The United States has an export trade relationship with Japan. This arrangement allows USDA organic products to be sold as organic in Japan. The United States also has a recognition arrangement with Japan, allowing the Japanese government to accredit certifying agents to the USDA organic standards. This provides opportunities for USDA organic products produced in Japan to be imported to the United States market. Learn more.

Scope. The trade arrangement includes all USDA organic products produced in the United States or its territories. USDA organic products produced outside the United States are not included in this arrangement.

Production requirements. In order to be sold, labeled, or represented as organic in Japan, USDA organic products may not be produced with the following substances (view memo) (PDF):

Documentation. When exported to Japan, USDA Organic products must be accompanied by an organic transaction certificate (TM-11). The TM-11 verifies that the product complies with the terms of the trade arrangement. Certifying agents must be approved by the USDA to issue TM-11 certificates. Regional accreditation managers can provide additional information.

Overview (PDF) | TM-11 & Instructions (PDF) | Approved Certifying Agents (PDF)

Additionally, all products that are produced under the terms of the arrangement must be accompanied by documentation stating the following:

“Products covered under this export certificate are not known to be produced with alkali-extracted humic acid or lignin sulfonate as a flotation agent."

Pre-arrangement. Letter to United States (PDF) | Letter to Japan (PDF)

Arrangement amendment: Letter to United States (PDF)