India-US commerce deal: Non-GM certification for soyabean, corn a problem

Consultants need India to be cautious resulting from cross-contamination dangers 
| Photograph Credit score:
egromov

India is critically analyzing US’ demand for market entry for soyabean and corn as a part of the bilateral interim commerce pact underneath negotiations. However permitting imports of the non-genetically modified (GM) selection – presumably the one alternative given the truth that GM varieties are discouraged in India – may face certification challenges, sources mentioned.

“New Delhi is contemplating US demand for soybean and corn, however a certification guaranteeing that imports are non-GM is essential. The US authorities isn’t too eager on certification as segregating GM soybeans and corn from non-GM could be very tough in America. Separate designated areas solely for rising non-GM selection usually are not frequent,” a supply monitoring the matter informed businessline.

Within the US, the GM number of soymeal and corn account for over 90 per cent of whole manufacturing. “Though there are areas the place extra non-GM crops are grown, these usually are not unique and GM crops can be grown there,” the supply mentioned.

Permitting import of soyabean and corn from the US by way of self-certification is feasible, and is being examined, however it will be dangerous in case consignments get wrongly licensed by the exporters, the supply added.

“Imports of GM grains, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, and comparable meals/feed merchandise isn’t allowed (in India). Since 2021, over 20 such product classes should be accompanied by non-GMO certification with a 1 per cent tolerance stage for unintended presence,” per a report from World Commerce Analysis Initiative.

GTRI cautioned that due to excessive cross-contamination dangers in India, import of GM merchandise may result in traces of GM in agriculture exports from the nation. This will in flip result in rejections within the EU and another markets.

Indian delegation

A negotiating crew from India is ready to go away for Washington DC to renew talks for an India-US bilateral commerce settlement (BTA) after the 2 sides failed to succeed in an understanding on a mini deal early this month. The US determined to push reciprocal tariff imposition, at current fastened at 26 per cent for India, to August 1, from the sooner designated date of July 9.

NITI Aayog Member Ramesh Chand lately mentioned at a public discussion board that India could also be inclined in direction of agreeing to import of soybean and corn from the US within the mini-deal, whether it is non-GM.

In 2024, the US was the best exporter of corn and second-highest of soymeal, on the planet. China and Mexico are its largest patrons however with tariff confrontations on, the US needs to diversify.

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Revealed on July 13, 2025