Genetically modified cotton: EU closes 5 authorizations and affects feed importers and manufacturers

Key data

Companies that imported or used genetically modified cotton of the varieties MON 88913, MON 15985, MON 1445, MON 531 × MON 1445 and MON 531 face an immediate operational change. Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1125, published on 28 May 2026, formally closes the renewal procedures for marketing authorizations of these five varieties under the Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 on genetically modified food and feed.

The closure occurs because applicants have withdrawn their renewal requests or these have expired. The practical result is the same: these varieties no longer have valid authorization in the EU and cannot continue to be marketed under the previous regulatory framework.

What does this regulation establish?

Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 requires that any food or feed containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have express authorization for marketing in the EU. These authorizations have limited validity and must be renewed periodically.

Decision 2026/1125 closes the renewal procedures for the following five varieties of genetically modified cotton:

The closure of the procedures means that current authorizations will not be renewed. Applicants have withdrawn their requests or these have expired without the renewal process being completed. As of the entry into force of this decision, these varieties do not have regulatory coverage for marketing in the EU market.

Economic and operational impact

The main impact of this decision is the interruption of the supply chain for all operators who depended on these five varieties of genetically modified cotton. This translates into concrete operational consequences:

• Importers: Cannot continue to introduce into the EU products that contain or are derived from these varieties without incurring regulatory non-compliance.
• Feed manufacturers: Must review raw materials used and replace affected varieties with authorized alternatives.
• Agricultural sector companies: Any product derived from genetically modified cotton of these varieties marketed in the EU falls outside the current legal framework.

The cost of adaptation will depend on the volume of operations of each company and the availability of authorized alternative varieties in the market. No aggregate economic impact figures have been published in the decision.

Who does it affect?

• Importers of genetically modified cotton that introduce into the EU products based on varieties MON 88913, MON 15985, MON 1445, MON 531 × MON 1445 or MON 531.
• Feed manufacturers that use meals, cakes or by-products derived from these cotton varieties as ingredients.
• Agricultural sector companies that market or process products derived from these varieties in the European market.
• Distributors and food chain operators that handle products that may contain traces or derivatives of these varieties.

Practical example

A Spanish compound feed manufacturer for livestock that used cotton cake derived from the MON 1445 (MON-Ø1445-2) variety as a protein source in its formulations must act immediately. Since the renewal procedure for the authorization of this variety has been closed, continuing to use that ingredient means operating outside the framework of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003.

This manufacturer will need to: (1) identify which batches of raw material in stock correspond to this variety, (2) review its supply contracts and notify its suppliers of the change in requirements, and (3) seek an alternative cotton variety that has valid authorization in the EU or replace the ingredient with another authorized protein source. The same process applies to any of the other four affected varieties.

What should companies do now?

1. Audit current stock and raw materials: Identify whether any product in storage, in transit or in formulation contains or is derived from varieties MON 88913, MON 15985, MON 1445, MON 531 × MON 1445 or MON 531.
2. Review contracts with suppliers: Notify suppliers of the regulatory change and require compliance statements on the origin and variety of cotton supplied.
3. Identify authorized alternatives: Consult the EFSA register of authorized GMOs to locate varieties of genetically modified cotton that do have valid authorization in the EU.
4. Update labeling and technical documentation: If changing variety or ingredient, review the labeling of final products and compliance technical documentation.
5. Consult with specialized legal advice: For operations with significant volumes, assess the risk of non-compliance and the implications of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 with a specialist in food and feed regulations.

Official source

Consult complete regulation in official source

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific decisions, consult a qualified professional. Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/./legal-content/AUTO/?uri=OJ:L_202601125