Projects with imported hESC lines

Imports of human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) for research projects permitted subject to strict requirements. Here you will find information on the relevant requirements and responsibilities and the concrete procedure to be followed for imports of hESCs. 

You intend to import human embryonic stem cells from abroad (IMP) to conduct a specific stem cell research project (RP-SC).

Requirements (c and b subject to a)

a) Approval by the responsible ethics committee
b) The Federal Office of Public Health’s reference number for the stem cell research project (RP-SC)
(allocation of a reference number = approval of the research project)
c) Licence from the Federal Office of Public Health to import human embryonic stem cells (IMP)

Responsibilities

a) Competent ethics committee
b) Federal Office of Public Health
c) Federal Office of Public Health

How to proceed

In advance: two applications

1) Application for approval of the stem cell research project (RP-SC) by the competent ethics committee Form: RP-SC application (89KB, XLS) (XLS, 335 kB, 09.11.2016)

Application to the Federal Office of Public Health for a licence to import human embryonic stem cells (IMP), including notification of the stem cell research project (RP-SC) to receive a reference number: Form: Application for IMP, inc. notification of RP-SC (239KB, XLS) (XLS, 458 kB, 09.11.2016)

Afterwards: notification and final report

Notification to the competent ethics committee and the Federal Office of Public Health within 15 days of completion or termination of stem cell research project (RP-SC): Form: Notification of completion or termination of RP-SC (87KB, XLS) (XLS, 320 kB, 09.11.2016)(only in German and French)

Final report to the competent ethics committee and the Federal Office of Public Health within 6 months of completion or termination of stem cell research project (RP-SC): Form: Final report on RP-SC (86KB) (XLS, 319 kB, 09.11.2016)(only in German and French)

Last modification 29.04.2021