Browse Data and Analysis

This report provides the latest status of consumption, regulation, public perception, research, development, production, and use of agricultural biotechnology in Japan. In general, Japan uses a science-based process for evaluating and granting approval for import and production of genetically engineered products.

Since the previous report, Taiwan has granted new approvals for imports of genetically engineered (GE) products for processing, food, and feed use. Taiwan has never permitted domestic production of GE crops or animals.

After over a decade, Serbia still has not implemented changes to its “Law on Genetically Engineered Organisms (GEOs),” which was adopted in 2009. Even though Serbia prepared an amended “Law on GEOs” in 2018, changes to this are not on the list of possible adoptions created by the current Serbian Government.

Decision making around GE crops is highly politicized in Germany. The German government is conflicted and has not issued an official statement on the EU Commissions proposal to deregulate the genetic engineering law yet.

The push for the move toward biotechnology in Cote d'Ivoire began in June of 2015, when the government of Cote d'Ivoire (GOCI) adopted and ratified the Cartagena Protocol.

Poland opposes the use of genetic engineering in agriculture. Although the current regulatory framework technically allows genetically engineered (GE) seeds to enter commerce, the law stipulates they cannot be planted.

Tunisia is facing decisions on major political and economic reforms and is continuing to postpone non-urgent matters.

Kazakhstan has not announced any changes to its biotechnology policies. Major challenges like climate change, variable weather, monocropping wheat, and the reliance on Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member biotechnology regulations could be a future catalyst for Kazakhstan to develop its own biotechnology law.

This report provides updated information about the adoption of agricultural biotechnology in Vietnam. In the first six months of 2023, Vietnam approved six outstanding biotech corn hybrids for cultivation after the country suspended its appraisal process since 2017.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) regulations allow the importation of biotech plant products, but they are required to be labeled if they contain more than one percent genetically engineered (GE) plant ingredients.

Singapore does not have any domestic commercial production of plant biotechnology. The Singapore Food Agency website lists 106 genetically engineered (GE) crops approved for use as food for direct consumption, ingredients, and further processing into ingredients for other food in the country.

The Australian federal government supports biotechnology and has committed considerable long-term funding to research and development.