The Rice Exporters Association of Chhattisgarh (TREACG) has formally approached Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, seeking government intervention to restore the registrations of seven Indian rice-exporting companies. The companies faced suspension by China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) following allegations of genetically modified organism (GMO) contamination in specific rice shipments.
The issue stems from actions taken earlier this year. In March, China rejected three consignments of rice from three Indian exporters, citing the presence of traces of GMOs, which led to the suspension of their licences. As rejections on similar grounds continued, four additional companies were added to the list, bringing the total number of affected exporters to seven.
In response to the suspensions, TREACG stated that both the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) have previously clarified that commercial cultivation of GM rice is not permitted in India. Furthermore, the association noted that the export consignments in question underwent prescribed non-GMO testing and certification processes prior to leaving the country.
According to TREACG, the discrepancy between the non-GMO certification at origin and the test results reported at the destination represents a critical technical challenge. The association has requested the Commerce Minister to engage with the Chinese government to facilitate a joint technical review and verify the matters surrounding the GACC registrations.
The exporters' body has proposed that competent authorities from both nations conduct a joint scientific review. This review would cover sampling procedures, GMO testing methodologies, laboratory protocols, and applicable standards. TREACG suggested that such measures would help identify the root causes of the differing test results and establish a transparent mechanism to prevent similar issues in future bilateral trade.
Mukesh Jain, President of TREACG, emphasized that an early and amicable resolution is vital for maintaining confidence and continuity in the India–China rice trade. He noted that safeguarding India's agricultural export interests is essential for protecting domestic exporters, particularly micro, medium, and small enterprises (MSMEs), from unnecessary financial and commercial difficulties.
"Discrepancies in testing standards between international trade partners can severely impact domestic suppliers, particularly MSMEs that rely heavily on export continuity. When regulatory hurdles arise at destination ports despite prior origin-level compliance, a structured, government-level bilateral engagement becomes crucial. For businesses operating in cross-border trade, establishing transparent, mutually accepted scientific protocols and rigorous pre-shipment documentation is essential to mitigate regulatory risks and protect long-term market access." — Dr. Shishir Gupta, Founder & CEO, StartupLanes
