|
At their recent meeting in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, the 87 parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, which entered into force in September 2003, have agreed on documentation requirements and other procedures for promoting the safety of international trade in living or genetically modified organisms.
Under the new system, all bulk shipments of genetically engineered crops intended for food, feed or processing (such as soybeans and maize) are to be identified as “may contain LMOs.” The accompanying documentation must also indicate the contact details of the importer, exporter or other appropriate authority.
|
|
|
Over the next year, an expert group will further spell out the documentation and handling requirements for these bulk agricultural shipments. A key issue still to be resolved concerns the percentage of modified material that a shipment may contain and still be considered GMO-free.
Agreement was also reached on more detailed documentation requirements for those GMOs (such as genetically engineered seeds and fish) that are meant to be introduced directly into the environment. The documentation accompanying such GMOs is to specify the common, scientific and commercial names of the modified organism, the transformation event code or unique identifier code, any handling and storage requirements, contact details in the case of emergency and how the GMO is to be used.
|
|
“Now that a system for identifying and labeling GMO exports has become operational, countries can enjoy the benefits of biotechnology with greater confidence, while avoiding potential risks,” said Hamdallah Zedan, the protocol’s executive secretary. “This rigorous system for handling, transporting, packaging and identifying GMOs is in the best interests of everyone – developed and developing countries, consumers and industry, and all those who care deeply about our natural environment.”
The meeting also established a 15-member compliance committee that will submit regular reports and recommendations to the governing body of the protocol.
A negotiating group of legal and technical experts on liability and redress for damages resulting from transboundary movements of GMOs was launched and asked to submit its recommendations by 2008. The group will consider such issues as insurance and the definition and valuation of damage to biodiversity.
|
Hamdallah Zedan, executive secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (left) with Thomas R. Jacob, (DuPont), following a meeting with business and industry delegates.
|
|
Other decisions adopted focus on making fully functional the Biosafety Clearing House – which will enable governments to share information on GMOs, national legislation, and other critical matters relating to biosafety – and implementing a comprehensive action plan to promote capacity building.
Governments adopted the Biosafety Protocol in January 2000 to ensure the safe transfer, handling and use of GMOs that may adversely affect the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity.
The protocol is part of the Convention on Biological Diversity signed by over 150 governments at the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development.
More UN Reports
More on USCIB’s Biotechnology Committee
More on USCIB’s Environment Committee
|
