AUTHORITIES

.Internationally, biotechnology applications are used in the fields of agriculture, human and veterinary medicine, food /beverage production, mining and bioremediation, waste management and others. Risk assessment therefore is primarily the responsibility of agencies tasked with environmental protection, public health, occupational health and food safety. Therefore, although the Ministry of Higher Education Training and Employment Creation (MHRTEC) is the competent authority, regulatory input is also the responsibility of the :

MET Ministry of Environment and Tourism

MAWRD Ministry of Agriculture Water and Rural Development

MHSS Ministry of Health and Social Services

MME Ministry of Mines and Energy

MTI Ministry of Trade and Industry

ML Ministry of Labour

Major advisory responsibilities are expected to lie with MET, MAWRD and MHSS.

Because border control is a crucial element to restrict the movement of GMO's across Namibian borders, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will have enforcement responsibilities. Labelling regulations on imported material will be central to the success of these inspection and enforcement functions.