This Legislative Decree makes provisions for the implementation of Council Directive 98/81/EC. It regulates the contained use of genetically modified microorganisms in order to protect the environment as well as human health. The Ministry for Health shall coordinate administrative, technical and scientific activities aimed at the enforcement of this Legislative Decree. Articles 5-13 set out the obligations of the user and of the holder of the installation. Article 14 provides for the establishment of a Commission intended for the assessment of the risks that contained uses may cause. Article 15 sets out the duties and powers of the Ministry for Health and of the local authorities. It regulates in particular the emergency programmes. Article 17 provides for the inspections to be carried out. Articles 20-22 concern the penalties to be applied in case of contravention. Five Annexes are attached.