USDA releases translation of new China biotech rules
Date: 24-Jan-02
Country: CHINA
The 16-page "unofficial" translation was posted on a USDA Foreign Agricultural Service Web site Monday. The Chinese regulations were translated into English by USDA officials in Beijing.
U.S. soybean industry and government officials have expressed concern that the long-awaited regulations were vague and could cause future delays in soybean exports to China unless they were clarified.
Nearly 70 percent of U.S. soybeans are grown from genetically modified seeds.
On Jan. 16, Veneman said she continued to be concerned over China's vague rules governing the import of biotech foods, such as soybeans.
The new regulations are set to go into effect on March 20.
One section of the translation dealing with applications to ship GMO products into China states, "The Ministry of Agricultural shall respond whether the application is accepted or not accepted within two months of receiving the application. A decision on the application will be made within three months after the application deadline."
The USDA translation can be read on the Internet by going to the following Web site: http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/attacherep/attache - lout.asp and clicking on a Jan. 21 entry, "China, Peoples Republic of, Ag GMO Implementation Measures."