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Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB)

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) sets out a comprehensive regulatory system governing the movement and trade of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It was adopted in Montreal, Canada, on 29 Jenuary 2000, entered into force on 29 December 1993, and was subsequently ratified by the Italian Government on 29 March 2004 (L. 27/2004).

The objective of the Protocol is to contribute to ensuring an adequate level of protection in the field of the safe transfer, handling and use of GMOs resulting from modern biotechnologies that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health, and specifically focussing on transboundary movements. The Advanced Informed Agreement (AIA) is a procedure to ensure that recipient countries have the opportunity to assess any risks that may be associated with a GMO, as part of the decision-making process regarding possible import, and in agreement with the precautionary approach stated in Principle 15 of the Rio Declaration (3-14 June 1992).

The Protocol instituted a “Biosafety Clearing-House” (BCH) in order to facilitate transparency and the exchange of information. In addition to enabling governments to inform others about their final decisions regarding the import of GMOs, the BCH contains information on national laws, regulations, and guidelines for implementing the Protocol. Included is also information required under the AIA procedure, summaries of risk assessments and environmental reviews, bilateral and multilateral agreements, reports on efforts to implement the Protocol, plus other scientific, legal, environmental and technical information.

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