The Vegetable Seeds Regulations 1993

Made: 2nd August 1993

Laid before Parliament: 11th August 1993

Coming into Operation: 1st September 1993

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Secretary of State for Wales, acting jointly, in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 16(1), (1A), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (8), 17(1), (2), (3), and (4) and 36 of the Plant Varieties and Seeds Act 1964[^f00001] and now vested in them[^f00002] and of all other powers enabling them in that behalf, after consultation in accordance with the said section 16(1) with representatives of such interests as appear to them to be concerned, hereby make the following Regulations:—

Title, extent and commencement

1

These Regulations may be cited as the Vegetable Seeds Regulations 1993 shall apply to Great Britain and shall come into operation on 1st September 1993.

Revocation

2

The Vegetable Seeds Regulations 1985[^f00003], the Vegetable Seeds (Amendment) Regulations 1987[^f00004] and the Vegetable Seeds (Amendment) Regulations 1989[^f00005] are hereby revoked.

Interpretation

3

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Seeds to which the regulations apply

4

• (1) Subject to paragraph (2) below, these Regulations apply to vegetable seeds of the kinds set out in Schedule 1 being seeds intended to be used only for the production of agricultural or horticultural crops.

• (2) These Regulations do not apply to seed intended for export outside Great Britain (other than regulation 6C (certification and labelling for export)).

• (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Marketing of seeds

5

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Official certificates

6

• (1) An application for the issue of an official certificate in respect of a seed lot of Pre-basic Seed, Basic Seed , Certified Seed or Certified Seed of a Conservation Variety—

• (a) shall be made in writing to the Ministers in such form and manner, and shall include such information, records, illustrations, material and seeds, as the Ministers may require; and

• (b) shall be made not later than the thirty-first day of December of the year following the year of harvest of the crop from which the seed is obtained or within such other time as the Ministers may allow.

• (2) Where an application for the issue of an official certificate is made to the Ministers in accordance with paragraph (1) above the Ministers shall deal with the application in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 2.

• (3) An official certificate which has been issued by the Ministers may be withdrawn by him in respect of either the whole of a seed lot or any part of a seed lot and any seeds from which an official certificate has been so withdrawn shall be deemed not to have been officially certified if—

• (a) the results of an official examination of the seeds in respect of which theofficial certificate has been issued are declared null and void in accordance withparagraph (2) of regulation 7, or

• (aa) in the case of Certified Seed of a Conservation Variety—

• (i) the results of an examination are declared null and void in accordance with regulation 7(3); or

• (ii) the results of official post control show that the seed does not have sufficient varietal purity; or

• (b) information has been received by him which, if known to him before the official certificate was issued, would have resulted in the application for its issue being refused on the grounds that the seeds did not meet the requirements of seed regulations.

• (4) Where, in accordance with paragraph (3) above, seeds are deemed not to have been officially certified the seller of the seeds shall, as soon as practicable and in any case not later than 7 days after being informed of it, notify the purchaser, in writing, that the seeds have not been officially certified.

• (5) A breeder may apply to the Ministers for the issue of an official certificate in place of a breeder’s confirmation once the seed of that variety may be marketed in accordance with regulation 5(1) above.

• (6) An application under paragraph (5) above—

• (a) shall be made in writing to the Ministers in such form and manner, and shall be accompanied by such documents, as the Ministers may require; and

• (b) shall be made not later than the thirty-first day of December of the year following the year of harvest of the crop from which the seed lot is obtained or within such other time as the Ministers may allow.

• (7) The Ministers shall issue an official certificate in the circumstances described in paragraph (5) above provided he is satisfied that—

• (a) the seed is the seed in respect of which the breeder’s confirmation was issued;

• (b) the breeder’s confirmation has not been withdrawn pursuant to regulation 6A(3); and

• (c) there is no reason why the breeder’s confirmation should be withdrawn pursuant to regulation 6A(3).

• (8) Schedule 2 below shall not apply to an application for an official certificate made under paragraph (5) above.

• (9) Where an official certificate is issued under paragraph (7) above in respect of any seed, no person shall market the seed unless it has been re-labelled with a label which complies with regulation 9.

Sampling

7

• (1) A sample of seeds taken for the purposes of an official examination shall be taken, subject to the payment of any fees payable under seeds regulations, by a person authorised by the Ministers in that behalf and in accordance with the requirements contained in Schedule 5.

• (1A) A sample of seed of a Conservation Variety or Standard Seed of an Amateur Variety taken for the purposes of checking compliance with these Regulations shall be taken in accordance with the requirements contained in Schedule 5.

• (2) If a sample of seeds taken for the purposes of an official examination is found not to have been taken in accordance with the requirements of seeds regulations no, or no further, official examination shall be made of that sample, and any findings or results obtained in the course of any official examination of the sample of seeds already made shall be deemed null and void.

• (3) If a sample of seed of a Conservation Variety or Standard Seed of an Amateur Variety taken for the purposes of an examination is found not to have been taken in accordance with the requirements of seeds regulations, no examination or no further examination shall be made of that sample and any finding shall be null and void.

Sealing of packages

8

• (1) No person shall market in accordance with regulation 5(1)(a) or (2) a package (other than a package of Uncertified Pre-basic Seed, a package of Standard Seed or a small package of seeds) of Pre-basic Seed, Basic Seed or Certified Seed unless it has been, not later than at the time of sampling, sealed by or under the supervision of a person authorised by the Ministers in that behalf in such a manner that when the package is opened the sealing device will be broken and cannot be re-used.

• (2) If a package of seeds which has been sealed in accordance with paragraph (1) above or imported in accordance with regulations 5(1)(b)(ii) or (c)(ii) shall have been opened it may only be re-sealed or further re-sealed by or under the supervision of a person authorised by the Ministers in that behalf.

• (3) No person shall market a package of Uncertified Pre-basic Seed, a package of Standard Seed or a small package of seeds unless it has been sealed with a dealing device in such a manner that when the package is opened the sealing device will be broken and cannot be re-used.

• (4) No person shall market a package of seed of a Conservation Variety or a package of Standard Seed of an Amateur Variety unless it has been sealed by the supplier using a non-reusable sealing system or some other sealing system—

• (a) including the use of a label or the affixing of a seal; and

• (b) in such a manner that the package cannot be opened without damaging the sealing system or without leaving evidence of tampering on the label or the package.

