The case for and against import embargoes on products of biotechnology.

Abstract

This article examines alternative trade policy responses available to an importing country with concerns over innovations in biotechnology. Regardless of the policy response, the importing country may be worse off after a new genetically modified food (GMF) is introduced. While an import embargo may be preferable to allowing free access to unlabelled GMF imports, permitting labelled imports is typically superior to an embargo. Thus, import embargoes on products of biotechnology should not be generally allowed. The paper provides surprising support for the existing WTO provisions on Technical Barriers to Trade, but suggests significant potential problems with the recently negotiated Biosafety Protocol.