If you wish to start working with biosubstances of protection level 3 or 4 in laboratories, in laboratory animal husbandry or in biotechnology for the first time, you must apply for a permit. The same applies to health service facilities that are intended for activities at protection level 4.
The Biological Agents Ordinance (BioStoffV) summarises biological agents under the term "biological agents". Biological agents are essentially microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses or fungi, which can endanger humans through infections, toxic or sensitising effects.
Biological agents are categorised into risk groups 1 to 4 according to the risk of infection they pose, with risk group 1 representing the lowest risk. Biological agents in risk groups 3 and 4 can cause serious illnesses in humans and pose a serious risk to employees. For this reason, the German Ordinance on Biological Substances (BioStoffV) provides for an authorisation procedure before certain activities can begin. This means that certain activities involving biological substances may only be carried out once the competent authority has issued a permit.
The authorisation requirement applies to the four areas of healthcare, biotechnology, laboratories and laboratory animal husbandry. Activities involving organisms in risk group 3 (**) do not require a licence. For the following activities:
- in laboratories, in laboratory animal husbandry and in biotechnology, the first commencement of activities of protection level 3 or 4, i.e. with biosubstances of risk group 3 or 4
- in health service facilities, activities of protection level 4, i.e. activities involving biosubstances of risk group 4