Kazakhstan introduces GMO regulations

The Kazakh Ministry of Education and Science has presented a bill at the Lower House, the Majilis on state regulation of genetic engineering activities as well as related amendments to the legislation.

Kazakhstan intends to control the import and transit of products through its territory containing genetically modified objects, the newskaz.ru website reports quoting the Kazakh deputy Minister of Education and Science Murat Orynkhanov. An inter-agency coordination centre will be created for coordination of genetic engineering activities in the country.

To obtain a permit to engage in genetic engineering activities or GMO registration, an applicant must submit the necessary materials to the authorized body, the Ministry of Education and Science, which are then forwarded to the coordination centre. There, experts assess risk and issue an opinion letter which is advisory in nature. Based on this conclusion, the Ministry of Education and Science decides on whether or not to grant permission.