Genetically Modified (GM) Crops Approvals in South Africa

1. An application obtained from the Office of the Registrar is completed and submitted in hard copy and electronic format to the same office.
2. The application includes information on the identity of importer, name of product and type of event, quantity, port of entry and date of arrival, intended use and regulatory status of the GMO in exporting country.
3. The applicable application fee as specified is required to accompany each application.
4. The Registrar acknowledges receipt of an application within 5 working days and examines the conformity of the application and thereafter communicates to the applicant if it does not conform, indicating the deficiencies.
5. Decision making for the importation and exportation of GMOs with general release/commodity clearance takes 30 days.
6. The Registrar sends conforming application to the Council.
7. The Council reviews the application and does any of the following and provides the reasoning:
8. Approve an application that conforms to the requirements and authorise the Registrar in writing to furnish the applicant with the applicable permit to undertake the activity concerned on such terms and conditions as the Council considers necessary.
9. Reject such application.
10. Request additional information from the applicant, the Registrar, the Committee or any person knowledgeable in a specific field of science.

Permit Fees

• • Importation/exportation of GMOs with general release status: 300 Rands
• General release or commodity clearance of GMOs: 39,765 Rands