Scientific Opinion on the revised molecular characterisation for Rf3 oilseed rape received from the Competent Authority of Belgium under Article 20(3) of Directive 2001/18/EC

The DG Environment of the European Commission has requested the EFSA Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms to deliver a scientific opinion on the revised molecular characterisation for Rf3 oilseed rape received from the Competent Authority of Belgium under Article 20(3) of Directive 2001/18/EC. The GMO Panel was asked to consider whether the new information received in respect of oilseed rape Rf3 could have consequences for the risks of this GMO to human health or the environment within the scope of Directive 2001/18/EC. In particular, EFSA was requested to take account of the objections raised by the Competent Authority of Austria in this context. Based on the revised molecular characterisation and on the additional information submitted in the frame of assessment of application EFSA-GMO-RX-Ms8-Rf3, the GMO Panel concludes that (1) the new information received on oilseed rape Rf3 does not have consequences for the risks of this GMO to human health or the environment within the scope of Directive 2001/18/EC and (2) the points raised by the Competent Authority of Austria are addressed in the opinion of the EFSA GMO Panel on application EFSA-GMO-RX-Ms8-Rf3.