Europe vs. the USA

1993 was a watershed in the development of regulatory controls for European research and industry. The two EC Directives should provide a harmonised approach for research and product development whilst maintaining the high safety record of biotechnology. 

However, there will still remain regulatory and political differences in approach between Member States. There are fears that the entire EC package will do more than drive innovation beyond its geographical area of control. Only time and experience will tell if such fears are justified. The opportunity for a level European playing field for all involved in the technology is attractive, provided that the disadvantages in terms of comparison with opportunity beyond the EC/EFTA are not too great. 

The views expressed in this paper are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policies of the Health and Safety Executive or any UK Government department. 

Genetic Manipulation Regulations, 1989. Statutory Instruments No. 1810, HMSO. 

and Lilly, M.D. (1982). Biotechnology - International Trends and Perspectives. OECD, Paris. 

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