Handling, transport, packaging and identification of living modified organisms: paragraphs 2 (b) and 2 (c) of Article 18

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

Recalling the decision taken at the second meeting to consider the documentation requirements of paragraphs 2 (b) and 2 (c) of Article 18 in the context of the review of implementation of the Protocol as provided for under Article 35 (paragraph 4, decision BS-II/10),

Noting the existence of well established rules and practices for identification, packaging and transport such as the United Nations Model Regulations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods in respect of some classes or types of living modified organisms that meet the criteria of dangerous goods or substances, and which fall under the category of living modified organisms destined for contained use,

Noting the submissions of information made on experience gained with the use of a commercial invoice or other documents required or utilized by existing documentation systems in fulfilling the requirements under paragraphs 2 (b) and 2 (c) of Article 18 concerning the identification of living modified organisms destined for contained use and those intended for intentional introduction into the environment, respectively,

Noting further the limited number of submissions received on experience in the use of existing documentation systems on whether a stand alone document would be appropriate to fulfil the documentation requirements under paragraphs 2 (b) and 2 (c) of Article 18, and recognizing the need for more practical experience in the use of documents referred to in paragraph 1, of decision BS-I/6 B,

Recognizing further the right of Parties to take domestic measures requiring exporters of living modified organisms destined for contained use and those intended for intentional introduction into the environment, to use standard formats, stand-alone documents, templates or other documentation systems that may be required by national authorities,

1. Requests Parties and invites other Governments and relevant international organizations to submit further to the Executive Secretary, not later than six months prior to the fourth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Protocol, further information on experience gained with the use of a commercial invoice or other documents required or utilized by existing documentation systems, or pursuant to national requirements with a view to future consideration of a stand-alone document;

2. Requests the Executive Secretary to compile the information received as per paragraph 1 above and to prepare a synthesis report for consideration in the context of the process of review of the implementation of the Protocol as provided for under Article 35 of the Protocol.