Additional advice on import and processing of genetically modified oilseed rape MS8xRF3xGT73

Genetically modified MS8xRF3xGT73 oilseed rape expresses both genes of a pollination control system, i.e. the barnase gene (present in MS8) which confers male sterility and the barstar gene (present in RF3) which restores male fertility. In addition, MS8xRF3xGT73 expresses the cp4 epsps and goxv247 genes, and two copies of the bar gene resulting in tolerance to glufosinate ammonium and glyphosate containing herbicides.
In 2013, COGEM published its opinion on import and processing of MS8xRF3xGT73 and concluded that the event in itself does not pose a risk to the environment in the Netherlands, but expressed concerns with regard to the post-market environmental monitoring (PMEM) plan.
EFSA recently published its scientific and overall opinion on the application for placing on the market of genetically modified (GM) oilseed rape MS8xRF3xGT73. The Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment asked COGEM whether its previous comments on the application for import and processing of MS8xRF3xGT73 have been sufficiently addressed by EFSA.
COGEM remains of the opinion that the post-market monitoring plan of MS8xRF3xGT73 and its subcombinations needs to be adapted before an authorisation is granted. COGEM considers monitoring of oilseed rape transport routes (including roadsides and railway beddings) and transshipment areas a prerequisite to grant an authorisation for import and processing of MS8xRF3xGT73.