The GMO Directive 90/220 lays down the procedures for the release into the environment of products containing GMO's. The manufacturer / importer has to notify the competent authorities of the EC Member State. They examine whether the product is safe for the environment and human health and can reject the notification or forward it to the Commission with a favourable opinion. Other Member States can then raise objections, which many did in this case concerning genetically modified maize. As no agreement was reached between the Member States, the Commission could decide that the product is to be allowed on the market. The question before the ECJ was whether France still can or should refuse the maize on the market; it was raised due to a French court procedure where procedural deficiencies and violation of the precautionary principle were brought up. The ECJ indicates among other things that under the strict conditions set out in the Directive, France can still refuse to allow the genetically modified maize on its market. For the decision of 22 November 2000 by the Conseil d'État following this ruling, see below under 'National judiciary'.