Research Services

Research Ethics and Integrity

Recombinant DNA Research

Types of Dealings

The Act and Regulations describe the classes of dealings with GMOs, levels of containment and approval process. Dealings are classified based on the level of risk to the researcher, community and environment and the level of regulatory scrutiny is proportional to the level of risk. At La Trobe University all classes of dealings must be reviewed by the GMSC prior to commencement. There are three main classes of dealings.

Exempt Dealings are considered to pose a very low risk.

Notifiable Low Risk Dealings (NLRD) are considered to have a low risk provided certain risk managment conditions are met.

Dealings Not involving Intentional Release (DNIR) and Dealings involving Intentional Release (DIR) are licensed dealings and considered to have the highest level of risk and require both the GMSC and OGTR approval.

If your dealing involves viral vectors this OGTR flowchart (PDF 104KB) and guide (PDF 193KB) will assist you determine the correct classification of the dealing.

All dealings with GMOs are prohibited by legislation unless the dealing is:

1. Licensed by the Regulator for contained use or intentional release into the environment.
2. Notifiable Low Risk Dealing (NLRD) or exempt dealing.
3. On the Register of GMOs.
4. Specified in an Emergency Dealing Determination.

The terms 'dealings' or 'deal with', in relation to a GMO, means to:

1. Conduct experiments with a GMO.
2. Make, develop, produce or manufacture a GMO.
3. Breed or propogate a GMO.
4. Use the GMO to manufacture a thing that is not a GMO.
5. Grow, raise or culture a GMO.
6. Import, transport or dispose of a GMO.
7. Possess, supply or use a GMO for the purpose of, or in the course of, a dealing mentioned in any of points (a) - (f).