Labelling of packages

9

• (1) Subject to paragraph (10) below, no person shall market any seeds in accordance with regulation 5(1)(a) or (2) except in a package which, not later than at time of sealing, is labelled, inscribed or otherwise dealt with in accordance with this regulation.

• (1A) In the case of a package of seeds in respect of which the Ministers has issued an official certificate under regulation 6(7), paragraph (1) above shall apply as if the words “not later than at the time of sealing” were omitted.

• (1B) If a variety has been genetically modified, any label or document, whether official or otherwise, affixed to or accompanying a seed lot or any part of a seed lot in accordance with the provisions of this regulation, shall clearly indicate that the variety has been genetically modified.

• (2) Subject to the exception in paragraph (3) below, a package of Pre-basic Seed or of Basic Seed or a package, other than a small package, of Certified Seed, shall have affixed on the outside an official label, as appropriate to the seeds, which shall be of at least the minimum size and of the colour specified in Part I of Schedule 6, and shall contain particulars of the matters also specified in the said Part I, such label being either an adhesive label of a label secured to the package by a sealing device approved by the Ministers, the label being affixed (in either case) by or under the supervision of a person authorised by the Ministers in that behalf.

• (3) The official label referred to in paragraph (2) above shall not be required when all of the particulars to be included therein are included in the official inner label placed in the package in accordance with paragraph (5) of this regulation and the package is sufficiently transparent to enable such particulars to be readily legible through it.

• (4) If in accordance with regulation 5(6) a person shall market Pre-basic Seed or Basic Seed of a lower percentage of germination than that specified in Schedule 4 the fact shall be stated on the official label and a suppliers label affixed to the outside of the package shall contain a statement of the germination of the seeds together with the name and address of the seller and the reference number of the lot.

• (5) A package of Pre-basic Seed or of Basic Seed or a package, other than a small package, of Certified Seed shall contain an official inner label which shall be of the same colour as, and in addition to, the official label affixed to the outside of the package in accordance with paragraph (2) above. The official inner label shall contain particulars of the reference number of the lot, and of the kind and the variety of the seeds; except that if such particulars are printed indelibly on the outside of the package or if the official label is an adhesive or a tear-resistant label the official inner label referred to in this paragraph shall not be required.

• (6) A package of Uncertified Pre-basic Seed or a package, other than a small package, of Standard Seed shall have affixed on the outside a label, as appropriate to the seeds, which shall be of at least the minimum size and of the colour specified in Part II of Schedule 6 and which shall contain particulars of the matters also specified in the said Part II; except that if all such particulars are printed indelibly on the outside of the package the said label shall not be required and if some of such particulars are so printed they may be omitted from the said label.

• (7) A small package of Certified Seed or a small package of Standard Seed shall have affixed on the outside a label, as appropriate to the seeds, which shall be of the colour specified in Part III of Schedule 6 and which shall contain particulars of the matters also specified in the said Part III; except that if all such particulars are printed indelibly on the outside of the package the said label shall not be required and if some of such particulars are so printed they may be omitted from the said label.

• (8) If a package of Pre-basic Seed, Basic Seed or Certified Seed shall have been re-sealed in accordance with regulation 8(2) above this fact shall be stated on the official label together with the month and year of re-sealing and the name of the authority responsible for the re-sealing either on the official label referred to in paragraph (2) above or on the official inner label in the circumstances referred to in paragraph (3) above.

• (9) Subject to the exception in paragraphs (12B) and (12C) in respect of seed of a Conservation Variety and Standard Seed of an Amateur Variety, if any seeds have been subjected to any chemical treatment this fact and the nature of the treatment or the proprietary name of the chemical used in the treatment shall be stated either—

• (a) on a separate supplier’s label, or

• (b) on the label referred to in paragraph (2), (6) or (7) above or, where such a label is not required, with the particulars otherwise given in accordance with those paragraphs,

and also, except where the label referred to in paragraph (2), (6) or (7) above is not required or where the information prescribed by this paragraph is given on an adhesive or tear-resistant label, either on the outside of the package or in a statement enclosed in the package.

• (10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (11) Except in relation to seed of a Conservation Variety or Standard Seed of an Amateur Variety, a person may sell any seeds otherwise than in a package which is labelled, inscribed or otherwise dealt with in accordance with this regulation where—

• (a) the seeds are sold by way of retail sale in quantity not exceeding the appropriate maximum weight indicated in Schedule 7, and

• (b) the seeds are taken, in the presence of the purchaser, from a container on which there is clearly and visibly marked or near which there is clearly and visibly displayed a statement containing particulars of the matters specified in Part V of Schedule 6.

• (12) The particulars and information given in accordance with this regulation shall be given in English but may also be given in other languages.

• (12A) Where the kind or variety of seed is indicated on a label or marking it must be in Roman characters and the kind of seed may be designated by common name only or by common name and Latin name.

• (12B) A package of seed of a Conservation Variety shall bear a supplier’s label or a printed or stamped notice containing the information specified in Part VI of Schedule 6 (and for the avoidance of doubt neither an official label nor an official inner label is required).

• (12C) A package of Standard Seed of an Amateur Variety shall bear a supplier’s label or a printed or stamped notice containing the information specified in Part VII of Schedule 6 (and for the avoidance of doubt neither an official label nor an official inner label is required).

• (13) Subject to the provisions of the Act and of these Regulations, no person shall, in the course of the marketing or the preparation for marketing of any seeds by himself or by any other person, wilfully reproduce, remove, alter, deface, conceal or misuse in any way any label affixed to, contained in or marked on any package of seeds or to be so affixed, contained or marked.

Record of transactions

10

• (1) A person who in the course of marketing any Standard Seed affixes or causes to be affixed, in accordance with regulation 9(6), a label on the outside of a package of Standard Seed or prints or stamps or causes to be printed or stamped on the outside of such a package the particulars referred to in the said regulation 9(6) shall maintain and keep available for inspection by an officer of the Ministers a record of the dates on which and of the packages on which such labels were affixed or particulars printed or stamped and shall, if so required by the Ministers, furnish him with a copy of such record.

• (2) A person referred to in paragraph (1) above shall keep and retain for a period of at least three years a record of the seed lots of Standard Seed marketed by him, and shall take and retain for a period of at least two years a sample of each such seed lot of at least the appropriate minimum weight specified in Part II of Schedule 5 and, if so required by the Ministers, or by an officer of the Ministers, shall produce such record or deliver any such sample to him.

