Competent Federal Authority with respect to deliberate release of LMOs and the placing on the market of LMOs.
The intentional introduction in Belgium of living modified organisms (genetically modified organisms) into the environment may proceed only if a consent has been given in advance by the relevant competent authorities.
In case of intentional introduction of LMOs (GMOs) into the environment for research and development or for any other purposes than placing on the market within the European Union, one or several regional authorities participate in a co-decision with the relevant federal competent authority.
When LMOs (GMOs) are introduced into the environment as or in products ('placing on the market') or are used as food or feed, the federal authority is the only one to be competent at the Belgian level. However, the final consent has to be given at the European Community level to allow the LMO (GMO) to be used throughout the Community.