Guide to EU Regulations (Text version)
There are a number of pieces of legislation which cover the the authorisation of GMOs. Which piece of legislation is relevant will depend on what stage of development the GMO is at and how it will ultimately be used. The following questions will help you decide which Regulations or Directive are relevant. The links will take you through to more detailed information.
1. Is the GMO to be exported?
- Yes - Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
- No - Go to question 2
2. Will the GM plant be used only inside (e.g. in a laboratory or glasshouse)?
- Yes - Contained use Directive: 98/81/EC
- No - go to question 3
3. Will the GM plant be used for field trials only?
- Yes - Deliberate Release Directive 2001/18/EC: Part B
- No - go to Question 4
4. Is the GM plant to be used as an animal feed and/or human food?
- Yes - Food and Feed Regulations (EC) No. 1829/2003
- No - Deliberate Release Directive 2001/18/EC: Part C
- Also - Traceability and labelling regulations (EC) No. 1830/2003 (Covers traceability of all commercially released GMOs).