Pakistan amends GMO legislation and recognises Gene editing policy
Following on from our previous circular, Pakistan’s National Biosafety Committee proposed some amendments to the Biosafety Rules 2005 on 1st June. These amendments have now been approved by the Cabinet on 3rd June and circulated to relevant Ministries. The changes significantly liberalise its GMO regulatory regime and clarify GE policy.
Some key changes include:
- Simplifying licencing procedures to ensure faster approvals and minimise delays. Biotechnology companies will be allowed to directly apply for licences for specific GMO events. Once approved by the NBC, the licences will be published on the Pak-EPA website, enabling private importers to import approved GMO grains without obtaining separate licences. Targeted crops oilseeds, soybean, wheat, yellow maize.
- Pakistan will weigh up its trade and economic interest on case by case on approvals for cultivation in the country and set up a Ministerial committee to assess and approve GM crops for cultivation on a case by case basis, crops will include white maize, chickpea and other fruit and veg. Stewardship requirements are also detailed.
- Also prohibited GM crops including rice
- Removal of the “sunset clause” introduced in 2024 that permitted GMO imports only until Jan 17, 2027. Imports of GMO grains such as soybean and canola will continue without any cut-off date.
- Imports of GMOs for food, feed and processing will be regulated on a case by case basis and exemptions considered according to guidelines.
- Formally recognises gene editing technologies – will require GE to enhance yield, quality and nutritional value. Rules indicate distinction between SDN 1,2 and 3. If no DNA present, GE crops will not be classified as GMO and treated as conventional. If DNA present, the National Biosafety Committee will issue a certificate as to whether crop is GMO or non GMO and decide on commercialisation.
The above is a summary, please refer to the official text attached for full details
Disclaimer
All Gafta Circulars and Notices are provided to Members purely for the purposes of information. We have not taken any steps to verify the accuracy of the information provided and, accordingly, Members must obtain their own independent professional advice as to its content and effect. We cannot accept any liability, howsoever arising, for any loss or damage which may be caused by any reliance on any information contained in a Gafta Circular or Notice.