Bioprospecting, Access and Benefit-Sharing Regulations

The purpose of the Regulations is to:

1. prescribe the notification process for the discovery phase of bioprospecting involving any indigenous genetic and biological resources contemplated in section 81A(2) of the Act;
2. prescribe the permit system set out in Chapter 7 of the Act insofar as that system applies to bioprospecting involving any indigenous genetic and biological resources or export from the Republic of any indigenous genetic and biological resources for the purpose of bioprospecting or any other kind of research;
3. set out the form and content of, and requirements and criteria for benefit-sharing and material transfer agreements; and
4. set out the administration process of the Bioprospecting Trust Fund.

Revised draft Regulations are expected soon, likely to be developed in parallel with the revision of the Act.