Importing & Exporting Organic Products Between the U.S. and, Japan, Taiwan or South Korea

What To Know About Importing & Exporting Organic Products Between the U.S. and, Japan, Taiwan or South Korea

Summary: The U.S. has organic trade arrangements with Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea that allow eligible organic products to be traded between countries without requiring separate organic certification. These arrangements include specific requirements for product eligibility, labeling, and import/export documentation. Before shipping organic products, review the applicable requirements and ensure all required documentation is completed.

For more information, see our OTCO Guide to International Trade and the USDA International Trade Policy webpage.

Importing Organic Products to the U.S. from Japan

Eligible products:
Plant, animal, and processed products, including alcohol beverages certified to the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS) are eligible:

• They are produced or final processed and packaged in Japan.
• Organic alcohol must be processed without sulfites.
• Japanese grape wine made with sulfites may be labeled “made with organic grapes” if the wine meets the requirements of 7 CFR 205.605.

Requirements for import:

• Products must follow USDA organic labeling requirements.
• Shipments must include a USDA NOP Import Certificate from a JAS-accredited certifier.
• Refer to the U.S. Japan Equivalence Arrangement FAQ on the USDA’s Trade Policy webpage for more information.

Exporting Organic Products to Japan from the U.S.

Eligible products:

USDA NOP-certified plant, animal, and processed products, including alcohol beverages, may be exported to Japan if:

• They contain at least 95% organic ingredients.
• Produced or had their final processing and packaging occur in the U.S..
• Labels meet Japanese organic labeling requirements.

Japan Organic Labeling:

• Labels must meet Japanese organic requirements, including proper use of the JAS Organic seal.
• Products sold or represented as organic in Japan must display the JAS Organic seal.

Out-of-scope products:

• Honey
• Livestock feed
• Non-food processed goods (e.g., personal care)
• Made with Organic Products

Documentation required:

• TM-11 Export Certificate signed by OTCO.
• Must include the statement:
  “Certified in compliance with the terms of the US–Japan Organic Equivalency Arrangement.”

Please refer to the USDA’s International Trade Policies: Japan for additional information about the requirements for importing and exporting organic products between the U.S. and Japan.

Importing Organic Products from the U.S. to Taiwan

Eligible products:

Taiwan certified plant, animal, and processed products, if:

• Animals were not treated with antibiotics.
• The products are not from aquatic animals, such as fish or shellfish.

Requirements for import:

• Produced or had their final processing occur in Taiwan.
• Products must follow USDA organic labeling requirements.
• Shipments must include a USDA NOP Import Certificate from a Taiwan-accredited certifying agent.

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%)
• Made with organic products

Taiwanese Organic Labeling:

• The Taiwan Organic mark is not permitted on U.S. exports under this arrangement.
• Organic products may display the USDA Organic Seal. 
• Refer to the OTCO Guide to International Trade

Documentation required:

• TM-11 Export Certificate signed by OTCO
• Must include the statement:
  “Certified in compliance with the terms of the AIT/TECRO-NOP/AFA Organic Equivalence Arrangement.”

Please refer to the USDA’s International Trade Policies: Taiwan for additional information about the requirements for importing and exporting organic products between the U.S. and Taiwan.

Importing Organic Products to the U.S. from Korea

Eligible products:
Only processed organic products containing more than 95% organic ingredients are covered under the U.S.–Korea equivalency arrangement:

• Animal products cannot be sold or labeled as organic in the U.S. if the animals were treated with antibiotics..

Import requirements:

• Product must be certified by a MAFRA-accredited certification body in Korea.
• A USDA NOP Import Certificate is required for every shipment.
• Product labeling must meet USDA organic labeling rules.
• Products may display the USDA organic seal, the Korean organic food label, or both

Exporting Organic Products to Korea from the U.S.

Eligible products:

Only USDA organic processed products (as defined by the Korean Food Code) that contain at least 95% organic ingredients may be exported under the equivalency arrangement.

Export requirements:

• Final processing and packaging must occur in the United States.
• Labels must meet the Korean organic labeling requirements.

Out of Scope:

• Unprocessed products are not eligible under the U.S.–Korean arrangement.
  • To export raw or unprocessed organic products to Korea, the product must be certified to Korean organic standards.
• Made with Organic Products

Korea Organic Labeling:

• Products may display the USDA Organic seal or the Korean organic seal

Documents Required:

• A NAQS Import Certificate issued from Korea’s e-NAQs Import Certificate system before the consignment leaves the U.S. 
• Must include the statement:
  • “Certified in compliance with the terms of the U.S.-Korea Organic Equivalency Arrangement.” 

Please refer to the USDA’s International Trade Policies: Republic of Korea for additional information about the requirements for importing and exporting organic products between the U.S. and South Korea.

Technical Notes and Tips

• TM-11 Certificates for Japan or Taiwan are shipment-specific and required to clear customs.
• Always confirm labeling meets the destination country’s regulation.
• Make sure to submit export requests early to avoid shipping delays.
• OTCO must issue the NAQS certificate for Korea prior to export.

📄 Forms & Documents can be found on our Transaction Certificates page.