Transport, Storage & Disposal

The transport, storage and disposal of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) must comply with regulatory requirements and IBC approvals, based on the type of dealing.

Exempt dealings

• Requirements are outlined in Part 2 of the Guidance Notes for the Containment of Exempt Dealings.
• Any additional conditions set by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) must be adhered to. Approval from the IBC is required for all transport, storage and disposal activities as part of your authorised dealings.
• Labels must indicate that the material is or contains a GMO. Template labels are provided on the Support Resources page.
• Activities must prevent intentional release into the environment and ensure containment during transport, storage and disposal.

Notifiable Low Risk Dealings (NLRDs)

• Must comply with the OGTR’s Guidelines for the Transport, Storage and Disposal of GMOs. 
• Any additional conditions set by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) must be adhered to. Approval from the IBC is required for all transport, storage and disposal activities as part of your authorised dealings.
• Labels must indicate that the material is or contains a GMO. For GM microorganisms, a biohazard label must also be applied. Template labels are provided on the Support Resources page.

Key requirements

• Transport: Specific containment, labelling and security measures apply depending on the GMO type (e.g., microorganisms, animals, plants). See Part 1 of the Guidelines for the Transport, Storage and Disposal of GMOs .
• Additional transport legislation applies to GMOs that are transported via public roads, rail, sea, post or air. See 'Guidelines for the transport of biological materials ' for more information.
• Storage: Detailed requirements are outlined in Part 2 of the Guidelines for the Transport, Storage and Disposal of GMOs .Storage of viable GM animals, plants, aquatic organisms or invertebrates outside of an approved containment facility is prohibited.
• Disposal: Requirements are described in Part 3 of the Guidelines for the Transport, Storage and Disposal of GMOs . GMOs must be rendered non-viable before disposal unless the disposal method also achieves decontamination.

University of Adelaide-specific waste procedures

• Clinical/biohazard waste bins containing viable GMOs must be secured with a red cable tie labelled with “GMO waste”. Contact your Faculty’s technical services team for information on how to obtain approved cable ties.
• Medical waste bins containing viable GMOs must not be left unattended outside buildings unless stored in a locked bin cage. 

The transport, storage and disposal of biosecurity-controlled goods must comply with:

• Import permit conditions
• Directions issued by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF)
• Relevant Approved Arrangement (AA) guidelines for the specific class and type of AA.

For goods that are or contain microorganisms, transport via public road, rail, see, post or air must also comply with Dangerous Goods Regulations. See Guidelines for the transport of biological materials for more information. 

Transport and Disposal

• Transport and disposal must follow conditions in Australian/New Zealand Standard 2243.3:2022, which can be accessed via the library.
• Transport by public road, rail, sea, air or post must also comply with Dangerous Goods Regulations. See Guidelines for the transport of biological materials for more information.

Storage

Microorganisms and samples containing microorganisms must be stored securely under the following conditions:

• Labelling: All containers must display a biohazard symbol, researcher’s name, and mobile number. For small tubes, the labels may be applied to a secondary box or vessel where the tubes are stored.
• Containment:
  • Inside containment facilities, samples must not be stored on benches – use storage units such as incubators, refrigerators, or dedicated areas in a cold room.
  • All cultures must be sealed to prevent dissemination and prevent cross-contamination.
  • Outside PC2 facilities, store samples under double containment: a sealed primary container inside a secondary sealed container (e.g., a labelled fridge, freezer, cupboard or cryotank).
  • Small tubes must be stored in enclosed boxes within storage units to prevent loss.
• Recordkeeping: Maintain an inventory that includes detailed storage location details (e.g., box and shelf number).

Importing Biological Goods

• Consult the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s (DAFF) Biosecurity Import Conditions database (BICON) to find out whether an import permit is required. 
• Import of GMOs is a dealing requiring approval under the Gene Technology Act 2000. For GMOs, ensure that import is included in your IBC application or OGTR licence application.
• As DAFF and IBC/OGTR approvals must be gained before importing GMOs into Australia, importers should take into account the time that both authorisations may take, and seek approvals well in advance of any proposed importation.
  • Note: if a species has not been imported previously, BioSecurity Australia undertakes a full assessment for potential biosecurity pest, weed and disease risks and in such instances it may take longer for approvals to be granted.

