Council of Ministries Resolution No.2 of 2012 on the Organization of the National Committee on Biosafety. Country/Territory Qatar Document type Legislation Date 2012 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Livestock, Environment gen., Food & nutrition, Fisheries, Forestry, Cultivated plants, Wild species & ecosystems, General Keyword Authorization/permit Biosafety Education Genetically modified organism (GMO) Institution International trade Procedural matters Research Risk assessment/management Biotechnology Geographical area Asia, Middle East, Near East and North Africa, Persian Gulf, Western Asia Entry into force notes The Resolution enters into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette. Abstract This Resolution consisting of 9 articles aims at establishing the National Committee on Biosafety to guarantee a secure policy for research related to genetic modification. The main functions of the Committee are as follows (i) proposing policies regarding biosafety and determining the procedures that govern biotechnology; (ii) approving the national framework for biosafety; (iii) performing risk evaluation for genetically modified organisms and products; (iv) preparing the rules and regulations of importing genetically modified organisms or products; (v) approving the instructions related to the entry and marketing of genetically modified organisms and undertaking the procedures that ensure the reduction of hazards resulting therefrom; (vi) undertaking the necessary procedures to issue the licenses for importing genetically modified organisms and products; (vii) observing the activities related to the local circulation, transport, and exploitation of genetically modified organisms and products; (viii) approving the instructions related to biotechnology applications in the national area of research; (ix) proposing the draft legal instruments related to biosafety; (x) developing awareness and disseminating information related to biosafety issues; (xi) providing technical consultation; (xii) following up the implementation of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. Full text English/Arabic Website www.almeezan.qa