M/BC/CEN/91/19 - Biotechnology
Mandate for CEN on biotechnology
The mandate M/BC/CEN/91/19 concerns the European Commission's request for CEN to develop standardisation in the field of biotechnology. It involves the approval or disapproval of this mandate, as referenced in resolution CEN/BT C195/1992. The objective is to establish harmonised European standards to support the biotechnology sector, enhancing innovation, safety, and market integration within the EU.
Purpose
This mandate concerns the development of European standards in the field of biotechnology. It aims to engage the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) to provide a framework for standardisation activities related to biotechnological products, processes, or services.
Standardisation request
The mandate requests CEN to establish or update standards that address the scientific, technical, and safety aspects of biotechnology. This includes setting common European requirements to ensure compatibility, quality, and safety within the biotechnology sector.
Expected deliverables
While specific deliverables are not detailed in the metadata, the mandate likely anticipates the creation of harmonized European standards and guidelines for biotechnology that can be referenced in regulatory and industrial contexts. Deliverables would typically include technical reports, standard documents, and possible updates to existing standards.
Context
Biotechnology is a rapidly evolving sector with significant impacts on health, environment, and industry. Standardisation in this field supports innovation, market integration, and regulatory compliance across EU member states. This mandate, referenced by CEN/BT C195/1992, reflects early efforts by CEN to address emerging needs in biotechnology standardisation following technological advancements in the early 1990s.
The mandate covers the standardisation work related to biotechnology, addressing relevant processes, products, and practices within the biotechnology sector to ensure harmonisation and support innovation and market development in this field.
General Information
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 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 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 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 gives requirements and recommendations for installation, commissioning and routine testing of BSC.
- Standard16 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 cell disrupters used in the biotechnological processes with respect to the potential risks of microorganisms in use for the worker or the environment. This European Standard applies where the intended use of the cell disrupter 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.
- Standard13 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard provides guidance for factors and criteria considered by the experimenter for the valid design, execution and evaluation of an analysis of the molecular stability of the genomic modification with respect to life cycle, heritability and external factors. It describes the steps in the characterization of a GMO that should be followed to ensure the validity of the analysis of the molecular stability of the genomic modification. The type of molecular stability analysis is dependent on the objectives of the experiment.
- Standard16 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard gives guidance on methods for handling, inactivating and testing of waste containing organisms arising from biotechnology laboratory activities and processes. It is concerned with methods to reduce the risks arising from exposure to waste derived from laboratory-scale activities which contains organisms hazardous or potentially hazardous to humans, animals, plants or the environment.
- Standard21 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard gives guidance for practice for biotechnology operations in research, development and analysis laboratories of containment levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 (see EN 12128 and prEN 12738). This European Standard aims at the protection of workers from biological hazards as well as the environment including plants and animals.
- Standard15 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard provides guidance for a quality control procedure of a diagnostic kit to assure that the assay results will fulfil the intended purpose of the test by both manufacturers and users. This European Standard applies to diagnostic kits used in agriculture, plant and animal pest and disease control monitoring of feed and environmental contamination due to microorganisms.
- Standard9 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies design requirements for plant buildings used for the safe handling of microorganisms and the product itself if it presents a biohazard. Note 1: When applying this European Standard, attention is drawn to the existing national regulations such as regulations concerning genetic engineering, water and environmental emission concerning the design requirements.
- Standard16 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, in order to protect the worker and/or the environment, gives guidance on minimum physical biosafety measures for the containment of animals deliberately inoculated with microorganisms, including genetically modified microorganisms, which can present a risk to human or animal health or the environment. This European Standard does not apply to the containment of animals which have not been deliberately inoculated with microorganisms.
- Standard15 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard specifies performance criteria for pumps used in biotechnological processes, in which the release of microorganisms should be limited or prevented for reasons of safety. This standard applies if the intended use of the pump includes hazardous or potentially hazardous microorganisms. This standard applies to pumps with no auxiliary equipment, bordered by the connections on the unit of equipment. It also applies to pump systems equipped with all necessary auxiliary equipment necessary for operation of pumps and to accomplish cleaning and sterilization.
- Standard13 pagesEnglish languagee-Library read for1 day
This European Standard provides guidance concerning the procedures for setting up a valid sampling strategy to meet the objectives of a monitoring strategy for GMMs released into the environment. Since monitoring methods of microorganisms in environmental samples usually require pretreatment of the samples, for example the extraction and isolation of GMMs and/or their nucleic acid, this is included in scope of this European Standard. The sampling is to provide material to which subsequent analytical or biological methods for monitoring of GMMs can be applied.
- 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 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 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
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
Frequently Asked Questions
A European Standardization Mandate is a formal request from the European Commission to the European Standardization Organizations (CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI) to develop European standards (ENs) in support of EU legislation and policies. Mandates are issued under Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 and help ensure that products and services meet the essential requirements set out in EU directives and regulations.
M/BC/CEN/91/19 is a European Standardization Mandate titled "Mandate for CEN on biotechnology". Mandate for CEN on biotechnology There are 102 standards developed under this mandate.
Standards developed in response to a mandate and cited in the Official Journal of the European Union become "harmonized standards". Products manufactured in compliance with harmonized standards benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation, facilitating CE marking and market access across the European Economic Area.