How to become JAS-certified:
It is important to know that the JAS standard builds up on an equivalency to the EU-regulation 2092/91. This implies that if an operator already meets the EU-requirements the technical criteria of the JAS requirements have already been met. It is mostly on the quality control-level that JAS requirements differ quite substantially from those of the EU:
1. Additional requirements for the operator
First of all there are some additional requirements the operator has to fullfill in order to comply with the JAS-Standard for Organic Production:
a) The operator must have WRITTEN SOPs (Standard Operational Procedures) in place, regarding all details of production, quality control and labelling.
b) The operator has to prove the existence of a DOCUMENTED internal verification that each specific lot was produced in compliance with the organic standards and the companies SOP´s. (This is what is meant by "GRADING SYSTEM" in the JAS law).
Grading means that the person in charge (the Grading manager) checks that for the respective lot the outlined SOPs (see a) were followed. The result of this verification has to be laid down by writing and PRIOR TO AUTHORIZING THE USE OF THE JAS SEAL!
The English version of the JAS law is published under: http://www.maff.go.jp/soshiki/syokuhin/hinshitu/organic/eng_yuki_top.htm
STEPS THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED TO BECOME JAS CERTIFIED
In order to carry out the first assessment the operator has to send the respective documents to the BCS head office in Nuernberg. On basis of this documents BCS will carry out an analysis and any additional question will be sorted out directly between BCS-Nuernberg and the operator.
Required Documents:
Ø
SOP for Quality Control (focusing on "Organic Integrity" = How
they make sure that final product is organic)
Ø SOP for the specific JAS Labelling Control (what the japanese call "Grading System) including the following items:
a) What does the Grading Manager do to make sure that the labelled product is organic?
b) How does he/she document the result of this audit (=annex the respective form sheets which will be used to document the result of the internal audit. This checklist should include lot.no.; quantity, date, signature of the grading manager)?
c) Submit once per year to BCS the number and quantity of JAS-labelled lots
Ø Answer the questions:
1. What are the devices/equipment used for the processing of organic food (summary list of inventory)?
2. Where is the grading documentation maintained?
3. Who will perform the grading inspection (who is the Grading Manager)?
4. When do grading inspections/audits occur? (Should be for every JAS-labelled lot)
5. Is the documentation maintained for a minimum of 1 year?
6. What is the technical qualification and the professional experience of the grading manager?
NOTES:
· Here the ‘grading’ means control of labelling.
Ideal professional experience period of grading manager is minimum 2 years.to links and downloads of Regulations
