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

Belgium has managed an harmonised implementation of European Directives, Decisions, Regulations and Guidelines related to living modified organisms (genetically modified organisms). The decisions taken by different administrative bodies representing different institutional levels (see "Competent Authorities") are mainly based on a single common science-based biosafety advisory system. In such a system, all regulatory-related aspects of the uses of LMOs (GMOs) are assessed altogether in a coordinated way, inside the same procedures, independently of the specific regulation(s) involved. The advice on the safety for human health and the environment is given on a case by case basis taking the precautionary principle as priority.

The legal basis of such a framework is the "Cooperation Agreement between the Federal State and the Regions on the administrative and scientific coordination concerning Biosafety".
The summary and full text of the Cooperation agreement are available from the Belgian Biosafety Server.

This cooperation agreement establishes a common scientific evaluation system for the Federal State and the Regions, consisting of the Biosafety Advisory Council and the Division of Biosafety and Biotechnology.

The Biosafety Advisory Council advises the competent authorities about the safety for human health and the environment (including genetic and ecological aspects related to biodiversity) of any activities using LMOs (GMOs), in particular the deliberate release of LMOs in the environment and the placing on the market of LMOs, LMO-based or LMO-derived products. The Council consists of representatives of the Regional and Federal competent authorities. It is assisted by experts organised in thematic ad hoc groups.

The Division of Biosafety and Biotechnology (SBB) is in charge of the secretariat of the Biosafety Council. It is composed of an administrative secretariat, a multidisciplinary group of biosafety scientists and a laboratory for biosafety research and gene detection. The SBB also offers scientific support to the competent Federal and Regional Authorities in the field of risks assessment of activities involving GMOs and/or pathogens. As part of a Federal scientific Institute, the SBB holds an independent position with regard to expertise in Biosafety, accessible to any public or private organisation including NGOs, consumer organisations, industry, universities, schools.