APHIS Withdraws Proposed Regulations on Importation of GE Organisms

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is withdrawing a proposed rule that would have overhauled its regulations on importation and interstate movement of genetically engineered (GE) organisms. The agency will “re-engage with stakeholders to determine the most effective, science-based approach for regulating the products of modern biotechnology while protecting plant health,” it said in a press release. The agency’s January 2017 proposal would have eliminated time-limited permits in favor of increased recordkeeping requirements, and changed how the agency decides whether to regulate a GE organism (see 1701180058). “Many commenters objected to the scope of the proposed rule. Some thought that our criteria for designating GE organisms as regulated organisms were too expansive, potentially resulting in our regulating a wider range of GE organisms than necessary and thereby increasing, rather than reducing, the regulatory burden for the biotechnology industry,” the agency said in its notice of withdrawal.