October 8, 2010

Source: Black Sea Biotechnology Association

Dmitry Medvedev, the President of the Russian Federation has signed amendments to the Federal Law “On the state regulation in the field of genetic engineering activities” approved earlier by the Federal Assembly.

The Law establishes a system to ensure the safety of genetic engineering. The new redaction of Article 6 of the Act stipulates that all activities carried out in contained systems, and belonging to the IIIrd and the IVth levels of risk are subject to state licensing in accordance with Russian legislation. Article 7 says that any intentional release of genetically modified organisms, products thereof or products obtained with the use of such organisms or containing such organisms are subject to state registration in the manner prescribed by the Government of the Russian Federation.

Obviously, the consequence of the amendments will become radical restructuring of the system of permits and registration of GMO’s and their products, both legal and organizational requiring quite a lengthy time period.

The Law enters into force in 180 days after it’s official publication (6 October 2010).

The Law on amendments and official text of amendments...

Website: http://www.bsbanet.org

Published: October 8, 2010