GMO activities

About activities relating to genetically modified organisms in South Africa

You need a permit if you want to participate in activities relating to genetically modified organisms in South Africa. Apply for a permit at the Registrar of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
The various permits allow the following activities:

importation of GMOs into South Africa
exportation of GMOs from South Africa
contained use of GMOs within a laboratory, growth room or greenhouse
introduction of a GMO into the environment of South Africa
time extension of previously authorised activities
commodity clearance (authorisation for food, feed or for processing and excludes planting) of GMOs
commodity use (authorisation for use as food, feed or for processing) of GMOs
registration of facilities that are involved in activities with GMOs
GMO status certificates for export.

What you should do

Complete the relevant application form for the type of activity you want authorisation for.
Note the following prerequisites for certain applications:
- field trial activities within South Africa must be done over a period of three growing seasons before you can apply for general release
- applications to continue with an activity will only be accepted if that activity was previously authorised.
Submit the application with the stipulated number of copies to the Registrar of GMOs.
Submit an additional copy of the application, which contains no confidential business information, to the Registrar of GMOs.
Pay the prescribed fee (tariffs are adjusted every year).
Submit a report of previous activities conducted (where applicable).
Submit proof of public notifications (where applicable).
Applicants can use the following guidelines:
- Guideline document for work with GMOs
- Guideline document for making a public notification in terms of regulation 6 of the GMO Act

Process following your application

The Registrar of GMO determines compliance of the application with the provisions of the GMO Act, 1997.
The Advisory Committee evaluates the scientific data submitted with the application and makes a recommendation on the safety of the proposed activity to the Executive Council.
The Registrar receives public input within the time period allowed.
The Executive Council takes a decision, taking into consideration the application, recommendation by the Advisory Committee, public input and potential impacts on sectors such as agriculture, health, environment, labour, trade and science and technological development.
If the decision of the Executive Council is positive, the Registrar is authorised to issue a permit.
All permits are accompanied by containment conditions.

Inspectors from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries monitor implementation of the permit conditions.

How long does it take

Application	No. of days
Importation/exportation of genetically modified organisms with general release/commodity clearance approval	30
Use of genetically modified organisms with commodity clearance approval	30
Contained use of genetically modified organism and/or import or export permit*	120
Trial release of genetically modified organisms and/or import or export permit*	120
General release of genetically modified organisms	270
Commodity clearance of genetically modified organisms	270
Registration of facilities (new, renewal and amendment)	60