French legislation
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the agriculture and food sectors - Legal Framework in France and the European Union

Directive 90/219/EEC of April 23, 1990 was transposed into French law by Law No. 92-645 of July 13, 1992 on the control of the use and release of GMOs. Micro-organisms and genetically modified organisms are grouped together under the definition GMO.

Directive 2001/18/EC of March 12, 2001 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms replaces and repeals Directive 90/220/EC. Law No. 2008-595 of June 25, 2008 transcribes Directive 2001/18/EC into French law.

In particular, it covers provisions concerning definitions, the introduction of a four-class classification of contained uses of GMOs, the procedure, and provisions on confidentiality and information that may not be kept confidential.

Genetically modified organisms may only be cultivated, marketed or used in a way that respects...