(1) 'organism' is any biological entity capable of replication or of transferring genetic material;

(2) 'genetically modified organism (GMO)' means an organism in which the genetic material has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination.

Within the terms of this definition:

(i) genetic modification occurs at least through the use of the techniques listed in Annex I A Part 1;

(ii) the techniques listed in Annex I A Part 2 are not considered to result in genetic modification;

(3) 'deliberate release' means any intentional introduction into the environment of a GMO or a combination of GMOs without provisions for containment such as physical barriers or a combination of physical barriers together with chemical and/or biological barriers used to limit their contact with the general population and the environment;

(4) 'product' means a preparation consisting of, or containing, a GMO or a combination of GMOs, which is placed on the market;

(5) 'placing on the market' means supplying or making available to third parties;

(6) 'notification' means the presentation of documents containing the requisite information to the competent authority of a Member State. The person making the presentation shall be referred to as 'the notifier';

(7) 'use' means the deliberate release of a product which has been placed on the market. The persons carrying our this use will be referred to as 'users';

(8) 'environmental risk assessment' means the evaluation of the risk to human health and the environment (which includes plants and animals) connected with the release of GMOs or products containing GMOs.