UPDATED GMA INTERNATIONAL LABELING MATRIX

"UPDATED GMA INTERNATIONAL LABELING MATRIX"

TO: GMA Biotechnology Task Force
GMA Biotechnology Contacts

CC: Biotechnology Food Issues Forum

FR: Karil Kochenderfer, Director, International Trade and Environmental Affairs
Mari Stull, Director, International Regulatory Policy

DT: January 19, 2001

________________________________________________________________________

Attached is updated copy of the GMA international labeling matrix, reflecting labeling developments most notably in Australia/New Zealand, Saudi Arabia and Taiwan, among other select countries.

When looking at the matrix, it is worth noting that 18 of the top 25 markets for U.S. agri-food products have adopted mandatory biotech labeling regimes, are implementing such regimes or are considering mandating such regimes:

9 countries have mandatory biotech labeling regimes in place. (Seven countries currently are following the EU directive: United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium/Luxembourg, Spain, France, Italy; Taiwan and Russia)
4 countries will be implementing mandatory biotech labeling regimes within the next 18 months. (Japan, South Korea, Australia/New Zealand, Saudi Arabia)
1 country is expected to announce a mandatory biotech labeling regime within the year. (Brazil)
4 countries are considering adopting mandatory biotech labeling regimes. (Mexico, China, Philippines, United Arab Emirates)

Moreover, five countries that serve as major regional forces and political role models for other countries in their region of the world will have mandatory biotech labeling regimes in place within 18 months:

Europe (#1 US Agri-food Market) (Effective Date of Labeling Law: October 1997)
Japan (#2) (April 2001)
South Korea (#5) (July 2001/March 2002)
Australia/New Zealand (# 13) (December 2001)
Saudi Arabia (#18) (December 2001)

Additional labeling developments are occurring outside of the top 25 markets for U.S. agri-food products as well. Switzerland (March 1995), Norway (July 1997), Chile (June 2000) and Indonesia (August 2000) have adopted mandatory biotech labeling regimes.
It is important to note that while some countries have adopted mandatory labeling regimes, several are confronting difficulties in actually implementing them and have deferred implementation dates (i.e., Korea, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia).
GMA has and will continue to work with its trade association counterparts abroad to defeat mandatory biotech labeling proposals in major markets for processed food products abroad. Presently, we are working with our Mexican counterpart, ConMexico, to defeat legislation pending consideration in the Mexican Chamber of Deputies. We strongly encourage member companies that also are members of ConMexico to contact the association to ensure it is engaged and active in defeating the proposed labeling bill in advance of an anticipated March vote in the Chamber Committee on Health. For more information, please contact Karil at klk@gmabrands.com or 202/295-3927.
GMA will continue to update the matrix and distribute it to members as developments warrant. Future country-specific updates, however, will be provided on a country-specific basis to insert and replace those presently incorporated into this document. We also welcome any additional information and insights of country developments from GMA members.
As always, we welcome your comments and questions via e-mail (klk@gmabrands.com) (mls@gmabrands.com) or telephone 202/337-9400.
Karil L. Kochenderfer
Director, Int'l Trade & Enviro. Affairs
Coordinator, Biotechnology
Grocery Manufs. of America
Ph: 202/337-9400
Fax: 202/337-4508
** NOTICE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed for research and educational purposes only. **

Last Updated on 2/20/01
Email: information@biotech-info.net