The purpose of the Norwegian Gene Technology Act is "to ensure that the production and use of genetically modified organisms takes place in an ethically and socially justifiable way, in accordance with the principle of sustainable development and without detrimental effects on health and the environment." (Section 1, Purpose of the Act). In section 10 of the Act (Approval) it is stated that "...Deliberate release of genetically modified organisms may only be approved when there is no risk of detrimental effects on health or the environment. In deciding whether or not to grant the application, significant emphasis shall also be placed on whether the deliberate release represents a benefit to the community and a contribution to sustainable development...." The Norwegian Biotechnology Advisory Board has an important role in assessing whether a proposed deliberate release ("deliberate release" includes all activities using LMOs that does not take place in facilities approved for contained use) takes place in an ethically and socially justifiable way, in accordance with the principle of sustainable development, and if the deliberate release represents a benefit to the community. Sustainability, benefit to the community and ethics in the assessment of genetically modified organisms" is a discussion paper by the Board on how to implement the concepts of sections 1 and 10 of the in the Gene Technology Act in assessment of LMOs.

The discussion paper was revised in 2006 with the English version published in 2009. Links to both the original paper from 2003 and the second edition are provided below.