Public Consultation on Draft Interpretation of GMO definition

FSC invites all certification bodies to participate in the public consultation on the Draft Interpretation of GMO definition (INT-FSC-STD-01-001_19), which is now open.

This interpretation intends to reinforce and clarify how FSC addresses organisms developed through modern genetic technologies. It reaffirms the prohibition of such technologies in FSC-certified operations, and supports the intent of FSC’s normative framework to prevent the use of GMOs in a manner that could compromise natural forest dynamics or ecosystem resilience.

The interpretation specifically clarifies that the GMO definition includes organisms whose genetic material has been altered using modern genetic engineering technologies, such as CRISPR-based gene editing.

To provide your inputs, you can access the consultation in English, Spanish and French. This consultation will close on 28 September 2025.

If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact the Policy Innovation team at policyinnovation@fsc.org.