Iceland’s Act on Genetically Modified Organisms is intended to protect nature, biodiversity, ecosystems, plants, and human and animal health from potentially harmful or undesirable effects of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It requires GMO production and use to be conducted in an ethically and socially responsible manner, in accordance with the precautionary principle and sustainable development. The Act applies broadly to research, cultivation, production, storage, waste treatment, release, distribution, import, transport, labelling, marketing and sale of GMOs and products containing them, while excluding organisms produced through conventional breeding or natural genetic processes and products that no longer contain living GMOs. The Act establishes a comprehensive licensing and risk-assessment system. The Environment and Energy Agency oversees implementation, issues permits and supervises regulated activities, while an expert advisory committee assists authorities. Contained use of GMOs, deliberate release into the environment and marketing all generally require prior authorisation, supported by information on environmental and health risks, safety measures and, where relevant, ethical considerations. The Agency may impose conditions, require additional testing, amend or revoke permits if new risks emerge, and must ensure that licences are consistent with the objectives of the Act. The legislation also provides for public access to information and opportunities to comment on proposed marketing or release of GMOs, while protecting legitimately confidential commercial information. The Act further imposes monitoring, accident-response, liability and enforcement obligations. Operators must notify authorities of accidents or new information concerning risks and take measures to prevent or limit harm; those responsible for contained use, release or marketing are subject to strict liability for damage caused if GMOs escape into the environment. Supervisory authorities may inspect premises and records, issue warnings, order corrective measures, suspend activities, carry out work at the responsible party’s expense and impose daily coercive fines. Decisions concerning the grant, review or withdrawal of permits may be appealed to the Environmental and Natural Resources Appeals Board, and serious violations of the Act may result in fines or imprisonment for up to two years.
Iceland · 1996-04-02