The relationship between BioTrade1 and ABS continues to challenge policy makers, entrepreneurs, communities, project managers and academics alike. Since its launching in 1996 under UNCTAD´s “BioTrade Initiative”, BioTrade has demonstrated the importance of multiple forms of conservation and sustainable-use of biodiversity and ecosystems oriented businesses. The key challenge is to clarify how BioTrade can take into account mandatory ABS principles, in accordance with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization. In parallel and often with limited interaction, BioTrade projects, businesses and ABS frameworks, have expanded in many regions and countries. A definite answer to the quintessential question of “do ABS laws or regulations apply to my BioTrade project or business activity” remains elusive. National ABS frameworks are often unclear as to whether certain BioTrade activities are covered under their scope. As a result, legal uncertainty often prevails in regard to clarity of applicable ABS norms and regulations, exclusions, obligations, rights and benefit sharing criteria. The Nagoya Protocol is the most recent addition to a complex international, regional and national “ABS architecture” which defines how and under what conditions genetic resources and biochemicals can be accessed and utilized – with potential implications on BioTrade. This scoping study offers an overview of the challenges faced and options available to implement BioTrade and ABS principles under the CBD and the Nagoya Protocol in a coherent manner. It further provides examples of how these challenges are being addressed. The study gives an overview of the current state-of-the-art discussions and issues in order to facilitate a better understanding of how to manage the interphase between BioTrade and ABS in practice. This scoping study is one output of the BioTrade Facilitation Programme’s third phase (BFPT III), which seeks to “mainstream BioTrade in relevant multilateral, regional and national processes and strengthen the policy and regulatory environment for BioTrade sectors. This will allow key stakeholders (governments and companies) to take advantage of policy options and strategies available for BioTrade sectors”.