India tops the world in Nagoya Protocol compliance certificates with over 56% share
As of March 2026, India had issued 3,561 of the world's 6,311 Internationally Recognized Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) under the Nagoya Protocol – over 56%.
Summary
India has become the global leader in issuing Internationally Recognized Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing, the Environment Ministry said on 31 March 2026. India has issued 3,561 of the 6,311 IRCCs worldwide, followed by France with 964. Only 34 of the 142 countries registered on the ABS Clearing-House have issued IRCCs. India implements the protocol through the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and the National Biodiversity Authority.
Key facts
- India's IRCCs
- 3,561 of 6,311 worldwide (over 56%)
- Second
- France – 964; then Spain 320, Argentina 257
- ABS Clearing-House
- 142 countries registered; only 34 have issued IRCCs
- IRCC proves
- Prior Informed Consent and Mutually Agreed Terms
- Indian law
- Biological Diversity Act, 2002; National Biodiversity Authority
Practice MCQs 3 questions
India leads the world in issuing Internationally Recognized Certificates of Compliance (IRCCs) under which international agreement?
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Correct answer: B — Nagoya Protocol
India is the global leader in issuing IRCCs under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing.
As reported in March 2026, which country is second after India in the number of IRCCs issued under the Nagoya Protocol?
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Correct answer: A — France
India (3,561) is followed by France with 964 certificates, then Spain (320) and Argentina (257).
Consider the following statements: 1. India accounts for over 56% of all IRCCs issued worldwide under the Nagoya Protocol. 2. All 142 countries registered on the ABS Clearing-House have issued IRCCs. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
India has issued 3,561 of 6,311 IRCCs (over 56%); of the 142 registered countries, only 34 have issued IRCCs.