Mauritius
Country introduction:
Mauritius is a small island developing state (SIDS) in the Indian Ocean with a total land area of about 2,040 km². Since gaining independence in 1968, the country has successfully transformed from a sugar-based monocrop economy into a diversified economy with key sectors including tourism, manufacturing, textiles and apparel, financial services, information and communication technologies, seafood processing, real estate development, renewable energy, and education and training (Statistics Mauritius, 2025).
Mauritius maintains strong trade relations with international markets. Textile and apparel products, fish and seafood products, sugar, and other manufactured goods constitute some of the country's principal exports, with the European Union as a major export destination. As a SIDS with limited agricultural land and natural resources, Mauritius remains a net food importer and continues to strengthen its efforts towards enhancing food security and agricultural resilience. Thus, the country relies heavily on imports, particularly for petroleum products, food commodities, machinery, vehicles, and industrial inputs, sourced mainly from India, China, the European Union, and South Africa (Statistics Mauritius, 2025).
Despite its small size, geographic remoteness, and limited natural resources, Mauritius has often been cited as a model of economic transformation and development among developing countries. Following the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the country has continued its efforts to promote innovation, technological advancement, sustainable development, and private sector investment while reinforcing its position as a regional hub for services, trade, and knowledge-based industries.
The Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries is responsible for promoting sustainable agricultural development, food security, agro-industry, and fisheries while supporting innovation and the adoption of new technologies. Through its departments, service institutions, parastatal bodies, and stakeholders, the Ministry contributes to ensuring food safety, quality, productivity, and resilience within the agricultural and food sectors. An important component of its mandate is the management of biotechnology, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and biosafety-related matters.
Mauritius was among the early signatories to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992 and subsequently became a Party to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The implementation of the Protocol necessitated the establishment of appropriate legal, institutional, and regulatory frameworks to govern the safe development, handling, transfer, use, and application of modern biotechnology and genetically modified organisms.
In this context, the Genetically Modified Organisms Act was enacted in 2004 to provide a legal framework for the regulation and management of GMOs in Mauritius. However, the full implementation of the Act was subsequently reviewed, and in May 2018 the Cabinet agreed that the Genetically Modified Organisms Act 2004 should be repealed and replaced by updated legislation better aligned with national priorities and evolving international biosafety requirements. Drafting instructions were consequently issued to the Attorney General's Office for the preparation of new legislation.
Efforts to strengthen the national biosafety framework have continued and the National Biosafety Committee was reconstituted in May 2026. The reconstitution of the Committee is expected to facilitate the resumption and acceleration of pending activities related to biosafety policy, legislation, risk assessment, and regulatory oversight.
Furthermore, technical assistance provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has supported national efforts to complete the establishment of a laboratory designated to undertake official testing and analysis of genetically modified organisms.
Mauritius maintains strong trade relations with international markets. Textile and apparel products, fish and seafood products, sugar, and other manufactured goods constitute some of the country's principal exports, with the European Union as a major export destination. As a SIDS with limited agricultural land and natural resources, Mauritius remains a net food importer and continues to strengthen its efforts towards enhancing food security and agricultural resilience. Thus, the country relies heavily on imports, particularly for petroleum products, food commodities, machinery, vehicles, and industrial inputs, sourced mainly from India, China, the European Union, and South Africa (Statistics Mauritius, 2025).
Despite its small size, geographic remoteness, and limited natural resources, Mauritius has often been cited as a model of economic transformation and development among developing countries. Following the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the country has continued its efforts to promote innovation, technological advancement, sustainable development, and private sector investment while reinforcing its position as a regional hub for services, trade, and knowledge-based industries.
The Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries is responsible for promoting sustainable agricultural development, food security, agro-industry, and fisheries while supporting innovation and the adoption of new technologies. Through its departments, service institutions, parastatal bodies, and stakeholders, the Ministry contributes to ensuring food safety, quality, productivity, and resilience within the agricultural and food sectors. An important component of its mandate is the management of biotechnology, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and biosafety-related matters.
Mauritius was among the early signatories to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992 and subsequently became a Party to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. The implementation of the Protocol necessitated the establishment of appropriate legal, institutional, and regulatory frameworks to govern the safe development, handling, transfer, use, and application of modern biotechnology and genetically modified organisms.
