Case-by-case – Annex III states that risk assessments should be carried out on a case-by-case basis. The required information may vary in nature and level of detail from case to case, depending on the LMO concerned, its intended use and the likely potential receiving environment. The legal frameworks of some countries may also specify other elements to be taken into consideration in each “case”.

Example – The case-by-case basis is fundamental to risk assessment of LMOs A case-by-case approach is one where each release of an LMO is considered relative to the environment in which the release is to occur, and/or to the intended use of the LMO in question. A risk assessment performed for a particular LMO intended to be introduced to one environment may not be sufficient when assessing the possible adverse effects that may arise if that LMO is to be released under different environmental conditions, or into different receiving environments. A risk assessment performed for a particular use of a particular LMO may not be sufficient when assessing the possible adverse effects that may arise if that LMO is to be used in different ways. Because of this, it is important for each case to be addressed separately, taking into account specific information on the LMO concerned, its intended use, and its potential receiving environment. Source: IUCN (2003).