| The government has decided to allow import of genetically modified food products beyond July 7 without the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee’s clearance, provided the importers obtain a bill of lading on or before July 6.
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| The move is seen as a boon, particularly for soyoil importers, as genetically modified soyoil shipments had been earlier granted clearance only till July 7.
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| Now even those GM soyoil shipments that have been issued bill of lading on or before July 6, but are docking on Indian ports after July 7, will not have to seek regulatory clearance, according to a recent circular by Directorate General of Foreign Trade.
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| Bill of lading is a document issued by the transportation carrier to the shipper, acknowledging that the goods for shipment have been received and have been placed on board a particular vessel, bound for a particular destination stating terms in which the goods received are to be carried.
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| In its annual supplement to the Foreign Trade Policy (2004-09) in April, the government had said imports of all genetically modified food products would have to seek GEAC clearance.
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| This had led to chaos in the domestic soyoil industry as 80 per cent-85 per cent of soyoil imported in the country is produced from genetically modified seeds. As an interim relief for soyoil importers, the government in May granted blanket clearance for GM soyoil imports till July 7.
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| India is one of the largest edible oil consumers, importing around 2-2.1 million tonne soyoil every year, largely from Argentina and Brazil.
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| Meanwhile, India’s soyoil imports in June and July are likely to rise because of the general slowdown in crushing activity. |
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