Brief description of the regulatory framework

The Ministry of Agricultural Development, within the Plant Health Directorate, is the competent authority to issue policies on plant health and to contribute to the protection of the environment and health. The Ministry of Agricultural Development grants permits for import, research, experimentation, transport, release into the environment, production and market placement involving GM plants and their byproducts, whether obtained within the country or abroad. Also, we must mention the National Commission for the Biosafety of Genetically Modified Organisms - Agriculture, Environment and Health Sectoral Committees established by Law 48/2002.