Publication on digital sequences (DSI) according to the EU ABS Regulation (Nagoya Protocol)

The “COP16 Recommendations on the Handling of Digital Sequence Information: What Researchers Need to Do in Practice” concerns the handling of digital sequence information (DSI), which links to the freely accessible online database. Downloading and using DSI from open-access databases does not require an ABS permit. Access to genetic resources (GR) and associated traditional knowledge (aTK) remains within the framework of bilateral national ABS systems . Therefore, where appropriate, a ABS approval or an equivalent authorization must be obtained in order to legally use this GR. Research activities must comply with the conditions granted under the ABS authorization. Non-commercial users of publicly available DSI are not required to contribute financially to the Cali Fund. Commercial users, however, are expected to contribute financially to the Cali Fund. In this respect, they may be required to do so under national law.

The COP resolutions are considered "soft law" and are therefore not legally binding.