The Aquaponics Association of Japan (Headquarters: Fujisawa, Kanagawa; Representative Director: Kengo Hamada) will establish the 'Japan Aquaponics Products Certification' (hereinafter JAPC) in May 2026, a system that verifies safe and sustainable production processes for aquaponics. This is the first certification system for aquaponics in Japan.
JAPC is a certification system granted to producers and products that pass inspections based on the 'Japan Aquaponics Production Standards,' which were formulated by the association in accordance with the international standard ISO/IEC 17065 and the framework of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF).
Currently, Japan's Organic JAS system is based on soil-based cultivation. Therefore, aquaponics, which does not use soil, cannot obtain Organic JAS certification, even if it excels in safety and environmental considerations. JAPC was born as a mechanism to appropriately evaluate the unique value of aquaponics in light of this challenge.
Main Production Standards: - Quality Assurance: Regular water quality monitoring, maintenance of equipment records, and self-audits. - Food Safety: Prohibition of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, hormones, and GMO seeds. - Environment and Sustainability: Zero-discharge/semi-circulating systems, and recommendation of renewable energy.
The system aims to visualize 'Safety, Security, and Sustainability' through a certification mark, making it easier for producers to communicate their value.
Target of Certification: Vegetables, herbs, fish, crustaceans, etc., produced in aquaponics systems. Valid Period: 3 years from the date of certification.
Schedule: Applications accepted twice a year (In 2026, only the second half will be held; application period: Oct 1 - Nov 30).
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: New Product