Current South Georgia And South Sandwich Islands Ordinances

This website is informal and has no legal status. The only current publication of record is the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Gazette. Prior to 3 October 1985 the Falkland Islands Gazette served the same purpose.

Important Notice – Accessing this website and using any information derived from it is subject to the following stipulations:

  • The South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Gazette is the publication of record and has been from 3 October 1985 onwards. Prior to that date the Falkland Islands Gazette was the publication of record. Nothing published on or by this website alters that position.

    Whilst:
    (i) everything published on this website is designed to assist those interested in identifying the laws that applied or apply in South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands; and
    (ii) what is published is believed to be accurate; the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands is not responsible for and will accept no liability with regard to any use or application of any information taken from or derived from this website.

  • These webpages reflect the history of the law in the territory of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands. Whilst the history of this territory is closely linked to that of the Falkland Islands it is not the same. Nothing in these webpages should be construed as making any representations regarding the history, status or laws of the Falkland Islands.

The following four sections:

  • 1951 Consolidation
  • Falkland Islands Ordinances Applied to the Dependencies 1949-1985
  • Dependencies Ordinances 1949-1985
  • South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands laws 1985 – to date

list the substantive Ordinances believed to be in force and effect in South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands. Many of these Ordinances have been amended since their first publication. Each substantive Ordinance can be found in a folder alongside any amending Ordinances and subsidiary legislation.

1. 1951 Consolidation

Approximately half of the Ordinances published in the 1951 Consolidation remain in force and effect at least to some extent. Some, but not all have been amended. Those Ordinances considered to remain in effect from the 1951 Consolidation are shown on the 1951 Consolidation page shaded green.

Notes:

  • ‘Year’ refers to the oldest Ordinance that formed part of the Consolidated Ordinance. All of these Consolidated Ordinances were brought into force on 12 March 1953. Some have been amended subsequently.
  • When considering the current application of these Ordinances etc. please consider the following web-pages:
  • The Application of Colony Laws (Cap 1 DS) is of particular relevance.

2. Falkland Islands Laws Applied to the Dependencies 1949-1985

Notes:

  • These are Ordinances originating in the Falkland Islands that were applied to the Dependencies in the period 1949-1985.
  • When considering the current application of these Ordinances etc. please consider the following web-pages:
  • The Application of Colony Laws Ordinance (Cap 1 DS) (see below) is of particular relevance when interpreting these Ordinances in their South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands context.
  • Most of these Ordinances remain in full force and effect – either in their original form or after amendment. Those Ordinances considered to remain in effect can be identified by their green shaded folders below.
  • Folders shaded pink below denote an Ordinance that will be repealed when an Ordinance that has already been enacted comes into force.

1939 17 Exports and Imports (Emergency Powers) Ordinance 1939

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1952 02 ACLO44 KB
1951 03 Proclamation1 MB
1939 17 Exports and Imports (Emergency Powers) Ordinance 1939 ACLO 19524 MB

1951 05 Exchange Control Ordinance 1951

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1954 01 ACLO48 KB
DS 1951 04 Application of Ordinances of the Colony60 KB
1954 O01 Exchange Control (Payments) Order 1954229 KB
1954 03 Exchange Control (Amend) Ordinance 19512 MB
1951 05 Exchange Control Ordinance 195111 MB

1954 04 Defence Force Ordinance 1954

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1973 03 ACLO40 KB
DS 1959 05 ACLO256 KB
DS 1954 01 ACLO48 KB
1973 19 Defence Force (Amend) Ordinance 1973 ACLO 1973106 KB
1959 09 Defence Force (Amend) Ordinance 1959 ACLO2 1959157 KB
1954 04 Defence Force Ordinance 1954651 KB

1954 13 Application of Enactments Ordinance 1954

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1966 06 ACLO245 KB
DS 1966 03 ACLRO47 KB
DS 1964 01 ACLO54 KB
DS 1962 03 ACLO45 KB
DS 1961 02 ACLO52 KB
DS 1960 03 ACLO68 KB
DS 1957 02 ACLO61 KB
DS 1955 01 ACLO55 KB
1966 14 Application of Enactments Repeal Ordinance 196647 KB
1966 03 Application of Colony Laws (Repeal) Ordinance 196647 KB
1962 14 Application of Enactments (Amend) (No3) Ord 1962115 KB
1962 13 Application of Enactments (Amend) (No2) Ord 1962128 KB
1962 02 Application of Enactments (Amend) Ordinance 1962148 KB
1960 10 Application of Enactments (Amend) Ordinance 1960104 KB
1959 20 Application of Enactments (Amend) Ordinance 195971 KB
1955 02 Application of Enactments (Amend) Ordinance 195567 KB
1954 13 Application of Enactments Ordinance 1954 ACLO 1955383 KB

