As many as 87 member states of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, which entered into force in September 2003, have adopted documentation requirements and other procedures for promoting the safety of international trade in living (or genetically) modified organisms, known as GMOs.
Under the new system, all bulk shipments of genetically-engineered crops intended for food, feed or processing (such as soybeans and maize) were to be identified as LMOs.
The accompanying documentation should also indicate the contact details of the importer, exporter or other appropriate authority.
"Key issues still to be resolved include the percentage of modified material that these shipments may contain and still be considered GMO-free and the inclusion of any additional detailed information. A decision on these matters would be considered at the next meeting to be held in 2005", the sources said here on Monday.
They said the agreement has also been reached on more detailed documentation requirements for GMOs (such as genetically engineered seeds and fish) that meant to be introduced directly into the environment.
The documentation accompanying such GMOs should specify the common, scientific and commercial names of the modified organism, the transformation event code or unique identifier code, any handling and storage requirements, contact details in the case of emergency, and how the GMO is to be used.
The meeting also adopted procedures and mechanisms for promoting compliance with the Protocol and assisting countries in cases of non-compliance.
It established a 15-member compliance committee that would submit regular reports and recommendations to the governing body of the Protocol.