Draft law permits import of living modified organisms for animal feed processing

Legal regulations governing the import and use of living genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are set to change in Georgia. The relevant amendments were presented at today’s session of the Parliamentary Bureau.

According to the draft law, an exception to the existing ban will be introduced, allowing the import of living modified organisms intended for processing for the production of animal feed in Georgia.

The bill establishes a special licensing regime for this activity. Under the proposed rules, licenses will be issued only for living genetically modified organisms that are permitted in Georgia and are registered in the European Union’s Register of Genetically Modified Food and Feed.

At the same time, the draft law specifies that the import of living genetically modified corn, wheat and grapevine will remain prohibited.

In addition, the amendments define procedures for obtaining licenses, licensing requirements and the obligations of operators engaged in this activity. These include measures to prevent genetically modified organisms from being released into the environment or mixed with other products, as well as rules governing traceability, transportation, storage and processing.

Furthermore, the proposed changes expand the scope of information to be included in the unified register of living genetically modified organisms and clarify the powers of relevant state authorities in overseeing and controlling imports.