It is important to ensure a high degree of transparency in the handling of applications and notifications relating to GMOs, a need that is met by the Swedish principle of public access to information. Some information though, such as certain technical data, is covered by the provisions of the Secrecy Act (SFS 2009:400) and the Secrecy Ordinance (SFS 2009:641).In the specific case of GMOs, the Secrecy Ordinance imposes certain restrictions on the confidentiality that would otherwise apply. With regard to investigations, the granting of consents and supervision relating to GMOs, confidentiality does not apply if the public interest carries such weight that the information concerned should be disclosed. Decisions reached on applications etc. considered by an authority are always to be made public.
In the case of a notification or an application for consent, confidentiality does not apply to the following information:
- general description of the genetically modified organisms,
- the name and address of the person or organization undertaking the activity concerned,
- the purpose of the activity,
- the location of the activity,
- the risk category to which the activity is assigned,
- protective measures,
- plans for monitoring and for emergency response, and
- risk assessments referred to in chapter 1, section 6 of SFS 2002:1086 or section 7 of SFS 2000:271.
