Ukraine - Developments of state control in the field of GMO use

Date:08-30-2021

The government of Ukraine supported two draft laws in the field of GMO regulation.

On the next stage, they will be put on vote in the parliament.  The first draft law is aimed at regulating state control over the use of GMOs and the circulation of GM products. The second draft law will provide for the increased liability for violations in the field of GMO management.

Support to these draft laws, their adoption and further implementation will help create transparent rules for doing business on GMOs and strengthen state control in this area. In particular, it is envisaged to define clear procedures and mechanisms for handling of GMOs, requirements for labeling of GM products that will not mislead consumers. It is also proposed to strengthen the responsibility and increase the size of fines to prevent violations in this field, " said Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Iryna Novikova.

Among the innovations of the draft law on state regulation in the field of GMOs:

• Division of powers of public authorities in order to eliminate duplication of functions in the field of GMO management;

• Improving the system for assessing the risks of GMOs in terms of possible effects on human health and the environment;

• European mechanisms of state registration of GMOs;

• Improvement of the requirements for labeling of GM products and introduce rules on its traceability;

• Strengthened state control in the field of GMO management, as well as established liability for violations of legislation in this area.

Adoption of these draft laws and their implementation will contribute to setting of transparent rules for doing business with the GMOs and will strengthen state control in this field. Discussion about legal circulation of GMOs in Ukraine last already many years. As result, at the moment, there are no officially registered GM varieties in Ukraine. Since 2007, it is not allowed to grow GM crops for commercial purposes. Yet, market operators report violations of the law and complain about limited access to technologies. It is in the interest of all market participants to contribute to building the  transparent market free from smuggling and shadow trade.  

The objective of the new draft law "On state regulation of genetic engineering and state control over the circulation of genetically modified organisms and genetically modified products to ensure food security” is food security and stability in Ukraine. The new legislation, which is expected to come in effect 3 years after adoption, is aimed to establish clear procedures for working with GM. This law is expected to set the definition of mechanisms, procedures for monitoring and control over the use of GMOs.