The Labour Inspection Department of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance informs all stakeholders that the use of Genetically Modified Microorganisms (GMMs) is subject to legal obligations.
A GMM is any microorganism (bacteria, viruses or fungi) whose genetic material has undergone any changes that do not occur under normal conditions.
According to the Genetically Modified Microorganisms (Limited Use) Law of 2004 (L. 15(I)/2004), which harmonizes the Cypriot legislation with Directive 2009/41, "Restricted Use of Genetically Modified Microorganisms" is defined as any activity in which microorganisms are genetically modified, cultivated, stored, transported, destroyed, disposed of or used in any other way and for which restrictive/safety measures are used to limit their contact with the general population and the environment.
In the framework established by the above legislation, before the use of GMMs in an establishment can commence, a notification must first be submitted by the user to the competent authority (Minister of Labour and Social Insurance).
The information to be submitted with the notification is set out in Part B of Annex V of the above Law.
The correctness and completeness of the information contained in the said Notification is examined by the "Technical Licensing Committee" and the Minister then proceeds to issue a Written Licence which includes specific conditions concerning the limited use of GMMs as well as the duration of the Licence.
Section 14 of the above Law provides that any user who submits a Notification or who has been granted a Limited Use License or whose Notification or License is amended, shall pay a fee determined by the Minister in the Notification KDP. 2/2023.
TEEE invites all those who use GMMs in their activities, such as Academic Institutions, Hospital and Medical Departments (Public and Private Sector), Research Centres, Microbiological and Clinical Laboratories or any other scientific groups, as well as the Pharmaceutical Industry, should contact the relevant Officials at 22405611 and 22405608 as they are likely to have obligations under the above Legislation.
More information can be found on the Website of the TEE on the Restricted Use of Genetically Modified Microorganisms.
(MB/SX)
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