90/220/EEC - Deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms
Deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms
General Information
Frequently Asked Questions
An EU Directive is a legislative act of the European Union that sets out goals that all EU member states must achieve. However, it is up to each member state to devise their own laws on how to reach these goals through national transposition. Directives are used to harmonize laws across the EU, particularly for the functioning of the single market.
Directive 90/220/EEC covers "Deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms". There are 106 standards associated with this directive.
Harmonized standards under 90/220/EEC are European standards (ENs) developed by CEN, CENELEC, or ETSI in response to a mandate from the European Commission. When these standards are cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with them benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of 90/220/EEC, facilitating CE marking and free movement within the European Economic Area.
This document specifies the minimum requirements for BSC with respect to design, construction, safety and hygiene and gives general test methods for their verification.
The requirements for the different classes are given in the respective parts of EN 12469.
- Standard24 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies the specific requirements for class II BSC with respect to design, construction, safety and hygiene.
It sets the specific performance criteria for class II BSC for work with biological agents and specifies test procedures with respect to protection of the worker, the environment and product protection including cross-contamination.
- Standard43 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document gives requirements and recommendations for installation, commissioning and routine testing of BSC.
- Standard16 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies the minimum requirements for BSC with respect to design, construction, safety and hygiene and gives general test methods for their verification.
The requirements for the different classes are given in the respective parts of prEN 12469.
- Standard24 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document specifies the specific requirements for class II BSC with respect to design, construction, safety and hygiene.
It sets the specific performance criteria for class II BSC for work with biological agents and specifies test procedures with respect to protection of the worker, the environment and product protection including cross-contamination.
- Standard43 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This document gives requirements and recommendations for installation, commissioning and routine testing of BSC.
- Standard16 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard gives biological, physical and procedural containment measures for work with genetically modified plants including plants where the transferred genetic material is derived from a non-plant source. It defines measures to minimize hazards identified by risk analysis.
Containment may be provided in a greenhouse or in a growthroom, laboratory or other containment facility.
Containment of genetically modified microorganisms and/or small animals associated with plants is not included in this standard. Containment of microorganisms in laboratories is covered in EN 12128.
- Standard10 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for kill tanks used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of kill tanks includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard11 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for glass pressure vessels used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of glass pressure vessels includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard9 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for sampling and inoculation devices used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of the sampling and inoculation device includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard17 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for piping and instrumentation used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of the equipment includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard13 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for equipment probes used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of the equipment probes includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard8 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for valves used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of the valve includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard10 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for chromatography columns used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of chromatography columns includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard8 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for bioreactors used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of bioreactors includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard10 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for tubes and pipes used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of the tubes and pipes includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard9 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for pressure protection devices used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of pressure protection devices includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes.
- Standard8 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for couplings used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of the coupling includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard9 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for vessels used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of the equipment includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard13 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard gives biological, physical and procedural containment measures for work with genetically modified plants including plants where the transferred genetic material is derived from a non-plant source. It defines measures to minimize hazards identified by risk analysis.
Containment may be provided in a greenhouse or in a growthroom, laboratory or other containment facility.
Containment of genetically modified microorganisms and/or small animals associated with plants is not included in this standard. Containment of microorganisms in laboratories is covered in EN 12128.
- Standard10 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for glass pressure vessels used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of glass pressure vessels includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard9 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for vessels used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of the equipment includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard13 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for kill tanks used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of kill tanks includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard11 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for bioreactors used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of bioreactors includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard10 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for chromatography columns used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of chromatography columns includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard8 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for pressure protection devices used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of pressure protection devices includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes.
- Standard8 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for equipment probes used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of the equipment probes includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard8 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for tubes and pipes used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of the tubes and pipes includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard9 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for sampling and inoculation devices used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of the sampling and inoculation device includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard17 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for valves used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of the valve includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard10 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for couplings used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of the coupling includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard9 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for piping and instrumentation used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks to the worker and the environment from microorganisms in use. This European Standard applies where the intended use of the equipment includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard13 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies basic requirements for microbiological safety cabinets (MSCs) with respect to safety and hygiene. This European Standard sets the minimum performance criteria for safety cabinets for work with microorganisms and specifies test procedures for microbiological safety cabinets with respect to protection of the worker and the environment, product protection and cross contamination. Mechanical, electrical, chemical or radioactive safety precautions are not covered in the standard but are covered in EN 610101-1, EN 292-1 and EN 292-2 (see Bibliography (1), (2) and (3)).
- Standard45 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard gives guidance to the manufacturer of sampling and inoculation devices on providing instructions in the manufacturer's documentation accompanying his products in accordance with prEN 13312-3. It has the purpose of pointing out to him, which hazards can occur during operation, s so that he can take these into account in an adequate way during construction and will be in a positive to formulate information for use giving adequate consideration of safety...
