The first section of the report outlines the "Background, context and scope of the risk assessment". This introductory section sets the scene of the risk assessment and gives the reader a view into the material that will be discussed.

This part of the report focuses on describing issues that were considered while setting the context and scope of the risk assessment. Basically, this section of the report sets the scene for the reader to follow a clear progression through the subsequent sections of the report.

A risk assessment report usually specifies the mandate that was given to the risk assessor(s) and includes a description of the procedure that was followed in conducting the risk assessment, an indication of which institution has carried out the risk assessment, and which, if any, other institutions were consulted or were part of the process. Any other information that helps in understanding the context in which the risk assessment was carried out is also typically included in this part of the report.

Previous approvals or prohibitions of the same LMO, if any, including the regulatory status of the LMO in the country of export or import as well as in any other country may also be included in this section, if appropriate.