Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India has undertaken several reforms in strengthening the Indian biotechnology regulatory system. One step in this direction is the project on “Establishment of Biosafety Support Unit” (BSU). BSU has been (a) assisting in scrutiny of applications received for risk assessment and preparing reports to facilitate decision making by the competent regulatory bodies (b) developing guidelines and protocols for generating biosafety data to address the challenges raised by the emerging areas of Biotechnology (c) providing appropriate scientific information on emerging issues.

The Unit has been established with trained and skilled scientists with specialization in various scientific disciplines. The group is a consortium of scientists having expertise in the field of Plant Biotechnology, Plant Protection, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Agronomy, Biochemistry, Genetics and Plant Breeding, Bioprocessing Engineering, Biochemistry, Bioanalysis, Toxicology and Veterinary medicine.

BSU plays role in following key activities of the regulatory agencies:

1. To assist RCGM/GEAC (Statutory bodies under Rules 1989 of EPA 1986) in scrutiny of the applications received for conducting research in biotechnology, in the monitoring of field trials and in streamlining the regulatory functions. The main focus of the unit is on scrutiny of the received applications for the data submitted and protocol followed during the generation of data and other regulatory compliance.
2. To scientifically analyze the biosafety data provided by the applicantin the context of the Risk Assessment and Risk Management of the technology/ trait.
3. To re-visit and develop the updated guidelines and protocols for generating biosafety data to address the challenges raised by the emerging areas of Biotechnology.
4. To analyze the training need for the personnel engaged in Biosafety regulation and capacity building of the personnel in regulatory science.
5. To publish a Journal of Biosafety Regulation and provide appropriate scientific information on emerging issues.

Contact address

5-6, Institutional Area, NPC Building, Lodhi Road, New Delhi - 110003

Tel: 24654008/4009

Tel/Fax: 24654007

Email: bsu.info@bsu.rcb.res.in