Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran

Tracking Laboratory for Genetically Modified Organisms

Considering the increase in global production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their entry into the international trade market, regulations have been formulated, and the labeling of these products has become mandatory in many countries to facilitate monitoring of their production and use. Among the internationally accepted regulations by many countries is the "Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety," which outlines the guidelines related to international exchanges of genetically modified products. According to these regulations, the tracking and identification of genetically modified organisms are of paramount importance. Under these rules, the exporting country is obligated to declare the type of occurrence and the specifications of the genetically modified product being exported. The importing country can also determine permissible occurrences based on its national interests and, furthermore, verify the claims made by the exporter. Given the significant volume of imported genetically modified products into the country, the "Genetically Modified Products Tracking Laboratory" of the Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute serves as the reference laboratory for the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad, carrying the governmental responsibility for tracking and identifying these products within the country. This laboratory, along with its three affiliated labs in Rasht, Ahvaz, and Dezful, strives to respond to the inquiries of esteemed clients regarding the tracking of genetically modified products in the shortest possible time.