Nanotechnology code of conduct by the end of the year

摘要

An international voluntary code of conduct for businesses involved in nanotechnology is set for adoption this year, Steffi Friedrich, director of the Nanotechnologies Industries Association (NIA), told a hearing in the European Parliament last week (see also Top Story section). The Code of Conduct for Responsible Nanotechnology - 'Responsible NanoCode' -springs from a November 2006 initiative by the UK Royal Society, the Nanotechnology Industries Association and Insight Investment. The aim is for a code based on seven key principles (see box below) rather than standards, that is suitable for businesses of all sizes involved in the research, development, manufacturing and retailing of products using nanotechnologies.