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Table 2 Relevant acts and rules regulating GMOs in India

From: Regulation of emerging gene technologies in India

S. no.

Act/Rules

Implemented by

Activities covered

1.

Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro-organisms/ Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989 issued under EPA

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

Cover entire spectrum of activities involving GMOs and products thereof including sale, storage, exportation, importation, production, manufacturing, packaging, etc. Food stuffs have been moved out of the purview of Rules, 1989 recently.

2.

Plant Quarantine (Regulation For Import Into India) Order 2003

Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

Covers regulation of import of germplasm/ GMOs/transgenic plant material for research purpose.

3.

Biological Diversity Act, 2002

National Biodiversity Authority

Regulates the use of biological resources including genes used for improving crops and livestock through genetic intervention.

4.

The Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

Regulates manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food which includes GM food.