Contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms GMM (amend. Directive 90/219/EEC)

The common position provides for administrative measures, notification rules and containment and other protective measures applied to the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms (GMMs). The Council adopted 28 of the 35 amendments proposed by the European Parliament and incorporated by the Commission in its proposal. As a result, certain aspects of the text have been strengthened: - the disposal of waste is specifically taken into account; - in cases of doubt of the classification of an activity, more stringent safety measures are applied; - the administrative control has been reinforced by the requirement to obtain explicit consent for all class 3 and class 4 work with GMMs; - the requirement for emergency plans has been extended to all cases where failure of containment could lead to serious danger; - the containment and control measures have been strengthened by the incorporation of a requirement to apply the principles of good occupational safety and hygiene; - references to the identification of potentially harmful effects to hand washing facilities and to surfaces resistant to water and decontamination agents have been introduced. The common position also provides for the possibility of specific exclusion from disclosure, after justification, for items mentioned in article 3(2) of directive 90/313/EEC on freedom of access to information on the environment to accommodate concerns on national security. The common position does not incorporate the amendments: - seeking to change the definition of contained utilisation; - making it possible for the notifier to request a decision within 45 days; - seeking the addition of the words "safety measures" as part of emergency plans with regard to information provided to organisations possibly at risk from accidents; - seeking to implement type II instead of a type III b procedure with regard to the Regulatory Committee. �