Civil liabilities of sellers of seeds

11

• (1) The particulars given to a purchaser by the seller of seeds to which these Regulations apply, whether given in pursuance of these Regulations expressly or by implication arising from the description under which the seeds are sold, shall constitute a statutory warranty for the purpose of section 17 of the Act in so far as they relate to the category of the seeds, the percentage germination of the seeds, the percentage analytical purity of the seeds, the content of seeds of other plant species and the varietal identity and the varietal purity of the seeds or, in the case of a mixture of seeds permitted by regulation 5(2), of each of its constituents to which these Regulations apply.

• (2) Section 17(2) of the Act shall apply to any particulars given to a purchaser by the seller of seeds, being particulars given or implied as in paragraph (1) above, in so far as they relate to the percentage germination, the percentage analytical purity, or the content of seeds of other plant species and there are hereby prescribed in respect of such matters the limits of variation set out in Schedule 8.

• (3) Section 17(3) of the Act shall apply to any particulars given to a purchaser by the seller of seeds, being particulars given or implied as in paragraph (1) above, in so far as they relate to the percentage germination, the percentage analytical purity or the content of seeds of other plant species.

• (4) A purchaser who intends to obtain a test of seeds for the purpose of section 17(3) of the Act shall, not more than 10 days after delivery to him of the seeds, give to the seller written notice of his intention and thereupon the seller may indicate a day (not being more than 21 days after delivery of the seeds to the purchaser) and a reasonable time on that day at which a sample of the seeds may be taken in the presence of himself or of his representative and the purchaser shall afford to the seller reasonable facilities for that purpose.

• (5) On the day and at the time appointed by the seller in accordance with paragraph (4) above or, if the seller shall have failed to appoint such a day and time, on a day not more than 28 days after delivery of the seeds to the purchaser, the purchaser or his representative may, and if the seller or his representative is present shall, take a sample of the seeds. Such sample shall be taken and divided by the purchaser or his representative into two parts in accordance with the requirements contained in Part I of Schedule 5, each part being of at least the appropriate minimum weight specified in Part II of Schedule 5, of which one part shall be sent to the Chief Officer of an official seed testing station for the purpose of being tested and the other part delivered or tendered to the seller or his representative or, if he or his representative was not present when the sample was taken, sent to him by post.

SCHEDULE 1 — KINDS OF SEED TO WHICH THESE REGULATIONS APPLY

Latin Name	Common Name / Kind
Allium cepa L.	Cepa Group (Onion, Echalion)
Allium porrum L.	Leek – all varieties
Apium graveolens L.	Celery GroupCeleriac Group
Asparagus officinalis L.	Asparagus – all varieties
Beta vulgaris L.	Garden Beet Group (Beetroot including Cheltenham beet)Leaf Beet Group (Spinach beet or Chard)
Brassica oleracea L.	Kale Group (including Curly Kale and Borecole) Cauliflower GroupCapitata Group (Red cabbage and White cabbage)Brussels Sprouts GroupKohlrabi GroupSavoy Cabbage GroupBroccoli Group (calabrese type and sprouting type)Palm Kale GroupTronchuda Group (Portuguese cabbage)
Brassica rapa L.	Chinese Cabbage GroupVegetable Turnip Group
Cichorium endivia L.	Endive – all varieties
Cucumis melo L.	Melon – all varieties
Cucumis sativus L.	Cucumber GroupGherkin Group
Cucurbita maxima Dutchesne	Gourd – all varieties
Cucurbita pepo L.	Marrow, including mature pumpkin and scallop squash, courgette, including immature scallop squash – all varieties
Daucus carota L.	Carrot and fodder Carrot – all varieties
Lactuca sativa L.	Lettuce – all varieties
Solanum lycopersicum L.	Tomato – all varieties
Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nyman ex A. W. Hill	Leaf Parsley Group andRoot Parsley Group
Phaseolus coccineus L.	Runner Bean – all varieties
Phaseolus vulgaris L.	Dwarf French Bean GroupClimbing French Bean Group
Pisum sativum L.	Round Pea GroupWrinkled Pea GroupSugar Pea Group
Raphanus sativus L.	Radish GroupBlack Radish Group
Spinacia oleracea L.	Spinach – all varieties
Vicia faba L.	Broad bean – all varieties
Zea mays L.	Sweet Corn GroupPopcorn Group

SCHEDULE 2 — OFFICIAL CERTIFICATES

1

On receipt of an application in accordance with regulation 6(1) for the issue of an official certificate in respect of a seed lot of Pre-basic Seed, Basic Seed , Certified Seed or Certified Seed of a Conservation Variety, the Ministers shall, subject to paragraphs 2 and 3 below and to the payment of any fees payable under seeds regulations, issue in respect of such a seed lot an official certificate containing the particulars specified in Schedule 3.

2

Except in the case of Certified Seed of a Conservation Variety, the Ministers shall refuse to issue an official certificate in respect of a seed lot unless—

• (a) an application has been made to the Ministers, in such form and manner and at such time as he may require, for registration by him of—

• (i) the seed lot or seed lots to be used for the production of the crop or crops from which the seed lot is to be obtained, and

• (ii) the crop or crops from which the seed lot is to be obtained;

• (b) an official examination of the crop or crops from which the seed lot was obtained shall have shown that the crop or crops meet the standards appropriate to the category set out in Part I of Schedule 4; and

• (c) an official examination of a sample of the seed lot shall have shown that the seeds meet the standard appropriate to the category set out in Part II of Schedule 4;

except that—

• (i) sub-paragraph (c) above, in so far as it relates to standards of germination set out in Part II of Schedule 4, shall not apply in relation to an application for the issue of an official certificate in respect of seeds which are marketed in accordance with and subject to the requirements of regulation 5(6), and

• (ii) the Ministers shall issue an official certificate in respect of a seed lot marketed in accordance with, and subject to any conditions imposed by, a general licence granted by the Ministers under regulation 5(4).

3

Except in the case of Certified Seed of a Conservation Variety, the Ministers may refuse to issue an official certificate in respect of a seed lot if it appears to him that—

• (a) a sample of the seed lot taken for the purpose of an official examination in order to ascertain whether the seed lot meets the appropriate standards set out in Part II of Schedule 4 has not been taken in accordance with the requirements contained in Schedule 5;

• (b) an official examination of a plot sown with a sample of the seed lot sown in the field shows that the crop does not meet the appropriate standards set out in Part I of Schedule 4;

• (c) there has been any breach of seeds regulations in relation to the seed lot in respect of which application for an official certificate has been made.

