Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997 (No. 15 of 1997). Country/Territory South Africa Document type Legislation Date 1997 (2006) Source FAO, FAOLEX Original source Government Gazette, Vol. 383, No. 18029, 23 May 1997. Long titleAn Act to provide for measures to promote the responsible development, production, use and application of genetically modified organisms; to ensure that all activities involving the use of genetically modified organisms (including importation, production, release and distribution) shall be carried out in such a way as to limit possible harmful consequences to the environment; 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 risk assessments; 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. Subject Livestock, Cultivated plants, Waste & hazardous substances Keyword Animal reproduction Biotechnology Institution Basic legislation Biosafety Biosecurity Genetic resources Genetically modified organism (GMO) Waste management Geographical area Africa, South Atlantic, Southern Africa Entry into force notes Entered into force on 1 December 1999. Abstract This Act shall apply to the genetic modification of organism, the development, production, release, use and application of genetically modified organisms, and the use of gene therapy. A council to be known as the Executive Council for Genetically Modified Organisms is established (sect. 3). The Council shall advise the Minister on all aspects concerning the development, production use, application and release of genetically modified organisms, and to ensure that all activities with regard to the development, production, use, application and release of genetically modified organisms are performed in accordance with the provisions of this Act. A Registrar shall be appointed by the Council under section 8. The Registrar, who shall be responsible for the administration of this Act, shall issue a permit as required or prescribed under this Act and carry out other functions described in section 9. A national advisory body on all matters concerning or related to the genetic modification of organisms is established under section 10. Full text English Website www.enviroleg.co.za References - Legislation Implemented by Regulations made under the Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997 (R. No. 1420 of 1999). Legislation | South Africa | 1999 Keyword: Animal reproduction, Biosafety, Biotechnology, Genetically modified organism (GMO), Biosecurity, Waste management Source: FAO, FAOLEX Genetically Modified Organisms Act: Tariffs for services (R. No. 107 of 2011). Legislation | South Africa | 2011 Keyword: Genetically modified organism (GMO), Certification, Biotechnology Source: FAO, FAOLEX Genetically Modified Organisms Act: Tariffs for services (Notice No. 95 of 2014). Legislation | South Africa | 2014 Keyword: Genetically modified organism (GMO), Certification, Biotechnology Source: FAO, FAOLEX Regulations made under the Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997 (GN. R. 120 of 2010). Legislation | South Africa | 2010 Keyword: Animal reproduction, Biosafety, Biotechnology, Genetically modified organism (GMO), Biosecurity, Waste management Source: FAO, FAOLEX Amended by Genetically Modified Organisms Amendment, 2006 (No. 23 of 2006). Legislation | South Africa | 2007 Keyword: Animal reproduction, Biotechnology, Institution, Biosafety, Biosecurity, Waste management Source: FAO, FAOLEX