China tightens control of human genetic resources outflow ( 2003-10-09 23:36) (Xinhua)
China is now beefing up its control of the outflow and inflow of human
genetic resources from or into the country.
According to a notice recently issued jointly by the Chinese Ministry of
Health and State Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and
Quarantine, organizations or individuals should apply to authorities for a
permit to take, mail or transport human genetic materials out of China.
Those who take or send human genetic materials out of China without
authoritative permission will face legal penalties and punishment, said the
notice.
Human genetic resources, which include human genome, human organs, tissues,
cells and blood, are essential to pharmaceutical and health care industries.
China has a vast population and a host of ethnic groups. The country has
issued in recent years a series of regulations and relevant laws to protect its
plentiful human genetic resources.
Meanwhile, the notice also specify the tightened management of the inflow and
outflow of other special materials used for medical purposes, including human
materials, pathogenic animalcule and scientific samples.
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