SCHEDULE 3 — PARTICULARS TO BE SPECIFIED IN AN OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE

SCHEDULE 4 — REQUIREMENTS FOR BASIC SEED, CERTIFIED SEED, CERTIFIED SEED OF A CONSERVATION VARIETY, STANDARD SEED, STANDARD SEED OF A CONSERVATION VARIETY AND STANDARD SEED OF AN AMATEUR VARIETY

PART I — BASIC SEED AND CERTIFIED SEED

CONDITIONS RELATING TO CROPS FROM WHICH SEEDS ARE OBTAINED

1

So far as the Ministers can ascertain them, by the use of methods which shall include official examination of the crop and which may, at such stages in the production of a variety as the Ministers may require, include examination of a plot sown with a sample from the seed lot sown in the field and the consideration of any other relevant information, the requirements for the crop set out below shall be met.

Varietal identity and varietal purity

2

The characteristics for the determination of varietal identity and varietal purity shall be—

• (a) in respect of an official certificate, those recognised as those of the variety for the purposes of a GB Variety List or an NI Variety List; and

• (b) in respect of a breeder’s confirmation, those recognised as those of the variety used in testing for the purposes of a GB Variety List or an NI Variety List.

Crop inspections

3

The crop shall be officially examined in such manner and at such times (when the cultural condition of the field and the stage of development and condition of the crop are such as to permit suitable checks of varietal identity, varietal purity and species purity to be made) as the Ministers may reasonably require.

Crop health

4

The crop must—

• (a) be practically free from any pests which reduce the usefulness and quality of the propagation material; and

• (b) comply with the requirements concerning GB quarantine pests, PFA quarantine pests and RNQPs provided for in implementing acts adopted pursuant to the EU Plant Health Regulation, as well as with the measures adopted pursuant to Article 30(1) of that Regulation.

Previous cropping

5

The crop may be grown only on land which has not previously been cropped in a manner that might adversely affect the nature or quality of the seeds to be produced and which complies with the Ministers' requirements in that respect.

Isolation distances

6

There shall be either a physical barrier or at least 2 metres of fallow between the seed crop and any crop likely to cause contamination in the seed.

7

Throughout the period of flowering of the crop there shall be the following minimum distances from sources of undesirable pollen capable of fertilising the seed crop—

• (a) Beta species

• (i)

from any pollen sources of the genus Beta not included in subparagraphs (ii) or (iii)	1000m

• (ii) from pollen sources of varieties of the same sub-species belonging to a different group of varieties—

Crops to produce Basic Seed	1000m
Crops to produce Certified Seed	600m

• (iii) from pollen sources of varieties of the same sub-species belonging to the same group of varieties—

Crops to produce Basic Seed	1000m
Crops to produce Certified Seed	600m

• (b) Brassica species—

Crops to produce Basic Seed	1000m
Crops to produce Certified Seed	600m

• (c) other cross-fertilised vegetable species—

Crops to produce Basic Seed	500m
Crops to produce Certified Seed	300m

Varietal purity standards

8

• (a) for crops of those Groups listed in the first column of the table, the minimum varietal purity standards must be:—

Kind	Varietal purity percentage by number in crops to produce	Varietal purity percentage by number in crops to produce
Kind	Basic Seed	Certified Seed
Kale Group (including Curly Kale and Borecole)Cauliflower GroupCapitata Group (Red cabbage and White cabbage)Brussels Sprouts GroupKohlrabi GroupSavoy Cabbage GroupBroccoli Group (calabrese type and sprouting type)Palm Kale GroupTronchuda Group (Portuguese cabbage)	99.8	99.5
Chinese Cabbage GroupVegetable Turnip Group	99.7	98.0
Dwarf French Bean GroupClimbing French Bean Group	99.8	99.0
Broad Beans	99.7	99.0
Round Pea GroupWrinkled Pea GroupSugar Pea Group	99.995	99.995

• (b) Within the standards laid down in (a) above the maximum percentage of flower colour off-types shall not exceed the percentages here specified:—

Kind	Basic Seed	Certified Seed
Dwarf French Bean GroupClimbing French Bean Group	0.1	0.5
Broad Beans	NIL	NIL
Round Pea GroupWrinkled Pea GroupSugar Pea Group	NIL	NIL

PART II

BASIC SEED, CERTIFIED SEED AND STANDARD SEED CONDITIONS RELATING TO THE SEEDS

1

The seeds shall possess adequate varietal identity and varietal purity.

2

The seeds shall meet the following minimum standards:—

• (a)

