About BATA

Learn more about the Biological Agents and Toxins Act (BATA).

Last updated 23 April 2026

Brief history of the Biological Agents and Toxins Act (BATA)

The making of the 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 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.

Legislation

Introduction to the Biological Agents and Toxins Act

The Ministry of Health (MOH) introduced the BATA 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.

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.

Learn more about BATA.

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.

View the Table of Controls for the 5 schedules.

Infrastructure Protection Act

Facilities that want 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.

View the Infrastructure Protection Act.

FAQ

Read our frequently asked questions.

BATA Transportation regulation

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

any First Schedule biological agent;
any Second Schedule Biological agent;
any Third Schedule biological agent in quantities aggregating 10 litres or more carried on any conveyance at any one time;
any Fifth Schedule toxin

BATA (Transportation) regulation

View the Biological Agents and Toxins Act Transport Regulation.

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