The UK has left the EU, and the transition period after Brexit comes to an end this year.

From next year, the UK will be free to follow its own regulatory path on many aspects, including the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The development and widespread use of GMOs are currently prohibited in the EU with a small number of exceptions.

The UK government last week published guidance on how to market, trial and release GMOs post-Brexit.

Next year, breeders who wish to trial GMOs will be able to apply for permission to the relevant authority in each UK country.

In Northern Ireland, breeders and agents must get authorisation from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) before carrying out a trial release of a GMO.

Approval must also be sought for the marketing of GMOs, which will only be granted if there is deemed to be no safety concerns after a risk assessment.

Trading GMOs

The export of GMO products from the UK for commercial release into the EU environment will only be permitted if they are already approved for use in the EU. A full list of GMO products permitted in the EU can be found here.

Agents looking to import GMOs for release into the UK environment will be allowed to do so if the products are approved in there.