Published on 3 November 2004

Biosafety: Federal Council adopts the Cartagena Ordinance

Bern, 3.11.2004 - The Federal Council has adopted the Cartagena Ordinance governing the export of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Companies must henceforth obtain authorisation from the importing country prior to shipment of GMOs, and are obliged to provide detailed information on the product. An early-warning system must be set up to detect and respond to unintentional transboundary movement of GMOs. The new ordinance will come into force on 1 January, 2005.