Organic

The EU and Japan have maintained an organic equivalence arrangement for plant-based organic products since before the EPA. Thanks to successful improvements over the years, this arrangement now functions effectively. However, it is limited to products of plant origin and excludes organic products of animal origin. Given the EU's strong offering of organic products, the EBC encourages the EU and Japanese authorities—together with EU Member States—to pursue discussions aimed at expanding the scope of the agreement to include animal-based organic products. It is worth noting that Japan already has comprehensive organic equivalence agreements with the United States, Canada, Switzerland, and Australia, covering both plant and animal products. As the current arrangement for plant-based products is set to expire in 2026, it is also essential that the EU and Japan begin negotiations toward a new bilateral organic equivalence agreement to ensure continuity and broaden its scope.