Key data
| Regulation | Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2121 |
|---|---|
| Reference | OJ:L_202602121 — C(2026) 6605 |
| Publication | 25 September 2026 |
| Entry into force | Not specified in the regulation |
| Legal basis | Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 on genetically modified food and feed |
| Affected parties | Importers, food and feed manufacturers, distributors using MON 87460 corn |
| Category | European Regulation |
| Year | 2026 |
Importers and food and feed manufacturers working with MON 87460 corn can continue operating in the EU: Implementing Decision 2026/2121, published on 25 September 2026, renews the marketing authorization for this genetically modified corn in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 on genetically modified food and feed.
The renewal is neither automatic nor unconditional. It comes with a set of operational requirements that companies must verify and, where necessary, update in their internal processes.
What does this regulation establish?
MON 87460 corn is a genetically modified variety developed to tolerate drought. Its marketing authorization in the EU is governed by Regulation (EC) 1829/2003, which regulates genetically modified food and feed.
Decision 2026/2121 renews this authorization and establishes that the affected products are those that:
- Contain MON 87460 corn
- Are composed of MON 87460 corn
- Have been produced from MON 87460 corn
The renewal is subject to three main conditions:
| Obligation | Description |
|---|---|
| Labeling | Products must comply with labeling requirements established for food and feed with GMOs in accordance with Regulation (EC) 1829/2003 |
| Traceability | Companies must ensure traceability of MON 87460 corn throughout the entire supply chain |
| Post-market surveillance | The authorization holder must actively monitor the product in the market and periodically notify the results to the European Commission |
Economic and operational impact
The renewal of authorization has a primarily operational and compliance impact for affected companies. No new fees or tariffs are introduced, but existing obligations under Regulation (EC) 1829/2003 are maintained and must be verified.
Costs for companies derive from:
- Review and update of labeling of products containing or produced from MON 87460 corn, to ensure they comply with current requirements.
- Maintenance of traceability systems that allow identification of the origin and path of MON 87460 corn in the supply chain.
- Management of post-market surveillance and preparation of periodic reports to be submitted to the European Commission.
The risk of inaction is clear: failure to comply with traceability and labeling requirements may result in market withdrawal of affected products and the imposition of administrative sanctions.
Who does it affect?
- Importers of MON 87460 corn or products made from it that market in the EU.
- Food manufacturers that use MON 87460 corn as an ingredient or raw material.
- Feed manufacturers that incorporate MON 87460 corn in their formulations.
- Distributors that place on the European market products containing or composed of this genetically modified corn.
- Authorization holders, who have the specific obligation to execute the post-market surveillance plan and periodically notify the Commission.
Practical example
A Spanish compound feed manufacturer that imports corn from the United States and uses MON 87460 corn in its formulation must, following the renewal of authorization:
- Verify the labeling of its finished products: they must clearly indicate that they contain or have been produced from genetically modified MON 87460 corn, in accordance with Regulation (EC) 1829/2003.
- Review its internal traceability system to ensure it can identify at all times the batches containing this corn, from receipt of raw materials to delivery to the customer.
- Coordinate with the authorization holder (or verify that it does) compliance with the post-market surveillance plan and periodic notifications to the European Commission.
If an inspection detects that the labeling does not mention the genetically modified origin of the corn or that traceability is not documented, the product may be withdrawn from the market and the company may face administrative sanctions.
What should companies do now?
- Identify if they use MON 87460 corn in any of their products (as an ingredient, component or production raw material) and map all affected products.
- Review current labeling of those products and confirm that it complies with the requirements of Regulation (EC) 1829/2003 for food and feed with GMOs.
- Audit the internal traceability system to ensure that MON 87460 corn can be traced throughout the supply chain, from supplier to point of sale.
- Verify post-market surveillance obligations: if the company is the authorization holder, it must have the monitoring plan in place and the mechanisms for periodic notification to the European Commission.
- Document compliance to be prepared for possible inspections by competent authorities. Non-compliance may result in market withdrawal and administrative sanctions.
Frequently asked questions
What products are affected by the renewal of MON 87460 corn authorization?
All products containing MON 87460 corn, composed of it or produced from it are affected. This includes both food for human consumption and animal feed that incorporates this genetically modified variety as an ingredient or raw material.
What labeling obligations does Decision 2026/2121 impose?
The regulation requires compliance with labeling requirements established in Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003. Products must clearly identify that they contain, are composed of or have been produced from genetically modified MON 87460 corn. No new labeling requirements have been introduced with this renewal, but companies must verify that their current labeling remains compliant.
What happens if a company does not comply with traceability or labeling?
According to Decision 2026/2121, failure to comply with traceability and labeling requirements may result in market withdrawal of affected products and the imposition of administrative sanctions. The regulation does not specify specific penalty amounts, which will depend on the national legislation of each Member State.
Who is responsible for conducting post-market surveillance?
The obligation to execute the post-market surveillance plan and periodically notify the results to the European Commission rests with the holder of the marketing authorization for MON 87460 corn. Manufacturers and importers who are not holders must coordinate with it to ensure compliance with this obligation.
When does the renewal of MON 87460 corn authorization enter into force?
Implementing Decision 2026/2121 was published on 25 September 2026. The entry into force date is not specified in the available data of the regulation. It is recommended to consult the full text in the EU Official Journal to confirm the exact date of application.
Official source
Consult full 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_202602121
