On 22 July, the Agriculture Council adopted the political agreement reached by the Health Council on 2 June 2003 (see also
EurActiv, 3 June 2003) on a proposal for a Directive concerning human tissues and cells. This legislation will introduce more stringent requirements on the suitability of donors, screening of donated substances, as well as the traceability from donor to patient and vice versa. Rules for third country imports will also be established ensuring equivalent standards of quality and safety.
The legislative proposal will now be forwarded to the European Parliament for a second reading.