India-US trade deal: Non-GM certification for soyabean, corn a challenge

Experts want India to be cautious due to cross-contamination risks 
| Photo Credit:
egromov

India is seriously examining US’ demand for market access for soyabean and corn as part of the bilateral interim trade pact under negotiations. But allowing imports of the non-genetically modified (GM) variety – possibly the only choice given the fact that GM varieties are discouraged in India – could face certification challenges, sources said.

“New Delhi is considering US demand for soybean and corn, but a certification guaranteeing that imports are non-GM is crucial. The US government is not too keen on certification as segregating GM soybeans and corn from non-GM is very difficult in America. Separate designated areas exclusively for growing non-GM variety are not common,” a source tracking the matter told businessline.

In the US, the GM variety of soymeal and corn account for over 90 per cent of total production. “Although there are areas where more non-GM crops are grown, these are not exclusive and GM crops can also be grown there,” the source said.

Allowing import of soyabean and corn from the US through self-certification is possible, and is being examined, but it would be risky in case consignments get wrongly certified by the exporters, the source added.

“Imports of GM grains, pulses, oilseeds, fruits, and similar food/feed products is not allowed (in India). Since 2021, over 20 such product categories must be accompanied by non-GMO certification with a 1 per cent tolerance level for accidental presence,” per a report from Global Trade Research Initiative.

GTRI cautioned that because of high cross-contamination risks in India, import of GM products could lead to traces of GM in agriculture exports from the country. This may in turn lead to rejections in the EU and some other markets.

Indian delegation

A negotiating team from India is set to leave for Washington DC to resume talks for an India-US bilateral trade agreement (BTA) after the two sides failed to reach an understanding on a mini deal early this month. The US decided to push reciprocal tariff imposition, at present fixed at 26 per cent for India, to August 1, from the earlier designated date of July 9.

NITI Aayog Member Ramesh Chand recently said at a public forum that India may be inclined towards agreeing to import of soybean and corn from the US in the mini-deal, if it is non-GM.

In 2024, the US was the highest exporter of corn and second-highest of soymeal, in the world. China and Mexico are its largest buyers but with tariff confrontations on, the US wants to diversify.

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Published on July 13, 2025