International Trade in Genetically Modified Organisms: with Reference to Applications of the Procautionary Priniciple

The phenomenon of global warming is, along with causing other deleterious effects in the environment, also adversely affecting staple crop production and cash crops of human consumption. On the other hand, the world human population is fast growing, notably in developing and least developed countries. In order to provide food to all for all times to come. GM crops have been developed via gene manipulation. They are the only means to feed the ever-growing population, as they can face adverse weather conditions and give pumper yield. The producers of GMOs, living and non-living strive to export them to all countries, but the safety concerns about them is triggering hindrance in international trade in them. The safety concerns pertain to human, animal, plant life and health. Thus, concern goes beyond the human health and covers the dynamics and structure of the environment. At international level, there are two legal instruments. the Cartagena Protocol, made under the Convention on Biological Diversity. and the SPS Agreement, a part of the WTO legal regime. Both aim to ensure the safety aspects of GMOs, as both endorse and apply the precautionary principle but with different objectives. one on conservation of the biological diversity and the other one on safe promotion of international trade. This has resulted in the conflict situation between the two laws. The irony is that when the matter goes to the DSB of WTO to decide on issues. WTO Panels and Appellate Body prefer to rely on the provisions contained in the SPS Agreement. The book entitled International Trade in Genetically Modified Organisms (With Reference to Application of the Precautionary Principle) thoroughly discusses various aspects pertaining to applicability of the precautionary principle under both the laws with special reference to international trade in GMOs. Authors present their viewpoint on topical issues and offer viable suggestions for states and international organizations to adopt. The book will certainly be an asset to both developed and developing countries. It is also provides immense information to policymakers and researchers embarking on international trade in economics and law.