(a) whether Genetically Modified (GM) Foods packaged and imported from the United States of
America and Canada carry the declaration stating that the product is GM;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the mechanisms put in place to regulate such foods?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY(SHRI JYOTIRADITYA M. SCINDIA)
(a) to (c) Import of Genetically Modified (GM) Food Products in India is governed by the
rules for ‘Manufacture, Use, Import and Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro
Organisms/Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989’ notified under provisions of
Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Accordingly, as per the provisions incorporated in the ITC (HS) Classifications of Export and
Import Items (Schedule I), import of any food, feed, raw or processed or any ingredient of food,
food additives or any food product that contains GM material and which is being used either for
industrial production, environmental release or field application, will be allowed only with the
approval of the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) in Ministry of Environment &
Forests, Government of India. At the time of import, all consignments containing products which
have been subjected to genetic modification, will carry a declaration stating that the product is
Genetically Modified. In case, a consignment does not carry such a declaration and is later found
to contain Genetically Modified material, the importer is liable to penal action under Foreign
Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992.
As on date GEAC has not received any request for import of any GM food except GM soyabean oil.