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Kenya Requires Biosafety Clearance for GMO Imports at Ports
The National Biosafety Authority directed government agencies to enforce pre-release clearance for all genetically modified organisms entering the country. The rule covers plants, animals, microorganisms and veterinary vaccines under the 2009 Biosafety Act.
Jul 16, 5:46 AM·1m read1 source
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Kenya's National Biosafety Authority has directed that all genetically modified organisms receive its clearance before release into the country under the Biosafety Act of 2009. Acting Chief Executive Officer Ann Karimi issued the directive to the Kenya Revenue Authority and the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, instructing officers at entry and exit points to verify compliance with the Biosafety Act of 2009.
The measure applies to genetically modified plants, animals, microorganisms and veterinary vaccines.
Karimi stated that the authority has already profiled the relevant Harmonized System codes for these products and has deployed its officers at ports to guide importers and handle non-compliance cases. The Biosafety Act established the NBA to conduct scientific risk assessments and issue approvals for research, commercialization, import and export of GMOs.
Kenya has approved Bt cotton for cultivation, a crop also grown in South Africa, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Malawi, Sudan, Eswatini, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, India, Pakistan and the United States.
Bt cotton has received approvals for food, feed and processing uses in the European Union, Japan, Canada, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.
