1. Brief History of the Biological Agents and Toxins Act

The making of the Biological Agents and Toxins Act (BATA) 2005 took into consideration, recommendations from the National Biosafety Committee and its Technical Working Committees, that were set up to provide recommendations to MOH regarding issues related to the BATA. They are represented by related government agencies and key industry players, which include the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Manpower, Agency of Science Technology And Research, National Parks Board of Singapore, Health Sciences Authority, Defence Science & Technology Agency, National Environment Agency, JTC Corporation, Singapore General Hospital, DSO National Laboratories, Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore and Genetic Modification Advisory Committe.

The Biological Agents and Toxins Act (BATA) was first read on the 19 September 2005 as Bill No 26/2005 published on 20 September 2005 and came into force on 03 January 2006.

2. Legislation

1. Introduction to the Biological Agents and Toxins Act
   

   The Ministry of Health (MOH) introduced the Biological Agents and Toxins Act in October 2005 and enacted in January 2006 to regulate the possession, use, import, transfer and transportation of biological agents and toxins that are known to be hazardous to human health. The legislation also provide for safe practices and security in the handling of such agents and toxins.

2. Biological Agents and Toxins Act

   An Act to prohibit or otherwise regulate the possession, use, import, transhipment, transfer and transportation of biological agents, inactivated biological agents and toxins, and to provide for safe practices in the handling of such biological agents and toxins.

   Click here to view the Biological Agents and Toxins Act.

3. Controls

   The biological agents and toxins are classified into different schedules which define the requirements that are needed for possessing, handling, working and transporting the biological agent/toxin.

    Table of Controls for the 5 schedules.pdf

4. Infrastructure Protection Act

   Facilities who wants to possess or work with First Schedule Part II, Second Schedule biological agents and Fifth Schedule toxins are required to have their facilities gazetted as a protected place under the Infrastructure Protection Act.

   Click here to view the Infrastructure Protection Act.

5. FAQ

   Click here to view the FAQ.

3. BATA Transportation Regulation

1. Scope of the Biological Agents and Toxins Act (Transportation) Regulation
   The Biological Agents and Toxins (Transportation) Regulation apply in relation to the transportation in Singapore of -
   1. any First Schedule biological agent;
   2. any Second Schedule Biological agent;
   3. any Third Schedule biological agent in quantities aggregating 10 litres or more carried on any conveyance at any one time;
   4. any Fifth Schedule toxin 
      
2. BATA (Transportation Regulation)

    Biological Agents and Toxins Act Transport Regulation.pdf

3. FAQ

   Click here to go to the FAQ- Transportation.

4. BATA Subsidiary Legislation / Orders

1. Biological Agents and Toxins Act (Amendment of First Schedule) (No.2) Order 2023
2. Biological Agents and Toxins Act (Amendment of First Schedule) Order 2023
3. Biological Agents and Toxins Act (Amendment of First Schedule) Order 2022
4. Biological Agents and Toxins Act (Amendment of First Schedule) Order 2021
5. Biological Agents and Toxins Act (COVID-19 Research Laboratory - Exemption) Regulations 2020
6. Biological Agents and Toxins Act (Amendment of First Schedule) (No.2) Order 2020
7. Biological Agents and Toxins Act (Amendment of First Schedule) Order 2020
8. Biological Agents and Toxins Act (Amendment of First Schedule) Order 2017
9. Biological Agents and Toxins Act (Amendment of First, Second, Fifth and Eight Schedules) Order 2015
10. Biological Agents and Toxins Act (Amendment of First and Fifth Schedules) Order 2011
11. Biological Agents and Toxins Act (Amendment of First and Second Schedules) Order 2009
12. Biological Agents and Toxins Act (Exemption) Regulations 2009
13. Biological Agents and Toxins Act (Proficiency Testing) Regulations 2008
14. Biological Agents and Toxins Act (Amendment of First Schedule) Order 2007.pdf 
15. Biological Agents and Toxins Act (Amendment of First and Fifth Schedules) Order 2006

5. MOH Circulars/Advisory

1. MOH Circular on Proper Use of Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
   
2. MOH Circular 34/2006 on Interpretation of Diagnosis
3. MOH Advisory No. 01/2019 on Importation of Biological Agents and/or Toxins