Biotechnology Law at Georgia
Georgia (the country) has established a comprehensive legal framework to regulate the use, import, and handling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), focusing on biosafety, biodiversity conservation, and public health.
🇬🇪 Key Legislation on GMOs
1. Law on Living Genetically Modified Organisms (No. 2656-IS, 2014)
This foundational law regulates the use of GMOs in Georgia. Its objectives include:
Declaring Georgia a GMO-free zone to protect human health and preserve biodiversity.
Ensuring compliance with international agreements like the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
Establishing a legal basis for scientific research on GMOs.
Promoting public involvement and transparency in GMO-related decisions.
The law is implemented through various resolutions and orders, including:
Resolution No. 759 (2014): Establishes requirements for the transportation, safety, labeling, packaging, and identification of living GMOs.
Order No. 165 (2014): Mandates the creation of a unified registry for living GMOs.
2. Law on the Protection of New Breeds of Animals and Varieties of Plants (No. 4066-RS, 2010)
This law governs the legal protection and use of new animal breeds and plant varieties, explicitly prohibiting the use of genetic engineering methods in breeding and propagation.
3. Customs and Import Regulations
In 2014, Georgia enacted legislation banning the import of live GMOs, including seeds, unless they are planted in a quarantined enclosed area. This measure aims to prevent the introduction of GMOs into the environment.
Additionally, a 2015 law requires all imported GMO food products to be labeled accordingly. Non-compliant products may be subjected to laboratory testing, and importers can face fines up to 10,000 GEL for repeated offenses.
🏛️ Regulatory Authorities
Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture: Acts as the state coordinating center and competent authority for GMOs, overseeing licensing and maintaining the unified registry.
Ministry of Finance: Responsible for customs control of GMOs entering Georgia.
Ministry of Agriculture: Monitors genetically modified food products within its jurisdiction.
🔬 Research and Biosafety Infrastructure
Georgia has invested in biosafety and biosecurity through the establishment of the Richard Lugar Center for Public Health Research in Tbilisi. This facility, operational since 2013, is equipped with a BSL-3 laboratory and plays a crucial role in public health research and the safe handling of biological materials.
📌 Summary
Georgia maintains a stringent regulatory environment concerning GMOs, emphasizing environmental protection, public health, and international compliance. The country has proactively established laws and institutions to manage the use and import of GMOs, ensuring that any activities involving GMOs are conducted within controlled and transparent frameworks.
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