Happy New Year!

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service is pleased to announce that organic products certified in the U.S. or Japan may now be sold as organic in either market.

The U.S.-Japan equivalency partnership became effective on January 1, 2014.

This partnership between two significant organic markets will streamline U.S. farmers' and processors' access to the growing Japanese organic market, benefiting the thriving organic industry and supporting jobs and businesses on a global scale.

Learn more about exporting organic products from and importing organic products to the U.S.

While this partnership is focused on plant-based organic products, it also clarifies how meat, dairy products, alcoholic beverages, and other non-plant-based products can be sold as organic in both countries. Please refer to the appropriate links below for specific requirements.

Questions and Answers

Additional Partnership Information
View letters establishing the trade partnership, the September press release, and additional resources on the National Organic Program (NOP)'s website

Exporting U.S. Organic Products to Japan

Export Certificate
This export certificate must used when exporting products certified to the USDA organic standards to Japan.

Fact Sheet
Describes the terms of the arrangement, scope, and labeling requirements in Japan

Importing Organic Products from Japan

New! NOP Import Form | Instructions
This updated form must be used when importing agricultural products certified to the:

• Japanese Agricultural Standards
• European Union organic standards

Fact Sheet
Describes the terms of the arrangement, scope, and labeling requirements in the U.S.

Have Questions?

Farms and businesses
Contact your organic certifier or get certified!

USDA-Accredited Certifiers
Contact your NOP Accreditation Manager

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) facilitates the competitive and efficient marketing of agricultural products. Through its National Organic Program, AMS facilitates trade and ensures the integrity of organic agricultural products by consistently implementing organic standards and enforcing compliance with the regulations throughout the world. Learn more.

The USDA Organic Insider informs the organic community on a wide range of functions, including regulatory updates, requests for public comments, and USDA programs and services.

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