The Cartagena Protocol promotes biosafety by establishing practical rules and procedures for the safe transfer, handling and use of LMOs, with a specific focus on regulating transboundary movements of LMOs (i.e. movements of LMOs across borders, from one country to another).

The Protocol applies to the transboundary movement, transit, handling and use of all LMOs that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health. LMOs that are pharmaceuticals for humans are excluded from the provisions of the Protocol on transboundary movement if they are covered by other international agreements or arrangements. In general terms, the Protocol:

a)      Sets out general obligations and principles that are applicable to all LMOs;

b)      Establishes specific rules and procedures that are applicable to the transboundary movement of specific categories of LMOs;

c)      Establishes institutional arrangements for the administration, oversight and future evolution of the Protocol; and

d)      Makes provision for capacity building and financial resources to assist developing countries and countries with economies in transition to implement the Protocol.