Cartagena Ordinance (CartO)
English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.
Art. 8 Duties of the FOEN
The FOEN is the coordinating body for all questions relating to the transboundary movements of genetically modified organisms. Its main duties in this context are as follows: a. it ensures the liaison with the Secretariat in accordance with Article 24 of the Convention of 5 May 1992 on Biological Diversity; b. it keeps a public register of information concerning notifications and decisions that is not of a confidential nature in accordance with Article 6 paragraph 3; the confidentiality of such information is determined by Article 34 RO; c. it advises exporters in cases when an importing country does not respect the deadlines required by the Cartagena Protocol; d. it informs the Federal Office of Public Health, the Federal Office for Agriculture, the Federal Veterinary Office and the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products in accordance with their responsibilities as defined by the RO and the ContainO about transboundary movements as well as about any unintended transboundary movement of
let. a — SR 0.451.43 let. b — Amended by Annex 5 No 7 of the Release Ordinance of 10 Sept. 2008, in force since 1 Oct. 2008 (AS 2008 4377). let. b — SR 814.911 let. d — SR 814.912
Art. 9 Participation in the International Clearing-House Mechanism
1 The FOEN publishes, through the Biosafety Clearing House, the following information: a. the federal legislation relevant to the implementation of this Ordinance; b. any international agreements concluded by Switzerland that relate to transboundary movements of genetically modified organisms; c. the names and addresses of the federal authorities mentioned in Article 8 letter d, and Article 10; d. all decisions concerning the import and distribution of genetically modified organisms or their release for experimental purposes; e. all decisions concerning the handling in the environment of genetically modified organisms that are to be processed or used directly as food for humans or animals; this publication, which must be issued within 15 days of notification of the decision, must contain the information required in Annex 2 as a minimum; f. summaries of available studies relating to biosafety, as well as summaries of other relevant environmental studies; g. information on cases of unint
Art. 10 Measures to be taken in the event of unintentional transboundary movements
1 In the case of an extraordinary event that may result in a transboundary movement of genetically modified organisms, the cantons concerned notify the FOEN and inform the public, neighbouring cantons and the relevant regional authorities in neighbouring countries. 2 The FOEN shall notify the relevant national authorities of neighbouring countries about such events. 3 The formal notification of the authorities of neighbouring countries must contain the following information as a minimum: a. the properties and characteristics of the genetically modified organisms and the estimated quantities involved; b. the date of the release and the circumstances as well as the use made of the genetically modified organisms in question; c. the potential dangers to humans, animals and the environment as well as the potential risks to biological diversity and to its sustainable use; d. possible risk management measures. 4 In the case of an extraordinary event in an establishment in terms of Article 1 p
Para. 4 — SR 814.012
Art. 11 Monitoring
1 The FOEN monitors the implementation of the legal provisions on the export of genetically modified organisms for handling in the environment. 2 It ensures that the necessary measures are taken if there is any dispute over the said provisions. 3 The responsibilities involved in monitoring implementation of the legal provisions with regard to the import and transit of genetically modified organisms and the enactment of the necessary measures are defined in the ContainO and the RO.
Para. 3 — SR 814.912 Para. 3 — SR 814.911
Art. 12 Basic and advanced training
The FOEN ensures that events are organised on a regular basis for the purpose of the basic and advanced training of all persons involved in implementation of this Ordinance.
Art. 13 Delegation of duties
The FOEN may delegate certain duties to third parties, particularly with regard to the compilation of statistics.