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Transboundary Movement of GMOs

Regulation (EC) No 1946/2003 of 15 July 2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council on transboundary movement of genetically modified organisms sets up a common system of notification and information exchange for the transboundary movements of GMOs. This regulation also transposes the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety into EU law. This protocol is an international agreement which aims to ensure the safe handling, transport and use of living modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health. The Regulation, which addresses in particular exports of GMOs, obliges EU countries to take legal, administrative and other measures to implement their commitments under the Protocol.

Exporters of GMOs must state that the product contains or consists of GMOs and as well as the unique identification code(s) assigned to those GMOs, if such codes exist. The exporter must provide additional details as outlined in Regulation (EC) No 1946/2003 depending upon the nature of the GMO.