a chance for informal input in the process before a new 
regulation is published for public comment. Such cooperation 
could allow the development of language in the proposed 
regulation that could merely be adopted by reference into the NIH 
Guidelines . 
Dr. Davis proposed a resolution that it was the sense of the 
Committee that it would be desirable to revise the definition of 
recombinant organisms in such a way that recognizes that a very 
large class are now exempt from being considered etiologic 
agents. Dr. Musgrave seconded the resolution. 
Dr. McGarrity called for further discussion and asked 
Dr. Stevenson for any comments. He reported that the 
congressional committee with jurisdiction over the Post Office 
was meeting on October 5 to discuss the whole issue of shipment 
of etiologic agents. Dr. Stevenson also noted that he is the 
chairman of the Biotechnology Technical Advisory Committee at the 
Department of Commerce. His Committee had been trying to loosen 
export control procedures for common microorganisms of Class 2 
and below. They had received information from several Federal 
agencies that genetically engineered organisms would be subject 
to individual specific export control applications and would 
require specific documentation for export outside the continental 
United States. He said he felt this would be expensive and 
troublesome. He stated further that when the Human Genome 
project gets under way, some 3,000 cosmids may appear on the 
scene to provide an additional paperwork burden. He said a 
working definition that can be used by the layman in the 
bureaucracy to differentiate between what is and is not dangerous 
and labels for proper shipment needs to be developed. 
Dr. Stevenson reported that over 600 comments had been received 
by the Postal Service on this subject. The major concern is 
potential cost of shipping. Those most affected would be 
clinical laboratories who would have to ship all urine and blood 
samples by courier causing the cost of medical diagnosis to rise 
substantially . 
Dr. Musgrave asked if there was any evidence that United Parcel 
Service (UPS) had refused any shipments. Dr. Stevenson said this 
had occurred. He would furnish Dr. Musgrave with a letter 
describing such instances, and a general procedure in which UPS 
states they will not accept any infectious agents whatsoever. 
Dr. Musgrave said this could be another issue of mislabeling, and 
smart carriers will learn efficient methods of shipping materials 
at competitive prices. 
Dr. Musgrave asked for a re-reading of the motion. Ms. Levinson 
restated the motion as: 
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Recombinant DNA Research, Volume 13 
