Reauthorisation of genetically modified maize NK603

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/485 of 27 February 2026 renewing the authorisation for the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize NK603 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Update

The European Union (EU) has reauthorised the use of genetically modified (GM) maize NK603 in food, food ingredients, feed, and products for any other uses except for cultivation.

Impacted Products

Maize and derived food and feed products

What is changing?

The EU has reauthorised the sale of GM maize NK603. The authorisation concerns the use of this GM maize in food, food ingredients, feed, and products for any other uses except for cultivation. This maize may not be grown in the European Union. Feed, and products other than food and food ingredients, containing this maize must be clearly labelled “not for cultivation”.

Why?

Following a review, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that GM maize NK603 is safe under the applicant’s proposed conditions of use (EFSA 2025).

Timeline

This authorisation is valid for a period of 10 years (until March 2036).

What are the major implications for exporting countries?

Suppliers of food or feed containing or consisting of this GM maize have long-term legal security for the export of these products to the EU market.

Background

A list of all authorised GM products can be found on the EU’s GMO register.

The authorisation of GM crops normally requires sufficient support from EU Member States (a qualified majority) to authorise or reject applications. In recent years, there has generally been insufficient support for a decision to either authorise or reject applications. In such cases, as here, the European Commission is permitted to authorise these products if EFSA has given a positive risk assessment.

The authorisation holder of NK603 is Bayer CropScience LLC.

Resources

Sources