Developing a policy for low-level presence (LLP) : a Canadian case study

Abstract

Agricultural biotechnology research and adoption is increasing. It is estimated that by 2015 there will be a three- to four-fold increase in the number of commercialized biotech products. Also increasing are the complications with international trade given the wide range of acceptance and regulatory capabilities currently in practice globally, specifically, the increasing low-level presence (LLP) of biotech products that have received full regulatory approval in one or more countries but not in the country of import. Canada, recognizing the impact of LLP on international trade, is taking a leadership role. Using a government-industry collaborative model, the Canadian government is developing a domestic regulatory policy to manage LLP from imports and building international collaborations to raise awareness of the impacts of LLP on trade globally. This article details the collaborative government- industry process and the current status of the draft domestic LLP policy and international engagement.