Biosafety Act, 2007 (Act No. 678).
Country
Type of law
Legislation
Abstract
The purpose of this Act is to regulate the release, importation, exportation and use of living modified organisms in order to protect human, plant and animal health, the environment and biological diversity.
The Act provides for the establishment of the National Biosafety Board, and for its composition and functions. Functions of the Board shall include: approve activities related to the release and import of living modified organisms; decide on activities related to the exportation and contained use of living modified organisms; promote research, development and educational activities relating to biosafety; and establish mechanisms to facilitate the collection, storage and dissemination of data relating to living modified organisms. The Act also establishes the Genetic Modification Advisory Committee which shall provide scientific, technical and other relevant advice to the Minister of the Board.
The text further makes provision for the following: assessment of the risk and adverse effects that living modified organisms may have on human, plant and animal health, the environment and biological diversity; risk management reports; emergency response plans; etc.
The Act provides for the establishment of the National Biosafety Board, and for its composition and functions. Functions of the Board shall include: approve activities related to the release and import of living modified organisms; decide on activities related to the exportation and contained use of living modified organisms; promote research, development and educational activities relating to biosafety; and establish mechanisms to facilitate the collection, storage and dissemination of data relating to living modified organisms. The Act also establishes the Genetic Modification Advisory Committee which shall provide scientific, technical and other relevant advice to the Minister of the Board.
The text further makes provision for the following: assessment of the risk and adverse effects that living modified organisms may have on human, plant and animal health, the environment and biological diversity; risk management reports; emergency response plans; etc.
Attached files
Web site
Long title of text
An Act to establish the National Biosafety Board; to regulate the release, importation, exportation and contained use of living modified organisms, and the release of products of such organisms, with the objectives of protecting human, plant and animal health, the environment and biological diversity, and where there are threats of irreversible damage, lack of full scientific evidence may not be used as a reason not to take action to prevent such damage; and to provide for matters connected therewith.
Date of text
Entry into force notes
This Act enters into force on a date to be appointed by the Minister by notification in the Gazette.
Repealed
No
Source language
English
Legislation Amendment
No