Revision of the BSI Terms of Use (Access and Benefit-Sharing)

The BioData Science Initiative (BSI) has revised its Terms of Use (last updated 30 June 2026, changes). The revision asks submitters to confirm, when depositing data, that the data they submit can be openly shared.

This change implements a request made to scientific databases by the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at COP16 (Decision 16/2). The decision asks sequence databases to inform users about access and benefit-sharing (ABS) and to ask submitters to confirm that the data they deposit can be openly shared.

The revised Terms apply to data submitted to databases operated by BSI, including DDBJ, BioProject, BioSample, DRA, GEA, and MetaboBank. By submitting data, you agree to the BSI Terms of Use, which cover your duties as a submitter, the handling of human-derived research data, and the access and benefit-sharing of genetic resources.

This confirmation does not create any payment obligation. For details on what you are confirming and on cases where data should not be submitted as open data, please see the FAQ below.

What has changed

  • The BSI Terms of Use have been revised. See: https://www.ddbj.nig.ac.jp/policies-e.html
  • A new FAQ on open sharing and ABS has been published. See: https://www.ddbj.nig.ac.jp/faq/en/abs-data-sharing-e.html

  • Consent checkbox added to the submission systems
    Update (15 July 2026)

    In line with this revision, we have added a checkbox to the following submission systems that asks submitters to confirm their agreement to the Terms of Use (including ABS) at the time of submission.

    • NSSS (Nucleotide Sequence Submission System)
    • MSS (Mass Submission System)
    • BioProject
    • BioSample
    • DRA
    • GEA

    When submitting data, please confirm that the data you submit can be openly shared, check the box, and proceed with your submission.