The ECNH is mandated to monitor and evaluate from an ethical perspective developments in and applications of non-human biotechnology and gene technology. Its mandate thus covers all biotechnology and gene technology applications in animals, plants and other organisms, and their impacts on humans and the environment.

The ECNH mandate involves three main responsibilities:

1. The ECNH advises the Federal Council and the federal authorities on the preparation of legislation in the field of non-human biotechnology from an ethical perspective and submits proposals for future legislation.
2. It advises the federal and cantonal authorities on the enforcement of federal regulations.
3. It informs the public about the questions and issues with which it is concerned and promotes a dialogue on the benefit and risks of these technologies.