With the publication of the EUs Regulation (EC) No 1946/2003 on transboundary movements of genetically modified organisms the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety becomes law within the EU on November 25th. The new rules lay down strict labeling and consent rules for GMOs exported from the EU. The Regulation provides that the export of GMO material from the EU is only possible forauthorized GMOs and with the explicit permission of the importing country. Exporters must comply with the importing countries legislation in this area, even if it goes beyond the requirements of the Cartagena Protocol and that the precautionary principle must be respected.</p><p><a href="http://europa.eu.int/eur-lex/en/archive/2003/l_28720031105en.html">Regulation in Official Journal of the EU</a></p><p><a href="http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200311/145986790.pdf">Excerpts of the key provision of the regulation, USDA report</a>