Biosafety Act, 2012 (No. 7 of 2012).

The Act makes provision for mechanisms for ensuring the safe handling, transfer and use of products of biotechnology. It applies to the import, export, transit, contained use, release or placing on the market- (a) of any genetically modified organism whether intended for release into the environment, for use as a pharmaceutical, for food, feed or processing; (b) or a product of a genetically modified organism, except for pharmaceuticals subject to the Pharmacy Act, 1929. The Swaziland Environment Authority is designated as the Competent Authority for the purpose of implementation and the administration of this Act and any regulations made pursuant to this Act and shall serve as the National Focal Point for purposes of the Cartagena Protocol. The Act defines primary functions of the Competent Authority and the National Focal Point. A National Biosafety Advisory Committee is established for the purpose of conducting risk assessments and providing scientific and other technical advice and assistance to the Competent Authority. There shall also be a National Biosafety Registry with the Swaziland Environment Authority.
The Act sets out notification requirements and procedures for contained use activities. A person shall not conduct any contained use activities or import GMOs for contained use activities without prior submission of a notification to the Competent Authority. The (a) the intentional introduction into the environment of a GMO for purposes other than placing on the market; and (b) placing on the market of a GMO, require an authorisation of the Authority. There are specific requirements for the importation of GMOs for direct use as food, feed or processing. The Act furthermore provides for, among other things, control of export a GMO covered by this Act from the country to another country party to the Cartagena Protocol, public awareness and participation activities, documentation for and labelling of GMOs and enforcement.