Date of Issue: 06 July 2015
Date of Effect: Immediate
Attention:
Industries - Seafood
Department of Agriculture - Central and Regional offices
Affected Markets: UAE
Further information: Please contact Exports if you have any queries.
The Department of Agriculture (the department) provides the following advice about labelling claims made on processed food free of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) exported to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The department understands that it is a UAE requirement for foods labelled as ‘GMO-free’ (or similar term) to be accompanied by a statement from an Australian government agency in support of this claim.
Under the Export Control Act 1982, the department does not regulate the use of GMO in processed foods. Therefore, the department is currently unable to provide certification to support such labelling claims. Exporters intending to ship processed food to the UAE should consider the potential impact a ‘GMO-free’ or similar labelling claim may have on their market access.
Exporters should work closely with their UAE importers to determine importing country requirements and ascertain what documentation may be accepted by UAE authorities in relation to GMO-free labelling claims.
The information provided above is current at the time of writing and is intended for use as guidance only and should not be taken as definitive or exhaustive. The Commonwealth endeavours to keep information current and accurate, however, it may be subject to change without notice. Exporters are encouraged to verify these details with their importers prior to undertaking production/exports. The Commonwealth will not accept liability for any loss resulting from reliance on information contained in this notice.