Kind	Kind	Minimum analytical purity(% by weight)	Maximum content of seeds of other plant species (% by weight)	Minimum germination (% of pure seed or pellets)
(1)For the categories Pre-basic Seed, Basic Seeds and Certified Seed of these kinds, the minimum submitted sample weight must be: Broad Bean 4000g, Climbing French Bean / Dwarf French Bean 3000g, Pea 2000g.	(1)For the categories Pre-basic Seed, Basic Seeds and Certified Seed of these kinds, the minimum submitted sample weight must be: Broad Bean 4000g, Climbing French Bean / Dwarf French Bean 3000g, Pea 2000g.	(1)For the categories Pre-basic Seed, Basic Seeds and Certified Seed of these kinds, the minimum submitted sample weight must be: Broad Bean 4000g, Climbing French Bean / Dwarf French Bean 3000g, Pea 2000g.	(1)For the categories Pre-basic Seed, Basic Seeds and Certified Seed of these kinds, the minimum submitted sample weight must be: Broad Bean 4000g, Climbing French Bean / Dwarf French Bean 3000g, Pea 2000g.	(1)For the categories Pre-basic Seed, Basic Seeds and Certified Seed of these kinds, the minimum submitted sample weight must be: Broad Bean 4000g, Climbing French Bean / Dwarf French Bean 3000g, Pea 2000g.
Asparagus	Asparagus	96	0.5	70
Beans	Beans
	Broad bean[^f01000]	98	0.1	80
	Climbing French Bean Group[^f01000]	98	0.1	75
	Dwarf French Bean Group[^f01000]	98	0.1	75
	Runner bean	98	0.1	80
Garden Beet Group (Beetroot including Cheltenham beet)	Garden Beet Group (Beetroot including Cheltenham beet)	97	0.5	50 (Clusters)
Leaf Beet Group (Spinach beet or Chard)	Leaf Beet Group (Spinach beet or Chard)	97	0.5	70 (Clusters)
Brassica	Brassica
	Broccoli Group (calabrese type & sprouting type)	97	1	75
	Brussels Sprouts Group	97	1	75
	Capitata Group (Red cabbage and White cabbage)	97	1	75
	Cauliflower Group	97	1	70
	Chinese Cabbage Group	97	1	75
	Kale Group (including Curly Kale & borecole)	97	1	75
	Kohlrabi Group	97	1	75
	Palm Kale Group	97	1	75
	Savoy Cabbage Group	97	1	75
	Tronchuda Group (Portuguese cabbage)	97	1	75
	Vegetable Turnip Group	97	1	80
Carrot and fodder Carrot	Carrot and fodder Carrot	95	1	65
Celeriac Group	Celeriac Group	97	1	70
Celery Group	Celery Group	97	1	70
Cepa Group (Onion, Echalion)	Cepa Group (Onion, Echalion)	97	0.5	70
Cucumber Group	Cucumber Group	98	0.1	80
Endive	Endive	95	1	65
Gherkin Group	Gherkin Group	98	0.1	80
Leek	Leek	97	0.5	65
Lettuce	Lettuce	95	0.5	75
Marrow, including mature pumpkin and scallop squash, courgette, including immature scallop squash	Marrow, including mature pumpkin and scallop squash, courgette, including immature scallop squash	98	0.1	75
Melon	Melon	98	0.1	75
Parsley – Leaf and Root Group	Parsley – Leaf and Root Group	97	1	65
Pea	Pea
	Round Pea Group	98	0.1	80
	Sugar Pea Group	98	0.1	80
	Wrinkled Pea Group	98	0.1	80
Radish and Black Radish Groups	Radish and Black Radish Groups	97	1	70
Spinach	Spinach	97	1	75
Sweet Corn / Popcorn Groups	Sweet Corn / Popcorn Groups	98	0.1	85
Tomato	Tomato	97	0.5	75

• (b) The presence of RNQPs on vegetable seed must, at least upon visual inspection, not exceed the respective thresholds set out in the following table:—

Bacteria	Bacteria	Bacteria
Column 1RNQPs or symptoms caused by RNQPs	Column 2Genus or species of vegetable seed	Column 3Threshold for the presence of RNQPs on the vegetable seed
Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. michiganensis (Smith) Davis et al. [CORBMI]	Tomato – all varieties	0%
Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Smith) Vauterin et al. [XANTPH]	Dwarf French bean group and Climbing French bean group	0%
Xanthomonas euvesicatoria Jones et al. [XANTEU]	Tomato – all varieties	0%
Xanthomonas fuscanssubsp. fuscans Schaad et al. [XANTFF]	Dwarf French bean group and Climbing French bean group	0%
Xanthomonas gardneri (ex Šutič 1957) Jones et al. [XANTGA]	Tomato – all varieties	0%
Xanthomonas perforans Jones et al. [XANTPF]	Tomato – all varieties	0%
Xanthomonas vesicatoria (ex Doidge) Vauterin et al. [XANTVE]	Tomato – all varieties	0%
Insects and mites	Insects and mites	Insects and mites
Column 1RNQPs or symptoms caused by RNQPs	Column 2Genus or species of vegetable seed	Column 3Threshold for the presence of RNQPs on the vegetable seed
Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) [ACANOB]	Runner beans – all varieties, Dwarf French bean group and Climbing French bean group	0%
Bruchus pisorum (Linnaeus) [BRCHPI]	Round pea group, wrinkled pea group and sugar pea group	0%
Bruchus rufimanus Boheman [BRCHRU]	Broad beans – all varieties	0%
Nematodes	Nematodes	Nematodes
Column 1RNQPs or symptoms caused by RNQPs	Column 2Genus or species of vegetable seed	Column 3Threshold for the presence of RNQPs on the vegetable seed
Ditylenchus dipsaci (Kuehn) Filipjev [DITYDI]	Cepa group (onion, echalion), Leek – all varieties	0%
Viruses, viroids, virus-like diseases and phytoplasmas	Viruses, viroids, virus-like diseases and phytoplasmas	Viruses, viroids, virus-like diseases and phytoplasmas
Column 1RNQPs or symptoms caused by RNQPs	Column 2Genus or species of vegetable seed	Column 3Threshold for the presence of RNQPs on the vegetable seed
Pepino mosaic virus [PEPMV0]	Tomato – all varieties	0%
Potato spindle tuber viroid [PSTVD0]	Tomato – all varieties	0%

• (c) In the case of varieties of Zea mays (Sweet corn – super-sweet types) the required minimum germination capacity is reduced to 80% of pure seed. The official label or the supplier’s label, where appropriate, shall be endorsed ‘minimum germination capacity 80%’.

3

Seed must—

• (a) be practically free from any pests which reduce the usefulness and quality of the propagation material; and

• (b) comply with the requirements concerning GB quarantine pests, PFA quarantine pests and RNQPs provided for in implementing acts adopted pursuant to the EU Plant Health Regulation, as well as with the measures adopted pursuant to Article 30(1) of that Regulation.

SCHEDULE 5

PART I

SAMPLING OF SEED LOTS

1

A sample shall be obtained from the seed lot by taking primary samples at random from different positions in the lot and combining them to form a composite sample. The composite sample may be submitted for testing intact but if the composite sample is too large it may be reduced in weight by using an approved seed sample divider, to give the submitted sample.

Primary sample size

2

At each position of sampling of a seed lot, primary samples of approximately equal size shall be taken.

Condition of the Seed Lot

3

The seed lot to be sampled shall have been subject to appropriate mixing and blending techniques so that it is as uniform as practicable. There shall be no documentary or other evidence of heterogeneity. If a seed lot is presented for sampling in more than one container, the containers shall be of the same size and type and contain approximately the same weight of seed.

Sampling from Sacks

4

When the seed lot is in sacks or similar sized containers each containing more than 15 kg of seed and not more than 100 kg of seed, the minimum number of containers to be sampled shall be in accordance with the following table:—

Number of containers in the lot	Minimum number of containers to be sampled
1-5	Sample each container and always take at least five primary samples
6-30	Sample five containers or at least one in every three containers, whichever is the greater
31-400	Sample 10 containers or at least one in every five containers, whichever is the greater
401 or more	Sample 80 containers or at least one in every seven containers, whichever is the greater

5

The containers to be sampled shall be selected at random and primary samples drawn from the top, middle and the bottom of containers, but not necessarily from more than one position in any container. The position from which the seed is taken shall be varied from container to container.