In this context, the Genetically Modified Organisms Act was enacted in 2004 to provide a legal framework for the regulation and management of GMOs in Mauritius. However, the full implementation of the Act was subsequently reviewed, and in May 2018 the Cabinet agreed that the Genetically Modified Organisms Act 2004 should be repealed and replaced by updated legislation better aligned with national priorities and evolving international biosafety requirements. Drafting instructions were consequently issued to the Attorney General's Office for the preparation of new legislation.
Efforts to strengthen the national biosafety framework have continued and the National Biosafety Committee was reconstituted in May 2026. The reconstitution of the Committee is expected to facilitate the resumption and acceleration of pending activities related to biosafety policy, legislation, risk assessment, and regulatory oversight.
Furthermore, technical assistance provided by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has supported national efforts to complete the establishment of a laboratory designated to undertake official testing and analysis of genetically modified organisms.
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 does not have a structure for GM food safety assessment.
Supplemental information (regulatory framework):
1. Legislative and Regulatory Framework
1.1 Genetically Modified Organisms Act 2004 (under revision)
1.2 Food Act 2022 and Food Regulations 2024
1.3 Plant Protection Act 2006 (as amended)
1.4 Fisheries Act 2023
1.5 Environment Protection Act 2002 (if applicable)
1.1 Genetically Modified Organisms Act 2004
Mauritius enacted the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Act 2004 to establish a legal framework for the regulation of genetically modified organisms and their derivatives. The Act provides measures for the responsible planning, development, application, production, use, commercialization, import, export, transit and environmental release of GMOs. Although the Act came into force in January 2005, only Sections 1 to 5, Sections 6(1)(a) to (c), and Section 24 were proclaimed. The Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries is the competent authority responsible for the implementation of the Act.
The principal provisions of the GMO Act include:
• the requirement for a permit for the import, export, transit, research, production, use, commercialization or environmental release of any GMO or its derivatives;
• the submission of a comprehensive risk assessment report and contingency plan with every permit application;
• evaluation of permit applications by the National Biosafety Committee (NBC), with the final decision being taken by the Permanent Secretary of the responsible Ministry;
• consideration of potential direct and indirect effects on human health, animal health and the environment, together with relevant socio-economic considerations;
• provisions for the suspension or revocation of permits where necessary;
• protection of confidential business information while ensuring access to information in accordance with national legislation; and
• mandatory identification and labelling of GMOs and products containing genetically modified ingredients.
The GMO Act also establishes the National Biosafety Committee (NBC) as the national scientific advisory body on biosafety matters. The Committee is chaired by a Chairperson appointed by the Minister and comprises representatives from relevant Ministries and institutions. Cabinet approved the establishment of the NBC on 18 March 2005 to advise the Ministry on matters relating to the import, export, transit, research, development, production, use, application, sale and environmental release of GMOs, as well as any other biosafety issues referred to it.
Among its functions, the NBC is mandated to:
• evaluate applications for GMO permits and provide recommendations to the Permanent Secretary;
• develop guidelines and codes of practice for activities involving GMOs, subject to ministerial approval;
• promote public participation and awareness while safeguarding confidential information;
• provide scientific advice during emergency situations involving GMOs; and
• advise Government on biosafety policy and regulatory matters.
The Act was partially proclaimed, the corresponding implementing regulations had not yet been finalized. A Technical Working Group, chaired by the Chairperson of the NBC and comprising representatives of the Ministry of Agro-Industry, the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI), the Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute (MSIRI), the State Law Office and the Association des Consommateurs de l'Île Maurice (ACIM), was established to prepare the necessary regulations, which were subsequently submitted to the State Law Office for legal vetting.
However, the absence of fully proclaimed legislation, implementing regulations and dedicated scientific support mechanisms has limited the operationalization of the national biosafety framework. In addition, there remains a need to establish independent multidisciplinary scientific and technical expert panels to support the NBC in reviewing risk assessment dossiers and providing scientific opinions on permit applications. Following the Cabinet decision of 4 May 2018, work to repeal the GMO Act 2004 replace it by new legislation had started.
