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.

Latest Developments:

The Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997 (Act No. 15 of 1997) has been updated with Amendments to Regulations: Table 2-Fees Payable under R120 of 2010 (Originally R1420 of 1999), as per Notice No. 5230 of GG51283, dated 27 September 2024.

The Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997 (Act No. 15 of 1997) has been updated with Amendment: Fees Payable to Regulations under R120 of 2010 (Originally R1420 of 1999), as per Notice No. R3486 of GG48696, dated 2 June 2023.

The Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997 (Act No. 15 of 1997) has been updated by Amendment to Regulations 2010 R120 of 26 February 2010, Fees payable Effective 1 April 2021, as per Notice No. 431 of Government Gazette 44593, dated 21 May 2021.

The Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997 (Act No. 15 of 1997) has been updated by Amendment to Regulations 2010 R120 of 26 February 2010, as per Notice No. 55 of Government Gazette 44115, dated 28 January 2021.

The Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997 (Act No. 15 of 1997) has been amended by changes to Table 2 of Regulations, Government Gazette 42230, Notice No. 131, dated 15 February 2019.

The Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997 (Act No. 15 of 1997), proclaiming the commencement of the Genetically Modified Organisms Amendment Act, 2006 (Act No 23 of 2003) Government Gazette 32966, Notice No. R. 3, dated 26 February 2010.

The Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997 (Act No. 15 of 1997) - the regulations to the Act have been inserted  Government Gazette 32966, Notice No. R. 120, dated 26 February 2010.

The Act has been amended by the Genetically Modified Organisms Amendment Act No. 23 of 2006, published in Government Gazette No. 29803 dated 17 April 2007.

The Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997 (Act No. 15 of 1997), has been added to the site.