Approval standards (Shonin kijun)

The approval standards (shonin kijun) are rules that apply to the production of sake with added alcohol (futsu jozoshu, or regular brewed sake) and zojoshu (sake with increased volume through additions). To produce sake under these standards, a brewer must first obtain approval from the head of the competent tax office. The standards set limits on the amount of alcohol that may be used, on the proportion of polished rice used as a raw material in zojoshu (the volume-increase ratio), and on the types and amounts of ingredients other than rice. By requiring compliance with these standards, the system aims to ensure the quality and safety of the sake produced and to ensure that taxation is applied appropriately. Once approval is granted, a brewer can legally produce sake within the specified conditions.