Japan Aquaponics Products Certification sets new standard for food production

Japan’s Aquaponics Association has established the Japan Aquaponics Products Certification (JAPC), the first certification system in Japan dedicated to aquaponics, a food production method that integrates aquaculture and hydroponics.

Aquaponics depends on a symbiotic ecosystem where fish, microorganisms, and plants coexist. This balance achieves high resource efficiency, making it a recognised method for balancing productivity with environmental conservation. However, aquaponics producers in Japan face a regulatory hurdle regarding organic labelling. The current Japanese Agricultural Standard (Organic JAS) requires soil-based cultivation. and soil-free methods like aquaponics cannot obtain that certification regardless of their safety or environmental benefits.

The JAPC system addresses this need in the market operating under the International Accreditation Forum (IAF) framework to ensure global credibility. The certification evaluates production processes based on three pillars: quality assurance, food safety, and sustainability. Producers must adhere to strict criteria, including the prohibition of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, antibiotics, and genetically modified organisms.

The JAPC framework require a zero-discharge, semi-recirculating system as a baseline, and proper treatment of waste and pollutants. The association also encourages the use of renewable energy in production facilities. These standards allow producers can use the JAPC logo on vegetables, herbs, and fish to verify that their products are safe and sustainably grown.

The certification remains valid for three years, after which producers must undergo a renewal audit. The Japan Aquaponics Association will accept applications twice a year, with the first recruitment period scheduled for October 2026.