India has become the global leader in issuing Internationally Recognized Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS).
- India has issued 3,561 IRCCs out of 6,311 globally (≈56%)
- Data recorded on the ABS Clearing-House platform
- Only 34 out of 142 registered countries have issued IRCCs
- Next leading countries: France (964), Spain (320), Argentina (257), Panama (156), Kenya (144)
This reflects India’s strong implementation of biodiversity governance mechanisms.
What are IRCCs?
Internationally Recognized Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) are electronic permits that certify legal access to genetic resources.
They confirm that:
- Prior Informed Consent (PIC) has been obtained
- Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) have been established
IRCCs ensure transparency, traceability, and fair benefit-sharing from the use of biological resources in research and commercial applications.
How IRCCs Work (Process)
- Application: User applies to National Authority (in India, NBA)
- Approval: Consent (PIC) and benefit-sharing terms (MAT) verified
- Permit Upload: Details submitted to ABS Clearing-House
- IRCC Generation: Global certificate issued for compliance tracking
India’s ABS Framework
India’s leadership is driven by effective implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
Key institutions:
- National Biodiversity Authority (Chennai)
- State Biodiversity Boards
- Biodiversity Management Committees (local level)
The framework ensures that benefits from biological resources (plants, microbes, etc.) are shared with local communities and farmers.
About Nagoya Protocol (ABS)
The Nagoya Protocol is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
- Adopted: 2010 (Nagoya, Japan)
- Entered into force: 2014
- Members: 141 Parties (including EU)
Objective: Ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
Key Features of Nagoya Protocol
- Access Obligations: Requires Prior Informed Consent (PIC)
- Benefit-Sharing: Based on Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT)
- Compliance Mechanism: Ensures legal use of resources
- Traditional Knowledge Protection: Safeguards indigenous knowledge
- ABS Clearing-House: Global platform for transparency
India and Nagoya Protocol
- Signed: 2011
- Ratified: 2012
- Implemented via Biological Diversity Act, 2002 & Rules, 2004
- Demonstrates a robust institutional and legal framework for biodiversity governance