This Law concerns the adoption of appropriate measures to prevent the negative impacts on human health and the environment from the limited use of genetically modified organisms. The Law provides for harmonising Cypriot legislation with European Law on the matter, and defines the following relevant terms: accident; genetically modified microorganism, as any microorganism whose genetic material has been subjected to changes in a way that does not occur normally processes of conjugation and/or natural recombination; placing on the market; state of emergency; microorganism, as any microbial entity, cellular or not, capable of reproduction or of transmitting genetic materials, including viruses and animal plant cell cultures; restricted use. The Act covers the following matters: assessment of the risk arising from the use of genetically modified organisms; taking appropriate containment and protection measures; procedure for waste management and emergency response; notification of accidents; appointment of inspectors; offences. Annexes describe: genetic modification techniques permitted and excluded from the scope of this Law; criteria for certifying the safety of genetically modified microorganisms with regard to human health and the environment; principles to be followed during risk assessment, including: causing diseases in humans, animals and plants; environmental aspects and impacts on the ecosystems; cultivation conditions; protection of vulnerable species; classification of all potentially harmful characteristics; restriction measures and protective measures for: laboratory activities, animal production units.