Apply for GMO approval 

Apply for a DNIR licence

Dealings not involving an intentional release (DNIR) of GMOs into the environment are dealings with GMOs in containment which do not meet the criteria for classification as exempt dealings or notifiable low risk dealings (NLRDs). Find out how to apply for a DNIR licence.

Contact us first

We encourage you to contact us before applying. We can advise you about the appropriate application form and discuss information requirements.

This is particularly important if the application is for work with a GM plant where the parent plant is not present in the Australian environment.

Apply for a licence

Apply for a DNIR licence

Apply for a licence for dealings not involving the intentional release of a GMO into the environment.

Apply for a licence to import and process bulk grain

Apply for a licence to import and process bulk grain containing GMOs authorised for cultivation, food or feed use in the country of origin.

Apply for a human clinical trial

Apply for a licence to conduct a human clinical trial of a GMO.

Application process for DNIRs

  1. Your organisation submits an application to an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) for review (not required for commercial/general release).
  2. The application is sent to us. 
  3. We acknowledge receipt of the application and assign it an ID number. Use this ID when enquiring about the application.
  4. We prepare a risk assessment and risk management plan (RARMP) for the application.
  5. The Regulator makes a decision on the application. The applicant is notified.
  6. We record the decision on the public GMO record.

Decision timeframes

The Regulator must decide whether to approve a DNIR licence within 90 working days of receiving the application.

This does not include weekends, ACT public holidays, and time spent waiting for applicants to respond to requests for additional information. 

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