Applying for a GMO permit

Do you work with genetically modified organisms (GMO) in the Netherlands, or do you want to market a GMO? You need to apply for a GMO permit (GGO-vergunning).

For experiments with GMOs you need a Dutch permit. You can contact the Bureau for Genetically Modified Organisms (Bureau GGO) to apply for a GMO permit.

For commercial propagation, import and export of GMO crops you need a European permit. You can contact the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA) to apply for a GMO permit.

Which GMO permit do you need?

There are 3 different permits for GMOs:

• Contained use (IG, in Dutch) for experiments in contained spaces, such as laboratories, animal shelters or a greenhouse.
• Introduction into the environment (IM, in Dutch) for the introduction into the environment for activities outside of a classified space, such as in gene therapy or field work.
• Market applications (MA, in Dutch) for cultivation, production, import and export for cultivation, production, import and export of new modified products. For instance, commercial cultivation of genetically modified crops, or the import of genetically modified crops for use in animal feed or foodstuffs.