Trade Minister Mark Vaile today welcomed the prospect of increased exports of organic products to Japan following formal recognition of one of Australia's prime certifying bodies.

"The National Association of Sustainable Agriculture Australia (NASAA) is the first organic certifying agency in the world to be officially recognised by the Japanese Government," Mr Vaile said. 

"Japan's recognition of NASAA opens a new door to Australian food producers and is yet another successful trade outcome."

The recognition, which was gazetted in Japan this week, means that organic products certified by NASAA in Australia, will be recognised by Japanese authorities as organic.  Only foods approved by recognised organic certifying organisations can be sold in Japan, following legislative amendments to the Japanese Agricultural Standards Law on 1 April this year which require strict new standards to be met in Japan.

Earlier this year, Australia and the European Union were the first in the world to receive equivalency status, which recognised the organic product testing and regulatory regime of Australia and the EU as being equivalent to that of Japan.  Mr Vaile made representations to the Japanese Government during his visit to Tokyo in June to expedite the approval process for NASAA.

"Japan's granting of equivalency status to Australia is recognition of the high quality and safety of Australian food and an endorsement of our certification standards," Mr Vaile said.

Three other Australian certifying bodies are awaiting approval from the Japanese Government which are expected to be approved and gazetted later this year.