Theme 1: Existing standards and standard-setting bodies

Guiding questions

• What relevant standards with regard to handling, transport, packaging and identification of living modified organisms already exist? (See also the background document prepared for this Online Forum for more information)
• What other international organizations are or may be involved in developing standards with regard to identification, handling, packaging and transport practices that are relevant to the different categories of LMOs addressed by the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety?
• What types of LMOs could be shipped under the guidance or recommendations of the following organizations?
  1. United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods?
  2. International Maritime Organization?
  3. International Civil Aviation Organization?
  4. International Air Transport Association?
  5. International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC)?
  6. World Customs Organization (WCO)?
  7. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development?
  8. Codex Alimentarius Commission?
  9. World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)?
• What are some examples of national governments or regional entities that have developed standards with regard to identification, handling, packaging and transport practices that are relevant to the different categories of LMOs addressed by the Protocol?
• How have different countries implemented the biosafety-related standards set by relevant organizations?