ICTSD Outputs and Activities on Biotechnology, Trade and Sustainble Development

Biotechnology: Addressing Key Trade and Sustainability Issues

B.3 Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (the 'Biosafety Protocol') is the only international agreement specially designed to address the challenges posed by the international trade of GMOs. In aiming to ensure an adequate level of protection in the transfer, handling and use of "living modified organisms", the Biosafety Protocol focuses on transboundary movements, which include trade. The relationship between the trade-related measures in the Biosafety Protocol and the WTO rules, which also govern biotechnology products (as described in Section B.2), has thus been the object of much speculation. This section will focus on some of the main issues for trade and biotechnology raised by the Biosafety Protocol and its relationship with multilateral trade rules.

Q15 Are living modified organisms different to genetically modified organisms?

Q16 Is the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety compatible with WTO rules?

Q17 How does the role of precaution differ under the Cartagena Biosafety Protocol and the SPS Agreement?

Q18 In case of conflict, would WTO rules override the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety?

Q19 Does the Biosafety Protocol adequately address the particular concerns of developing countries?

References and further reading