Guyana currently has draft biosafety legislation addressing Environmental Release, Placing on the Market, Contained Use and Labelling, together with a draft Biosafety Bill (2015). However, to ensure alignment with the KMGBF and National Policies e.g the LCDS 2030, these instruments require revision before they can be enacted. In the interim, biosafety governance is guided by the National Biosafety Framework for Guyana (2007), approved by the Government of Guyana, and the Environmental Protection Act (Cap. 20:01). Together, these provide the legal and administrative basis for managing biosafety and environmental protection. The National Biosafety Framework for Guyana (2007) assigns specific roles to various institutions to manage and regulate activities involving genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and living modified organisms (LMOs). The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) serves as the central decision-making body, supported by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which leads implementation, enforcement, and coordination. The Ministry of Health, through its Food and Drugs Department, oversees health and food safety aspects, while agricultural research bodies like NAREI and IAST handle research, risk assessment, and safe use of biotechnology. Other key institutions include the Forestry Commission, Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board, and the Codex Alimentarius Commission, which manage environmental, chemical, and food safety concerns, respectively. Academic institutions, legal bodies, and civil society stakeholders such as farmers, consumers, and Indigenous communities also play roles in policy development, capacity building, and public consultation to ensure a transparent and inclusive biosafety system. In addition to the overarching framework, several sector-specific laws regulate matters relevant to biosafety and GMOs. The Plant Protection Act governs the importation and exportation of plants and plant materials to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases. The Seeds Act regulates the production, certification and sale of seeds, including those derived from biotechnological processes. Other laws that are applicable to the Biosafety and GMOs (as outlined in the National Framework) include; Biotechnology Research, Innovation and Enterprise Development Bill [to be drafted]; Food Act [in draft]; Food and Drugs Act CAP 34:01 of 1971; Pesticides and toxic Chemicals Control Act No. 13 of 2000; Customs Act CAP 82:01 of 1952 Amendment No. 1 of 2005 ; Crops and Livestock Registration Act CAP 68:04 of 1917; Plant Protection Act CAP 68:03 of 1942; Fisheries Act No. 12 of 2002; Forests Act CAP 67:01; Guyana National Bureau of Standards Act CAP 90:16 of 1984; Animal Movement and Diseases Act No.14 of 2003; Animals (Control of Experiments) Act CAP 71:03 of 1957; Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 32 CAP 99:10 of 1997; National Agricultural Research Institute Act CAP 68:02 of 1984; University of Guyana Act; Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute Act No. 6 of 1988. These instruments complement the core biosafety framework by addressing related areas such as food safety, customs control, standards, environmental management, animal and plant health, occupational safety, and research governance.

Guyana does not currently have specific legislation regulating the transit of living modified organisms (LMOs). However, an administrative arrangement between the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and companies such as MS Technologies and Stine Seed Company governs seed imports and requires disclosure of any new traits in the Import Permit. The draft Biosafety Bill contains provisions addressing both transit and contained use, with contained use further elaborated in draft regulations. In the absence of enacted biosafety-specific legislation, sectoral laws provide indirect oversight: the Plant Protection Act regulates the import and export of plants and plant materials to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases, while the Seeds Act governs the production, certification and sale of seeds, including those derived from biotechnological processes.

Provisions have been included in the Draft Biosafety Bill establishing procedures for intentional introduction to the environment. The provisions establish a procedure for application, consideration of the application, grant and revocation of the application. Regulations have also been drafted regarding intentional introduction to the environment.

Provisions have been included in the Draft Biosafety Bill for both the review of decisions and appeals to the Environmental Appeals Tribunal.

Provisions have been included in the Draft Biosafety Bill regarding a simplified procedure for pre-approved organisms. The decision regarding pre-approved organisms is permitted where: (a) a risk assessment has been undertaken by an accredited organisation that is competent to undertake scientific assessments to determine that the genetically modified organisms does not cause any significant ecological, social or economic harm in Guyana; (b) there exists information on the interaction between the genetically modified organism and natural biodiversity, the environment, human health or animal health, including the results of any deliberate release in any other country; and (c) there exists information on any previous approvals of the genetically modified organisms in any other country.

NAREI has signed an agreement with MS Technologies and Stine Seed Company

The Draft Biosafety Bill contains provisions which address Emergency Measures and Safeguards as well as Unintentional introduction into the environment. The provisions of the Bill include an obligation to immediately report to the National Biosafety Authority any significant threat that an unintentional release of any genetically modified organism that may occur. This obligation is placed on the owner or master of the ship, or the owner or person in charge of the facility, or the occupier of the place on land linked to the unintentional release.