Key provisions of the biosafety protocol
SCOPE: Living modified organisms (LMOs) intended for introduction into the environment and LMOs for food, feed or processing (LMO-FFPs) are covered by the protocol. Pharmaceuticals are subject to the pre-existing relevant agreements.
ADVANCE INFORMED AGREEMENT (AIA): All LMOs intended for "intentional introduction into the environment' shall be subject to AIA by the country of import.
PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE: Lack of scientific certainty due to insufficient relevant scientific information and knowledge will not prevent a country from taking a decision to avoid or minimize potential adverse effects.
BIOSAFETY CLEARING-HOUSE: National authorities are to report decisions on LMO-FFPs to the clearinghouse. Once an LMO is approved, exporters do not have to notify the national authorities of intent to export the LMO to their country.
LABELING OF COMMODITIES: This article requires that all LMO-FFPs be clearly labelled to indicate that they "may contain LMOs'.
SOCIOECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS: In deciding on import of LMOs, countries may consider the impact of living modified organisms on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, especially with regard to the value of biological diversity to indigenous and local communities.
LIABILITY AND REDRESS: This issue is to be taken up in the first meeting after entrance into force of the protocol (pending 50 ratifications) and resolved within four years of that meeting.
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