Submission of the Government of Australia

Views on Article 18.2(a)

Invitation to examine unique identification systems with a view to considering their applicability to the requirements of identification of LMOs and their linkage to the BCH

(para 4b, recommendation 3/6)

The Protocol text states that "[…] Parties to this Protocol shall take a decision on the detailed requirements [..], including specification of their identity and any unique identification, no later than two years after the date of entry into force of this Protocol".

Australia suggests that in line with the text of the Protocol, and the lack of agreement on the requirements of the first sentence, consideration should not be given to the detailed requirements referred to in this sentence at this time.  An opportunity to draw on the experience of Parties with implementation of the requirements of the first sentence of Article 18.2(a) would be an important input to these subsequent considerations.  Therefore, although the sentence enables unique identifiers to be considered, the case for their necessity is yet to be made.