Rules for the Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and Storage of Hazardous Micro-organisms Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells, 1989.

The Rules aim at the protection of the environment, nature and health, in connection with the application of gene technology and micro-organisms. According to article 2.2, these Rules shall apply to genetically engineered organisms, micro-organisms and cells and correspondingly to any substances and products and foodstuffs, etc. of which such cells, organisms or tissues hereof form part . The Rules regulate the powers of the following authorities: (a) Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RDAC), to review developments in biotechnology at national and international levels and to recommend suitable and appropriate safety regulations; (b) Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation (RCGM), in charge of monitoring the safety related aspect in respect of research projects and activities involving genetically engineered organisms and/or hazardous micro-organisms; (c) Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBSC), which shall assist research institutions, in accordance with the guidelines of the RCGM, in the preparation of an uptodate on-site emergency plan; (d) Genetic Engineering Approval Committee (GEAC), which shall function as a body under the Department of Environment, Forests and Wildlife for approval of activities involving large scale use of hazardous micro-organisms and recombinants in research and industrial production; (e) State Biotechnology coordination Committee (SBCC), which shall have powers to inspect, investigate and take punitive action in case of violations of statutory provisions; (f) District Level Committee (DLC), to monitor the safety regulations in installations engaged in the use of genetically modified organisms and/or hazardous micro-organisms. The import, export, transport, manufacture, processing, use, sale, release and production of genetically modified organisms and/or hazardous micro-organisms shall be authorized by the GEAC, according to the procedure of articles 5-15. Final provisions concern enforcement measures and penalties to be applied in case of contravention.