Biosafety Act, 2012 (No. 7 of 2012). Country/Territory Eswatini Document type Legislation Date 2012 Source FAO, FAOLEX Long titleAn Act to provide for the safe handling, transfer and use of genetically modified organisms and other matters incidental thereto. Subject Livestock, Environment gen., Food & nutrition, Cultivated plants Keyword Pollution control Biosafety Risk assessment/management Food quality control/food safety Institution Legal proceedings/administrative proceedings Registration Basic legislation Genetically modified organism (GMO) Animal production Animal reproduction Inspection Offences/penalties Plant production Plant protection Biotechnology Geographical area Africa, Landlocked Developing Nations, Southern Africa Entry into force notes This Act shall come into force on a date to be appointed by the Minister by notice in the Gazette. Abstract 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. Full text English