Renewed authorisation: Genetically modified cotton 281-24-236 × 3006-210-23

Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/1210 of 21 June 2023 renewing the authorisation for the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified cotton 281-24-236 × 3006-210-23 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council

Update

The EU has renewed the authorisation allowing the placement on the EU market of foods, ingredients and feed containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified (GM) cotton 281-24-236 × 3006-210-23. The authorisation does not permit the cultivation of this cotton in the EU.

What is changing?

This Decision permits the ongoing sale of food, food ingredients and feed containing genetically modified (GM) cotton 281-24-236 × 3006-210-23 as food, food ingredients and feed to the EU. It also provides (see Decision Annex) details on the use, labelling and methods of detection.
GM cotton 281-24-236 × 3006-210-23 may not be grown in the EU. Any cotton products exported to the EU must be clearly labelled that they are not intended for cultivation. No additional specific labelling requirements are considered necessary.

Why?

The approval is based on favourable EFSA opinion concluding that this GM cotton is safe for human and animal health, as well as safe for the environment.

Timeline

The EU authorisation for GM cotton 281-24-236 × 3006-210-23 remains valid for 10 years.

What are the major implications for exporting countries?

Suppliers of food containing or consisting of GM cotton 281-24-236 × 3006-210-23 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 Register of authorised GMOs.

The authorisation of GM crops remains an extremely sensitive political issue in the EU. The authorisation process normally requires EU Member States to authorise or reject applications. In recent years, there has generally not been enough political support (a “qualified majority” of Member States) to reach a decision to either authorise or reject applications. In such cases, as here for GM cotton 281-24-236 × 3006-210-23, the Commission is permitted to authorise the product in the light of EFSA’s positive risk assessment.

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