China Issues New and Renewed Biosafety Certificates for GE and Gene-edited Crops

On December 31, 2024, China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) announced the issuance of new and renewed biosafety certificates for genetically engineered (GE) and gene-edited crop events.

The newly-issued certificates include the following:

• 7 renewed and 1 new biosafety certificate for GE crops approved for import as processing materials;
• 5 new biosafety certificates for gene-edited events for domestic cultivation and processing, including the first gene-edited rice event;
• 1 renewed and 8 new biosafety certificates for GE crops approved for domestic cultivation and processing;
• 4 biosafety certificates to expand valid area;
• 7 renewed and 5 new biosafety certificates for genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs) for animal use;
• 1 renewed biosafety certificate for GMMs for plant use; and 
• 33 renewed biosafety certificates for GE cotton approved for domestic cultivation and processing.

The new and renewed biosafety certificates are valid for five years starting December 25, 2024. For a list of the biosafety certificates and other details, read the USDA FAS Report.