Focal Point Information

E-mail:

[email protected]

Country:

Fiji

Organization/agency name (Full name):

Ministry of Agriculture, Research Division, FACL,

Contact person name:

Vio Veretawatini

Website:

http://www.agriculture.gov.fj

Physical full address:

Fiji Agriculture Chemistry Laboratory, Koronivia Research Station, P.O. Box 77, Nausori, Fiji

Phone number:

679 3477044

Fax number:

679 3400262

Country introduction

Summary:

There are currently no specific regulations on GMOs in the Fijian legal text. Fiji has ratified the Cartagena Protocol, a focal point from the Environment Ministry is in charge of the implementation of this protocol in the context of the Biosafety Clearing House (BCH). Three ministries were involved in the drafting of the text: Agriculture, Environment, Health (Food Unit) and the Ministry of Economy which controls prices.

Framework

Regulatory framework:

My country is in the process in developing a regulatory framework that requires the competent authority to conduct safety assessment of GM food.

Structure for GM food safety assessment:

My country does not have a structure for GM food safety assessment.

Supplemental information:

There are currently no specific regulations on GMOs in Fijian legal text. Fiji has however ratified the Cartagena Protocol, a ‘focal point’ from the the Environment Ministry is in charge of the implementation of this protocol in the context of the ‘Biosafety Clearing House’ (BCH).

Fiji's draft Biosafety Framework was the outcome of the BCH I, which is still in draft form and has not been implemented. The establishment of the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, has introduced laws and frameworks that partly address Biosafety, however a stock take of Fiji's laws and frameworks is imperative to understand the scope of existing laws and identify the gaps for Biosafety measures.

Without a proper Biosafety Framework, Fiji is implementing aspects of the Biosafety through other legislative and policy framework such as Biosecurity Act 2008, Public Health Act, Agriculture Act, Fisheries Act etc. As such prior to finalizing the Biosafety Framework, it is critical to undertake a national stock assessment of all existing legislative and policy frameworks in Fiji that directly and or indirectly impact the implementation of the Biosafety Protocol in Fiji.

Fiji needs to finalise its Biosafety framework to establish necessary systems and structures that will effectively address Biosafety issues in Fiji and the region, as Biosecurity is part of implementing Border control activities from which extends their scope by detecting Bio risks from introductions at the Borders. In the current regional workshop organised by CBD secretariat in Fiji there is a move to establish a regional network, this will be another mechanism for encouraging bilateral agreements.

Contact details of the competent authority(s) responsible for the safety assessment and the product applicant:

While the Ministry of Environment is the focal point due to impacts of LMOs on biodiversity, there are other national authorities who are responsible for monitoring and or managing biosafety issues in Fiji. The Mnistry of Health is the Competent Authority of food safety in Fiji. Biosecurity Authority of Fiji is mandated to protect Fiji’s agricultural sector from the introduction and spread of animal and plant pests and diseases, facilitate access to viable agro-export markets and ensure compliance of Fiji’s agro-exports to overseas market requirements. Other government ministries include the Ministry of Agriculture, Fiji Revenue & Customs Authority, and the Counsumer Council. These national authorities have not been designated NAUs. This is because the Biosafety Framework has not been finalised and implemented. However without the Framework there is an agreement on how Biosafety issues are addressed in Fiji due to the current mandate undertaken by these authorities.

Assessment

GM food safety assessment guidelines:

My country does not conduct safety assessment of GM food but the country has, or the country is in the process of developing national/regional guidelines that are in line with the Codex Guidelines in conducting safety assessment of GM food.

Conduct of GM food safety assessment:

My country has never conducted food safety assessment of GM food but is planning to conduct such assessment in the near future.

Supplemental information on the implementation:

Stacked events

Regulation of stacked events:

There is no regulations in my country on stacked events.

Supplemental information on the stacked events:

Production and trade

GM food/feed production:

My country does not produce any GM food or feed.

GM food/feed imports:

My country does not import any GM food or feed (banned).

Supplemental information on the production and trade:

GMOs are not accepted in Fiji and all goods must be accompanied by a GMO free certification. Chemical residue testing is not undertaken in Fiji but samples in the past have been shipped to the US for testing. Any goods that do not comply are rejected.

LLP/AP incidents

LLP/AP incidents:

My country has not faced any LLP/AP situations in the last 10 years.

Supplemental information on the LLP/AP incidents:

The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF) manages quarantine controls at our borders to minimise the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering the country. It also provides import and export inspection and certification to help retain Fiji’s favorable animal, plant and human health status and wide access to overseas export markets.

BAF undertakes visual inspections and test of all importing goods. Certain countries have specific protocols of good allowed to be imported. GMOs are not accepted in Fiji and all goods must be accompanied by a GMO free certification. Chemical residue testing is not undertaken in Fiji but samples in the past have been shipped to the US for testing. Any goods that do not comply are rejected.

Labelling requirement

Labelling requirement:

My country does not have any labeling regulations/policies on GM food.

Supplemental information on the Labelling requirement:

In terms of food and labelling, the Fijian Food Act could be amended, to make labelling for GMO mandatory for exporters and local food industry.

Relevant links to documents and information prepared by the competent authority responsible for the safety assessment