2020-75 - Plant Export Operations – Requirements for non-GM certification to India

14 December 2020

Purpose

This Industry Advice Notice (IAN) is to advise exporters that from 1 March 2021, some plant products destined for India will require a government-issued non-genetically modified (non-GM) certificate.

Summary of changes and key points

• Effective 1 March 2021, certain plant products to India will require a government issued non-GM certificate (see Annexure 1 for full list).
• The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has provided us with the required evidence for these commodities to ensure non-GM certificates can be issued.
• Exporters should contact the Plant Exports National Documentation Hub to request a non-GM certificate.
• Relevant Micor Plants entries will be updated to comply with the new requirement.

Background

• On 2 September 2020, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued notification G/TBT/N/IND/168 for comment on requirements for non-GM certificates for commodities listed in Annexure 1.
• Australia has provided comment to FSSAI regarding this notice, requesting reconsideration. However, unless otherwise advised, Australia expects the requirement will be implemented.
• Where an importing country requires government non-GM certification for plant products as a condition of entry, we may issue a ‘non-GM certificate’ to exporters in the form of a Declaration and Certificate as to Condition (EX188) if the following conditions are met
  • non-GM certification is an official requirement of the importing country authority.
  • the commodity’s non-GM status in Australia is supported by advice provided to the department by the OGTR.
  • the goods for export are single ingredient plant products of Australian origin.
  • the request for certification is made prior to the departure of the goods from Australia.

Exporters responsibilities

Exporters should access the latest importing country requirements from the Micor Plants database and have a valid import permit to determine if a non-GM certificate is required for a particular commodity.

Contact information

If you have any questions regarding this IAN please email the Grain and Seed Export Program or the Horticulture Exports Program.

David Ironside
Assistant Secretary
Plant Export Operations Branch

Annexure 1