Netherlands: deliberating biotechnology regulation

Anticipating EC Directive 90/220 on biotechnology, the Netherlands developed new safety regulations for GMOs under its Chemical Substances Act. Within this statutory framework, environmental groups have been able to challenge proposed ‘permits’ for GMO releases in the Council of State. As Competent Authority, the Environment Ministry established a broadly-based advisory committee, COGEM, whose members are officially appointed as experts, though some implicitly represent industrial or environmental interests. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.