1959 04 Foreign Judgements (Reciprocal Enforcement) Ordinance 1959

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1964 02 ACLO246 KB
DS 1960 03 ACLO68 KB
DS 1959 02 ACLO57 KB
1963 03 Foreign Judgements (Reciprocal Enforcement) (Amend) Ordinance 1963130 KB
1960 04 Foreign Judgements (Reciprocal Enforcement) (Amend) Ordinance 196092 KB
1959 04 Foreign Judgements (Reciprocal Enforcement) Ordinance 1959459 KB

1959 12 Pensions (Increase) Ordinance 1959

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1969 01 ACLO49 KB
DS 1968 03 ACLO51 KB
DS 1964 04 ACLO350 KB
DS 1961 02 ACLO52 KB
DS 1960 03 ACLO68 KB
DS 1959 05 ACLO256 KB
1969 05 Pensions Increase (Amend) Ordinance 196955 KB
1968 05 Pensions Increase (Amend) Ordinance 1968118 KB
1964 09 Pensions Increase (Amend) Ordinance 1964150 KB
1963 10 Pensions Increase (Amend) Ordinance 1963115 KB
1961 02 Pensions Increase (Amend) Ordinance 1961115 KB
1959 17 Pensions Increase (Amend) Ordinance 195963 KB
1959 12 Pensions Increase Ordinance 1959260 KB

1960 03 Oil in Territorial Waters Ordinance 1960

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1960 03 ACLO68 KB
1960 03 Oil in Territorial Waters Ordinance 1960 ACLO 1960254 KB

1960 11 Geneva Conventions (Criminal Appeals) Ordinance 1960

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1961 02 ACLO52 KB
1960 11 Geneva Conventions (Criminal Appeals) Ordinance 1960 ACLO 1961128 KB

1961 06 Homicide Ordinance 1961

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1961 02 ACLO52 KB
1961 06 Homicide Ordinance 1961 ACLO 196152 KB

1962 04 Application of Enactments Ordinance 1962

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1964 01 ACLO54 KB
1962 04 Application of Enactments Ordinance 1962222 KB

1962 11 Antarctic Treaty (Immunity from Jurisdiction) Ordinance 1962

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1964 01 ACLO54 KB
1962 11 Antarctic Treaty (Immunity from Jurisdiction) Ordinance 1962 ACLO 1964109 KB

1964 10 Application of Enactments (Intestates’ Estates and Family Provisions) Ordinance 1964

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1965 02 ACLO46 KB
1964 10 Applicn of Enactms (Intestates Estates & Family Provisions) Ord 1964 ACLO 1965137 KB

1964 12 Maintenance Orders Ordinance 1964

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1965 02 ACLO46 KB
1964 12 Maintenance Orders Ordinance 1964 ACLO 1965131 KB

1964 15 Wild Animals and Birds Protection Ordinance 1964

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1969 02 ACLO241 KB
1975 01 Falkland Islands (Dependencies) Conservation Ordinance 1975 and Regs266 KB
1973 02 Penguin and Albatross (Amendment) Regulations 1973209 KB
1973 01 Wild Animals and Birds Protection (Stanley Common and Cape Pembroke Peninsula) Order 1973618 KB
1972 03 Wild Animals and Birds (Export)(Amendment) Regulations 1972469 KB
1968 12 Wild Animals and Birds Protection (Cape Dolphin Sanctuary) Order 1968247 KB
1968 11 Wild Animals and Birds Protection (Volunteer and Cow Bay Sanctuary) Order 1968273 KB
1968 03 Wild Mammals and Birds (Export) Regulations 1968218 KB
1966 02 Wild Animals and Birds (Export) Regulations 1966228 KB
1964 04 Penguin and Albatross Regulations 1964355 KB
1964 03 Wild Animals and Birds Protection (Sanctuaries)(No3) Order 1964232 KB

1965 06 Pensions Ordinance 1965

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1981 01 ACLO42 KB
DS 1970 03 ACLO245 KB
DS 1969 01 ACLO49 KB
DS 1968 03 ACLO51 KB
DS 1966 06 ACLO245 KB
DS 1965 04 ACLO(2)49 KB
1994: Pensions (Amend) Ordinance (No. 1)269 KB
1987 33 Pensions Amendment Ordinance 198767 KB
1979 05 Pensions (Amend) Ordinance 1979123 KB
1970 04 Pensions (Amend) Ordinance 197044 KB
1969 06 Pensions (Amend) Ordinance 196985 KB
1968 08 Pensions (Amend) Ordinance 196862 KB
1966 07 Pensions (Amend) (No2) Ordinance 1966112 KB
1966 06 Pensions (Amend) Ordinance 1966121 KB
1965 06 Pensions Ordinance 1965989 KB

