Unannounced spot checks February 2015

Each year, the OGTR routinely conducts monitoring inspections to ensure that Licence and Certification holders are complying with the Gene Technology Act 2000 (the Act) and its subordinate legislation. The OGTR will inspect both current field trial and past genetically modified organism (GMO) trial sites that are still subject to post harvest monitoring. The OGTR also inspects certified Physical Containment (PC) facilities and dealings conducted in those facilities including; Dealings Not involving Intentional Release (DNIRs) and Notified Low Risk Dealings (NRLDs).

The majority of these monitoring visits are conducted with prior notification given to the Licence or Certification holder. A number of unannounced ‘spot’ checks will be conducted throughout the year to ensure that compliance is maintained at all times and not just when organisations are informed of an impending OGTR visit.