The Nature Diversity Act Chapter VII has provisions on access to genetic material.  Importance is attached to the management of genetic material by the state, as a common resource that belongs to Norwegian society as a whole. The utilisation of genetic material must be to the greatest possible benefit of people and the environment in both a national and an international context. Due regard must also be paid to fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources, in such a way as to safeguard the interests of indigenous peoples and local communities.
The King in Council may make regulations under the Act introducing a general requirement to hold a permit for collection and utilisation of genetic material. This provision only applies to genetic material collected from the natural environment. Removal from public collections and collection for use and further breeding and cultivation in agriculture and forestry are excepted from the requirement to hold a permit.
The King may make regulations prescribing that the benefits arising out of the collection and utilisation of genetic material from Norway shall accrue to the state. Both monetary and non-monetary benefits may be regulated. The provisions on access to genetic material apply both on land and in the sea.
Provisions on access to genetic material in public collections in Norway require any person who manages such collections to register any genetic material removed from the collection and provide public access to such information.
Import of genetic material for utilisation in Norway from a state that requires consent for collection or export of such material may only take place if such consent has been given and in accordance with the conditions laid down for such consent. This will make it possible to enforce the requirement for consent in Norway.