India has emerged as the world's leading nation in issuing Internationally Recognized Compliance Certificates (IRCCs).

India has emerged as the world's leading nation in issuing Internationally Recognized Compliance Certificates (IRCCs).

• These certificates are issued under the 'Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing.'
• IRCCs serve as official confirmations of compliance with regulatory norms.
• They verify that Prior Informed Consent has been obtained.
• They also confirm that Mutually Agreed Terms have been established.
• These agreements are concluded between the users and providers of genetic resources.
• IRCCs promote transparency in the utilization of biological material.
• They also ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from such utilization.
• Data from the ABS Clearing-House highlights India's strong standing in this domain.
• India has issued 3,561 IRCCs globally. The total number of IRCCs issued worldwide stands at 6,311.
• India accounts for over 56 percent of all certificates issued.
• A total of 142 countries are registered on this platform; however, only 34 of them have issued IRCCs.
• France ranks second in this regard, having issued 964 certificates.
• Other contributing nations include Spain, Argentina, Panama, and Kenya.
• This performance by India reflects the robust implementation of its ABS framework.
• This framework is underpinned by the 'Biological Diversity Act, 2002.'