The Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN) is a global network of well-managed collections of genome quality tissue samples and DNA from across the Tree of Life, benefiting society through biodiversity research, and long-term conservation of the archived materials. This network will foster collaborations among biodiversity repositories in order to ensure high quality standards, improve best practices, secure interoperability, and harmonize exchange of material in accordance with international and national laws and regulations. Consistent with Article 20 in the Nagoya Protocol, GGBN has developed and adopted this Code of Conduct for Access and Benefit-Sharing. It complements two other documents, ‘Best Practice’ guidelines and the appended ‘Statement of Use of Genomic Material’ to provide clarity on how GGBN members use and treat biological materials. The principles and practices stated below are designed to fully support GGBN members’ operations as repositories of molecular biodiversity, thereby contributing to the conservation of global genetic diversity for generations to come. The documents (i) outline governing principles under which collections are managed and collection-based research conducted in GGBN member institutions (the Code of Conduct); (ii) provide details of best practices to ensure implementation of those principles; and (iii) explain to both Providers and users how specimens are managed by GGBN institutions. Together, this information provides participants with clarity and transparency in the permitting, research, and maintenance of the collected materials consistent with the obligations of Prior Informed Consent (PIC) and Mutually Agreed Terms (MAT) agreed with Providers.