Georgia will control importing genetically modified food

Georgia is setting import regulations and customs duties on genetically modified food, announced Georgia’s Finance Ministry.

A new law to prohibit importing genetically modified food into Georgia without customs control has entered into force. From now on genetically modified food will be processed under customs control.

Authorised officer from the Revenue Service will control the documents of the imported genetically modified food and will determine whether it meets the labeling rules or not.

Georgia has already set a new law on labeling the genetically modified food which entered into force on July 1, 2013. According to the new law all products that contain genetically modified components must have proper labels informing consumers and allowing them freedom of choice.

If the genetically modified food does not have the labeling it must have the supporting document that proves the products are in compliance with the setting requirements. But if the document does not include this information the special services will make a laboratory research. Until the laboratory research result is known, the product importing process will be suspended.

Those who break the law will be fined 5,000 GEL. If the wrongdoing repeats the fine will increase to 10,000 GEL. However, the importer will be able to fix the problem [label the product] within 30 days period of time.