Notify if you use genetically modified micro-organisms, GMMs
If you use genetically modified micro-organisms, GMMs, in your activities, you must notify the Swedish Work Environment Authority.
Updated forms
As of January 2023, the Swedish Work Environment Agency has updated our forms for contained use of GMM. Please download and use these new forms rather than earlier ones that you might have saved to any of your devices.
The Swedish Work Environment Authority needs to be aware of all use of GMMs in Sweden, where it is carried out and by whom. We need to know, for instance, that your facility is appropriately designed and equipped. The reason for this is the so-called ‘precautionary principle’ which applies throughout the EU. This means that more protective measures should be taken rather than too few.
Notify or apply for a permit?
Before you commence a GMM activity, you must notify it, or apply for a permit for it, depending on the category to which the activity belongs. There are three categories:
Notification
F activity
Containment level 1
L activity
Containment level 2
Permit
R activity
Containment level 3-4
In which cases should you notify or apply for a permit?
Submit a notification or an application for a permit for a new GMM activity if
- you wish to start a GMM activity which you have not carried out previously
- you wish to add a new GMM use to an existing activity
- you need to increase the containment level for one or more GMM uses
- you change the nature of your activity - you may, for example, have conducted laboratory activity involving a GMM and wish to use the same GMM to infect animals or plants, or culture them in a large-scale activity
- you move your activity to a new facility
- a different operator with a different business identity code takes over your GMM activity
For a new use in an existing F activity you merely have to submit an update. Forms for this are available on our website. You submit them in the same way as your notifications or permit applications.
Carry out a workplace investigation
You must carry out an investigation to assess which protective measures are necessary. Summarise the investigation in writing and set out which protective measures are necessary to enable you to use GMMs safely. You are required to do so under Section 3 of our regulation on contained use of genetically modified micro-organisms (AFS 2011:2).
Law and rules on GMM
Our Swedish rules are based on Directive 2009/41/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, which lays down the requirements on notification and permission. The Swedish rules are to be found, inter alia, in
The Swedish Environmental Code, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, opens in a new window
Last updated 2023-03-07