The Verkhovna Rada adopted the law on GMOs in the second reading

On August 23, in the second reading, the Verkhovna Rada adopted draft law No. 5839 "On state regulation of genetic engineering activities and state control over placement on the market of genetically modified organisms and products."

The adopted document prohibits the cultivation and import of GMO corn, the cultivation of genetically modified sugar beets and rapeseed for 5 years, as well as the permission to use only GMOs approved in the EU from the moment Ukraine becomes a member of the EU.
The law defines the terms "genetically modified organism", "genetically modified products", "GM products as a food product" and introduces state registration of GMOs.

The imperfection of legislation regarding GMOs makes effective state control over the circulation of GMO products impossible and creates conditions for their illegal use, the explanatory note says.

The main provisions of the new law provide for:

• separation of powers of state authorities to eliminate duplication of functions in the field of GMO circulation;
• improvement of the risk assessment system of the impact of GMOs on human health and the environment;
• introduction of the European mechanism for state registration of GMOs;
• improvement of requirements for labeling of GMO products and introduction of rules for its control;
• strengthening state control over the circulation of GMOs and establishing responsibility for violations of legislation.

Note that the port terminal, which exports an average of 2-3 million tons of grain per year, after the adoption of the new law will have additional costs of $1-1.5 million only for GMO tests.

The new law should bring Ukraine's legislation into line with EU norms. This is a systematic revision of the current norms of state regulation in the field of GMO circulation, which will ensure state control over the circulation of GMO products in order to fulfill Ukraine's international obligations within the framework of association with the EU.