1.2 Food Act 2022 and Food Regulations 2024
The Food Act 2022 and the Food Regulations 2024, administered by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, also contain provisions applicable to genetically modified foods.
Part I, Section 4(n) of the Food Regulations 2024 prohibits the importation, manufacture, processing, packaging, storage, offering for sale or sale of any pre-packed food unless it bears a clear and conspicuous label, in either English or French, indicating that the food has been obtained through genetic modification or contains genetically modified ingredients. These provisions establish mandatory labelling requirements for genetically modified foods placed on the Mauritian market.
1.3 Plant Protection Act 2006
The Plant Protection Act 2006 (as amended) establishes the National Plant Protection Office (NPPO) as the competent authority responsible for implementing phytosanitary measures to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests and to regulate the import and export of plants, plant products and other regulated articles.
The Act defines "regulated articles" to include genetically modified organisms (GMOs), where applicable, and provides for the issuance of plant import permits and phytosanitary certificates, inspection, quarantine and other phytosanitary measures in accordance with international standards under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). Persons importing or exporting plants, plant products or other regulated articles are required to comply with the requirements prescribed under the Act and the relevant subsidiary legislation.
1.4 Fisheries Act 2023
The Fisheries Act 2023, administered by the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries contains specific provisions governing the use of genetically modified aquatic organisms in aquaculture.
Part VII of the Act establishes a regulatory framework for aquaculture and provides that no person shall import, possess, culture, sell or export any genetically modified aquatic organism, or use any genetically modified aquatic organism in aquaculture or related activities, without a valid and applicable authorisation. The Act further provides that no person shall engage in genetic engineering activities in respect of aquatic organisms in aquaculture without the appropriate authorisation. Any contravention of these provisions constitutes an offence under the Act.
These provisions complement the national biosafety framework by ensuring regulatory oversight of genetically modified aquatic organisms and biotechnology applications in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, thereby contributing to the protection of aquatic biodiversity, fish health and the sustainable development of aquaculture in Mauritius.
1.5 Environment Protection Act 2002 (as amended).
Although this Act does not regulate GMOs directly, it provides the legal basis for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), environmental protection, and the precautionary approach. These principles are highly relevant to the environmental risk assessment of GMOs, particularly in cases involving deliberate release into the environment.
2. Laboratory Capacity
The Molecular testing Laboratory of the Food Technology Laboratory (FTL), operating under the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, has been designated as the national laboratory responsible for carrying out official testing of genetically modified organisms in food and feed.
Capacity building for GMO detection was initiated under a UNEP/GEF project aimed at establishing a transparent and functional National Biosafety Framework for Mauritius. During 2009 and 2010, some laboratory personnel and relevant stakeholders received specialized training in GMO detection techniques. Despite these efforts, the laboratory could not be fully operational due to the absence of an appropriate organizational structure, dedicated personnel and sustainable financial and technical support.
More recently, the laboratory has received technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP). This support is intended to complete the establishment and operationalization of the laboratory, strengthen analytical capacity, implement validated GMO detection methods, and enable the laboratory to undertake official GMO testing in support of national biosafety and food control programmes.
3. Risk Assessment Capacity
Although Mauritius has established elements of a national biosafety framework, national capacity to undertake comprehensive scientific risk assessments for GMOs remains limited.
At present, the country relies on existing scientific expertise distributed across different institutions, but there is no dedicated multidisciplinary pool of experts with sufficient experience to independently evaluate GMO risk assessment dossiers in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and internationally accepted risk assessment principles.
Consequently, there is a continued need to:
• strengthen national technical expertise through specialized training;
• establish multidisciplinary scientific expert panels to support the National Biosafety Committee;
• develop national guidance documents and standard operating procedures for GMO risk assessment;
• enhance laboratory capacity to support risk assessment through validated analytical testing; and
• promote collaboration with international organizations and regional centres of excellence to build sustainable national capacity.
