Proposed Decision establishing the information format for notifications of GMO products that are to be released into the environment for purposes other than placing them on the market

Brussels, 05 July 2002

Proposal for a
COUNCIL DECISION
establishing, pursuant to Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, the summary notification information format for notifications concerning the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms for purposes other than for placing on the market Full Text

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM

1. Under Part B of Directive 2001/18/EC , prior notification must be given to the competent national authority of the planned release of a genetically modified organism (GMO), or of a combination of such organisms, for purposes other than for placing on the market.

2. Within the framework established by the Directive 2001/18/EC for the exchange of information between the competent authorities and the Commission, the authority must then send a summary, in accordance with a specific format, of the notification to the Commission, which in turn must forward copies to the other Member States.

3. That format should reflect the need to enable the fullest possible exchange of relevant information, presented in a standardised and easily comprehensible manner, without prejudice to the fact that the information thus provided cannot serve as the basis for an environmental risk assessment.

4. Article 11(1) of the Directive stipulates that the summary notification information format must be drawn up in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 30. A draft of the measures to be taken has accordingly been submitted for opinion to the committee set up under Article 30 of the Directive.

5. The committee has not delivered an opinion on the proposal. In such a case, Article 30 stipulates that the Commission must forthwith propose to the Council the measures to be adopted and inform the European Parliament thereof. The Council must then act by qualified majority.

6. If, by the expiry of the time limit, the Council has not adopted the proposed implementing measures or has not indicated its opposition to the proposed implementing measures, they shall be adopted by the Commission.

Brussels, 4.7.2002 COM(2002) 361 final