This decision tree and supporting resources have been developed to help researchers and businesses to understand and comply with legal and regulatory requirements for the use of South Africa’s indigenous biological and genetic resources.

It should help users to know which permit to apply for.

Researchers and companies who wish to conduct research or trade in South Africa's biodiversity are required to comply with the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) and with Bioprospecting, Access and Benefit Sharing (BABS) Regulations.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is the regulatory authority for NEMBA and BABS. The DFFE encourages collaboration with SA and international businesses and research institutions and trusts this guidance will enable and encourage more of these partnerships, in an environment supportive of research, bioprospecting and biotrade.