Armenia
Country introduction:
Armenia is developing a regulatory framework that requires the competent authority to conduct safety assessments of genetically modified (GM) food. The country is also working to harmonize its food safety and food standards legislation with the legal framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), while taking into account internationally recognized principles and approaches, including those applied in the European Union. In addition, Armenia participates in regional cooperation under agreements among the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) on the conservation and sustainable use of agricultural plant genetic resources.<br><br>A significant milestone was the entry into force of the Law of the Republic of Armenia on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) on 10 August 2023. The Law establishes the legal framework for GMO activities and biosafety and consists of three chapters covering: (i) General Provisions; (ii) the powers of the Government and the competent authority in the field of GMO activities, biosafety, information provision, and public awareness; and (iii) Final and Transitional Provisions.<br>The Ministry of Economy is the competent authority responsible for establishing the GMO Expert Group and defining its composition, powers, and responsibilities.<br><br>To support the implementation of the Law, several key secondary legal acts were adopted in 2023:<br>• In September 2023, the Government adopted the Resolution on Determining the Technical and Methodological Requirements for Contained Use Systems.<br>• In September 2023, the Government approved the State Program of Measures for the Prevention and Elimination of Risks to the Environment, Human Life and Health, and Agricultural Lands Associated with the Use of GMOs and Biosafety (2023–2033).<br>• In September 2023, the Government approved the Decision on Approving the List of Plant Species Subject to Laboratory Testing.<br>• In November 2023, the Government approved the Procedure for the Import, Export, and Destruction of GMOs Intended for Scientific Research and Demonstration Activities.<br>These developments represent important steps toward establishing a comprehensive national biosafety system and strengthening the regulatory framework for the safety assessment and oversight of GM foods in Armenia.<br>
Regulatory framework:
My country is in the process in developing a regulatory framework that requires the competent authority to conduct safety assessment of GM food.
Structure for GM food safety assessment:
My country is in the process in developing a structure for GM food safety assessment.
Supplemental information (regulatory framework):
Armenia started do researches in this field since formation of State Service for the food Safety institution. The draft of the law on ''Bisoafety use of GMO-s'' currently in circulation.
Have been developed draft Law of the Republic of Armenia "On Genetically Transformed Organisms", deriving from it: "On the Protection of Plant Varieties", "On Seeds", "On Food Safety", "On State Control of Food Safety", "On Organic Agriculture", "Plant World" , "Fodder Law" Draft Amendments to the Law.
Some referenses realted to use and import of GM food:
According to the law on ''Food Safety''
. it is not allowed to produce and use GM food.
. it is not allowed to import food for special need (use) wich contains GM component.
. imported food wich contains GM component or substance must be labeled.
Have been developed draft Law of the Republic of Armenia "On Genetically Transformed Organisms", deriving from it: "On the Protection of Plant Varieties", "On Seeds", "On Food Safety", "On State Control of Food Safety", "On Organic Agriculture", "Plant World" , "Fodder Law" Draft Amendments to the Law.
Some referenses realted to use and import of GM food:
According to the law on ''Food Safety''
. it is not allowed to produce and use GM food.
. it is not allowed to import food for special need (use) wich contains GM component.
. imported food wich contains GM component or substance must be labeled.
Relevant contact details:
GM food safety assessment guidelines:
My country does not conduct safety assessment of GM food but the country has, or the country is in the process of developing 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 has never conducted food safety assessment of GM food but is planning to conduct such assessment in the near future.
Supplemental information (assessment):
<p>Safety assessments have been conducted on a limited number of GM crop samples in the past.<br></p>
Regulation stacked events:
The country is in the process of developing relevant policies on assessment of stacked events, or there is no specific regulation on stacked events.
Supplemental information (stacked events):
GM food/feed production:
My country does not produce any GM food or feed.
GM food/feed imports:
My country does not import any GM food or feed (banned).
Supplemental information (production and trade):
LLP/AP incidents:
I do not know if my country has faced any LLP/AP issues in the last 10 years.
Supplemental information (LLP/AP incidents):
Labelling requirement:
My country is in the process of developing regulations/policies on GM food labeling.
Supplemental information (labelling requirement):
Since June 26, 2020, EAEU products to be marked with GMO label if genetically modified organisms used in their manufacturing.
On 26 June of 2020 the Eurasian Economic Union countries ended the transition period for enacting amendments made to the Union's Technical Regulation "Marking of food products" concerning GMO marking of food products manufactured using genetically modified organisms. The amendments were adopted by the Decision of the Commission's Council No. 90 dated December 20, 2017 and came into force on December 26, 2018.
Starting from June 26, 2020, the marking of food products manufactured using genetically modified organisms should have GMO label next to the Eurasian Economic Union conformity mark ("EAC") identical in shape and size.
If a manufacturer did not use genetically modified organisms in manufacturing food products, then their content in such products not exceeding 0.9 percent is considered an accidental or technically non-removable impurity. These goods are not classified as containing GMO and they do not need to be marked with relevant information.
Circulation of food products manufactured using genetically modified organisms without GMO marking but indicating required information determined by the Union's technical regulation is allowed during such food product shelf life established by the manufacturer.
On 26 June of 2020 the Eurasian Economic Union countries ended the transition period for enacting amendments made to the Union's Technical Regulation "Marking of food products" concerning GMO marking of food products manufactured using genetically modified organisms. The amendments were adopted by the Decision of the Commission's Council No. 90 dated December 20, 2017 and came into force on December 26, 2018.
Starting from June 26, 2020, the marking of food products manufactured using genetically modified organisms should have GMO label next to the Eurasian Economic Union conformity mark ("EAC") identical in shape and size.
If a manufacturer did not use genetically modified organisms in manufacturing food products, then their content in such products not exceeding 0.9 percent is considered an accidental or technically non-removable impurity. These goods are not classified as containing GMO and they do not need to be marked with relevant information.
Circulation of food products manufactured using genetically modified organisms without GMO marking but indicating required information determined by the Union's technical regulation is allowed during such food product shelf life established by the manufacturer.
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