In the absence of a qualified majority, the Council was unable to act on the Commission's proposal for a Decision concerning the placing on the market in accordance with Directive 2001/18/EC of oilseed rape products (Brassica napus L., lines Ms8, Rf3 and Ms8xRf3) genetically modified for tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate-ammonium (11640/06, 12628/06+REV1).

The proposal is now being sent back to the Commission, which will adopt it on expiry of the threemonths' deadline imposed on the Council.

The aim of the proposal is to authorise the placing on the market of the above-mentioned oilseed rape products. The authorisation would apply to all uses with the exception of cultivation and uses in food and would be valid for 10 years.

On 5 December 2005, the Commission consulted the Regulatory Committee on the deliberate release into the environment of GMOs which, despite the favourable opinion delivered by the Food Safety Authority, was unable to give an opinion.

On 11 July 2006, the Commission accordingly submitted its proposal to the Council, which has a 3 month period from that date within which to act by qualified majority.