(Last revised: 5 May, 2010 )
(Further information: bbch@wiv-isp.be)

The intentional introduction in Belgium of living modified organisms (genetically modified organisms) into the environment may proceed only if a consent has been given in advance by the relevant competent authorities.
In case of intentional introduction of LMOs (GMOs) into the environment for research and development or for any other purposes than placing on the market, one or several regional authorities (see below) participate in a co-decision procedure with the relevant federal competent authority (see below).
When LMOs (GMOs) are introduced into the environment as or in products ("placing on the market"), the federal authority is the only one to be competent at the Belgian level. The notification will be send to the Belgian competent authority if Belgium is the Member State of the European Union where the LMO (GMO) is to be placed on the market first. However, the final consent has to be given at the European Community level to allow the LMO (GMO) to be used throughout the Community.

Legal basis: Royal Decree of 21 February 2005 on the deliberate release into the environment and the placing on the market of GMOs or GMO-containing products

All final political decisions are taken by the Federal Minister for Consumer Protection, Public Health and Environment.
At the administrative level, depending on the potential field of application of the LMO, the following administration is competent at federal level :

For Plant varieties and animal lines/races; Seeds; Phytopharmaceuticals, Biopesticides; Fertilizers and soil improvements : DG of the Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment - DG4

For Medicinal products for veterinary uses: Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products

For products different from those previously listed, please contact FPS-DG4 for further information.

At the regional level, the competent Authority is always the Ministry for the Environment.

Flemish region

Walloon Region

Brussels-Capital Region

The Biosafety Advisory Council advises the competent authorities about the safety for human health and the environment of activities involving LMOs (GMOs). The Council consists of representatives of the Regional and Federal competent authorities. It is assisted by experts organised in thematic scientific committees. The Division of Biosafety and Biotechnology (SBB) is in charge of the secretariat of the Biosafety Advisory Council.