Canadian GM canola will soon be allowed into Pakistan again

Canada's Market Access Secretariat has announced that on October 22, Pakistan’s regulatory agency approved the registration of several genetically modified (GM) canola events. 

Import licenses for GM canola seed are expected to be issued to Pakistani importers in the coming weeks, re-establishing market access for Canadian canola seed exports and allowing shipments to resume shortly thereafter. 

Canada lost access in the fall of 2022, when Pakistan suddenly began enforcing its 2005 Biosafety Rules with no advance notice.

This latest development reflects the success of coordinated advocacy efforts by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and the High Commission of Canada in Islamabad.

Canadian exporters interested in re-entering the Pakistani market are encouraged to contact their local CFIA office for guidance and to work directly with licensed Pakistani importers to confirm product eligibility and import requirements.