Australia Gains Organic Access to India and Japan

Australia’s organic wine producers will gain easier access to two of Asia’s biggest markets, India and Japan, following new agreements granting mutual recognition of organic certification systems between the countries.

From October 1, Australia’s existing organics equivalence agreement with Japan was expanded to include alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer and spirits, removing the need for additional certification for Australian wines labeled and marketed as organic in Japan.

The change is expected to ease red tape and lower export costs for producers, opening more opportunities in a market where organic wine exports of Australian wines have more than doubled over the past decade.

“This is an excellent outcome for Australian wine producers, particularly those in the growing organic segment,” said Lee McLean, chief executive of Australian Grape & Wine when quoted by Wine Titles. “Equivalence arrangements reduce red tape and costs, so our producers can focus on building their brands and expanding their exports in these valuable markets.”

The update follows India’s decision earlier last month to recognise Australia’s organic certification system as equivalent, marking another milestone for the country’s organic sector.

Australian Organic Limited (AOL), which represents certified organic producers, welcomed the agreement signed in New Delhi, calling it a major breakthrough for exporters seeking entry into India’s expanding consumer market.

“This arrangement is a significant step forward and a reflection of the international demand and credibility for Australian organic businesses,” said Jackie Brian, CEO of AOL. “By eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming secondary certification, it will provide a much smoother pathway for our world-class organic products to reach millions of Indian consumers.”

India’s organic market was valued at US$2.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow around 20% annually, reaching US$16.5 billion by 2033, according to industry data — a significant opportunity for Australian exporters aiming to expand in Asia’s premium organic segment.

Australia currently ranks as India’s biggest wine exporter, thanks to a Free Trade Agreement that slashed 150% tariffs to 75%. In the first half of the year, India imported US$3.37 million worth of Australian wines, representing a 113.12% rise over the same period last year, as we have reported.