Sampling from small containers

6

For sampling seed lots in containers holding 15 kg of seed or less, a 100 kg weight of seed shall be taken as the basic unit and the small containers shall be combined to form sampling units not exceeding this weight (eg six packages of 15 kg, 20 packages of 5 kg). For sampling purposes each unit shall be regarded as one container and the sampling procedures prescribed in paragraphs 4 and 5 above shall be used.

7

When seed is in moisture-proof containers the opened or pierced containers shall be adequately closed or the residues from sampling transferred to new containers. When seeds are in very small packets (100 g or less) each packet may be considered as a primary sample and sufficient shall be taken at random to obtain a submitted sample of the minimum size prescribed in Part II of this Schedule.

Sampling from large containers or seed in bulk

8

For the sampling of containers holding more than 100 kg of seed, and for the sampling of seed in bulk, primary samples shall be taken from different horizontal and vertical positions selected at random and the following shall be regarded as the minimum requirement:—

Lot weight	Number of primary samples to be taken
up to 500 kg	at least five primary samples
501-3000 kg	one primary sample for each 300 kg but not less than five
3001-20,000 kg	one primary sample for each 500 kg but not less than 10
20,001 kg and above	one primary sample for each 700 kg but not less than 40

Sampling from a seed stream

9

Samples may be drawn from a seed stream during processing using an automatic sampling device, which shall uniformly sample the entire cross-section of the seed stream when a sample is taken. Portions of seed shall be taken at regular intervals throughout the processing of the lot using the same sampling intensity as for seed in bulk (see paragraph 8 above).

Sampling Instruments

10

Sampling instruments shall be capable of sampling all parts of the seed lot. Where it is not practicable to use one of the instruments or methods described in this Schedule other instruments or methods may be used at the discretion of the Ministers.

11

The instrument used for drawing primary samples shall be one of those described below as appropriate to the location of the seeds, or any other suitable instrument for the time being approved by the Ministers.

Dynamic Spear SampleraThis instrument may be used, in accordance with the methods described in paragraph 12(a) below, for sampling seeds in sacks or small containers. It shall be a hollow, cylindrical, solid-pointed metal spear or trier which shall be long enough to reach beyond the middle of the sack from the side and shall have an aperture so positioned that portions of seed of equal volume are removed from each part of the sack through which it travels.[image omitted]Dimensions (mm)PointShoulderBossAperture LengthAperture WidthBoreOutside Diameter(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)(g)For sampling–all kinds other than asparagus, beans, beet, cucumber, gherkin, marrow, melon, peas, popcorn, spinach, sweet corn42782081012all kinds other than beans, marrow, peas, popcorn, sweet corn85121033111315all kinds other than peas and broad beans82121340151719peas and broad beans78151540182022

Stick SamplersbThese instruments shall have an aperture or apertures which shall be of sufficient size to allow the unrestricted entry of seeds or other particles and which shall be capable of being opened and closed during the sampling procedure as appropriate to the method of use described in paragraph 12(b).iSingle chamber typeThis instrument may be used for sampling seeds in open sacks, in large containers or in bulk.[image omitted]Dimensions (mm)PointShoulderSliding SleeveAperture LengthAperture WidthBore(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)For sampling:Seeds in sacks552575502225Seeds in large containers or in bulk10039063502230iiMulti-chamber typeThis instrument may be used to sample seeds in sacks or, subject to the requirements of paragraph 10 above, any other containers. The apertures shall open into chambers that shall be separated from one another by transverse partitions. The contents of each chamber shall be regarded as a primary sample.[image omitted]Dimensions (mm)PointShoulderAperture LengthAperture WidthAperture SeparationBore(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)For sampling:All kinds60501001511025

Cargo SamplercThis instrument shall only be used, in accordance with the method described in paragraph 12(c) below, for sampling seed in large containers or bulk and shall only be used in the vertical position.

Seed Stream SamplersdSeed stream samplers shall uniformly sample the cross section of the seed stream without any loss of the seeds that enter the sampler, in accordance with the method described in paragraph 12(d) below. Timing devices shall be attached so that the frequency and duration of sampling can be adjusted to meet the requirements of paragraph 9.

Methods of Use

12

All instruments shall be clean before use. The methods of using these instruments shall be as follows:—

Dynamic Spear SampleraThese samplers may be used in two ways as appropriate to their length.Method 1(For instruments in which the aperture reaches only to the centre of the sack or small container.)The instrument shall be inserted into the sack in an upward direction at an angle of approximately 30° to the horizontal with its aperture downwards until the aperture reaches the centre of the sack or container. The instrument shall be lightly tapped to remove any seed taken in and then rotated to bring the aperture uppermost. It shall be withdrawn immediately with a vibratory or oscillatory motion and at a decreasing speed so that the quantity of seed obtained from successive locations increases progressively from the centre to the side of the sack. Seed passing through the instrument shall be collected in a clean container.Method 2(For instruments in which the aperture reaches to the far side of a sack or small container.)A longer instrument shall be inserted in the manner described in Method 1 above until its aperture reaches almost to the far side of the sack or container. It shall be tapped and rotated in the manner described above and then withdrawn at a uniform speed. Seed passing through the instrument shall be collected in a clean container.

Stick SamplerbiSingle chamber typeaThe sleeve shall move freely.bThe instrument shall be inserted vertically downwards till the aperture reaches the appropriate primary sampling position ensuring that the sleeve covers the aperture as it enters the seed.cThe instrument shall be withdrawn sufficiently to uncover the aperture.dThe instrument shall be left in position until the primary sample has been collected.eThe instrument shall be withdrawn and the contents emptied into a clean container.iiMulti-chamber typeaThe apertures shall be closed before insertion.bThe instrument shall be inserted diagonally into sacks or vertically into large containers so that all apertures are fully covered.cThe apertures shall be opened.dThe instrument shall be agitated so that seed enters.eThe apertures shall be closed gently to ensure that trapped seed is not broken or damaged.fThe instrument shall be withdrawn and if the chambers are full the contents shall be emptied onto a clean surface or into a clean container.gIf all the chambers are not full, the contents shall be discarded and procedures a-f shall be repeated.

