Published on 20 April 2023

Experimental releases of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

Experimental releases of GMOs fundamentally require a federal licence.

The Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) is responsible for issuing licences to release GMOs for experimental purposes. The Release Ordinance (Art. 7-11, 17-19, 22, 36-41 RO) regulates this procedure.

Applications should be submitted to the Biotechnology Section.

Authorisations

Information on applications, status of procedures, decisions; ongoing and completed experimental releases of GMOs.

26 January 2026

B/CH/25/02 (B25002): Application to release a genetically modified potato strain with improved potato late blight resistance for experimental purposes

Submitted 9 December 2025

More about «B/CH/25/02 (B25002): Application to release a genetically modified potato strain with improved potato late blight resistance for experimental purposes»

15 February 2024

B/CH/23/02 (B23002): Application to release genetically modified barley strains with increased yield potential

Request authorised on February 15, 2024

More about «B/CH/23/02 (B23002): Application to release genetically modified barley strains with increased yield potential»

22 August 2023

B/CH/22/01 (B22001): Application to release a genetically modified vaccine against avian influenza for experimental purposes

Request authorised on April 18, 2023

More about «B/CH/22/01 (B22001): Application to release a genetically modified vaccine against avian influenza for experimental purposes»

28 February 2023

B/CH/20/02 (B20002): Application to release genetically modified wheat strains with improved mildew resistance for experimental purposes

Request authorised March 29, 2021

More about «B/CH/20/02 (B20002): Application to release genetically modified wheat strains with improved mildew resistance for experimental purposes»

28 February 2023

B/CH/18/04 (B18004): Application to release genetically modified barley strains with improved resistance against phytopathogenic fungi for experimental purposes

Request authorised June 12, 2019

More about «B/CH/18/04 (B18004): Application to release genetically modified barley strains with improved resistance against phytopathogenic fungi for experimental purposes»

28 February 2023

B/CH/18/03 (B18003): Application to release genetically modified maize strains with improved resistance against phytopathogenic fungi for experimental purposes

Request authorised March 2, 2020

More about «B/CH/18/03 (B18003): Application to release genetically modified maize strains with improved resistance against phytopathogenic fungi for experimental purposes»

28 February 2023

B/CH/18/01 (B18001): Application to release genetically modified wheat strains with improved mildew resistance for experimental purposes

Request authorised March 14, 2019

More about «B/CH/18/01 (B18001): Application to release genetically modified wheat strains with improved mildew resistance for experimental purposes»

28 February 2023

B/CH/15/01 (B15001): Application to release a genetically modified apple tree with improved fire blight resistance for experimental purposes

Request partially authorised April 29, 2016

More about «B/CH/15/01 (B15001): Application to release a genetically modified apple tree with improved fire blight resistance for experimental purposes»

Further information

Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN)

Bundesamt für Umwelt BAFU
Biotechnology Section
3003 Bern