Vendor Qualification Check (VQC) is a structured evaluation process designed to help ensure the safety, quality, and traceability of cannabinoid products. Through a fair and transparent assessment of manufacturing and quality management systems, VQC supports manufacturers and vendors in meeting defined standards for consistent and reliable product supply. By promoting improvement where necessary, this process contributes to strengthening trust in the market and enhancing consumer confidence.
Japan Market
In Japan, the cannabinoid product market is steadily expanding, but it continues to face fundamental challenges, including inconsistent product quality, limited consumer awareness, and fragmented regulatory compliance. The 2024 amendment to the Cannabis Control Act introduced stricter regulations, including a clear limit on THC content.
However, beyond THC regulation, there remain significant gaps in standards governing overall product safety and quality management. As a result, even full legal compliance does not necessarily guarantee that products are consistently safe or properly manufactured.
In this evolving environment, VQC provides a comprehensive and independent evaluation framework that enables businesses not only to meet legal requirements but also to proactively identify and address potential risks that may not yet be recognized internally.
With extensive experience and deep industry expertise, CJC Advisory Network supports manufacturers and vendors in building robust quality systems that strengthen consumer trust and ensure sustainable success in the Japanese market.
CJC Certification for Cannabinoid Products
CJC Certification Mark
The CJC Certification Mark has been developed to provide consumers with enhanced transparency and trust when purchasing cannabinoid products certified through CJC’s qualification program. As the Japanese cannabinoid market continues to grow, this mark serves as a reliable indicator of product integrity and compliance.
The CJC Certification Mark is issued for each product that meets clearly defined certification criteria based on the CJC Vendor Qualification Check (VQC) standards, ensuring adherence to strict safety, quality, and traceability requirements tailored to the Japanese market.
The certification is granted and renewed annually, confirming that each certified product continues to meet the required standards and remains safe and trustworthy for consumers.
The CJC Certification Mark assures consumers of the following:
The product meets the manufacturing and quality management standards set by CJC, ensuring verified safety and consistent quality.
The product has traceability from raw materials to the finished product, minimizing unexpected risks and contamination, and offering a high level of safety.
- The CJC Certification Mark is granted only to products that have passed independent evaluations in areas such as manufacturing environment, inspection systems, and hygiene management—giving consumers a trusted standard to rely on.
How the VQC Leads to Certification — At a Glance
Below is a concise walkthrough of the CJC Vendor Qualification Check (VQC) so prospective partners can picture the journey from first inquiry to full certification.
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Inquiry & Eligibility – You contact us and we confirm that your product line and facility fall within the scope of the program.
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Questionnaire Submission – A structured questionnaire captures key details on manufacturing processes, quality controls, and documentation.
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Document Review – Our team analyzes the answers and supporting files, then maps out any gaps or risks and decides whether an on-site audit is needed.
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On-site Audit (if required) – We visit the facility to verify that real-world practices match the documented controls and Japanese-market expectations.
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Report & Corrective Actions – You receive a findings report plus practical recommendations; most clients can close items within a few weeks.
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Re-audit / Evidence Review – Once improvements are in place, we confirm completion—either remotely or with a focused follow-up visit.
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Certification Issued – Your product earns the CJC Certification Mark and is listed as compliant; renewal is handled annually through a streamlined review.
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