Notification/application for the contained use of GMOs
- Permit or other obligation
- Nationwide
- Public service
If you are using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in a laboratory, production facility or other limited space, you must submit a contained use notification or application to the Board for Gene Technology. The type of notification or application is determined on the basis of risk assessment and is influenced by the characteristics of the GMOs used and by the nature of the activity. In the high ...
Do the following
Before commencing operations, read the instructions on the Board for Gene Technology website and prepare the required notification or application. In unclear cases, contact the Secretariat of the Board for Gene Technology. The notification/application can be submitted to the Board either by post or by e-mail.
To whom and on what terms
The notification obligation applies to activities that meet the definitions of the gene technology regulations for contained use and for a genetically modified organism. The notification or application is made by the party responsible for the contained use. This operator is usually a legal person, such as a research institute, but in certain cases can also be a natural person.
The requirements for the contained use permits and notifications are the same for traders established in Finland and traders established in another country belonging to the European Economic Area and providing their services in Finland on a temporary basis,
Deadline
The notification of Category 1 use shall be submitted to the Board for Gene Technology before the use begins. Category 2 operations may be started for the first time 45 days after notification. The use of categories 3 to 4 may not be started until the Board for Gene Technology has granted an operating authorisation.
Period of validity
The notification or application is valid until the operator declares that the operation has been terminated in its entirety.
Background information
Gene Technology Act (377/1995)
Decree of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health on principles of risk assessment of the contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms, on classification of the contained use, and on containment and other protective measures (1053/2005)
Government Decree on Chargeable Performances under the Gene Technology Act in 2024 and 2025 (1245/2023)
Government Decree on Gene Technology (928/2004)
Decree of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health on principles of risk assessment of the contained use of genetically modified animals, on classification of the contained use, and on containment and other protective measures (771/2014)
Decree of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health on notifications and applications relating to the contained use of genetically modified organisms, on keeping a record of the contained use and on an emergency plan (272/2006)