Unternavigation

Activities in contained use

Activities with genetically modified organisms, alien organisms subject to compulsory containment or pathogenic organisms in contained use

Activities involving the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), alien organisms subject to compulsory containment or pathogenic organisms (POs) in contained use, such as laboratories, production facilities, greenhouses or animal houses are regulated by three specific ordinances. They define the various protection objectives for research, diagnosis or production activities. These activities must be notified and authorized according to their potential risks to human health and environment.

Notification procedure

Procedure for the submission of notifications and applications for authorization according to the containment ordinance (ContainO).

Implementation guides

The Swiss Federal Council has delegated to the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) the competence to issue guidelines on the enforcement of the Ordinance on the Contained Use of Organisms (Containment Ordinance, ContainO, Art. 32).

FAQ: frequently asked questions

Information on submitting a notification or an application for authorisation of an activity involving the contained use of genetically modified organisms, alien organisms subject to compulsory containment or pathogenic organisms.

Meetings and courses for BSO

The Curriculum Biosafety - An initiative of the FOEN, the FOPH, the SUVA and the SECB

Federal Coordination Centre for Biotechnology

The Federal Coordination Centre for Biotechnology is the entry and exit point for all notifications and licence applications under the Ordinance on the Contained Use of Organisms (ContainO) and the Ordinance on Occupational Safety in Biotechnology (OOSB).