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Biotechnology Regulation

Our role

Through the Biotechnology Strategy, we have been given an overview role in relation to the regulation of biotechnology in New Zealand. We aim to develop regulations that provide robust safeguards while allowing innovation.

Our Ministry is not directly responsible for biotechnology regulations. Instead we work with other Government departments to develop and revise biotechnology-related legislation and regulations.

Recent examples include:

• amendments to the Hazardous Substances & New Organisms (HSNO) Act, a revision of the Human Tissues Act
• development of the Human Assisted Reproductive Technologies (HART) Act.

Biotechnology Regulatory Wayfinder

The Biotechnology Regulatory Wayfinder is an online interactive map of New Zealand's biotechnology regulatory system. Visit the Wayfinder for an introduction to New Zealand’s biotech regulations.

Cross-government Action Group

We coordinate a cross-government Action Group aiming to remove unnecessary barriers to importing new plant species. This group is working co-operatively with a sister industry Action Group to identify issues and solutions.

Baseline study

We previously commissioned a Biotechnology Regulatory System Baseline Study - Landscape Report. The report describes New Zealand’s biotechnology regulatory system and how it handles risk management and innovation. This study and ongoing work will support future policy and help monitor biotechnology regulations.