The National Board of Forestry regulates the release of genetically modified forest trees intended for timber production. Release refers to planting, sowing or any other form of outdoor plant establishment. In addition, the Board of Forestry regulates the placing on the market of such trees. The rules apply to timber producing trees that exist today in Sweden, or that might be introduced.The Board of Forestry does not regulate so called contained use (laboratory research etc.) of genetically modified trees. This is handled by the Board of Agriculture, which also handles matters concerning trees that are not used for timber production, such as fruit trees and ornamental trees.
At the moment, the Swedish wood industry has shown little interest in using genetically modified trees, and there are no transgenic trees ready for use that are intended for Sweden. Therefore, the Board of Forestry has not yet processed any applications for release or placing on the market of genetically modified trees.
