic regulations will apply.

Australia to Japan

• - Scope: Organic alcoholic beverages produced in accordance with Australian organic laws.
• - Production Standards: Adherence to the National Standard for Organic and Biodynamic Produce is required.
• - Effective Date: October 1, 2025.

Japan to New Zealand

• - Scope: Similar to the agreement with Australia, JAS certified products will be accepted.
• - Production Standards: Must follow New Zealand's Official Organic Assurance Programme guidelines.
• - Effective Date: October 1, 2025.

New Zealand to Japan

• - Scope: Organic alcoholic beverages made according to New Zealand’s regulations.
• - Production Standards: Compliance with OAP is mandatory.
• - Effective Date: October 1, 2025.

Implications

This significant change is expected to facilitate a broader export of organic Japanese sake and other alcoholic products, enhancing Japan's presence in international markets. Lower import export fees and bureaucratic hurdles are among the anticipated benefits of this agreement. The optimistic outlook is that such steps will contribute to the growth and sustainability of Japan's organic sector in the global marketplace.

For more information about organic agricultural product regulations, please visit the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

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Overall, the new regulations stand to benefit organic producers and help reinforce Japan's reputation as a premier source of quality, organic alcoholic beverages on the global stage.