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Sri Lanka does not produce genetically engineered (GE) crops or animals. Some GE research, however, occurs at the laboratory level, but that research does not reach commercialization.

India remains undecided on genetically engineered (GE) crops, despite its regulatory authorities clearing on the environmental release of GE eggplant and mustard events. Bt cotton (Bacillus thuringiensis) is the only biotech crop approved for commercial cultivation.

Cotton continues to be the only genetically engineered (GE) crop approved for cultivation and use. Regulatory uncertainty prevents life science companies from seeking approval for any other GE crops, and the National Biosafety Committee is still developing regulations on imports of GE commodities intended for food, feed, and processing.

On November 3, 2021, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare/Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) published Order No. 12014/01/2020-QA listing the testing fees for samples of various categories of food products.

On November 3, 2021, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare/Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) notified its Food Safety and Standards (Import) First Amendment Regulations (2021).

On September 6, 2021, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare/Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) published the draft Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Amendment Regulations (2021) in the Gazette of India: Extraordinary (official gazette).

On October 22, 2021, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare/Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) published Direction F. No. REF/L&D-Extension/FSSAI-2021, extending the implementation date for Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Regulations (2020), as well as for three other regulations.

On September 22, 2021, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare/Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued Notification No. F. No. Std/EC/T(NSF-01).

On September 6, 2021, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare/Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued Notification No. F. No. Std/SP-08/A-1.2020/N-01 to amend the Food Safety and Standards (Labeling and Display) Regulations (2020).

The State Administration for Market Regulation issued a revised draft of the General Standard for Nut and Seed Food for domestic comment.

This report is an update on U.S. Government efforts to inform industry and facilitate trade as China prepares to implement Decrees 248 and 249. FAS China will continue to provide information on the implementation of the decrees as it becomes available.

On September 22, 2021, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare/Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) published the draft Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations (2021).