Techniques or methods of genetic modification yielding micro-organisms to be excluded from this Directive on condition that they do not involve the use of recombinant-nucleic acid molecules or GMMs other than those produced by one or more of the techniques/methods listed below:

1. 1.

   Mutagenesis.

2. 2.

   Cell fusion (including protoplast fusion) of prokaryotic species that exchange genetic material by known physiological processes.

3. 3.

   Cell fusion (including protoplast fusion) of cells of any eukaryotic species, including production of hybridomas and plant cell fusions.

4. 4.

   Self-cloning consisting in the removal of nucleic acid sequences from a cell of an organism which may or may not be followed by reinsertion of all or part of that nucleic acid (or a synthetic equivalent), with or without prior enzymic or mechanical steps, into cells of the same species or into cells of phylogenetically closely related species which can exchange genetic material by natural physiological processes where the resulting micro-organism is unlikely to cause disease to humans, animals or plants.

   Self-cloning may include the use of recombinant vectors with an extended history of safe use in the particular micro-organisms.