Establishment of 'Japan Aquaponics Products Certification (JAPC)'
The Aquaponics Association of Japan, an organization aiming to industrialize the aquaponics food production system, established the 'JAPC' certification system in May 2026. This is Japan's first certification system that validates safe and sustainable production processes for aquaponics, based on international standards, ensuring products are free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
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- 📰 Published: May 22, 2026 at 19:30
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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).
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).
FAQ
What is the significance of the JAPC certification established by the Aquaponics Association of Japan in May 2026?
The JAPC certification is Japan's first system validating safe and sustainable aquaponics production without chemical fertilizers or pesticides.
Which organization launched the Japan Aquaponics Products Certification (JAPC) in May 2026?
The Aquaponics Association of Japan established the JAPC certification in May 2026 to promote industrialized aquaponics food production.
When was the Japan Aquaponics Products Certification (JAPC) officially introduced by the Aquaponics Association of Japan?
The Japan Aquaponics Products Certification (JAPC) was officially established in May 2026 by the Aquaponics Association of Japan.
How does the JAPC certification ensure product safety for aquaponics goods in Japan?
The JAPC certification ensures safety by verifying that products are produced without chemical fertilizers or pesticides based on international standards.
Why is the JAPC certification considered a milestone for aquaponics in Japan as of May 2026?
As of May 2026, the JAPC certification is Japan's first system certifying sustainable and chemical-free aquaponics production processes.