GMO import safety test a must - ministry
( 2002-01-09 10:28 ) (1 )

Genetically modified seeds, animals for breeding, fertilizers and pesticides must pass safety assessments before being imported to China, said the Ministry of Agriculture on Tuesday.

Overseas companies will have to apply to the Chinese Government to be able to export their products to China, according to a new regulation announced by the ministry.

The products must pass three tests before receiving a certificate.

The regulation divides genetically modified farm products into three categories: those for scientific research, those for production and those to be used as raw materials for processing.

Seeds, animals for breeding, fertilizers and pesticides belong to the second category.

According to another safety-assessment regulation announced at the same time, the country will classify a GM farm product into one of four grades, varying from safe to highly hazardous.

The two regulations will take effect on March 20.

An independent commission, made up of experts from relevant sectors, will be in charge of assessing products.