Other issues (Transit)

The Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety,

Recalling that, in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 6 of the Protocol, a Party of transit has the right to regulate the transport of living modified organisms through its territory, and also recalling its reference to this right in paragraph 2 of decision BS-II/8 on options for implementation of Article 8,

Recalling also that Parties may enter into bilateral, regional and multilateral agreements and arrangements with other Parties or non-Parties regarding transboundary movements of living modified organisms in accordance with Articles 14 and 24,

Recalling further also its decision BS-II/4 to consider the rights and/or obligations of Parties of transit,

Noting that definitions of transit exist in various multilateral agreements at international level, and recognizing that trade and environment agreements should be mutually supportive,;

Invites Parties, Governments and relevant organizations to provide further views and experience on the rights and/or obligations of Parties of transit including whether or not a Party acting only as a Party of transit takes on the obligations of a Party of export under the Protocol, not later than six months prior to the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol.