Section 7: Application for GMO permit

7. Application for GMO permit (1) Notwithstanding any other enactment, no person shall develop, use, market, produce, release into the environment, transit, import or export genetically modified organisms unless he holds a GMO permit issued under this Act. (2) An application shall be made to the Permanent Secretary in the form set out in the First Schedule and on payment of a prescribed application fee. (3) (a) The applicant shall submit a risk assessment report and a contingency plan in the form set out in the Second Schedule. (b) A risk assessment for the purpose of paragraph (a) shall be carried out in a scientifically sound manner. (4) On receipt of an application under subsection (2)— (a) the Permanent Secretary shall— (i) cause notice of any application for a GMO permit to be published in the Gazette for 3 consecutive days, in not less than 2 daily newspapers; (ii) invite all interested persons, who so wish, to lodge with the Permanent Secretary such objections as they may have against the application; (b) the Minister shall make a statement in the National Assembly, informing the Assembly of such application. (5) Any person who wishes to object to an application shall, not later than 21 days after the last date of the publication specified in subsection (4), lodge his objection in writing with the Permanent Secretary. (6) The Permanent Secretary— (a) may, on receipt of an application, request the applicant to furnish such additional information as he may consider appropriate; (b) may, if he thinks necessary, seek the views of any public department, non-governmental organisation or any other person on the application; and G7 – 5 [Issue 1] Genetically Modified Organisms Act (c) shall refer the application, together with any additional information and views expressed thereon, to the Committee for its recommendations. (7) The Committee shall endeavour to identify and evaluate the possible adverse effects of the genetically modified organisms on the environment and on human and animal health. (S. 7 not in operation.)