The concept of monitoring according to the Directive 2001/18/EC has two focuses: (1) to confirm possible adverse effects of the genetically modified plants (GMP), identified in the formal risk assessment procedure (Case Specific Monitoring), and (2) to identify the occurrence of adverse unforeseen effects of the GMP or its use which were not foreseen in the environmental risk assessment (General Surveillance). In addition, Member States should be able to take further measures for monitoring and inspection of the GMP as or in products placed on the market (2001/18/EC, item 44) for example by official services. As national competent authority, the Bundesamt für Verbraucherschutz und Lebensmittelsicherheit (BVL) serves as national Reporting and Coordination Office. This Office will provide the platform for information exchange between applicants and other involved authorities regarding monitoring plans and reports according to Annex VII of Directive 2001/18/EC. Advice to applicants will be given in the selection of appropriate existing monitoring systems, in developing systems which may provide useful data in Germany and in selecting existing surveillance systems. BVL will establish technical discussions with different applicants and third parties in order to stimulate and coordinate data collection and analysis from different monitoring programmes. Specific emphasis will be given to coordination and active involvement of the Federal Bundesländer since general environmental monitoring falls under their legal responsibility. The BVL will actively support the development of mechanisms for reporting and collating monitoring data both at Member State and EU level. This will facilitate scientific analysis of these data, provide scientific conclusions and enable informed decisions on the future cultivation of GM crops as well as future improvement for risk assessments.