Regulations governing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been issued by the Viet Nam government.

The regulations deal with the research of GMOs and their production and trade in Viet Nam. This includes their import-export and transport.

The new regulations require GMO products to carry certificates showing that they are biologically safe and have labels that provide would-be consumers with information about them.

Individuals or organisations wanting to research and develop GMOs must first register with the Science and Technology Ministry and appropriate management agencies.

They must also ensure the safety of the GMOs and guarantee that they do not endanger the environment.

GMOs imported into Viet Nam must comply with the laws of their country of export; there must also be effective risk control.

The regulations define risk as the potential danger and damage that GMOs can do to human health, the environment and biological diversity.

The export of GMOs must accord with both the regulations prevailing in Viet Nam and the country of destination as well as international conventions signed by Viet Nam.

Biological Technology Institute director Associate Professor Le Tran Binh said that although GMOs were available in many countries, managers, social activists and environmentalists worried about how to ensure that the modifications do not disperse "unfavourable" genes into nature. But there was as yet no evidence to support such worries, he said.

ASEAN member countries, with the exception of Cambodia and Myanmar, had laws governing the research and use of GMOs.

Copyright by Viet Nam News