Directive No 07/2018 Issued to determine the requirements for transport and storage of modified organisms.

This Directive establishes mandatory requirements governing the transport, by air or land, and storage of modified organisms in order to protect human and animal health and the environment. The Directive requires any person transporting modified organisms to obtain a transport authorization permit from the Ministry or a designated competent authority, with permits subject to renewal every two years and suspension or revocation in cases of non-compliance. It establishes obligations concerning safe handling, packaging, labelling, route planning, notification, documentation accompanying consignments, accident response measures, and inspection powers of the Ministry. Authorized transporters must provide periodic notifications and ensure that trained personnel are registered and involved in transport activities. For storage, the Directive requires storage facilities to be licensed and registered, subject to inspection and compliance with standards on safety, segregation, risk management, employee training, and emergency preparedness. Permit holders may be required to maintain insurance coverage for potential harm, and permits may be cancelled where conditions are breached. Storage permits must be recorded in the National Biosafety Clearing House within a specified timeframe. The Directive confers enforcement and inspection powers on the Ministry and establishes compliance obligations for permit holders.