Fiji has no national biosafety law. While Fiji has not yet enacted a standalone national biosafety law, the regulatory environment is managed through the Draft National Biosafety Framework in conjunction with several robust sectoral laws. The Biosecurity Act 2008 serves as the primary mechanism for controlling the transboundary movement of biological materials, while the Environment Management Act (EMA) 2005 provides the necessary legal basis for conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) to evaluate the potential risks of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs). Furthermore, biosafety measures are indirectly supported by the Customs Restricted & Prohibited Items of Import & Export Schedules, the Endangered and Protected Species (EPS) Act, and the Quarantine Act, which collectively oversee the entry and movement of biological agents. Consumer protection and human safety in relation to biotechnology are addressed through the Consumer Rights Act and the Public Health Act. In the absence of a unified legislative instrument, various national organizations currently rely on internal guidelines and these existing statutory frameworks to regulate the safe use and handling of LMOs.

Fiji is currently in the process of strengthening its legal and administrative frameworks to fully implement Article 2. While sectoral laws such as the Biosecurity Act 2008 and the Environment Management Act 2005 provide a baseline for biological risk management, there remains a critical need for a dedicated National Biosafety Act. Such legislation is required to establish a comprehensive overarching framework for the regulation of modern biotechnology and Living Modified Organisms (LMOs). Key priorities for implementation include the harmonization of regulatory procedures across ministries, the formalization of the National Biosafety Framework, and the development of standardized guidelines for risk assessment, risk management, and institutional decision-making to ensure consistent and transparent approval processes.

In accordance with Article 5, Fiji excludes LMOs that are pharmaceuticals for humans from the scope of its draft biosafety regulatory framework, as these are addressed by other international agreements and domestic health legislation. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services maintains oversight of all medicinal products. Fiji recognizes the need to further clarify the intersection between biosafety guidelines and pharmaceutical regulations to ensure seamless institutional coordination

Fiji currently manages the transit and contained use of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs) primarily through the Biosecurity Act 2008, which subjects regulated articles in transit to biosecurity import controls and clearance at designated holding areas. While the Draft National Biosafety Framework outlines procedures for contained use – specifically regarding movement from points of entry to laboratories – Fiji recognizes the need to formalize these into standard operating procedures (SOPs). Strengthening these measures will facilitate a proactive risk-management approach, ensuring that LMOs in transit or contained facilities do not pose a threat to Fiji’s unique biodiversity. This is particularly vital given the nation’s history with invasive species and the need to prevent any accidental release during inter-island transfer or laboratory handling.

Fiji is currently working toward a comprehensive legislative framework to fully operationalize the Advanced Informed Agreement (AIA) procedures, risk assessment, and decision-making processes outlined in Articles 7–10. In the interim, Fiji applies the Precautionary Principle as enshrined in the Environment Management Act (EMA) 2005, which allows the government to take protective measures (preventive action) even in the case of a lack of scientific certainty regarding potential adverse effects on biodiversity. Currently, any proposed intentional introduction of a biological agent would be subject to the processes under the EMA 2005, EPS Act 2002, and border controls under the Biosecurity Act 2008. However, Fiji recognizes that these sectoral laws lack specific technical criteria for LMO risk assessments. Formalizing a dedicated National Biosafety Framework is an urgent priority to establish standardized Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), define institutional roles for decision-making, and ensure that all biotechnology-related approvals are transparent, scientifically sound, and consistent with the Protocol’s requirements

Fiji is currently enhancing its regulatory framework to specifically address Living Modified Organisms for direct use as Food, Feed, or Processing (LMO-FFPs). While Fiji relies on the Biosecurity Act 2008 and the Food Safety Act 2003 to monitor imports, there is a recognized need to develop specific national policies that align these instruments with Article 11 of the Protocol. In cases of a lack of scientific certainty regarding the potential adverse effects of LMO-FFPs, Fiji adheres to the Precautionary Principle, utilizing existing environmental and public health mandates to defer or restrict imports until a thorough risk assessment is conducted. To strengthen implementation, the establishment of a centralized information-sharing platform and a cross-agency database to improve coordination between the Ministry of Health, Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, and Ministry of Environment is much needed. Furthermore, a dedicated technical task forces needs to be formed (led by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change) to provide scientific support for FFP risk assessments and to expand awareness programs that educate both stakeholders and consumers on biosafety requirements and labeling standards for LMO-derived products.

Fiji is prioritizing the strengthening of national biosafety governance by reviewing policies for better alignment with the Cartagena Protocol. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change received Cabinet approval in 2025 to amend its environment legislations. Key implementation strategies include establishing a centralized information-sharing platform, fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration across government and academia, and expanding capacity-building and awareness programs will be considered. Additionally, the formation of dedicated steering committees and technical task forces will ensure robust scientific oversight and coordinated implementation of biosafety measures.

