Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act 2023

20 Monitoring and inspection of Part 2 obligations

(1) Regulations may make provision for—

(a) monitoring compliance with Part 2 obligations, and

(b) investigating suspected failures to comply with Part 2 obligations.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), regulations under this section may, in particular, make provision—

(a) conferring powers on inspectors—

(i) to enter premises;

(ii) to inspect and search premises;

(iii) to take copies of documents;

(iv) to take photographs and samples;

(v) to require the provision of information;

(b) for allowing inspectors, in carrying out their functions, to be accompanied by other persons;

(c) for treating matters as relevant breaches (see section 31), including—

(i) obstructing an inspector;

(ii) providing false information to an inspector;

(iii) impersonating an inspector.

(3) Regulations under this section—

(a) may not create criminal offences;

(b) may not authorise an inspector to enter a private dwelling without the consent of the occupier except in exercise of a warrant issued by a justice of the peace;

(c) may not authorise the use of force to enter premises;

(d) must contain provision to prohibit information obtained by inspectors under the regulations being used or disclosed otherwise than—

(i) for the purposes of this Part or Part 6 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, or

(ii) for prescribed purposes relating to safeguarding the health and welfare of animals.

(4) Regulations under this section are subject to the affirmative procedure.