Brussels, 08/10/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Council adopted without debate three decisions which will facilitate the implementation by Member States of the Directive on procedures for the authorisation to market and to deliberately release genetically modified organisms into the environment (Directive 2001/18/EC of 12 March 2001 which repealed Directive 90/220/EEC). The Council established:
Explicative notes completing Annex VII of the Directive to explain in detail to Member States the aims and the general principles of the surveillance plan to be implemented after the first marketing of a GMO in order to identify any direct or indirect, immediate, differed or unforeseen effect on human health and the environment. These notes should facilitate the task of companies which, according to the terms of the Directive, must notify their product to the relevant authority before it is marketed and accompany this notification with a surveillance plan conform to Annex VII.
A "Summary Information Format" for the placing on the market of the GMOs. This will help competent national authorities to meet their obligation regarding notification of GMOS as products or elements of products to the Commission before marketing GMOs or a combination of GMOS.
A Summary Notification Information Format concerning the release into the environment of GMOs for purposes other than for commercial marketing.