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What To Know About Importing & Exporting Organic Products Between the U.S., Japan, and Taiwan
Summary: If you are importing certified organic products from Japan, they must be certified to JAS, processed in Japan, labeled to USDA standards, and accompanied by a USDA NOP import certificate.
If you are exporting certified USDA organic products to Japan or Taiwan, the product must meet each country’s requirements under their trade arrangements—including scope, labeling, ingredient percentages, and documentation like the TM-11 Export Certificate.
Some products fall outside the scope of these arrangements and must follow different labeling rules.
Importing Organic Products to the U.S. from Japan
Who is eligible:
Products certified to the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) are eligible only if:
- They are grown, processed, or packaged (with final labeling) in Japan.
- The exporting certifier is recognized by MAFF or accredited by the USDA.
Requirements for import:
- Final processing/packaging must occur in Japan.
- Products must follow USDA organic labeling requirements.
- Shipments must include a USDA NOP Import Certificate from a recognized certifier.
Exporting Organic Products to Japan from the U.S.
Eligible products:
USDA NOP-certified plant, animal, and processed products may be exported to Japan if:
- They contain at least 95% organic ingredients.
- Final processing and packaging occurs in the U.S..
- Labels meet Japanese labeling requirements.
Out-of-scope products:
- Honey
- Alcohol
- Livestock feed
- Non-food processed goods (e.g., personal care)
These may be sold as USDA Organic in Japan but cannot bear the JAS seal.
Documentation required:
- TM-11 Export Certificate completed by OTCO.
- Must include the statement:
“Certified in compliance with the terms of the US–Japan Organic Equivalency Arrangement.”
Use of JAS seal:
- Only allowed if the operation applying it is JAS-certified or contracted with a JAS-certified importer.
Requesting documents:
To receive the original hard copy of the TM-11:
- Provide your shipping address and carrier account number (FedEx, UPS, DHL).
- Include a contact name and phone number.
- If using UPS, include the ZIP code for billing.
Expedited services:
Yes. Request via email and include \”expedite\” in the subject or body.
📄 Forms & Documents for Japan:
Send to: export@tilth.org
Exporting Organic Products to Taiwan from the U.S.
Eligible products:
USDA NOP-certified plant, animal, and processed products, if:
- They contain at least 95% organic ingredients.
- Final processing and packaging occurs in the U.S..
- Labels follow the Taiwan Organic Agriculture Promotion Act.
Special livestock requirement:
For products like meat, eggs, and milk:
Animals must not be treated systemically with analgesics, including procaine or lidocaine.
Out-of-scope products:
- Aquatic animals
- Pet food
- Personal care products
- Single-ingredient honey (100%)
These may still be sold as USDA Organic in Taiwan but cannot carry the Taiwanese organic mark.
Documentation required:
- TM-11 Export Certificate completed by OTCO
- Must include the statement:
“Certified in compliance with the terms of the AIT/TECRO-NOP/AFA Organic Equivalence Arrangement.”
Use of Taiwanese organic mark:
- Not permitted on U.S. exports under this arrangement.
Requesting documents:
To receive a hard copy of the TM-11:
- Provide your shipping address and carrier account number.
- Include contact details.
- If using UPS, provide the ZIP code tied to billing.
Expedited services:
Yes. Indicate expedite needs in your email.
📄 Forms & Documents for Taiwan:
Send to: export@tilth.org
Technical Notes and Tips
- TM-11 Certificates are shipment-specific and required to clear customs.
- Failure to obtain OTCO approval before shipping can cause costly delays.
- Email clientservices@tilth.org with your product’s composition and labeling early in your export planning.
- Always confirm labeling meets the destination country\’s regulations.