1965 10 Immigration Ordinance 1965

TitleFile SizeLink
1974 10 Immigration (Amend) Ordinance 1974 ACLO2 197494 KB
1968 10 Immigration (Amend) Ordinance 1968 ACLO 196895 KB
1967 12 Immigration (Amend) Ordinance 1967 ACLO 1967100 KB
1965 10 Immigration Ordinance 1965282 KB

1966 02 Murder (Abolition of Death Penalty) Ordinance 1966

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1966 05 ACLO46 KB
1971 01 Resolution 1971 02 1245 KB
1966 02 Murder (Abolition of Death Penalty) Ordinance 1966152 KB

1966 03 Appeals Ordinance 1966

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1966 05 ACLO46 KB
1966 03 Appeals Ordinance 1966 ACLO 1966146 KB

1966 05 Prison Ordinance 1966

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1966 06 ACLO245 KB
1966 05 Prison Ordinance 1966 ACLO2 1966351 KB

1966 11 Ionising Radiations (Protection of Workers) Ordinance 1966

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1966 06 ACLO245 KB
1966 05 Prison Ordinance 1966 ACLO2 1966351 KB

1966 13 Marriage (Enabling) Ordinance 1966

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1966 06 ACLO245 KB
1966 13 Marriage (Enabling) Ordinance 1966 ACLO2 196679 KB

1967 01 Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Ordinance 1967

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1978 01 ACLO47 KB
DS 1968 03 ACLO51 KB
DS 1967 01 ACLO52 KB
1978 07 Employment of Women Young Persons and Children (Amend) Ord 1978106 KB
1968 11 Employment of Women Young Persons and Children (Amend) Ord 1968100 KB
1967 01 Employment of Women Young Persons and Children Ord 1967226 KB

1967 09 Police Ordinance 1967

TitleFile SizeLink
2017 02 Police Ordinance 2017163 KB
1969 03 Police (Amend) Ordinance 1969 ACLO 1969103 KB
1967 09 Police Ordinance 1967 ACLO 1967565 KB

1967 10 Matrimonial Proceedings (Court of Summary Jurisdictions) Ordinance 1967

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1972 02 ACLO42 KB
DS 1967 01 ACLO52 KB
1972 01 Matrimonial Proceedings (Court of Summary Jurisdiction (Amend) Ord 1972106 KB
1967 10 Matrimonial Proceedings (Court of Summary Jurisdiction) Ord 1967497 KB

1968 14 Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey (Change of Designation) Ordinance 1968

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1968 03 ACLO51 KB
1968 14 Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey (Change of Designations) Ord 1968 ACLO 196857 KB

1971 01 Decimal Currency Ordinance 1972

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1971 02 ACLO44 KB
1971 01 Decimal Currency Ordinance 1972 ACLO 1971186 KB

1972 07 Banking Ordinance 1972

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1975 02 ACLO54 KB
DS 1973 03 ACLO40 KB
DS 1972 02 ACLO42 KB
1974 16 Banking (Amendment) Ordinance 197446 KB
1973 17 Banking (Amendment) Ordinance 197350 KB
1972 07 Banking Ordinance 1972319 KB

1975 01 Falkland Islands Dependencies Conservation Ordinance 1975

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1968 03 ACLO51 KB
1968 14 Falkland Islands Dependencies Survey (Change of Designation) Ord 196857 KB

1977 12 Protection of Wrecks Ordinance 1977

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1978 01 ACLO47 KB
DS 1977 01 ACLO42 KB
1978 06 Protection of Wrecks (Amend) Ordinance 197843 KB
1977 12 PWO ACL1977 12 Protection of Wrecks Ordinance 1977146 KB

1977 14 Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance 1977

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1978 01 ACLO47 KB
DS 1977 01 ACLO42 KB
2005 02 Interpretation and General Clauses (Amendment) Ordinance 20059 KB
1978 03 Interpretation and General Clauses (Amendment) Ordinance 1978118 KB
1977 14 Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance (1977)1 MB

1979 01 Maintenance Orders (Reciprocal Enforcement) Ordinance 1979

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1981 01 ACLO42 KB
DS 1980 01 ACLO43 KB
1979 16 Maintenance Orders (Reciprocal Enforcement) (Amend) Ord 197938 KB
1979 01 Maintenance Orders (Reciprocal Enforcement) Ordinance576 KB

