Commission Seeks Input on Rules for New Genomic Techniques

31 August 2026 — The European Commission has opened a call for evidence on the implementation of the EU’s new rules for plants produced using new genomic techniques (NGTs).

The consultation covers the criteria and verification process for Category 1 NGT plants, considered equivalent to conventionally bred plants, as well as the consent and authorisation procedures for Category 2 plants and their products.

The feedback will feed into an implementing regulation setting out the information operators must provide to demonstrate NGT status and, for Category 1 plants, compliance with the criteria for conventional equivalence.

The Commission said the rules are intended to give operators greater clarity when preparing verification requests and submitting patent information, while supporting Member States and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in applying the new framework.

The call for evidence is open until 28 September 2026. The Commission plans to adopt the implementing regulation in Q1 2028, supplementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1388.