Gene Technology Act (GTA)
English is not an official language of the Swiss Confederation. This translation is provided for information purposes only and has no legal force.
Art. 1 Purpose
1 The purpose of this Act is: a. to protect human beings, animals and the environment from abuses of gene technology; b. to serve the welfare of human beings, animals and the environment in the application of gene technology. 2 In particular, it shall: a. protect the health and safety of human beings, animals and the environment; b. conserve biological diversity and the fertility of the soil permanently; c. ensure respect for the dignity of living beings; d. enable freedom of choice for consumers; e. prevent product fraud; f. promote public information; g. take account of the significance of scientific research on gene technology for human beings, animals and the environment.
Art. 2 Precautionary and polluter-pays principles
1 Early precautions shall be taken to prevent hazards or harm that may be caused by genetically modified organisms. 2 Any person who causes measures to be taken under the provisions of this Act shall bear the costs.
Art. 3 Area of validity
1 This Act applies to the handling of genetically modified animals, plants and other organisms, as well as their metabolic products and wastes. 2 For products obtained from genetically modified organisms, only the regulations on labelling and provision of public information (Art. 17 and 18) apply.
Art. 4 Reservation of other laws
More detailed provisions in other federal laws concerning the protection of human beings, animals and the environment from hazards or harm caused by genetically modified organisms are reserved.
Art. 5 Definitions
1 Organisms means cellular or non-cellular biological entities capable of replication or of transferring genetic material. Mixtures, articles and products that contain such entities are also regarded as organisms. 2 Genetically modified organism means organisms in which the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur under natural conditions by crossing or natural recombination. 3 Harm means any harmful effect or nuisance caused by genetically modified organisms to human beings, animals or the environment. 4 Handling means any activity undertaken in connection with organisms, in particular their production, experimental release, putting into circulation, import, export, keeping, use, storage, transport or disposal. 5 Putting into circulation means any supply of organisms to third parties in Switzerland, in particular by sale, exchange, giving as a gift, renting, lending or sending on approval, as well as their import; supply for activities in contained systems or exp