The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2014

Guidance on regulations

The Genetically Modified Organisms (Contained Use) Regulations 2014 came into force on 1 October 2014. This fifth edition of L29 provides practical advice to help dutyholders comply with their legal duties in relation to working with GMOs in contained facilities. It describes the law that applies, sets out the containment measures and other controls that need to be considered and explains the role of the competent authority. The guidance covers the key requirements of:

• carrying out the risk assessment
• classifying the contained use work
• notifying to the competent authority
• applying the relevant control measures
• accident reporting

What has changed in the fifth edition?

Changes have been made to the guidance to:

• reflect the legislative changes to the 2014 Regulations
• simplify and clarify the text
• take account of advances in technology, for example synthetic biology
• provide clearer distinction between duties on the user and duties on the competent authority
• remove some of the technical advice, which will be updated and included in the SACGM Compendium of Guidance
• remove the appeals process and provide clearer, standalone guidance on the appeals procedure
• improve the advice on significant changes, the genetic modification safety committee, and how the Regulations interact with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health 2002 (COSHH)