Act No. 18 on genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The purpose of this Act is to protect the country's nature, biological diversity, ecosystems, plants and human and animal health against the potentially harmful and undesirable effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The Act contains the following Chapters: I. Objectives, scope, etc.; II. Glossary; III. Administration; IV. Disclosure to the public and the public's right to comment; V. Limited use of GMOs; VI. Release or distribution of GMOs; VII. Marketing of GMOs or products containing them; VIII. General provisions; IX. Government coercive measures, procedures and sanctions.
It covers all use and activities of genetically modified organisms, including research, cultivation, production, storage, waste treatment, release and distribution, as well as site monitoring. The Act also applies to the import, labeling, marketing, sale and other delivery of GMOs, as well as to a product or part of a product that contains them to some extent. Furthermore, the Act applies to the transport of GMOs and GMO products on land, sea and air. The Act also covers the provision of information to the public and its right to comment. The Environment and Food Agency shall oversee the implementation of the Act, grant permits and manage the supervision of relevant activities. A nine-member Advisory Committee with expertise in the field shall be appointed, which shall provide opinions in accordance with this Act and advise regulators and developers on its implementation. The Act further authorises the Government to set further provisions on the implementation of this Act, prior consultation with the Advisory Committee.
The Act further contains detailed provisions on public information and participation (Articles 8-10); application procedure and conditions for granting authorisations (Articles 11-15); application procedure and conditions for granting permits to release or distribute GMOS (Articles 16-18); application procedure and conditions for granting marketing authorisations (Articles 19-23); and rules on inspection, data collection, emergency procedures, liability for damages, appeals, etc. (Articles 24-31). Provisions on enforcement and penalties are also included (Arts 32-33).