Australia
December 6, 2013

The Gene Technology Regulator has issued a new application form specifically for limited and controlled release (field trial) of GM plants: Application for a licence for dealings involving intentional release (DIR) of GM plants into the environment under limited and controlled conditions.

Development of this new form has allowed the science-related questions to be tailored to the specific information required for risk analysis of GM plant limited and controlled release applications. Additionally, the new form has links to example answers intended to assist with completing the form and illustrate the kind of information expected for conducting risk analysis.

To make transition to the new form easier, the Regulator will continue to accept applications for limited and controlled release of GM plants in the existing general application form until April 2014. The existing general form (Application for licence for dealings with a GMO involving intentional release of the GMO into the environment) must also continue to be used for all other DIR licence applications not covered by specific application forms. The Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) is developing a form for commercial release of GM plants and may also develop specific forms for non-plant applications.

If you have any specific queries or experience problems while filling in the new form please contact the OGTR on free call 1800 181 030 or by email.

Website: http://www.ogtr.gov.au

Published: December 6, 2013