This handbook is the expansion of “Sub-textbook on skill improvement of inspectors and judges for Japan Agricultural Standards (JAS) certification (Non-Profit Organization Japan Organic Inspectors Association)” published in 2003. The handbook summarizesthe important points on inspection work performed by organic inspectors in a question and answer format.
In inspections of production process managers of organic plants and organic processed foods, basically, the compliance with the technical criteria for certification is confirmed. There are, however, various methods for confirmation of compliance. There are no definite methods. Depending on
registered certifying organizations, inspection manual and/or rules are prepared in order to complement the rules for certification work and specific confirmation methods are defined. Inspectors and judges are also required to use different methods of confirmation. Actually, inspectors have to perform the work in compliance with an inspection manual of a registered certifying organization.
In Chapter I of this handbook, general inspection procedures are detailed based on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Guide 65, which applied to organic certification services.
Basic inspection procedures required for every registered certifying organization are described in Chapters II and III. Each section is presented in a user-friendly question and answer format according to the technical criteria for certification and the JAS. Organic plants and organic processed
foods are described in Chapters II and III, respectively.Standards, criteria, and questions and answers applied in this handbook.This handbook was prepared based on the following standards and criteria valid as of March 2011.
