EU adopts new gene‑editing rules for plants, creating two regulatory categories

The European Union approved a new legislative framework for plants developed with emerging genomic techniques in June 2026, introducing a two‑year transition period before the rules take effect. The measure, aimed at updating the bloc’s plant‑breeding regulations, creates a dual‑track system that separates products based on the nature and extent of their genetic modifications.

Under the new scheme, plants classified as Category 1 (NGT‑1) are limited to a small number of genetic changes that could also arise naturally or through conventional breeding methods; these crops will be overseen primarily by the existing rules for conventionally bred varieties. In contrast, Category 2 plants, which involve more extensive or complex alterations, will continue to be subject to the EU’s current genetically modified organism (GMO) regulations. The legislation is expected to streamline approval processes for simpler edits while maintaining stringent oversight for more substantial modifications.