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Eidgenössische Ethikkommission für die Biotechnologie im Ausserhumanbereich EKAH

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Plants and plant material containing group 1 genetically modified microorganisms

1. Definition

Plants which contain genetically modified microorganisms and which are likely to excrete these microorganisms.
Microorganisms in which genetic material has been purposely altered through genetic engineering in a way not naturally occurring; capable of altering animals, plants or microbiological substances in a way not normally the result of natural reproduction (ADR, 2.2.9.1.11).

In the context of these transport requirements, this does not include non-infectious genetic material such as plasmids or DNA-and RNA-sequences.

In case plants are genetically modified, transport sheet 2.3.1 has to be considered as well.

Relevant documents:

2. Risk

Survival and dissemination of genetically modified microorganisms in the environment or transfer of genetic material to other organisms.

3. Biological substances not to be transported

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4. UN name & number

  • Genetically modified microorganims (in plants)
  • UN 3245

Relevant documents:

5. Permits (CH, import, export)

Import/Export:

  • For the exchange of quarantine plant pathogens according to the plant protection ordinance, PPO, a permit is required. Permits and information is available from the Federal Office for Agricultureextern_icon, FOAG, plant protection service, Plant protection import / export instructions.
  • Plants listed on the CITES list of plants need an import/export permit (CITES export permit request form) from the Swiss CITES competent authoritextern_icony.
  • Export permits (SECO export permit form) from SECOextern_icon are necessary for plant pathogens which could be used as biological weapons (SECO list of pathogens 1C354), if their value exceed 1000 Swiss francs.

Relevant documents:

6. Packaging

Packaging shall be constructed and closed to prevent any loss of contents:

  • pack plants in a filling compound to minimize desiccation, movement or damage of plant;
  • allow adequate ventilation;
  • primary receptacle(s) adequate to prevent release of genetically modified microorganisms;
  • secondary packaging rigid and sturdy enough to prevent damage from transport.

Note: Genetically modified microorganisms and genetically modified organisms packed and marked in accordance with packing instruction P904 (ADR) and PI959 (IATA/ICAO) are not subject to any other requirement of ADR and IATA/ICAO, respectively.

Relevant documents:

7. Labelling and marking

  • Name and address of consigner and consignee, phone number of responsible person.
  • UN 3245
  • Hazard labels: UN label for class 9, miscellanous
  • Orientation arrows on two opposite sides 
  • If solid carbon dioxide is used: ‘Carbon dioxide, solid’ or ‘dry ice’
  • If liquid nitrogen is used: Hazad label for non-flammable, non-toxic gases

For air transport:

  • Name and address of consigner and consignee, phone number of responsible person.
  • Proper shipping name: genetically modified microorganisms or genetically modified organisms (description of content)
  • UN 3245
  • Net quantity
  • Orientation arrows on two opposite sides 
  • If solid carbon dioxide is used: ‘Carbon dioxide, solid’ or ‘dry ice’, UN 1845, net quantity, class 9 hazard label 
  • If liquid nitrogen is used:
    • Hazard label for non-flammable, non-toxic gass
    • Handling label for cryogenic liquids

Relevant documents:

8. Transport documents

  • Delivery note / (pro forma) invoice for customs
  • Itemized list of contents between secondary packaging and outer packaging, including name of genetically modified (micro-)organisms and trait of genetic modification
  • ‘for contained use’
  • Required permits
  • Transport document (CartO transport form) for the trans-boundary movement of living genetically modified organisms intended for contained use, only, according to the Cartagena ordinance, CartO, CartO explanation.
  • Airway bill for air transport (form provided and filled out by carrier), showing UN 3245, the text "GENETICALLY MODIFIED (MICRO-)ORGANISMS", and the number of packages in the "Nature and Quantity of Goods" box, and/or equivalent documents for the transport by road.

Note: A shipper's declaration for dangerous goods and instructions in writing are not required for UN 3245 if packed in accordance with P904 or PI959, respectively.

Relevant documents:

9. Carriers

Private transport, Swiss Post (national) or carrier

The transport with a private vehicle is possible up to a net quanitity of 333kg provided that the vehicle is equipped with a portable fire extinguisher.


Last updated on: 07.02.2012




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