Develop a Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) in Containment

Applications may be submitted, to ERMA New Zealand, to develop a GMO in containment. This application process to develop GMOs in containment is dependent on the characteristics of GMO(s) involved:

GMO Development that meets HSNO Low Risk Criteria

Development of GMOs that meet HSNO Low-Risk criteria. If the GMO(s) meet HSNO 'low risk' criteria, the application can be processed by rapid assessment, which does not require public notification.

The Authority has delegated the decision-making power for rapid assessment applications to both the Chief Executive of ERMA New Zealand and Institutional Biological Safety Committees (IBSCs).

If your organisation has an IBSC, then you should discuss any proposed GMO development with them directly to ensure it meets the rapid assessment criteria (and therefore falls within their decision-making scope). If your organisation does not have an IBSC, then you need to submit your application for development of a low risk GMO to ERMA New Zealand for consideration by our Chief Executive.

Low Risk Criteria Application Forms:

  • Develop in Containment a Project of Low Risk Genetically Modified Organisms by Rapid Assessment (NO3P) [pdf - 347 kb] or [word - 247 kb] (when submitting a new application);

Other useful information:

GMO Development that do NOT meet HSNO Low Risk Criteria.

Where the GMO(s) subject to a development application do not meet HSNO low risk criteria, the Authority will consider the application directly (ie not the Chief Executive of ERMA New Zealand, or your IBSC).

The Authority has discretion whether or not receipt of the application is publicly notified. The default position is that receipt of such applications will not be publicly notified, unless there is likely to be significant public interest. Therefore, these applications may be processed either by the notified or non-notified paths, depending on the nature of the application. If the application is publicly notified, then it is subject to a public consultation process.

Note that there are special provisions for the development of GMOs in outdoor containment facilities.

Non-Low Risk Criteria Application Forms:

  • Develop in Containment any Genetically Modified Organism - other than by rapid assessment (application form - NO-03) [word - 507kb] [pdf - 696 kb]
  • Develop in Containment outside of a containment structure any genetically modified organism (application form NO3O) [word - 282kb] [pdf - 298kb]

User Guide:

Other useful information:

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