Regulation Cost in South Africa an Impediment

Cost of development remains as a stumbling block in the regulation of genetically modified organisms in South Africa. In a paper The Regulation of GMOs in South Africa, D.P. Keetch and colleagues note that compliance with the regulatory process entails significant attendant costs which are often too prohibitive for developing countries.

The authors say that about 50% of total product development cost covers the regulatory clearance of the GM crop. They call for an urgent need to review and reform the current regulatory process. Several recommendations are forwarded to improve the current system which include:

1. The Executive Council should provide a formal decision document to applicants and the public.
2. Increase the transparency of the work of the Biosafety Regulatory System.
3. Provide for more efficient communication between the EC and others.
4. Improve forms and provide additional guidance.
5. Build biosafety capacity of the Executive Council Members.

Email c-o-author J. Webster at africabio@mweb.co.za for details of the paper.