The Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), set up by the ministry of environment & forests has accorded one time approval for import of GM Soyabean Oil (crude de-gummed/refined form) derived from Round-up-Ready Soybean for the purpose of consumption after refining.
The DGFT has now issued (Notification No.69) dated December, 27 stating that Condition No.18 of chapter 1A (General Notes regarding Import Policy) notified dated April 7, 2006 will not apply to the import of said Soybean Oil till further orders.
It can be noted that DGFT had issued Notification No 54 which condition No.18 as notified in Notification No.2 was placed in abeyance for import of GM Soybean Oil up to December 31, 2007. It may be noted that, on behalf of the members importing soybean oil, The Solvent Extractors? Association of India (SEA) had filed an application, before Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC) of ministry of environment and forests, to grant one time approval of GM Soybean Oil derived from Round up Ready Soybean. In September 2007, GEAC had accorded the approval to the Association, for import of GM Soybean oil derived from round up ready soybean for the purpose of consumption after refining.
?No permission for import of soybean oil produced from GM Soybean Oil is required under the provision of Environment Protection Act 1986 and Rules 1989 till further orders,? sources said. The country imports about 15 lakh tonne of imported soy oil per annum mainly from USA and Brazil.