Ministerial Decree No. HP 11642/1943 establishing measures and terms for the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms.

The Decree aims at implementing certain provisions of Law No. 1650/86 “on the protection for the environment”, more specifically articles 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 28, 29 and 30. It also aims at harmonizing the Greek legislative frame with the provisions of Council Directive 98/81/EC so as ensure that all appropriate measures are taken in order to avoid adverse effects on human health and the environment, which might arise from the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms (GMM). The Decree is composed as follows: objectives (art. 1); definitions (genetically modified micro-organism, accident, etc.) (art. 2); field of application (art. 3); classification of GMM (art. 4); first contained use of GMMs – obligations of users (art. 5); following contained uses of GMMs at approved facilities (art. 6); fees (art. 7); competent authorities – establishment of a Committee (art. 8); (art. 7); principles and procedures for the assessment and information to the public (art. 9); start of contained uses of GMMs (art. 10); modification of the conditions of the proposed contained use (art. 11); procedure for public inquiry or consultation (art. 12); safety measures to be applied in case of accident (art. 13); controls (art. 14); reports to the Commission (art. 15); confidentiality (art. 16); sanctions (art. 17); transitional provisions (art. 18). Five Annexes included in the text constitute integral part of this Decree: Annex I, techniques of genetic modification as mentioned in article 2 to this Decree; Annex II, techniques to be excluded from the Directive; Annex III, principles to be followed for the assessment referred to in article 5(2); Annex IV, containment and other protective measures; Annex V, information required for the notification referred to in articles 5 and 6.