Import procedures to import GM products
- The application for a permit to import products derived from GMOs for direct use as food, feed or for processing shall be accompanied by:
- A duly filled application form;
- An Import Permit fee of Nu. 500; and
- All required documentation requirements as per the Guidelines for Handling Applications for GMOs and their products:
- For issuance of import permit for approved GMOs intended for further processing, the applicant is required to have in place processing facilities approved by the relevant authorities.
- All GMOs intended for imports shall also meet the biosecurity requirements as per the Plant and Animal Quarantine regulatory requirements.
- For approved GMOs, the applicant shall process for Import Permit at least fifteen (15) working days prior to the intended date of import and BAFRA shall issue a permit, with or without conditions, within ten (10) working days of receipt of the application, if it fulfills all the biosecurity requirements.
- Applications for permit pertaining to GMOs which have not been approved, BAFRA shall review and process the application as per the Guideline for handling applications for GMOs and their products approval.
- Products derived from GMOs may be imported into Bhutan only at officially designated border points.
- The permit issued shall be used solely by the person to whom it is issued and is not transferable to any other person.
- The permit shall be valid for a period of sixty (60) days from the date of issue, but may be renewed for 30 days unless there is non-compliance to any of the imposed condition.
Export Procedures
- An application for export of products derived from imported GMOs may be made in the form prescribed by BAFRA with Export Certificate fee of Nu. 500.
- Applicants may process for export certificate at least fifteen (15) working days prior to the intended date of export.
- Products derived from GMOs should be exported from Bhutan only at officially designated border points.