16. How does the Protocol address handling, transport, packaging and identification of living modified organisms?
The Protocol provides for practical requirements that are deemed to contribute to the safe movement of LMOs. Parties are required to take measures for the safe handling, packaging and transportation of LMOs that are subject to transboundary movement. The Protocol specifies requirements on identification by setting out what information must be provided in documentation that should accompany transboundary shipments of LMOs. It also leaves room for possible future development of standards for handling, packaging, transport and identification of LMOs by the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol. The first meeting of COP-MOP adopted decisions outlining identification requirements for different categories of LMOs (
Decision BS-I/6).
Each Party is required to take measures ensuring that LMOs subject to intentional transboundary movement are accompanied by documentation identifying the LMOs and providing contact details of persons responsible for such movement. The details of these requirements vary according to the intended use of the LMOs, and, in the case of LMOs for food, feed or for processing, they should be further addressed by the governing body of the Protocol – the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties. (see
Article 18) Further information on Article 18 is available on the
Protocol home page.
