China: MARA Issues New and Renewed Biosafety Certificates

On October 17, 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) announced the issuance of new and renewed biosafety certificates for genetically engineered (GE) events. The announcement follows the conclusion of the National Biosafety Committee (NBC) in August 2023 and includes one new certificate issued for GE canola approved for import as processing materials, 162 biosafety certificates renewals for GE cotton domestic cultivation and application, and 21 new and renewed biosafety certificates for genetically modified microorganisms (GMMs) for animal use.