The Biosafety Advisory Council advises the Belgian competent authorities about the safety for human health and the environment (including genetic and ecological aspects related to biodiversity) of any activities using LMOs (GMOs), in particular the deliberate release of LMOs in the environment and the placing on the market of LMOs, LMO-based or LMO-derived products. 
The Council is composed of representatives of the Regional and Federal competent authorities. It is assisted by experts organized in thematic ad hoc groups. Its secretariat is ensured by the Service Biosafety and Biotechnology (SBB) of Sciensano (formerly Scientific Institute of Public Health).