Article 13. National Focal Points and Competent National Authorities

This chapter outlines the necessary institutional arrangements to be taken at the domestic level to implement the Protocol. It follows the model adopted in the Bonn Guidelines and in the Biosafety Protocol of relying on a combination of a national focal point and one or more competent national authorities. The focal point has a dual external function. On the one hand, it ensures direct communication with the Secretariat of the Protocol. On the other hand, the focal point is mandated to familiarize prospective users with the domestic ABS framework, by providing information on procedures for obtaining PIC and establishing MAT, including with indigenous and local communities. The national authorities must be authorized by a Party to act on its behalf in relation to two implementation functions: first, granting access or issuing written evidence that access requirements have been met; and second, advising on procedures and requirements for PIC and MAT.Keywords: biosafety protocol; Bonn guidelines; competent national authorities; domestic ABS framework; MAT; national focal point; PIC