Title: Implementation and enforcement of biosafety regulations in China: the case of agricultural Genetically Modified Organisms (agro-GMOs)

Authors: Yanqing Wang

Addresses: United Nations University – Institute of Advanced Studies, 6F, International Organization Center, Pacifico-Yokohama, 1–1–1, Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama 220–8502, Japan

Abstract: China is one of the leading developing countries in biotechnology research and development. As a mega-biodiverse country, governance on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) is of significance to national sustainable development. This paper reviews the biosafety regulations on agricultural GMOs (agro-GMOs) governance in China and analyses the implementation and enforcement of biosafety regulations from the aspects of biosafety assessment, import-export, and labelling. The identified challenges in the enforcement of biosafety regulations in China might give implications for other developing countries in dealing with biosafety issues.

Keywords: agricultural biotechnology; genetically modified organisms; agro-GMOs; biosafety regulations; implementation; enforcement; China; developing countries; sustainable development; sustainability; governance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBT.2007.015809

International Journal of Biotechnology, 2007 Vol.9 No.6, pp.569 - 585

Published online: 20 Nov 2007 *

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