1979 13 Revised Edition of the Laws Ordinance 1977

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1977 01 ACLO42 KB
1977 01 Revised Edition of the Laws Ordinance 1977251 KB

1979 14 Matrimonial Causes Ordinance 1979

TitleFile SizeLink
DS 1980 01 ACLO43 KB
1979 14 Matrimonial Causes Ordinance 1979 ACLO 19801 MB

3. Dependencies Ordinances from the period 1949-1985

Notes:

  • These are Ordinances originating in the Falkland Islands that were applied to the Dependencies in the period 1949-1985.
  • When considering the current application of these Ordinances etc. please consider the following web-pages:
  • Note the Application of Colony Laws (Amendment and Validation) Ordinance 1966 is contained within the Application of Colony Laws (Cap 1 DS) folder – see final entry in section 1 above.

Placenames Ordinance 1956

TitleFile SizeLink
1957 01 Placenames Regulations 195756 KB
1956 01 Placenames Ordinance 195653 KB

Application of Colony Laws Ordinance (Cap 1 DS)

TitleFile SizeLink
Application of Colony Laws (Cap 1 DS)285 KB
1966 04 Application of Colony Laws (Amendment and Validation) Ord 196681 KB

4. South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Laws 1985 – to date

Notes:

  • The folders below contain Ordinances and secondary legislation made by the Commissioner since South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands became a separate British Overseas Territory that are considered to be current laws organised by their enabling legislation.
  • The Appropriation Ordinances are not included here – but can be found in the Gazettes.
  • In addition to the laws contained in these folders there may be secondary legislation made pursuant to Ordinances that have since been repealed that will have been preserved through the operation of provisions such as those contained in Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance (1977) section 36.
  • When considering the current application of these Ordinances etc. please consider the following web-pages:
  • Folders shaded blue below denote an Ordinance that has been enacted but not yet brought into force. Folders shaded orange indicate particular care needs to be taken – such as because the principal Ordinance has been repealed but some of the regulations made pursuant to it have been preserved.

1953 Cap 27 Fisheries Ordinance

TitleFile SizeLink
Fisheries Ordinance Cap 27199 KB
Fisheries (Transhipment and Export) Regulations 1990883 KB
Fisheries (Transhipment and Export) (Amendment) Regulations 199816 KB
Fisheries (Transhipment and Export) (Amendment) Regulations 200323 KB
Fisheries (Transhipment and Export) (Amendment) Regulations 20157 KB
Fisheries (Transhipment and Export) (Amendment) Regulations 202264 KB

1992 01 South Georgia Museum Trust Ordinance 1992

TitleFile SizeLink
1992: Visitors Ordinance 1992134 KB
1992: South Georgia Museum Trust Ordinance (No. 1)1 MB

1992 02 Visitors Ordinance 1992

TitleFile SizeLink
2019 04 Visitors (Amendment) Ordinance 2019504 KB
2005 01 Visitors (Amendment) Ordinance 200560 KB
2003 R04 Visitors (Landing Fees) Regulations 200323 KB
1998 R02 Visitors (Landing Fees) Regulations 199815 KB
1992: Visitors Ordinance (No. 2)134 KB

1993 03 Fisheries (Conservation & Management Ordinance) 1993

TitleFile SizeLink
Fisheries (Conservation and Management) Ordinance 19936 MB
South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (Territorial Sea) Order 1989111 KB
The Fisheries (Transhipment Export) Regulations 1990332 KB
Proclamation of the Maritime Zone made 7 May 1993140 KB
Fishing (Maritime Zone) Order 1993660 KB
Fisheries (Transhipment and Export) (Amendment) Regulations 199816 KB

2000 02 Fisheries (Conservation and Management) Ordinance 2000

TitleFile SizeLink
Fisheries (Conservation and Management) Ordinance 20007 MB
South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands (Territorial Sea) Order 1989111 KB
Fisheries (Transhipment and Export) Regulations 1990883 KB
Proclamation of the Maritime Zone made 7 May 1993140 KB
Fishing (Maritime Zone) Order 1993660 KB
Fisheries (Transhipment and Export) (Amendment) Regulations 199816 KB
Fisheries (Conservation and Management) (Amendment) Ordinance 2002734 KB
Fisheries (Transhipment and Export)(Amendment) Regulations 200323 KB
Fisheries (Conservation and Management)(Amendment) Ordinance 20041 MB
Fisheries (Transhipment and Export)(Amendment) Order 20157 KB
Fisheries (Conservation and Management)(Amendment) Ordinance 2019199 KB
Fisheries (Transhipment and Export) (Amendment) Order 2022183 KB
Fisheries (Transhipment Licence Fees) (Validation) Ordinance 2022236 KB

