Genetically modified (GM) seeds, animals for breeding, fertilizer and pesticide must pass safety assessments before they are imported to China, said the Ministry of Agriculture Tuesday.

Overseas companies are to apply to the Chinese government for the products they want to import into the Chinese market, according to a new regulation announced by the Ministry.

The products must pass three tests before receiving certificates.

The regulation sorts imported GM farm products into three categories, one for scientific research, another for production and the third as raw material for processing. Seeds, animals for breeding, fertilizer and pesticide belong to the second category.

According to another safety assessment regulation announced at the same time, the country will put GM farm products into four grades varying from safe to highly hazardous.

The two regulations will go into effect on March 20.

An independent commission, made up of experts from related fields, will be in charge of the assessment. Members of the commission will change every three years.

(Xinhua News Agency January 8, 2002)