The EU stated that all decisions should be based on prior scientific risk assessment and that competent authorities must have access to information relevant to risk assessment. General positions on risk assessment should be in the protocol and more detailed information in an annex. Supported by most developing countries, she said decisions could also be based on socio-economic and ethical considerations. If they lack the technical capacity, specific provisions for assistance will be necessary. Regarding who should perform the risk assessment, the EU said assessments are the responsibility of the importer and the exporter should provide information.
Financial responsibility lies with the country trying to undertake the transfer.
The US stated that the risk assessment should be provided by the exporting company, but it is up to the importing country to analyze it. Socio-economic elements should be included and given equal emphasis with other factors. Many delegations supported the inclusion of a provision for risk management in the protocol. The majority of delegations supported the use of the UNEP Guidelines as well as other sources for the elaboration of provisions on risk management in the protocol. The paper contains proposals on whether to include risk assessment provisions and the level of specificity required.