In the January 19, 2017, Federal Register, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ("APHIS") proposed to revise its regulations regarding the importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of certain genetically engineered organisms ("GMOs") in order to update the regulations in response to advances in genetic engineering and understanding of the plant pest and noxious weed risk posed by GMOs, thereby reducing the burden for regulated entities whose organisms pose no plant pest or noxious weed risks. APHIS also proposed to revise its regulation regarding the movement of plant pests and soil, and proposed criteria regarding the movement and environmental release of biological control organisms. Comments are due May 19, 2017, and March 20, 2017 respectively.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
