Genetically modified (GM) seeds, animals for breeding, fertilizer
and pesticide must pass safety assessments before they are imported
to China, said the
Ministry of
Agriculture Tuesday.
Overseas companies are to apply to the Chinese government for the
products they want to import into the Chinese market, according to
a new regulation announced by the Ministry.
The products must pass three tests before receiving
certificates.
The regulation sorts imported GM farm products into three
categories, one for scientific research, another for production and
the third as raw material for processing. Seeds, animals for
breeding, fertilizer and pesticide belong to the second
category.
According to another safety assessment regulation announced at the
same time, the country will put GM farm products into four grades
varying from safe to highly hazardous.
The two regulations will go into effect on March 20.
An
independent commission, made up of experts from related fields,
will be in charge of the assessment. Members of the commission will
change every three years.
(Xinhua News
Agency January 8, 2002)