APHIS Seeks Comments on Revisions to Regulations for Movement of Genetically Engineered Organisms

On June 6, 2019, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published a proposed rule to revise regulations concerning the importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of genetically engineered organisms. According to APHIS, the revisions reduce the burden for developers of organisms that are unlikely to pose plant pest risks. The revisions would offer exemptions to those plants whose genetic modifications are similar in kind to those made through traditional breeding, as the risk should be similar in both. Those plants where genetic modifications are made in the future, which would result in increasingly complex products, would be subject to review under the new regulations. APHIS states that the rule will provide clear and efficient regulation for those in the industry. Written comments are due by August 5, 2019.

• Read the Federal Register notice and submit written comments here.
• Advocacy contact: Prianka Sharma at (202) 205-6938.