Federal Law No. 8 of 2021 regarding access to genetic resources and their derivatives and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use.

This Law consisting of 17 articles aims to (i) protect, preserve, reduce depletion, ensure sustainability of, and regulate access to and circulation of the genetic resources, in order to contribute to the maintenance and sustainability of biodiversity in the State; (ii) ensure fair and equitable shares of the benefits originating from the utilization of genetic resources or their derivatives and associated conventional and heritage knowledge and practices and innovations; (iii) list, compile, classify and document the genetic resources and their derivatives or associated conventional and heritage knowledge and practices and innovations; (iv) enhance and promote research that contributes to preservation and sustainable use of the biodiversity. It applies to (i) the genetic resources and their derivatives and associated conventional and heritage knowledge and practices and innovations, which are accessed or utilized in the State, imported from abroad or exported abroad; (ii) the genetic resources and their derivatives within or outside their natural habitats. The access to genetic resources and equitable benefit-sharing, regulated under article 4, is contingent upon obtaining permits from the Competent Authority for accessing and utilizing genetic resources and obtaining approvals from the Ministry for import/export activities, with specific details outlined in the Executive Regulations regarding permit types, validity periods, and additional requirements, and will be kept electronic record of the entire process. Access to genetic resources and their derivatives within the state is permitted only with a permit from the Competent Authority, while exportation and importation of such resources require approval from the Ministry, all subject to the regulations outlined in the Executive Regulations of the Law (Articles 7 and 8). The Ministry and Competent Authority are authorized to share benefits resulting from the utilization of genetic resources with the accessing party according to the Benefit Sharing Agreement, while revocation of approval, permit, or benefit sharing agreement may occur due to breaches of requirements, provision of incorrect information, or other cases specified in the Executive Regulations of the Law.