Biological Agents and Toxins Act 2005 (No. 36 of 2005)

The Biological Agents and Toxins Act (BATA) was passed by the Parliament on 18th October 2005, and came into force on 3rd January 2006. 


The Director of Medical Services and his appointed officers are responsible for administering and enforcing BATA, which covers the following aspects:

1. Prohibit the use of biological agents and toxins for non-peaceful purposes;
2. Prohibit the use of Second Schedule biological agents without approval;
3. Prohibit the possession of First, Second and Fifth Schedule agents without approval;
4. Prohibit the transhipment of First, Second and Fifth Schedule biological agents and Toxins without permit;
5. Prohibit the import of all schedule biological agents and toxins without permit;
6. Prohibit the transportation of all schedule biological agents by mail or public transportation; 
   
   (Note: Based on their biosafety and biosecurity risk level, biological agents and toxins are divided into five schedules under the BATA).
7. Prohibit large scale production of Second Schedule biological agents;
8. Prohibit large scale production of First and Third Schedule biological agents without approval.

The Biological Agents and Toxins (Transportation) Regulations 2005 supports the BATA. This regulation stipulates the transportation requirements for biological agents and toxins in Singapore.


Contravention of the Biological Agents and Toxins Act or the Transportation Regulation may lead to one or more of the following consequences:

1. The order of immediate cessation of activity involving scheduled biological agent or toxin;
2. The order of destruction of scheduled biological agent or toxin;
3. The order to decontaminate the premises;
4. The order for the closure or cordoning off of the premises;
5. The order for personnel exposed to biological agents or toxins to undergo medical examination, treatment or to be quarantined;
6. Monetary fines and/or imprisonment

More detailed information on the Biological Agents and Toxins Act and its supplementary legislation, the Biological Agents and Toxins (Transportation) Regulation, is available at Biosafety Website.