Labuschaigne, M.Mahomed, S.Behrens, K.Nienaber, A.G. (Annelize Gertruida)Moodley, K.Cleaton-Jones, P.Olckers, A.Maepa, N.Penny, C.Dhai, A.2020-09-072020-09-072019-05Labuschaigne, M., Dhai, A., Mahomed, S. et al. 2019, 'Protecting participants in health research: the South African material transfer agreement', South African Medical Journal, vol. 109, no. 5, pp. 353-356.0256-9574 (print)2078-5135 (online)10.7196/SAMJ.2019.v109i5.13803http://hdl.handle.net/2263/76065The need to transfer human biological materials (HBMs) across national boundaries has become increasingly important in view of increased biobank and commercial activities globally. In light of South Africa (SA)’s history of colonisation and racial discrimination, coupled with well-known instances of exploitation of research participants in the developing world, it is critical that the management of HBMs from and to other jurisdictions is explored and regulated. Material transfer agreements (MTAs) represent an important point of departure in such a process. This article explores the need for a uniform MTA in SA and discusses some aspects of the recently gazetted national MTA, which provides a framework that can serve as a safeguard for cross-border transfer of HBMs in the absence of the National Health Act’s chapter 8 regulations in this regard.en© 2019. Published by Health and Medical Publishing Group. This open-access article is distributed under Creative Commons licence CC-BY-NC 4.0.Biomedical researchInformed consentSpecimen handlingTissue banksTransfer agreementSouth Africa (SA)Human biological material (HBM)Material transfer agreement (MTA)Law articles SDG-03Law articles SDG-10Law articles SDG-16Article