The JAS certification system is designed to ensure the reliability of JAS marks though certification by registered certifying bodies, which are third party organizations. The certified business entities, such as producers or manufacturers then must consistently grade their products or inspect their production processes by themselves in order to put JAS labels on their products.
Steps and timeline for JAS certification
Commercial estimate
Preperation
Validation of application
Verifies directly with client:
Ingredients, production methods and inputs
Set of documents
Set of labels (*)
Information of the Subsidiary on progress made
Has the required information been communicated to EQJ by the client
Assignment
Assignment
Sending the inspection file
Preparation of inspection
Assignment --> Inspection = 2 weeks
Inspection
Validation of application
On site inspection
Handing of discrepancy card to client
Sending report in English to EQJ for review
(if translation is required it could significantly slow down the timeline)
inspection date --> report = 7 days
Analyses
Choice of analyses to be carried out, if any
Conduct of sampling asked for by EQJ sending to laboratory
Verification of inspection report, delivery of conclusions
CERTIFICATION
Discrepancy management and processing
Certification file establishment
Issuance and sending to subsidiary :
certification decision
inspection report sent --> certification decision issued = 10 days
certificate(s)
certification documents send to ECOCERT JAPAN --> certification decision 2 issued by ECOCERT JAPAN = 10 days
reception of the certification decision 2 --> inspection conclusion sending to client = 5 days
client reception of the certification decision 2 --> completed corrective action = 2-4 weeks
receive corrective action from client --> approval = 3 days
sending the corrective action documents to EQJ --> review by EQJ --> issue the draft certificate = 10days
receive draft certificate --> confirmation = 3 days
sanctions, when relevant
ECOCERT Japan Receiving confirmation of certificate --> issue the certificate = 3days
Sending to client
Subsidiary Invoicing
Click here to see a Flow Chart.
Grading
Once certified, organizations must maintain their standards and procedures through grading. In the context of JAS, grading refers specifically to an organization’s quality control processes and audit procedures that ensure compliance with organic and JAS requirements. Grading encompasses all aspects of internally evaluating, maintaining, and ensuring adherence to these standards. The grading manager acts much like a resident organic inspector whose responsibilities include the constant audit, monitoring, and assessment of the grading system. Grading managers must document these processes, as well as the decisions ultimately made in authorizing use of the JAS seal. For more information, please view the grading manual.