Import of GM Food Products
The import policy of Genetically Modified Food, Feed, Genetically Modified Organism (GMOs) and Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) has been notified by Directorate General of Foreign Trade under General Notes regarding Import Policy in ITC (HS) 2012, Schedule-1 (Import Policy). As per the policy, import of GM food requires prior approval of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) constituted by the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change.
Further, the Customs Act, 1962 is the basic statue which governs /regulates entry/exit of different categories of goods into or outside the country. Various allied laws and regulations also apply. It is the responsibility of the Customs to ensure that all the imported/ exported goods fulfill the prescribed legal and procedural requirements laid down under Customs act, 1962 and allied laws including payment of the duties leviable, if any.
Import of food products is regulated under the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSAI), 2006. Indian Customs can clear food products including Genetically Modified(GM) food products only after necessary approval/No Objection Certificate(NOC) by FSSAI. FSSAI has informed that no genetically modified food has been cleared for import through the FSSAI locations.
This information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
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MJPS