China has ratified the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, which regulates international trade of genetically modified organisms (GMO), the State Environmental Protection Administration SEPA) announced Thursday.

The Cartagena protocol obliges exporters to give greater information to recipient nations about GMO products. It also gives importers the power to reject GMO imports or donations -- even without scientific proof -- if they might pose a danger to traditional crops and indigenous societies.

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, a part of the Convention on Biological Diversity, became effective in September 2003 and has been ratified by 120 countries.

"The ratification of the protocol demonstrates China's commitment to enhancing management on biosafety in line with international law," said Wan Bentai, director of SEPA's Natural Ecosystem Department.

He said the ratification will also promote the country's legislation on the topic, strengthen its management of GMO cross-border movement, improve GMO labeling system and promote public involvement in biosafety.

"China is drafting a law on GMO safety in order to better implement the protocol," Wan said.

Despite that there has been much progress in GMO research since1980s, China still has many loopholes in its biosafety management, including ineffective supervision in the face of growing import of GMO products.

Biotechnology broadly relates to the transfer of genes from oneorganism to another, giving the recipient favorable characteristics. For instance, biotechnology can be used to protect crops from pests and diseases or to make them grow faster.

Some types of tomatoes and strawberries have been modified by agene from a cold water fish to protect the plants from frost. Opponents say such practices risk damaging the environment and increasing the risks of species loss.

Wan said that the ratification of the protocol is also part of the country's efforts to conserve biodiversity which is under serious threat. He pledged that the SEPA will take more concrete steps in the regard.