Our client GCP import & Export from Bolivia has recently obtained the Novel Food Notification for chia. This means that GCP is now licensed to export chia seeds directly to all European buyers.
Chia seed is classified as a Novel Food in the European Union due to a lack of history of consumption in the EU before 15 May 1997. In 2009, the marketing of chia seed as a novel food in Europe was first allowed, but its use was restricted to bread with a maximum of 5%. In 2013 an extension of the use of chia was approved by the European Commission. Novel Food legislation requires that any company placing chia in the European market should prove that its product is equivalent to the product approved. For this a notification procedure is in place.
Mercadero compiled and submitted the notification dossier on behalf GCP Import & Export S.R.L., in order to obtain approval for trading and extended use of chia seeds from GCP. The dossier presented proof of substantial equivalence between the chia seed produced by GCP and the originally authorised chia seed from The Chia Company (TCC). The process of notification has been remarkably slow, altogether taking thirteen months. Reportedly, this was caused by the limited capacity at the Dutch Competent Authority, the Novel Food Unit of the CBG (Commissie Beoordeling Geneesmiddelen).
Next week GCP will exhibit at Biofach 2016 in Hall 2 stand 441. Contact us if you are interested in buying chia and wish to make an appointment.
