In South Africa all activities with genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) are regulated by the Genetically Modified Organisms Act 1997 (Act No 15 of 1997) as amended by the Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 2006 (Act No. 23 of 2006). The aim of the GMO Act is to provide for measures to promote the responsible development, production, use and application of genetically modified organisms in South Africa; while limiting possible adverse impact on the environment, human and animal health.

The GMO Act is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries by the Directorate Genetic Resources, Sub-directorate Biosafety. The GMO Act makes provision for the appointment of a Registrar, the Advisory Committee, Executive Council and inspectors.

South Africa acceded to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety on August 14, 2003. The objective of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety is to contribute to ensuring an adequate level of protection in the field of the safe transfer, handling and use of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from biotechnology that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, taking also into account risks to human health and specifically focusing on transboundary movement.

The South African Biosafety Clearing House (SABCH) has been established as per Article 20 of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, in order to facilitate the sharing of information on LMOs.