Cargo SamplercaThe lid shall open and close easily.bThe instrument shall be inserted with the lid closed to the appropriate primary sampling position which shall be at least 300mm below the surface of the seed.cThe handle shall be raised sufficiently to open the lid.dThe instrument shall be left in position until the primary sample has been collected.eThe instrument shall be withdrawn and the contents shall be emptied into a clean container.

Seed Stream SamplersdSuch instruments shall be required to take the number of primary samples necessary for the weight of lot being sampled, the primary samples being taken from the lot at regular intervals and the resultant composite sample being of a weight not less than that prescribed in Part II below and not greater than can conveniently be reduced by means of one of the methods of sample reduction described in paragraph 14 below. They shall be installed in such a way that the composite sample shall be readily identifiable with the seed lot from which it was taken.

Obtaining submitted sample—composite sample division instruments

13

Provided the composite sample is of at least the minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample for a particular kind of seed, it may be used as the submitted sample. Where the composite sample exceeds the weight prescribed for the submitted sample, any of the following instruments may be used to obtain the submitted sample. Other instruments and methods may be used at the discretion of the Ministers.

Riffle DivideraThe riffle divider shall consist of a rectangular hopper leading to a series of evenly spaced chutes, arranged so that seed is distributed equally on two sides. There shall be a minimum of 18 chutes, each discharging in the opposite direction to its immediate neighbour.Three (or more) metal collecting vessels (pans) of sufficient depth to prevent seed bouncing out shall be used.

Centrifugal DividerbThe centrifugal divider shall consist of a hopper from which seed flows on to a shallow cup which is then rotated by an electric motor. The seed shall be distributed by centrifugal force onto a stationary baffle which divides it into two equal parts which are then discharged through separate spouts.Four metal collecting vessels (pans) of sufficient depth to prevent seed bouncing out shall be used.

Methods of Use

14

The methods of using these instruments shall be as follows:

Riffle DivideraaThe divider shall be placed on a firm level surface.bThe divider and pans shall be clean.

Sample MixingcAn empty pan shall be placed on each side of the divider to receive the discharge from the chutes.dThe entire composite sample shall be poured evenly into the other pan(s).eThe seed shall then be poured from the pan(s) evenly along the entire length of the hopper.fThe two pans into which the seed has passed shall then be replaced with empty pans.gProcedures e. and f. shall then be repeated twice to mix the sample thoroughly.

Sample ReductionhBefore reduction, the composite sample shall have been thoroughly mixed using procedures c.-g. The contents of one of the two receiving pans shall then be set aside. If the seed in the second pan is of at least the minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample of a particular kind of seed, it may be used as the submitted sample. If the weight of seed in the second pan is greater than the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample, it may be reduced using the following procedures i.-k.iAn empty pan shall be placed on each side of the divider to receive the discharge from the chutes.jThe contents of the second pan shall be poured evenly along the entire length of the hopper.kThe contents of one of the two pans into which the seed has passed shall then be set aside. If the weight of seed in the other pan is still greater than the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for the submitted sample, it may be submitted intact or it may be reduced further using procedures i.-k.1If the weight of seed in either of the two pans at either h. or k. is less than the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample, the following procedures m.-q. shall be used.mAn empty pan shall be placed on each side of the divider to receive the discharge from the chutes.nThe contents of one of the pans shall be set aside. The contents of the other pan shall be poured evenly along the entire length of the hopper.oOne receiving pan and its contents shall then be removed and replaced with an empty pan. The other pan, with its contents, shall be left in place.pThe contents of the pan removed at o. shall be poured evenly along the entire length of the hopper so that two subsamples of different weight shall be produced.qProcedures o. and p. above, when repeated, constitute the process of continuous halving, and shall be repeated using whichever subsample is appropriate until sufficient seed is obtained in one pan, which when added to the seed set aside at n. produces a submitted sample of at least the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below.

Obtaining more than one submitted samplerTwo submitted samples shall be obtained from a composite sample by first obtaining a sample of at least twice the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample, using procedures c.–g., and h.–q. as appropriate, and then dividing it into two parts by passing it once through the divider.sWhen three submitted samples are required from one composite sample, one sample of at least the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample, shall be extracted using procedures c.–g., and h.–q. as appropriate. All portions of seed which have been set aside shall then be recombined and the residue of the composite sample so obtained shall be subject to the procedure at r. above.

Centrifugal DividerbaThe divider shall be levelled prior to use.bThe divider and pans shall be clean.

Sample MixingcAn empty pan shall be placed under each spout of the divider.dThe entire composite sample shall be poured into the centre of the hopper.eThe motor shall be operated so that the seed passes into the pans.fThe motor shall be switched off.gThe two pans containing seed shall be removed and replaced by empty ones.hThe contents of both pans removed at g. shall be poured together into the centre of the hopper, the seed being allowed to blend as it flows in. Procedures e., f. and g. shall be repeated.iProcedure h. shall be repeated to mix the sample thoroughly.

Sample ReductionjBefore reduction, the composite sample shall have been thoroughly mixed using procedures c.–i. The contents of one of the two receiving pans shall then be set aside. If the seed in the second pan is of at least the minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample of a particular kind of seed, it may be used as the submitted sample. If the weight of the seed in the second pan is greater than the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample, it may be reduced using the following procedures (k.–m.).kEmpty pans shall be placed under the spouts.lThe contents of the second pan shall be poured into the hopper and procedures e. and f. shall be repeated.mThe contents of one of the two pans into which the seed has passed shall then be set aside. If the weight of seed in the other pan is still greater than the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample, it may be submitted intact or it may be reduced further using procedures k.–m.nIf the weight of seed in either of the two pans at either j. or m. is less than the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample, the following procedures (o.–s.) shall be used.oEmpty pans shall be placed under the spouts.pThe contents of one of the pans shall be set aside. The contents of the other pan shall be poured into the centre of the hopper and procedures e. and f. shall be repeated.qOne receiving pan and its contents shall then be removed and replaced with an empty pan. The other pan, with its contents, shall be left in place.rThe contents of the pan removed at q. shall be poured into the centre of the hopper and procedures e. and f. shall be repeated so that two subsamples of different weight shall be produced.sProcedures q. and r. above, when repeated, constitute the process of continuous halving, and shall be repeated using whichever subsample is appropriate until sufficient seed is obtained in one pan, which when added to the seed set aside at p., produces a submitted sample of at least the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below.

