New JAS Standard for Almond Milk to be Established, Effective September 26

In the Official Gazette dated August 27, 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) announced the establishment of the Japanese Agricultural Standard for almond milk (JAS 0033) via MAFF Notification No. 1297, effective from September 26, 2026. The standard was established by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Norikazu Suzuki, based on Article 3, Paragraph 1 of the Act on Japanese Agricultural Standards, etc. (Act No. 175 of 1950).

The new standard represents the first institutionalization of labeling and certification criteria for the plant-based milk market, providing a unified framework for the quality, ingredients, and labeling of almond milk. Simultaneously, the Ministry will implement technical standards for the certification of handlers, etc. (Notification No. 1298), inspection methods (Notification No. 1299), and partial amendments to the format and method of labeling grades for food, beverages, and fats and oils (Notification No. 1300), all effective from September 26, 2026.

Legal Framework and Implementation Timing of the Standard

The new standard was enacted based on the provisions of Article 3, Paragraph 1 of the Act on Japanese Agricultural Standards, etc. (JAS Act), with the public notice date being August 27, 2026, and the enforcement date being September 26, 2026. The detailed contents of the standard (the “as follows” section) are omitted, and related documents will be posted on the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website.

• Legal Basis: Article 3, Paragraph 1 of the Act on Japanese Agricultural Standards, etc. (Act No. 175 of 1950)
• Standard Number: JAS 0033
• Public Notice Date: August 27, 2026
• Enforcement Date: September 26, 2026
• Issuing Authority: Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Norikazu Suzuki

Development of Related Certification, Inspection, and Labeling

In conjunction with the JAS standard for almond milk, the systems for certification, inspection, and labeling will be developed simultaneously. Notification No. 1298 establishes the technical standards for the certification of handlers, etc., Notification No. 1299 defines the inspection methods, and Notification No. 1300 amends the format and method of labeling grades for food, beverages, and fats and oils. All will take effect on September 26, 2026.

Furthermore, Notification No. 1301 (Partial amendment to the standards regarding certification bodies or laboratories established by the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission) and Notification No. 1302 (Partial amendment to the periods for confirming certification matters) will take effect immediately on August 27, 2026.

Impact on the Plant-Based Milk Market

Almond milk is supported by consumers with lactose intolerance or those avoiding animal-based foods, occupying a significant portion of the plant-based milk market. With the establishment of the JAS standard, unified criteria for ingredients, quality, and labeling will be set, allowing consumers to choose products based on certification labels.

• Target: Food manufacturers producing and selling almond milk
• Impact: Retailers, importers, and businesses seeking certification
• Purpose: Clarification of labeling and certification standards for plant-based milks

Food manufacturers and importers will be required to comply with the new standards and handle certification processes. It will be necessary to review labeling and quality control systems by the enforcement date, which is expected to lead to improved reliability in the plant-based milk market.

Source: Official Gazette (Kanpō), August 27, 2026 issue, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Notice No. 1297, et al. (Document Ref: 20260827h017770002)