2000 03 Currency Ordinance 2000

TitleFile SizeLink
2021 O01 Commemorative Coins (2019, 2020 and 2021) Order 2021829 KB
2018 O01 Commemorative Coins (2018 and 2019) Order2018329 KB
2017 O01 Commemorative Coins Order 2017107 KB
2016 O02 Commemorative Coins (2017) Order 2016142 KB
2016 O01 Commemorative Coins (2015 and 2016) Order 2016272 KB
2015 O01 Commemorative Coins (2014) Order 201515 KB
2014 O01 Commemorative Coins Order 201417 KB
2013 O03 Commemorative Coins (2011 2012) Order 201320 KB
2011 O03 Commemorative Coins (2007 2011) Order 201122 KB
2007 O02 Commemorative Coins (2007 Issues) Order 200738 KB
2007 O01 Commemorative Coins (2000 2006) Order 200747 KB
2001 01 Currency (A) Ordinance 200148 KB
2000 03 Currency Ordinance 200061 KB

2001 03 Trade Marks Ordinance 2001

TitleFile SizeLink
2001 02 Trade Marks Ordinance 200161 KB

2010 01 Prohibited Areas Ordinance 2010

TitleFile SizeLink
2013 O02 Prohibited Areas Order 2013864 KB
2010 O01 Prohibited Areas Order 2010423 KB
2010 01 Prohibited Areas Ordinance 201058 KB

2011 01 Wildlife and Protected Areas Ordinance 2011

TitleFile SizeLink
2023 Wildlife and Protected Areas (SPA Management Plan and Prohibited Activities) Regulations 202387 KB
2022 03 Wildlife and Protected Areas (Amendment) Ordinance 2022754 KB
2019 O01 Marine Protected Areas Order 2019874 KB
2019 02 Wildlife and Protected Areas (Amendment) Ordinance 2019500 KB
2013 O01 Marine Protected Areas Order 20131 MB
2013 04 Wildlife and Protected Areas (Amendment) Ordinance 2013106 KB
2012 O01 Marine Protected Areas Order 2012310 KB
2011 01 Wildlife and Protected Areas Ordinance 2011129 KB

2011 04 Postal Services Ordinance 2011

TitleFile SizeLink
2015 03 Postal Services (Amendment) Ordinance 201575 KB
2013 05 Postal Services (Amendment) Ordinance 210377 KB
2011 04 Postal Services Ordinance 2011100 KB

2012 03 Appeals (Jurisdiction of Falkland Islands Court of Appeal) Ordinance 2012

TitleFile SizeLink
2012 03 Appeals (Jurisdiction of Falkland Islands Court of Appeal) Ordinance 201276 KB

2013 01 Criminal Justice Ordinance 2013

TitleFile SizeLink
2013: Criminal Justice Ordinance 201372 KB

2014 03 Nuclear Safeguards Ordinance 2014

TitleFile SizeLink
2014 03 Nuclear Safeguards Ordinance 2014100 KB

2016 02 Customs Ordinance 2016

TitleFile SizeLink
2016 04 Customs (Declarations and Clearance) Order97 KB
2016 02 Customs Ordinance358 KB
2011 R01 Customs (Fees) Regulations 201118 KB

2016 03 Income Tax Ordinance 2016

TitleFile SizeLink
2016 Guidance to Income Tax132 KB
2016 03 Income Tax Regulations 201649 KB
2016 03 Income Tax Ordinance 2016479 KB

2017 02 Police Ordinance 2017

TitleFile SizeLink
2017 02 Police Ordinance 2017163 KB

2019 05 Heavy Fuel Oil (Prohibition of Carriage and Use) Ordinance 2019

TitleFile SizeLink
2020 01 Heavy Fuel Oil (Prohibition of Carriage and Use) (Amend) Ord 2020469 KB
2019 05 Heavy Fuel Oil (Prohibition of Carriage and Use) Ordinance 2019860 KB

2022 01 Fisheries (Transhipment Licence Fees) (Validation) Ordinance 2022

TitleFile SizeLink
2022: Fisheries (Transhipment Licence Fees) (Validation) Ordinance 2022180 KB

2022 02 Entry Control Ordinance 2022

TitleFile SizeLink
2022: Entry Control Ordinance 20221 MB

2023 Wildlife and Protected Areas

TitleFile SizeLink
Wildlife and Protected Areas (SPA Management Plan and Prohibited Activities) Regulations 2023 (SR&O No 1 of 2023)162 KB