1.1 Genetically Modified Organisms Act 2004 (under revision)
1.2 Food Act 2022 and Food Regulations 2024
1.3 Plant Protection Act 2006 (as amended)
1.4 Fisheries Act 2023
1.5 Environment Protection Act 2002 (if applicable)
1.1 Genetically Modified Organisms Act 2004
Mauritius enacted the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Act 2004 to establish a legal framework for the regulation of genetically modified organisms and their derivatives. The Act provides measures for the responsible planning, development, application, production, use, commercialization, import, export, transit and environmental release of GMOs. Although the Act came into force in January 2005, only Sections 1 to 5, Sections 6(1)(a) to (c), and Section 24 were proclaimed. The Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries is the competent authority responsible for the implementation of the Act.
The principal provisions of the GMO Act include:
• the requirement for a permit for the import, export, transit, research, production, use, commercialization or environmental release of any GMO or its derivatives;
• the submission of a comprehensive risk assessment report and contingency plan with every permit application;
• evaluation of permit applications by the National Biosafety Committee (NBC), with the final decision being taken by the Permanent Secretary of the responsible Ministry;
• consideration of potential direct and indirect effects on human health, animal health and the environment, together with relevant socio-economic considerations;
• provisions for the suspension or revocation of permits where necessary;
• protection of confidential business information while ensuring access to information in accordance with national legislation; and
• mandatory identification and labelling of GMOs and products containing genetically modified ingredients.
The GMO Act also establishes the National Biosafety Committee (NBC) as the national scientific advisory body on biosafety matters. The Committee is chaired by a Chairperson appointed by the Minister and comprises representatives from relevant Ministries and institutions. Cabinet approved the establishment of the NBC on 18 March 2005 to advise the Ministry on matters relating to the import, export, transit, research, development, production, use, application, sale and environmental release of GMOs, as well as any other biosafety issues referred to it.
Among its functions, the NBC is mandated to:
• evaluate applications for GMO permits and provide recommendations to the Permanent Secretary;
• develop guidelines and codes of practice for activities involving GMOs, subject to ministerial approval;
• promote public participation and awareness while safeguarding confidential information;
• provide scientific advice during emergency situations involving GMOs; and
• advise Government on biosafety policy and regulatory matters.
The Act was partially proclaimed, the corresponding implementing regulations had not yet been finalized. A Technical Working Group, chaired by the Chairperson of the NBC and comprising representatives of the Ministry of Agro-Industry, the Food and Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (FAREI), the Mauritius Sugar Industry Research Institute (MSIRI), the State Law Office and the Association des Consommateurs de l'Île Maurice (ACIM), was established to prepare the necessary regulations, which were subsequently submitted to the State Law Office for legal vetting.
However, the absence of fully proclaimed legislation, implementing regulations and dedicated scientific support mechanisms has limited the operationalization of the national biosafety framework. In addition, there remains a need to establish independent multidisciplinary scientific and technical expert panels to support the NBC in reviewing risk assessment dossiers and providing scientific opinions on permit applications. Following the Cabinet decision of 4 May 2018, work to repeal the GMO Act 2004 replace it by new legislation had started.
1.2 Food Act 2022 and Food Regulations 2024
The Food Act 2022 and the Food Regulations 2024, administered by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, also contain provisions applicable to genetically modified foods.
Part I, Section 4(n) of the Food Regulations 2024 prohibits the importation, manufacture, processing, packaging, storage, offering for sale or sale of any pre-packed food unless it bears a clear and conspicuous label, in either English or French, indicating that the food has been obtained through genetic modification or contains genetically modified ingredients. These provisions establish mandatory labelling requirements for genetically modified foods placed on the Mauritian market.
1.3 Plant Protection Act 2006
The Plant Protection Act 2006 (as amended) establishes the National Plant Protection Office (NPPO) as the competent authority responsible for implementing phytosanitary measures to prevent the introduction and spread of plant pests and to regulate the import and export of plants, plant products and other regulated articles.
The Act defines "regulated articles" to include genetically modified organisms (GMOs), where applicable, and provides for the issuance of plant import permits and phytosanitary certificates, inspection, quarantine and other phytosanitary measures in accordance with international standards under the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). Persons importing or exporting plants, plant products or other regulated articles are required to comply with the requirements prescribed under the Act and the relevant subsidiary legislation.
