In Belgium activities involving GMOs and/or pathogens can be performed only if they have been notified and authorised by the relevant Competent Authorities. Different procedures apply depending on the type of activity and/or organism involved.
In this context Sciensano advises the regional authorities in relation to the use of pathogens and GMOs under contained conditions (laboratories, greenhouses, animal facilities, large-scale units, hospital rooms).
Sciensano is also in charge of the secretariat of the Belgian Biosafety Advisory Council. It provides ongoing administrative and scientific support to the Council in the frame of its scientific activities related to the risk assessment of applications concerning the environmental release of GMOs for field trials, clinical trials involving GMOs, and the commercial use of GMOs for agro-food or medical purpose.
You can find more information about the regulatory framework and the notification procedures on Belgian Biosafety Server.
Didier Breyer for more information about the safety assessment of GMOs and pathogens.