Restricted bacteria

Risk Group 2, 3 and Dual Use

Microorganisms are assigned to a biosafety level based upon risk assessment for potential to cause disease in humans, animals or plants. Bacteria are classified as Risk Groups 1, 2 and 3. The CCUG uses two sources for Risk Group classifications of bacteria:

"Smittrisker Arbetsmiljöverkets föreskrifter och allmänna råd om smittrisker AFS 2018:4" ("Risks of infection The Swedish Work Environment Authority's regulations and general advice on risks of infection") https://www.av.se/globalassets/filer/publikationer/foreskrifter/smittrisker_afs_2018_4.pdf

"Einstufung von Prokaryonten (Bacteria und Archaea) in Risikogruppen" ("Classification of Prokaryotes (Bacteria and Archaea) in Risk Groups"), most recently updated November 10, 2020 by the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. [https://gaa.baden-wuerttemberg.de/servlet/is/16050/5_2_466.pdf ]

Apart from the Risk Group classifications, which regulates the use of microorganisms in laboratories and the transport procedures and documents, some species or strains of bacteria, classified in risk group 2 or 3, are also so-called ‘dual-use’ agents, which may be used for both civilian and military purposes.

For ordering dual-use bacterial strains from the CCUG, the customer must obtain a permit from The Swedish Inspectorate of Strategic Products (ISP): https://www.government.se/government-agencies/inspectorate-of-strategic-products-isp/ ].

The CCUG must ensure that handling of dual-use agents is carried out in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.