Certification Standards(Recommended Logo Mark Program)
Certification Criteria
- The Gluten-Free Life Association (“GFLA”) defines products eligible for use of its certification mark as those containing 10 parts per million (ppm) of gluten or less.
- Products containing wheat (including ancient grains), barley, rye, or any derivatives thereof are not eligible for certification under the GFLA mark.
- GFLA requires all applicants to comply with applicable food allergen regulations and industry standards. In addition, certified companies must conduct ongoing product testing, prohibit the use of high-risk gluten-containing ingredients, and maintain strict manufacturing controls, including third-party audited facilities.
- Manufacturing facilities must be certified or audited under internationally recognized food safety systems such as ISO, FSSC 22000, HACCP, BRCGS, or IFS, etc.
At the time of renewal, applicants are required to submit updated gluten testing results to demonstrate continued compliance. - GFLA is an independent, non-governmental organization and is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of any regulatory authority.
- GFLA’s gluten-free standard (≤10 ppm) is more stringent than internationally recognized benchmarks such as Codex Alimentarius and the U.S. FDA (less than 20 ppm).
Certification Process
Upon receipt of a completed application, the certification process typically requires approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
Testing Requirements
- Gluten testing must be conducted using validated quantitative ELISA-based methods in accordance with recognized guidelines, including Japanese MAFF standards and international best practices.
- Applicants are required to use one of the following validated test kits:
FASTKIT ELISA Ver. III (Wheat) / Allergen Eye ELISA II (Wheat) / FASPEK ELISA II (Gliadin)
Equivalent internationally validated testing methods may be accepted upon review. - Manufacturing facilities must hold a valid certification or audit certificate under internationally recognized food safety standards, such as ISO, FSSC 22000, HACCP, BRCGS, or IFS (Europe), etc.
- Application fee: JPY 50,000 (excluding tax) per company / Annual licensing fee: JPY 50,000 (excluding tax) per product
- Certification is valid for one (1) year.
- Certification must be renewed annually and is subject to re-evaluation.
Renewal application fee: JPY 30,000 (excluding tax) / Annual licensing fee: JPY 50,000 (excluding tax) per product
Fees are subject to change based on economic conditions at the time of renewal.
Terms and Conditions
- Application fees are non-refundable, regardless of certification outcome.
- Licensing fees are non-refundable, even if the product is discontinued during the certification period.
- Any material changes to certified products must be reported to GFLA. Re-certification and additional fees may be required.
- GFLA reserves the right to revoke certification in cases of regulatory non-compliance, product recalls, or other violations. No refunds will be issued in such cases.
- For more information about GFLA certification, please contact us via the inquiry form.
Application forms for certification can be downloaded below.