India Leads Globally in Issuing Compliance Certificates under Nagoya Protocol | 01 Apr 2026

Why in News? 

India has emerged as the global leader in issuing Internationally Recognised Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS). 

Key Points 

• Global Leader: India has issued 3,561 IRCCs out of a global total of 6,311, accounting for over 56% of all certificates worldwide, making it the leading country in implementing the protocol. 
  • The certificates are recorded on the ABS Clearing-House, a global platform designed to promote transparency and accountability in the use of genetic resources.  
• Limited Participation Globally: Out of 142 countries registered on the ABS Clearing-House platform, only 34 countries have issued IRCCs so far. 
  • After India, the countries issuing the highest number of certificates include France (964), Spain (320), Argentina (257), Panama (156), and Kenya (144).  
• Purpose of IRCCs: IRCCs serve as official proof that Prior Informed Consent (PIC) has been obtained and Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) have been established between users and providers of genetic resources. 
  • These certificates help track the use of genetic resources from research and innovation to commercial applications, ensuring that benefits are shared fairly with the provider country. 
• Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) Framework: The ABS framework ensures that when biological resources such as plants and microorganisms are used by companies or researchers, the benefits are shared with local communities and farmers who conserve these resources. 
• Nagoya Protocol: The Nagoya Protocol is an international agreement under the Convention on Biological Diversity that aims to ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the utilisation of genetic resources. 
  • The Nagoya Protocol was adopted on 29th October 2010 in Nagoya, Japan. 
  • Came into Force: 12th October 2014. 
  • India ratified the protocol in 2012