EU and Canada strike deal on biotech product regulation cooperation
The EU and Canada have struck a cooperation deal over regulating biotechnology products, including novel cosmetics. The agreement solves a long running World Trade Organisation dispute between Ottawa and Brussels over genetically modified product controls, which Canada has argued can be too restrictive.
The EU and Canada have struck a cooperation deal over regulating biotechnology products, including novel cosmetics. The agreement solves a long running World Trade Organisation dispute between Ottawa and Brussels over genetically modified product controls, which Canada has argued can be too restrictive.
The terms will see both sides consult in detail twice a year over their biotechnology rules, covering “any biotech-related measures that may affect trade between Canada and the EU,” including national European rules or decisions, best practice regarding implementation of biotechnology legislation, and any new laws affecting the farm cultivation of biotechnology materials.
The deal especially covers GM product approvals in the EU and Canada, plus forthcoming applications, which would be examined, along with actions dealing with the accidental release of unauthorised GM products. The European Commission said the “exchange of information … would contribute to avoiding unnecessary obstacles to trade,” but stressed EU GM and biotechnology controls would not change through the deal.