Researchers wishing to either import or export human embryonic stem cell lines into or out of the UK should apply to the Steering Committee on the appropriate form, The Steering Committee will need to assure itself in the case of cell lines not previously imported to the UK that the cell line(s) have been ethically sourced with fully informed and free donor consent.
Researchers wishing to export human embryonic stem cells to other countries should ensure that the research performed overseas fulfils the requirements of the Steering Committee as set out in the ’Code of Practice for the Use of Human Stem Cell Lines’ and complies with both UK legislation and that of the country in which the research is to take place. Researchers wishing to obtain stem cell lines in this way should inform the Steering Committee by completing the relevant application form and returning it to the MRC Secretariat at the address given on the form.
Detailed information on transferring embryonic stem cell lines between researchers in the UK can be found in the current edition of The Code of Practice for the Use of Human Stem Cell Lines published by the UK Steering Committee and the Medical Research Council (MRC).
Although the Steering Committee expects that the Bank will be the preferred source of stem cell lines, there will be occasions, such as where lines are unavailable from the bank, when researchers will wish to access embryonic stem cell lines from other sources. Researchers wishing to obtain stem cell lines in this way should inform the Steering Committee by completing the relevant application form and returning it to the MRC Secretariat at the address given on the form.
The Steering Committee will need to assure itself that the stem cell line(s) have been ethically sourced. Information on the ethical sourcing should be presented to the committee at the time of application unless the stem cell line(s) were created in the UK under an HFEA licence, or are listed on the National Institute of Health (NIH) registry, or have been approved by the Steering Committee for import or banking.