Further information about import requirements is available on the Biosecurity webpages.

Exporting Biological Goods:

• Ensure that you have relevant approvals from DAFF and other Australian regulators as required.
  • e.g., approval from the Department of Defence if your organisms are on the Defence Strategic Goods List.
  • e.g., phytosanitary or animal health certificates may be required from DAFF before exporting plants, seeds or live animals, dependent on the requirements of the importing country(ies).
• Be aware that permits or permissions may also be required from the receiving country(ies). Check requirements with the importer prior to sending samples.
• Export of GMOs is a dealing requiring approval under the Gene Technology Act 2000. For GMOs, ensure that export is included in your IBC application or OGTR licence application.

All regulated biological materials - and any items potentially contaminated with them - must be decontaminated before disposal or reuse. These may include:

• Contaminated waste
• Animal tissue and carcasses
• Plant material
• Enrichment material and bedding
• Soil
• Cultures and similar items.

Approved Decontamination Methods

Depending on your location and material type, approved methods may include:

• Chemical disinfection – e.g., for small volumes of liquid waste.
• Autoclaving.
• Clinical waste disposal for offsite incineration.
• Methods specified in DIR/DNIR licences.
• Other procedures approved in writing by the OGTR or IBC.

General Decontamination Requirements

• Workspaces & Equipment:
  • Decontaminate work areas and biosafety cabinets with suitable disinfectants at the end of each work session.
  • Regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces (e.g., door handles, soap dispensers, lab phones).
  • Decontaminate all work areas, surfaces and equipment before maintenance or servicing in the facility.
  • Decontaminate equipment and furniture before removal from the facility.
  • For sensitive equipment, consult the facility manager before undertaking any decontamination. Special procedures will be required in some cases.
• Personnel & Training: Only trained and authorised personnel may perform decontamination (e.g., autoclave use).
• Reusable labware:  Must be decontaminated (chemical disinfectant or autoclaving)  before washing and reuse.
• Disinfectant selection: Choose disinfectants that are known to be effective against the microorganisms present. Refer to the IBC’s Decontamination using disinfectants Guidelines for details.
• Contaminated lab gowns or coats:  Autoclave before laundering. If unavailable, soak in bleach or F10 disinfectant prior to laundering.

Waste Segregation and Bin Requirements

• Bin types:
  • GMO or microbiological waste = clinical/biohazard wheelie bin (yellow with a red or orange lid).
  • Biosecurity waste = red quarantine wheelie bin.
• Labelling: Local collection bins must be labelled for the type of waste contained.
  • GMO and microbiological waste =  biohazard symbol + “GMO”.
  • Biosecurity waste: label as “Biosecurity waste” and keep segregated
  • All bins must be lined with biohazard labelled bags.
• Overflow management: Empty bins before they overflow. Any overflow must be treated following methods for microbiological spill clean-up.
• Autoclave maintenance: Autoclaves used for regulated waste must be maintained, tested and validated per the conditions of the relevant regulator.

Researchers should be aware that additional regulations may restrict the transport of certain biological samples. These include:

South Australian Biosecurity Legislation

Transport of materials such as plants, livestock, soil and bee products may be restricted between states and to Kangaroo Island or the Riverland. Contact PIRSA for further information. 

CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)

International movement of listed threatened species (animals, plants, or their derivatives) require a permit. This includes:

• Live specimens
• Biological samples
• Products like leather, coral, or timber

Check the CITES list of affected species and additional domestic measures and apply for permits via the Wildlife Trade Office. 

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

Regulates the import/export of:

• Native species
• Listed threatened or migratory species
• Specimens derived from these species

Permits are required for movement to/from Australia. See the lists and information on the Wildlife Trade Offices’ ‘Do I need a permit’ website.

Nagoya Protocol

Governs access and benefit-sharing for genetic resources. Permit requirements depend on:

• Where the samples are collected
• Intended use (e.g., research or commercial)

For further information, see the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water’s website.

Contact the Research Compliance Officers for further information and support.