This Ordinance aims at implementing the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Hong Kong. The Ordinance controls the release into the environment and the transboundary movement of GMOs. Under the Ordinance, prior approval must be sought from the Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation (the Director) for the release or import intended for release of GMOs into the environment. The approval application should be submitted together with a risk assessment report on the possible adverse biosafety effect of the GMO. To export a GMO that is intended for release into the environment, a notification of the intended export should be sent to the competent authority of the place to which the GMO is to be exported, and the export should be approved by that authority. The Ordinance further provides for: documentation requirements for import and export of GMOs; establishment and maintenance of a register by the Director; appointment and powers of authorized officers; powers of the Director to dispose of seized things; offences; prescribed fees; etc.
China, Hong Kong SAR · 2010-01-01