On October 1, 2026, a 60-day familiarization period for SisGen 3.0 began, as established by CGen Resolution No. 53 of September 16, 2026. This resolution approved the software for the new version of the National System for the Management of Genetic Heritage and Associated Traditional Knowledge (SisGen).
The familiarization period aims to allow users to explore the new version’s features, understand the organization of fields and procedures, and get accustomed to the interface before the system is officially released.
This initiative marks a significant step in modernizing the technological infrastructure used by companies, research institutions, and other users subject to Brazilian legislation regarding access to genetic heritage and associated traditional knowledge (ATK) and benefit-sharing.
It is important to note that this familiarization period does not constitute the official launch of SisGen 3.0. During this phase, the current version of SisGen will continue to operate normally.
According to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA), once SisGen 3.0 is officially released, the current version will be maintained as a repository for consultation and the preservation of registration history, though no new data may be entered into it.
The official release will depend on the completion of familiarization, data migration, technical checks, and adjustments, as well as the publication of the relevant act by the CGen Executive Secretariat. This publication will mark the start of a one-year period for companies to carry out all necessary adjustments, compliance measures, registrations, and notifications within the system.
WHAT CHANGES WITH SISGEN 3.0? SisGen 3.0 was developed to enhance the user experience and the management of information regarding access to genetic heritage, associated traditional knowledge (CTA), and benefit-sharing.
The new version offers modules covering—among other procedures—the registration of individuals and institutions, access registration, shipment registration, product notification, administrative verification procedures, and voluntary inquiries regarding the identification of CTA providers.
SisGen 3.0 is also expected to continue evolving after its official launch, with the gradual incorporation of new features. These include resources related to certificates of compliance, registration amendments, certificates of no outstanding issues, data dashboards, alert systems, international agreements, and non-monetary benefit-sharing agreements.
WHAT ARE THE PRACTICAL IMPACTS FOR COMPANIES?
Although the familiarization period does not, in itself, constitute an official replacement of the current system or alter applicable legal deadlines, using it can be strategic for companies engaged in research and technological development activities involving genetic heritage or CTA.
We recommend paying special attention to the following aspects:
a) Familiarization with the new interface
It is advisable for the teams responsible for registrations and notifications to access the familiarization software to explore the available modules, understand the new data entry rules, and identify any operational questions.
b) Review of internal procedures
This period can be used to review internal workflows for identifying activities subject to Law No. 13.123/2015, gathering technical information, validating data, and preparing the documents necessary to fulfill obligations within SisGen. c) Organization of records and documents
It is advisable to verify whether the company maintains organized data regarding the origin of genetic heritage, research and development activities, project leads, products developed, and notifications submitted, as applicable.
d) Verification of existing records
Data migration will be accompanied by technical checks. Therefore, it is recommended to keep copies of relevant supporting documents and, once the new system is officially released, to verify the migrated records and assess the need for any corrective measures.
e) Monitoring official guidance
Companies should keep track of guidance materials and communications released by the MMA and CGen, particularly regarding transition procedures and the official system launch date.
SUPPORT MATERIALS AND OFFICIAL CHANNEL
The MMA has made available—in both Portuguese and English—a user familiarization guide for the SisGen 3.0 sandbox software to assist users in navigating the system, as well as a support channel for addressing user inquiries (sisgen@mma.gov.br).
This bulletin is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a legal opinion or legal advice.
Evelini Oliveira de Figueiredo Fonseca | evelini.fonseca@
Legal Coordinator and Partner, Environmental, Regulatory, and Biodiversity Law Practice.
