Regulations on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified higher plants obtained by recombinant DNA technology.

Release of genetically modified higher plants is controlled by the Minister of Agriculture and Food-processing Industry and by the Minister of environment. The control aims to limit risks to human health and environment. Approval of new cultivars of genetically modified plants (GMPs) as well as the import and export of GMPs, GMP seeds and planting material, is carried out according to standing rules if and after licensing of their release. A Council of Safe Use of Genetically Modified Higher Plants is established under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food-processing Industry. Chapter 2 provides for the organization and activities of the Council. The Council is funded by budgetary grants of the organizations employing the council members, fees collected from notifiers, returns, and aid from international organizations. Rules and regulations for the release of genetically modified higher plants are set forth in Chapter 3. Responsibilities for contamination and damages to the environment caused through release of GMPs are sanctioned under the Environmental Protection Law, Chapter 6. Infringers of these regulations are fined if they are not liable to a greater penalty and the plants and crops in their possession are confiscated and destroyed. Chapter 5 defines some term used in this regulation, such as "higher plants", "genetically modified higher plants", "release of GMPs", "commercial release of GMPs".