August 25, 2021 – As part of ongoing implementation of its revised biotechnology regulations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is sharing a draft guide detailing the information requirements and process for submitting a Regulatory Status Review (RSR) request, which determines the regulatory status of a plant developed using genetic engineering, and inviting public comment for 60 days. APHIS will also host a webinar to provide an overview of the draft RSR guide.

The revised biotechnology regulations in 7 CFR part 340 identify high-level information requirements for submissions of RSR requests. In response to comments on the proposed rule, APHIS added a public notice and comment process by which the Agency would publish detailed information requirements for public comment prior to finalizing and implementation.

The draft RSR guide is available on the APHIS website, and members of the public may submit comments at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/APHIS-2021-0062. We will consider all comments received by October, 25, 2021, prior to issuing the final RSR guide. Additionally, APHIS will host a technical webinar on September 21, 2021, to discuss the RSR process and guide, and provide stakeholders the opportunity to ask questions. Registration is available now on the APHIS website.

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