The task of the SECB is to advise the Swiss authorities on the protection of people and the environment in the area of biotechnology and gene technology.
 
The SECB, a permanent federal advisory committee, advises the Federal Council and the federal agencies on the drafting of laws, ordinances, guidelines and recommendations. It advises the federal and cantonal authorities on the enforcement of these regulations. It issues statements on licence applications and publishes recommendations on safety measures for studies using genetically modified or pathogenic organisms.

A further task of the SECB is to keep the public informed of important findings in biosafety. The SECB informs the Federal Council and the public about its activities in its Activity Report.