As of today, SisGen - National System for the Management of Genetic Heritage and Associated Traditional Knowledge is available at https://sisgen.gov.br.
Upon registration with SisGen researchers and companies will no longer be required to obtain prior authorizations from the CGEN - Council for Genetic Heritage Management of the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment to carry out scientific research and the technological development of products derived from access to genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge.
The registration with SisGen is also mandatory for the remittance of samples of the genetic heritage abroad for the purpose of access and for services provided abroad as part of the scientific research or technological development.
Expected since November 2015, when the new legal framework for biodiversity was enacted (Federal Law 13,123), SisGen was initially made available by the Ministry of the Environment for testing in 2016 and 2017. During the testing phase, users had the chance to present suggestions for improvement of SisGen that will be incorporated in its next version.
Today the countdown begins to the term of one year for compliance with several topics determined in the new legislation. One of the most relevant is the possibility for companies and researchers to adjust or regularize their activities.
In case of regularization, it will also be necessary to enter into a Consent Agreement with the Federal Government, in which circumstances the obligation of payment of the fines imposed by IBAMA - Brazilian Institute of Environment and Natural Resources Renewable when the Provisional Measure 2,186-16 / 2001 was in force, may be released or reduced in up to 90%.
The launch of SisGen is an achievement that interests all stakeholders involved in the segment related to biodiversity.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