Fiji is advancing its national biosafety framework through a strategic, multi-sectoral approach centered on regulatory modernization. This involves a comprehensive review of existing policies to ensure seamless alignment with the obligations of the Cartagena Protocol while strengthening national biosafety governance. It is recommended that establishing a centralized, inter-agency information-sharing platform and a specialized LMO database to synchronize data between the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, BAF, and other key regulators is important. While this infrastructure is currently being planned, it is designed to facilitate real-time communication and the robust monitoring of biotechnology-derived organisms, providing the necessary technical foundation for Fiji's long-term biosafety governance. Funding from the Secretariat is needed to achieve this. Furthermore, Fiji is fostering inter-agency and academic collaboration through the formation of technical steering committees to support evidence-based biosafety decisions. A key pillar of the national strategy is the expansion of specialized training and public awareness programs led by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change. These efforts aim to build capacity and ensure that stakeholders and consumers clearly understand the regulatory requirements and safety protocols for the handling and use of LMOs

Fiji is currently focused on aligning its national biosafety governance with the requirements of Article 14 by exploring and strengthening regional and bilateral cooperation within the Pacific. While specific LMO-only bilateral agreements are currently in development, Fiji utilizes existing regional biosecurity networks to facilitate information sharing and technical support. A key priority is the establishment of a centralized information-sharing platform that can interface with regional databases, ensuring that transboundary movements are transparent and coordinated with neighboring Parties. Furthermore, Fiji seeks to promote enhanced partnerships with regional regulatory agencies and academic institutions to harmonize risk assessment procedures. By forming dedicated technical task forces, Fiji aims to provide the scientific support necessary to ensure that any future regional or bilateral arrangements maintain a high level of protection for Fiji’s unique biodiversity. These efforts, alongside expanded awareness programs for stakeholders, ensure that Fiji’s approach to transboundary LMO movement remains proactive, collaborative, and fully compliant with the Protocol's standards.

Fiji is prioritizing the development of a structured national approach to Risk Assessment (Article 15) and Risk Management (Article 16) by aligning domestic policies with the Protocol’s technical requirements. Currently, risk evaluations are conducted on a case-by-case basis through the Biosecurity Act 2008 and the Environment Management Act 2005; however, Fiji recognizes the need for a more specialized biosafety framework. To enhance implementation, the government is establishing a centralized information-sharing platform and a dedicated National Biosafety Steering Committee to provide the scientific oversight necessary for rigorous risk assessments. These efforts are supported by the formation of technical task forces tasked with developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for monitoring and managing potential risks. Furthermore, Fiji is investing in capacity-building and awareness programs to ensure that regulators and stakeholders possess the technical expertise required to identify, evaluate, and manage potential adverse effects of LMOs on Fiji’s unique insular biodiversity and human health.

Fiji utilizes National Focal Point networks for the notification of unintentional transboundary movements of LMOs produced through modern biotechnology. While notification mechanisms are in place, the State lacks the technical capacity for emergency response. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is committed to review and develop a national biosafety framework to establish emergency protocols and build the monitoring and response capabilities (such as to detect, manage, and mitigate the potential adverse effects of unintentional LMO releases on Fiji’s unique biodiversity and public health) of BAF, scientific institutions and other relevant agencies

There are regulations on GMOs under the Biosecurity Act 2008. Fiji has ratified the Cartagena Protocol, a focal point from the Environment Ministry is in charge of the implementation of this protocol in the context of the Biosafety Clearing House (BCH). Three ministries were involved in the drafting of the text: BAF, Agriculture, Environment, Health (Food Unit) and the Ministry of Economy which controls prices

Fiji is currently strengthening the institutional arrangements required for the full implementation of Article 19. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change serves as the primary National Focal Point, coordinating biosafety efforts across the State. To enhance technical oversight and inter-ministerial coordination, the Government is in the process of establishing a National Biosafety Technical Working Group. This body will comprise experts from the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), relevant research institutions, and academia. The working group will be tasked with providing specialized scientific advice, guiding the management of LMO-related matters, and ensuring that the administrative functions of the Competent National Authority(ies) are harmonized and aligned with the Protocol’s requirements.

Fiji is currently enhancing its information-sharing mechanisms to ensure full compliance with the mandatory reporting requirements of Article 20. While foundational contact details for the National Focal Point (NFP) and Competent National Authorities (CNA) are currently available in the BCH, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change recognizes that the CNA information requires updating to reflect current institutional structures of adding the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji. Regarding legislative and regulatory information, specific provisions within the Biosecurity Act 2008 that govern the import of LMOs for direct use as food, feed, or processing (LMO-FFPs) are available nationally, but have only been partially integrated into the BCH. Furthermore, because Fiji is in the process of finalizing its overarching National Biosafety Framework, several categories of information–including specific decisions on transit, contained use, and illegal transboundary movements–are currently classified as ‘not available’ because these specialized regulatory records do not yet exist in a centralized format. The State is committed to rectifying these gaps by establishing a centralized information-sharing platform that will streamline the submission of all mandatory records to the BCH as soon as the national biosafety governance is formalized

Fiji is currently reviewing an update to the Biosafety Clearing-House (BCH) to expand its list of Competent National Authorities (CNA) to incorporate the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF), the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to ensure comprehensive regulatory oversight.

While Fiji has not yet established specialized statutory procedures exclusively for the management of Living Modified Organisms (LMOs), the State maintains robust, existing mechanisms for the protection of confidential information across all government sectors. These established legal and administrative frameworks ensure that proprietary data and sensitive information are handled securely by regulatory authorities. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is currently working to adapt these general confidentiality protocols into specialized biosafety guidelines to ensure full compliance with Article 21 of the Protocol, specifically regarding the protection of commercially sensitive LMO data

Fiji continues to strengthen national capacities for biosafety under Article 22, though its experience in accessing GEF support remains limited, the country has utilised some available STAR allocations during the current reporting period

The Ministry is creating awareness round Biosafety with BAF and USP

The Government of Fiji does not allow the importation of LMOs

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) need to be developed to guide the appropriate response and actions to be taken by border security agencies such as BAF, Navy, and Health Inspectors when living modified organisms (LMOs) are detected.

The Ministry will work with the IPLCs to create advocacy around Biosafety

Fiji has not Cooperation with other parties yet

No instruments in place

Fiji is not a Party to the Kuala Lumpur Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress but Fiji is happy to join this protocol.