Argentina

Country introduction:

Argentina has a science-based regulatory framework for the assessment of products derived from modern biotechnology. SENASA, the National Service for Agrifood Health and Quality, is the competent authority responsible for the food and feed safety assessment of genetically modified (GM) products. The evaluation is conducted on a case-by-case basis, following internationally recognized principles and a risk hypothesis-driven approach, to ensure a high level of consumer protection while promoting regulatory efficiency and innovation.

Regulatory framework:

My country has a regulatory framework that requires the competent authority to conduct safety assessment of GM food.

Structure for GM food safety assessment:

My country has competent authority, agency, organization, ministry, department, committee, commission or a system/mechanism that is tasked to conduct or review GM food safety assessment.

Supplemental information (regulatory framework):

Argentina applies a risk hypothesis-driven approach to the food and feed safety assessment of GM products, whereby information requirements are tailored to address plausible risks identified during problem formulation. The country also actively participates in international and regional initiatives that promote scientific exchange, regulatory cooperation, and the convergence of biotechnology safety assessment approaches.

Relevant contact details:

National Service for Agrifood Health and Quality (Senasa)
https://www.argentina.gob.ar/senasa

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/senasa/programas-sanitarios/biotecnologia

GM food safety assessment guidelines:

My country follows the relevant Codex Guidelines or national/regional guidelines that are in line with the Codex Guidelines in conducting safety assessment of GM food.

Conduct of GM food safety assessment:

My country regularly conducts food safety assessment of GM food.

Supplemental information (assessment):

Resolution No. 199/2026 introduced an updated framework for the food and feed safety assessment of GMOs in Argentina, incorporating a risk hypothesis-driven approach and aligning data requirements with the specific risks identified during problem formulation.

Regulation stacked events:

On a case-by-case basis, some stacked events may have reduced/simplified assessment requirements.

Supplemental information (stacked events):

Stacked events are assessed on a case-by-case basis. When the stacked event meets the established criteria and the individual events have been previously assessed, a differential (simplified) assessment process may be applied, relying on existing information from the individual events and focusing on potential interactions among the combined traits.

GM food/feed production:

My country produces GM food or feed for commercial and research purposes.

GM food/feed imports:

My country allows imports GM food or feed upon authorization.

Supplemental information (production and trade):

LLP/AP incidents:

My country has faced LLP/AP situations in the last 10 years.

Supplemental information (LLP/AP incidents):

SENASA has established a control program for the potential presence of unapproved events in imports, allowing the management of LLP situations on a case-by-case basis and supporting the continuity of trade while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Labelling requirement:

My country does not have any labeling regulations/policies on GM food.

Supplemental information (labelling requirement):

Relevant links:

Upload relevant documents:

BCH:

Link to this country's profile under the Biosafety Clearing House (BCH)

FAO GM Foods Platform

Argentina