Explanatory note

These Regulations, together with Part VI of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (“the Act”), give effect to Council Directive 90/220/EEC (OJ No. L117, 8.5.90, p. 15) on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms.

Part I of the Regulations makes provision as to interpretation of the Regulations and as to the application of the definitions of “artificial techniques” and “harm” in the Act.

Part II of the Regulations makes provision as to the circumstances in which consents for the release of genetically modified organisms to the environment are required, and makes provision as to applications for consents and the conditions on which consents are held.

Part III of the Regulations makes provision as to the circumstances in which consents for the marketing of genetically modified organisms are required, and makes provision as to applications for consents to market.

Part IV of the Regulations places duties on applicants and the Secretary of State following the making of applications for consents.

Part V makes provision as to the registers of information required to be kept by the Secretary of State under section 122 of the Act.