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Procedure NameGenetically Modified Organism (GMO) Import/Export/Transit Permit
Description

Category

Import Permit

Responsible Agency       

Eswatini Environment Authority
Address: RHUS Office Park, Karl Grant Street

Mbabane, Eswatini

Phone: (+268) 2404 6960 or 2404 7893

Email: reception@sea.org.sz or ceosec@sea.org.sz

Legal base of the Procedure

Biosafety Act, 2012

Fee

E520,00

Required Documents

No.

Type of information

Note

Risk assessment from country of origin

Other necessary documents
2

Complete application form

3 Transit permit from country of origin  

4

Cross border permit from country of origin  

Process Steps

Step 1

The applicant downloads and completes the application form for import of GMO

 

Step 2

The applicant submits the application with supporting documents to the SEA reception/via email

 
Step 3 The Authority carries out a risk assessment, and if successful, instructs a public notice to the applicant for 28 days  
Step 4 The National Biosafety Advisory Commitee reviews and recommends application approval   
Step 5  A copy of the license and related information is filled is filed for record keeping
Step 6 The permit is issued to the applicant with a provision of certain conditions

CategoryImport

The following form/s are used in this procedure
TitleDescriptionCreated DateUpdated DateIssued By
Application Form For Import, Export And Transit Of Genetically Modified Organisms11-06-202011-06-2020 This is Dowload File
This procedure applies to the following measures
NameMeasure TypeAgencyDescriptionCommentsLegal DocumentValidity ToMeasure Class
GMO Import PermitPermit Requirement This process represents the procedure for obtaining a permit to import genetically modified Organisms (GMO), most typically crops represented by the import of cotton seed, maize seed and maize grain in to the Kingdom of Eswatini. All GMOs are controlled for the protection of the environment and human health. Depending on the product, the issued permits have a variable duration.The Biosafety Act, 2012 31-12-2030Good
Documentation Requirements for Genetically Modified OrganismPermit Requirement Documentation for GMOs intended for contained use 1. GMOs that are imported into or exported from the country for contained use shall be accompanied by documentation that- (a) clearly identifies the GMOs as GMOs; (b) specifies any requirements for the safe handling, storage, transport and use; and (c) provides a contact point for further information, including the name and address of the individual and institution to whom the living modified organisms are consigned. 2. Any additional documentation or identification requirements applicable to imports or exports subject to subsection (1) and agreed upon under the Cartagena Protocol shall be addressed by regulation in accordance with section 34. Documentation for GMOs for direct use as food, feed or for processing 1. Documentation that clearly identifies that the goods “may contain” GMOs and are not intended for intentional introduction into the environment. 2. Contact point for further information. 3. Any additional documentation or identification requirements applicable to imports or exports subject to subsection (1) and agreed upon under the Cartagena Protocol shall be addressed by regulation in accordance with section 34. Documentation for GMOs intended for intentional introduction into the environment 1. GMOs that are imported into or exported from the country for intentional introduction into the environment shall be accompanied by documentation that- a. clearly identifies the GMOs as GMOs; b. specifies the identity and relevant traits and characteristics, any requirements for the safe handling, storage, transport and use, the contact point for further information and, as appropriate, the name and address of the importer or exporter; c. contains a declaration that the movement is in conformity with the requirements of the Cartagena Protocol applicable to the exporter. 2. Any additional documentation or identification requirements applicable to imports or exports subject to subsection (1) (a) and agreed upon under the Cartagena Protocol shall be addressed by regulation in accordance with section 34.Requirements necessary for the documentation and labeling of GMOs intended for; a. import and export, b. direct use as food, feed or for processing, c. intentional introduction into the environmentThe Biosafety Act, 2012 31-12-9999Good
Labelling Requirement for Genetically Modified OrganismPermit Requirement Labelling of GMOs 1. A GMO or product of a GMO shall be clearly identified and labelled as such, and the identification shall specify the relevant traits and characteristics given in sufficient detail for purposes of traceability. 2. A GMO or any product of a GMO shall be clearly labelled and shall comply with such requirements as may be imposed by the Competent Authority, to indicate that it is or has been derived from a GMO, and where applicable, whether it may cause allergic reactions or pose other risks.Labeling requirements are supported by documentation requirements of GMOThe Biosafety Act, 2012 31-12-9999Good
Genetical Modification Organisms Authorization RequirementsPermit Requirement A person proposing to export a GMO covered by this Act from the country to another country party to the Cartagena Protocol shall- (a) notify the Competent Authority of the proposed country party of import, in writing, prior to the first transboundary movement of the GMO by supplying, at a minimum, information specified in the first schedule (b) include a declaration that all information provided in such notification is factually correct; (c) prior to shipment, provide to the Competent Authority with a copy of the authorisation granted by the importing country Authorisation is required under the Cartagena Protocol and the applicable laws of the domestic country.The Biosafety Act, 2012 31-12-9999Good