Genetically modified soy MON 94313 authorized in the EU: what importers and feed manufacturers must do

Key data

Soy importers and feed and food manufacturers operating in the EU have a new genetically modified variety available on the market: MON 94313 soy. The Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2117, published on 25 September 2026, authorizes its marketing in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 on genetically modified food and feed.

The authorization opens the door to importing, processing and marketing products that contain, are composed of or have been produced from this soy variety. What does not change: cultivation of MON 94313 in European soil remains prohibited. The impact is immediate for the entire agri-food supply chain that depends on soy imports.

What does this regulation establish?

The decision regulates three fundamental aspects that every company in the sector must know:

The authorization is part of the EU's standard procedure for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) intended for the food chain. Any product containing MON 94313 — whether as an ingredient, as feed or as processed raw material — must comply with the labeling requirements that identify its genetically modified nature before reaching the market.

Economic and operational impact

The authorization has direct consequences in two areas: supply opportunities and operational adaptation costs.

Opportunities: Companies that import soy for feed manufacturing or food processing gain access to a new genetically modified variety, which can expand sourcing options and potentially improve price conditions or availability compared to other already authorized varieties.

Adaptation costs: The authorization is not free operationally. Affected companies must assume:

• Review and update of labeling of all products incorporating MON 94313, with explicit mention of genetically modified origin.
• Adaptation of traceability systems to ensure that the origin of the soy is documented throughout the entire supply chain.
• Review of supplier contracts to include variety specifications and documentation requirements required by the regulation.
• Internal training of procurement, quality and labeling teams on the new applicable requirements.

The economic risk of non-compliance is real: the regulation expressly provides for sanctions and market withdrawal for products that do not comply with the authorization conditions. A product withdrawal involves direct costs of reverse logistics, stock destruction and possible customer claims, in addition to administrative sanctions.

Who does it affect?

• Soy importers who bring this variety from third countries (mainly South America and North America).
• Feed manufacturers for livestock that use soy meal or extract as a protein ingredient.
• Food processors that use soy or derivatives (oil, lecithin, soy protein) in their formulations.
• Livestock industry that purchases feed made with this variety and must know the traceability of its inputs.
• Distributors and logistics operators that handle or store products derived from MON 94313 and must ensure proper segregation and documentation.

Practical example

A compound feed manufacturer for pigs decides to incorporate MON 94313 soy meal imported from Brazil into its standard formulation, taking advantage of the new authorization.

To do so legally, it must:

1. Verify with its supplier that the soy is correctly identified as MON 94313 and has the traceability documentation required by Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003.
2. Update the label of the compound feed to include the mandatory mention of the genetically modified origin of the soy used.
3. Internally record the batch, supplier and volume of MON 94313 incorporated, so that any inspection can verify compliance.

If the company markets the feed without updating the labeling or without proper traceability documentation, it exposes itself to administrative sanctions and product withdrawal from the market, with the economic and reputational costs that this entails.

What should companies do now?

1. Review the supplier catalog: Identify if any current supplier supplies or can supply MON 94313 soy and request variety identification documentation.
2. Update labeling: Any product that contains, is composed of or has been produced from MON 94313 soy must carry explicit mention of genetically modified origin, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003.
3. Adapt traceability systems: Ensure that internal records allow identification of which batches contain MON 94313, from receipt of raw material to marketing of the final product.
4. Review supply contracts: Include clauses that require suppliers to correctly identify the variety and provide the documentation required by European regulation.
5. Train quality and procurement teams: Ensure that people responsible for procurement, labeling and quality control know the specific requirements of this authorization.
6. Verify that it is not used for cultivation: The authorization covers exclusively import, processing and marketing. Cultivation of MON 94313 in European soil is expressly prohibited and its violation entails sanctions.

Official source

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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_202602117