Beijing, China
November 10, 2006
USDA/FAS GAIN report CH
6097
http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200611/146249461.pdf
Report Highlights
This is an UNOFFICIAL translation
of Announcement No. 736 of China’s Ministry of Agriculture (MOA)
detailing the requirements to renew safety certificates for
genetically modified (GM) crops. MOA is adopting procedures for
such applications, which it characterizes as simplified, for GM
crops being grown domestically or imported for processing
purposes.
Summary
The Ministry of Agriculture
published on its web site on November 2 an announcement about
the requirements of applications for the renewal of biosafety
certificates. The Chinese government procedures for these
applications follow. According to the announcement, no
additional tests are required for the renewal. The requirements
apply to biotech crops being grown domestically or imported for
processing purposes.
BEGIN TRANSLATION
Announcement No. 736 of the
Ministry of Agriculture of China
October 27, 2006
Based on the Administrative
Measures for Safety Evaluation of Agricultural GMOs, the
Ministry has decided to adopt simplified procedures for the
renewal of GMO safety certificates. It is hereby announced as
follows:
1. Scope of application:
The simplified procedures defined in this announcement apply to
GMOs having obtained a GMO safety certificate (for production or
importation) and requiring continued use in areas specified in
the certificate after its expiration. The application procedures
defined in MOA announcement No. 410 apply to Bt cotton varieties
(trait) that have obtained a safety certificate for production
purposes.
2. Application requirements:
Applicants may apply for renewal of safety certificates one year
before expiration at the administrative review and approval
office of the Ministry. The requirements and format of
application for renewal remain unchanged (see appendixes of the
Administrative Measures for Safety Evaluation of Agricultural
GMOs). Ten copies of the application, along with an electronic
copy, are needed. Applications materials include:
-
Photocopy of
the original safety certificate;
-
Application
form;
-
Summary;
-
Latest
research developments domestically and internationally;
-
Supplementary
technical documents as required by the original certificate;
-
Production
scope, effectiveness, safety issues, monitoring and control
measures and trade situation.
-
Appendixes of
safety evaluation;
-
Opinions of
the GMO safety panel of the applying institution;
-
Review
opinions of the applicant;
-
Opinions of
the agricultural department at the provincial level after
review.
3. Other
The first deadline for accepting applications is March 31 of
each year and the second one is September 30 of each year.
After being received by the
Ministry, the application will be reviewed by the National
Biosafety Committee (twice a year).
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