Biosafety Act, 2009.
Country
Type of law
Legislation
Date of original text
Date of latest amendment
Abstract
This Act concerns the control of genetically modified organisms and related risks. The Act establishes the National Biosafety Authority for this purpose.
The objects of this Act are: (a) to facilitate responsible research into, and minimize the risks that may be posed by, genetically modified organisms; (b) to ensure an adequate level of protection for the safe transfer, handling and use of genetically modified organisms that may have an adverse effect on the health of the people and the environment; and (c) to establish a transparent, science-based and predictable process for reviewing and making decisions on the transfer, handling and use of genetically modified organisms and related activities.
The National Biosafety Authority is established as a body corporate. The Authority shall exercise general supervision and control over the transfer, handling and use of genetically modified organisms with a view to ensuring safety of human and animal health and provision of an adequate level of protection of the environment. The Authority shall determine applications for approval for the transfer, handling and use of genetically modified organisms and carry out research, coordination and advisory functions. It shall also establish and maintain a biosafety clearing house.
The Act further provides for, among other things: risk assessment and authorization of contained use, introduction into the environment, placing on the market, importation, exportation and transit of GMO’s, the keeping of a register by the Authority, the establishment of an Appeals Board, notification of an unintentional or unapproved introduction into the environment of a genetically modified organism, environmental restoration orders, cessation order and biosafety inspectors.
The objects of this Act are: (a) to facilitate responsible research into, and minimize the risks that may be posed by, genetically modified organisms; (b) to ensure an adequate level of protection for the safe transfer, handling and use of genetically modified organisms that may have an adverse effect on the health of the people and the environment; and (c) to establish a transparent, science-based and predictable process for reviewing and making decisions on the transfer, handling and use of genetically modified organisms and related activities.
The National Biosafety Authority is established as a body corporate. The Authority shall exercise general supervision and control over the transfer, handling and use of genetically modified organisms with a view to ensuring safety of human and animal health and provision of an adequate level of protection of the environment. The Authority shall determine applications for approval for the transfer, handling and use of genetically modified organisms and carry out research, coordination and advisory functions. It shall also establish and maintain a biosafety clearing house.
The Act further provides for, among other things: risk assessment and authorization of contained use, introduction into the environment, placing on the market, importation, exportation and transit of GMO’s, the keeping of a register by the Authority, the establishment of an Appeals Board, notification of an unintentional or unapproved introduction into the environment of a genetically modified organism, environmental restoration orders, cessation order and biosafety inspectors.
Attached files
Web site
Long title of text
An Act of Parliament to regulate activities in genetically modified organisms, to establish the National Biosafety Authority, and for connected purposes.
Date of text
Entry into force notes
This Act shall come into operation on such date as the Minister may, by Notice in the Gazette, appoint (1 July 2011 (L.N. No. 71 of 2011)).
Notes
Consolidated version as last amended by the Act no. 21 of 2026
Repealed
No
Source language
English
Legislation Amendment
No
Implemented by