Council Resolution of 25 June 2001 on the exchange of DNA analysis results
Date: 2001-06-25
Institutions: Council of the European Union
Subjects: DNA, EU police cooperation, exchange of information, judicial cooperation, scientific exchange

3.7.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 187/1

(Acts adopted under Title VI of the Treaty on European Union)

COUNCIL RESOLUTION

of 25 June 2001

on the exchange of DNA analysis results

(2001/C 187/01)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

an exchange would provide relevant information in a criminal
investigation,

RECALLING the objectives of the Treaty on European Union;

BEARING IN MIND the protection of personal data as regulated
by the Council of Europe Convention No 108 for
the
protection of individuals with regard to automatic processing
of personal data (Strasbourg, 28 January 1981), Recommen-
dation (87)15 of
the Council of Europe Committee of
Ministers regulating the use of personal data in the police
sector, and, as appropriate, Recommendation (92)1 of 10
the Council of Europe Committee of
February 1992 of
Ministers on the use of DNA analysis within the framework
of the criminal justice system;

HAS ADOPTED THIS RESOLUTION:

I. DEFINITIONS

1.

(cid:145)DNA marker(cid:146) means the locus in a molecule which
typically contains different
regards
different individuals;

information as

RECALLING the Council Resolution of 9 June 1997 on the
exchange of DNA analysis results (1);

2.

funded in the context of

TAKING INTO ACCOUNT the work of the DNA Working group
of the European network of forensic science institutes (ENFSI)
on the harmonisation of the DNA markers and DNA tech-
the STOP programme of
nology,
the European Union pursuant
Joint Action
to Council
96/700/JHA of 29 November 1996 establishing an incentive
for
and
combating trade in human beings and the sexual exploitation
of children (2);

exchange programme

for persons

responsible

CONSIDERING the existence of technical aspects associated with
DNA investigation that must be taken into account in the
development of cooperation activities;

CONSIDERING that DNA analysis has proved to be of significant
value for the investigation of crime and that efficient exchange
of DNA analysis results could be improved by the use of the
same DNA markers;

CONVINCED that this exchange is essential to the fight against
crime in a controlled, efficient and systematic way;

BEARING IN MIND that it is therefore appropriate to set out an
initial minimum list of DNA markers used in forensic DNA
analysis in Member States which could be used in the context
of such exchange;

STRESSING that the exchange of DNA analysis results should
only be carried out when there are reasons to believe that such

(1) OJ C 193, 24.6.1997, p. 2.
(2) OJ L 322, 12.12.1996, p. 7.

loci

in DNA and used for

(cid:145)DNA analysis result(cid:146) means a letter or a number code
which is built up on the basis of analysing one or
several
reporting. For
example, DNA analysis result D3S1358 14-15, D21S11
28-30 means that the subject is type 14-15 as regards
DNA marker D3S1358 and type 28-30 as regards DNA
marker D21S11;

3.

(cid:145)European standard set (ESS)(cid:146) means the set of DNA
markers listed in Annex 1;

4.

(cid:145)ESS marker(cid:146) means a DNA marker which is part of the
European standard set (ESS); and

5.

(cid:145)ESS analysis result(cid:146) means a DNA analysis result built
up using the abovementioned DNA markers which are
part of the ESS.

II. FORENSIC DNA TECHNOLOGY

1. In forensic DNA analysis, Member States are invited to
use at least the DNA markers listed in Annex I which
form the ESS, in order to facilitate an exchange of DNA
analysis results.

2. Member States are invited to build up ESS analysis
results
in accordance with scientifically tested and
approved DNA technology based on studies carried
out in the framework of the DNA Working group of
the European network of
forensic science institutes
(ENFSI). Member States should be able to specify upon
request the quality requirements and proficiency tests in
use.

C 187/2

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

3.7.2001

III. EXCHANGE OF DNA ANALYSIS RESULTS

1. When exchanging DNA analysis results, Member States
are urged to limit the DNA analysis results to chro-
i.e.
mosome zones containing no genetic expression,
not known to provide information about
specific
hereditary characteristics.

2. The DNA-markers in Annex I are not known to contain
information about
specific hereditary characteristics.
Should science develop in such a way that it can be
determined that any of the DNA markers recommended
in this
resolution provide information on specific
hereditary characteristics, Member States are recom-
mended to no longer use that marker when exchanging
DNA analysis results. Member States are also recom-
mended to be prepared to delete DNA-analysis results,
which they have received, if those DNA analysis results

should prove
hereditary characteristics.

to contain information on specific

3. Member States are encouraged to use the form in Annex
II, which is based on the standard already in use in other
international organisations such as Interpol,
the
exchange of results obtained through the ESS. Member
States are urged to designate one contact point for this
purpose.

for

4. In order to facilitate the exchange of DNA analysis
results between Member States the possibility of trans-
mission through electronic means should be considered.

5. The provisions in points 1 and 2 do not affect bilateral
arrangements between Member States on the use of
specific DNA markers, established in conformity with
their national legislation.

The European standard set (ESS) comprises the following DNA markers:

ANNEX I

D3S1358

VWA

D8S1179

D21S11

D18S51

HUMTH01

FGA

3.7.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 187/3

ANNEX II

Forensic DNA profile exchange form

Requesting country:

....................................................................................................................................................................................

Contact point:

..............................................................................................................................................................................................

Our reference:

..............................................................................................................................................................................................

Suspected crime:

.........................................................................................................................................................................................

The profile originates from:

A person &

A crime stain &

Allel 1

Allel 2

Allel 1

Allel 2

DNA profile

D3S1358

VWA

D8S1179

D21S11

D18S51

HUMTH0 1

FGA

More information can be obtained from:

............................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

C 187/4

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

3.7.2001

Reply coupon

Respondent country:

..................................................................................................................................................................................

Contact point:

..............................................................................................................................................................................................

Our reference:

..............................................................................................................................................................................................

Your reference:

.............................................................................................................................................................................................

Negative result: &

DNA profile match: From a person & From more than one person & From a crime stain &

Allel 1

Allel 2

Allel 1

Allel 2

D3S1358

VWA

D8S1179

D21S11

D18S51

HUMTH0 1

FGA

More information can be obtained from:

...........................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................