from abc-cbnnews.com via Checkbiotech.org

The Philippines has tightened rules on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) by requiring importers to declare any shipments suspected of containing GMOs, officials said on Thursday.

The country, which traditionally buys most of its corn and soybeans from the United States for animal feed, imposed stricter guidelines on the import of GMOs to ease fears of some environmentalists over the safety of such products.

"Starting July 1, importers have to declare that what they are shipping in [to the country] may contain GMOs," said an official of the Bureau of Plant Industry.

The same official, who asked not to be identified, also said importers could not bring in commodities if the technology used to make the products had not been deemed safe by government scientists.

The Philippines, which has so far allowed the commercial planting of a gene-altered corn made by U.S. firm Monsanto Co., has also begun assessing the safety of a 17 other gene-altered plants and their products produced by multinational firms.

Monsanto and three other biotechnology firms have submitted for approval the import of gene-altered commodities such as corn, soybeans, canola, potato, sugar beet and cotton.

Filipino feedmillers expressed fear that the new guidelines might affect trade because the rules have not been properly explained.

"We are not against the procedure, we are only seeking clarification of the procedures," Ric Pinca, vice president at the Philippine Association of Feedmillers Inc. told Reuters.

"How will this be treated by customs? Will we be allowed to unload the commodity if it comes in? Do they have the equipment to test? There are many matters to be clarified."