Biosafety Act No.24 of 2012 for GMOs and their products. Country/Territory Syrian Arab Republic Document type Legislation Date 2012 Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Livestock, Environment gen., Cultivated plants Keyword Genetically modified organism (GMO) Biosafety Public health Research Internal trade International trade Risk assessment/management Inspection Monitoring PIC-prior informed consent Quarantine Protection of environment Animal health Basic legislation Biotechnology Plant protection Geographical area Asia, Mediterranean, Middle East, Near East and North Africa, Western Asia Entry into force notes This Act enters into force one year after its publication in the Official Gazette. Abstract This Law consisting of 28 articles aims at (i) ensuring a safe level for human, animal, plant and environment health by establishing controls for the introduction, removal, transfer, production, management and use of GMOs and their products and (ii) contributing to the development of a regulatory framework for research and development in the field of genetic engineering. It is applied to (i) genetically modified organisms, including plants, animals and microorganisms for research, experiments or for agricultural or industrial production; (ii) genetically modified organisms intended for release in ecosystems and agriculture; and (iii) non-living products of genetically modified organisms produced locally or imported for industrial production or for human or animal consumption (raw or processed). Responsible for issuing the executive decisions and instructions for the application of the provisions of this Law in accordance with the international conventions is the Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform. The Minister shall also establish a National Committee for bio-safety composed of specialized experts designated by the competent authority. The Committee shall be mainly responsible for (i) developing bio-safety policies; (ii) developing risk analysis principles and identify bio-security levels; (iii) developing and updating bio-safety regulations related to the introduction, removal, transfer, production, circulation and use of GMOs and their products in scientific research phases, development and testing in the containment site and in the open environment. Full text Arabic Website www.parliament.gov.sy