To provide for measures to promote the responsible development, production, use and application of genetically modified organisms; to provide for an adequate level of protection during all activities involving genetically modified organisms that may have an adverse impact on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, human and animal health: to give attention to the prevention of accidents and the effective management of waste; to establish common measures for the evaluation and reduction of the potential risks arising out of activities involving the use of genetically modified organisms; to lay down the necessary requirements and criteria for scientifically based risk assessments, environmental impact assessments, socio-economic considerations and risk management measures; to establish a council for genetically modified organisms; to ensure that genetically modified organisms are appropriate and do not present a hazard to the environment; and to establish appropriate procedures for the notification of specific activities involving the use of genetically modified organisms; and to provide for matters connected therewith.

[Long title substituted by section 16 of Act No. 23 of 2006]