- Standard13 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies basic requirements for microbiological safety cabinets (MSCs) with respect to safety and hygiene. This European Standard sets the minimum performance criteria for safety cabinets for work with microorganisms and specifies test procedures for microbiological safety cabinets with respect to protection of the worker and the environment, product protection and cross contamination. Mechanical, electrical, chemical or radioactive safety precautions are not covered in the standard but are covered in EN 610101-1, EN 292-1 and EN 292-2 (see Bibliography (1), (2) and (3)).
- Standard45 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for filter elements and filtration assemblies used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks of microorganisms in use for the worker and the environment. This European Standard applies where the intended use of the filter elements or filtration assemblies includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes and/or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard19 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for off-gas systems used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks of microorganisms in use for the worker and the environment. This European Standard applies where the intended use of the off-gas system includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes and/or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard16 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for off-gas systems used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks of microorganisms in use for the worker and the environment. This European Standard applies where the intended use of the off-gas system includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes and/or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard16 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard gives guidance to the manufacturer of sampling and inoculation devices on providing instructions in the manufacturer's documentation accompanying his products in accordance with prEN 13312-3. It has the purpose of pointing out to him, which hazards can occur during operation, s so that he can take these into account in an adequate way during construction and will be in a positive to formulate information for use giving adequate consideration of safety...
- Standard13 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for filter elements and filtration assemblies used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks of microorganisms in use for the worker and the environment. This European Standard applies where the intended use of the filter elements or filtration assemblies includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms used in biotechnological processes and/or where exposure of the worker or the environment to such microorganisms is restricted for reasons of safety.
- Standard19 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard gives guidance on assessment of technical specifications of microorganism based products (MBPs) for product quality evaluation. It is also applicable for purposes of product registration. NOTE 1: In this European Standard, the technical specifications are considered to be purity, biological activity and stability of microorganism based product. This European Standard describes criteria and factors considered for the validity of the assessment of the technical specifications.
- Standard12 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies general requirements for management and organization of procedures for conservation of microorganisms used for large-scale process and production. It is intended to secure safe handling and also to ensure that reproducible results are obtained in biotechnology processes.
- Standard11 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European standard gives guidance on control procedures for raw materials u used in the biotechnological processes. This European standard does not list individual materials, but provides criteria against which raw materials used in industrial biotechnology processes can be checked. This European standard is applicable to all materials used during production of products by means of a biotechnological process. It is not applicable to equipment.
- Standard12 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard gives guidance on the assessment and the selection of procedures for treatment of waste process microorganisms from biotechnological plant to ensure the safety of people and environment. This European Standard applies to wastes and effluents (solid, liquid and gaseous) emitted from biotechnological processes which include traditional processes such as brewing or food processing, fermentation of pharmaceutical and chemical products as well as biotechnological processes for environmental and agricultural application.
- Standard18 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard gives guidance for good practice, procedures, training and control for the operation of large scale biotechnological processes. In addition, this European Standard gives recommendations for education and training of personnel involved in the large scale handling of microorganisms in plant building of containment levels 1, 2, 3 and 4. This European Standard aims at the protection of the workers from biological hazards as well as the environment including plants and animals.
- Standard11 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies minimum physical requirements for biological safety for laboratories at four reference physical containment levels which are appropriate for handling microorganisms of different risk groups. This European Standard primarily addresses the containment of microorganisms which can present a risk to human health. It applies to microbiology laboratories where the handling of microorganisms in bacteriology, mycology, virology, parasitology and/or genetic modification is carried out.
- Standard22 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for shaft seals in equipment used in biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks of microorganisms in use for the worker or the environment.
- Standard15 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard gives guidance on general testing procedures to assess the sterilizability for microorganisms of equipment (components and units of equipment) used in biotechnological processes. This European Standard gives guidance on the assessment of the sterilizability of biotechnological equipment with respect to a release of process microorganisms that can affect the safety of the worker (occupational health) and/or that can have adverse effects to the environment.
- Standard16 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard gives guidance on general testing procedures to assess the leaktightness for microorganisms of equipment (components and units of equipment) used in biotechnological processes. This European Standard gives guidance on the assessment of the leaktightness of biotechnological equipment with respect to a release of process microorganisms that can affect the safety of the worker (occupational health) and/or that can have adverse effects to the environment.
- Standard23 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard gives guidance on the selection and risk analysis of biotechnological equipment and the subsequent assembly of these into a plant in order to attain the appropriate biosafety containment levels. This includes verification of installation, operation and maintenance. It also applies when a new process or significant changes are introduced into an existing plant.
- Standard12 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day