1.4 Fisheries Act 2023
The Fisheries Act 2023, administered by the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries contains specific provisions governing the use of genetically modified aquatic organisms in aquaculture.
Part VII of the Act establishes a regulatory framework for aquaculture and provides that no person shall import, possess, culture, sell or export any genetically modified aquatic organism, or use any genetically modified aquatic organism in aquaculture or related activities, without a valid and applicable authorisation. The Act further provides that no person shall engage in genetic engineering activities in respect of aquatic organisms in aquaculture without the appropriate authorisation. Any contravention of these provisions constitutes an offence under the Act.
These provisions complement the national biosafety framework by ensuring regulatory oversight of genetically modified aquatic organisms and biotechnology applications in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors, thereby contributing to the protection of aquatic biodiversity, fish health and the sustainable development of aquaculture in Mauritius.
1.5 Environment Protection Act 2002 (as amended).
Although this Act does not regulate GMOs directly, it provides the legal basis for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), environmental protection, and the precautionary approach. These principles are highly relevant to the environmental risk assessment of GMOs, particularly in cases involving deliberate release into the environment.
2. Laboratory Capacity
The Molecular testing Laboratory of the Food Technology Laboratory (FTL), operating under the Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, has been designated as the national laboratory responsible for carrying out official testing of genetically modified organisms in food and feed.
Capacity building for GMO detection was initiated under a UNEP/GEF project aimed at establishing a transparent and functional National Biosafety Framework for Mauritius. During 2009 and 2010, some laboratory personnel and relevant stakeholders received specialized training in GMO detection techniques. Despite these efforts, the laboratory could not be fully operational due to the absence of an appropriate organizational structure, dedicated personnel and sustainable financial and technical support.
More recently, the laboratory has received technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP). This support is intended to complete the establishment and operationalization of the laboratory, strengthen analytical capacity, implement validated GMO detection methods, and enable the laboratory to undertake official GMO testing in support of national biosafety and food control programmes.
3. Risk Assessment Capacity
Although Mauritius has established elements of a national biosafety framework, national capacity to undertake comprehensive scientific risk assessments for GMOs remains limited.
At present, the country relies on existing scientific expertise distributed across different institutions, but there is no dedicated multidisciplinary pool of experts with sufficient experience to independently evaluate GMO risk assessment dossiers in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and internationally accepted risk assessment principles.
Consequently, there is a continued need to:
• strengthen national technical expertise through specialized training;
• establish multidisciplinary scientific expert panels to support the National Biosafety Committee;
• develop national guidance documents and standard operating procedures for GMO risk assessment;
• enhance laboratory capacity to support risk assessment through validated analytical testing; and
• promote collaboration with international organizations and regional centres of excellence to build sustainable national capacity.
Relevant contact details:
Ministry of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, 9th Floor, Renganaden Seeneevassen Building, Port-Louis
National Biosafety Committee
National Biosafety Committee
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 safety assessment of GM food and will not (be able to) conduct such assessment in the near future.
Supplemental information (assessment):
Mauritius has established the institutional and legislative foundations for the assessment of risks associated with genetically modified organisms. However, further strengthening of national technical expertise, multidisciplinary scientific support, operational procedures and institutional capacity is required to enable the country to undertake comprehensive and independent risk assessments in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and international best practices.
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 produces GM food or feed only for research purposes.
GM food/feed imports:
My country may import GM food or feed and there is no authorization process.
Supplemental information (production and trade):
The Food Act 2022 and Food Regulations 2024 address food safety and labelling aspects of genetically modified foods, whereas environmental risk assessment and deliberate release of GMOs fall primarily under the biosafety framework established under the GMO Act and related mechanisms.
LLP/AP incidents:
My country does not monitor LLP/AP situations.
Supplemental information (LLP/AP incidents):
Labelling requirement:
My country has a mandatory and positive labeling regulation on GM food (i.e., It contains GMO).
Supplemental information (labelling requirement):
Republic of Mauritius. (2024). Food Regulations 2024, Government Notice No. 142 of 2024, made under the Food Act 2022. Part I – Food Composition and Labelling, Regulation 4(1)(n).
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