Obtaining more than one submitted sampletTwo submitted samples shall be obtained from a composite sample by first obtaining a sample of at least twice the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample, using procedures c.–i., and j.–s. as appropriate, and then dividing it into two parts by passing it once through the divider.uWhen three submitted samples are required from one composite sample, one sample, of at least the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample, shall be extracted using procedures c.–i., and j.–s. as appropriate. All portions of seed which have been set aside shall then be recombined and the residue of the composite sample so obtained shall be subject to procedure t. above.

PART II

MAXIMUM WEIGHT OF A SEED LOT AND MINIMUM WEIGHT OF A SUBMITTED SAMPLE

The maximum weight of a seed lot shall be as indicated below (or a weight which does not exceed that indicated below by more than 5%) and the minimum weight of a submitted sample shall be as indicated below:—

Kind	Kind	Maximum lot weight (tonnes)	Minimum submitted sample weight (g)
(1)For the categories Pre-basic Seed, Basic Seeds and Certified Seed of these kinds, the minimum submitted sample weight must be: Broad Bean 4000g, Climbing French Bean / Dwarf French Bean 3000g, all Pea groups 2000g.	(1)For the categories Pre-basic Seed, Basic Seeds and Certified Seed of these kinds, the minimum submitted sample weight must be: Broad Bean 4000g, Climbing French Bean / Dwarf French Bean 3000g, all Pea groups 2000g.	(1)For the categories Pre-basic Seed, Basic Seeds and Certified Seed of these kinds, the minimum submitted sample weight must be: Broad Bean 4000g, Climbing French Bean / Dwarf French Bean 3000g, all Pea groups 2000g.	(1)For the categories Pre-basic Seed, Basic Seeds and Certified Seed of these kinds, the minimum submitted sample weight must be: Broad Bean 4000g, Climbing French Bean / Dwarf French Bean 3000g, all Pea groups 2000g.
(2)For the category Standards Seed of these kinds the minimum submitted sample weight must be 25g.	(2)For the category Standards Seed of these kinds the minimum submitted sample weight must be 25g.	(2)For the category Standards Seed of these kinds the minimum submitted sample weight must be 25g.	(2)For the category Standards Seed of these kinds the minimum submitted sample weight must be 25g.
Asparagus	Asparagus	10	100
Beans	Beans
	Broad bean[^f01001]	30	1,000
	Climbing French Bean Group[^f01001]	30	700
	Dwarf French Bean Group[^f01001]	30	700
	Runner bean	30	1,000
Garden Beet Group (Beetroot including Cheltenham beet)	Garden Beet Group (Beetroot including Cheltenham beet)	20	100
Leaf Beet Group (Spinach beet or Chard)	Leaf Beet Group (Spinach beet or Chard)	20	100
Brassica[^f01002]	Brassica[^f01002]
	Broccoli Group (calabrese type & sprouting type)	10	50
	Brussels Sprouts Group	10	50
	Capitata Group (Red cabbage and White cabbage)	10	50
	Cauliflower Group	10	50
	Chinese cabbage Group	10	50
	Kale Group (including Curly Kale & borecole)	10	50
	Kohlrabi Group	10	50
	Palm Kale Group	10	50
	Savoy Cabbage Group	10	50
	Tronchuda Group (Portuguese cabbage)	10	50
	Vegetable Turnip Group	10	50
Carrot and fodder Carrot	Carrot and fodder Carrot	10	25
Celeriac Group	Celeriac Group	10
Celery Group	Celery Group	10	25
Cepa Group (Onion, Echalion)	Cepa Group (Onion, Echalion)	10	25
Cucumber Group	Cucumber Group	20	25
Endive	Endive	10	25
Gherkin Group	Gherkin Group	20	25
Leaf & Root Parsley Groups	Leaf & Root Parsley Groups	10	25
Leek	Leek	10	25
Lettuce[^f01002]	Lettuce[^f01002]	10	30
Marrow, including mature pumpkin and scallop squash, courgette, including immature scallop squash	Marrow, including mature pumpkin and scallop squash, courgette, including immature scallop squash	20	150
Melon	Melon	20	100
Pea[^f01001]	Pea[^f01001]
	Round Pea Group	30	500
	Sugar Pea Group	30	500
	Wrinkled Pea Group	30	500
Radish and Black Radish Groups	Radish and Black Radish Groups	10	50
Spinach	Spinach	10	75
Sweet Corn / Popcorn Groups	Sweet Corn / Popcorn Groups	20	1,000
Tomato	Tomato	10	25

SCHEDULE 6 — LABELS AND MARKING

PART I

Official Label for a Package of Pre-basic Seed

A

• (a) Prescribed contents

• (1) Certification Authority and country or country initials

• (2) Reference number of the lot

• (3) Month and year when officially sealed

• (4) Kind

• (5) Variety

• (6) “Pre-basic Seed”

• (7) Country of production

• (8) Number of generations preceding seeds of the category “Certified Seed”

• (9) Declared net or gross weight or declared number of seeds

• (10) Where weight is indicated and granulated pesticides, pelleting substances or other solid additives are used the nature of the additive and also the approximate ratio between the weight of the seed and the total weight

• (b) Minimum size of the label—110 mm × 67 mm

• (c) The label shall be white with a diagonal violet line.

Official Label for a Package of Basic Seed or for a Package (Other than a Small Package) of Certified Seed

B

• (a) Prescribed contents

• (1) “GB rules and standards”

• (2) Certification Authority and country or country initials

• (2A) Officially assigned serial number

• (3) Month and year when officially sealed

• (4) Reference number of the lot

• (5) Kind

• (6) Variety

• (7) Category

• (8) Country of production

• (9) Declared net or gross weight or declared number of seeds

• (10) Where weight is indicated and granulated pesticides, pelleting substances or other solid additives are used, the nature of the additive and also the approximate ratio between the weight of seed and the total weight

• (11) In the case of varieties which are hybrids or inbred lines—

• (a) for the Basic Seed where the hybrid or inbred line to which the seed belongs has been officially accepted on a GB Variety List or an NI Variety List—

• the name of this component, under which it has been officially accepted, with or without reference to the final variety, accompanied, in the case of hybrids or inbred lines which are intended solely as components for final varieties, by the word “component”;

• (b) for Basic Seed in other cases—

• the name of the component to which the Basic Seed belongs, which may be given in code form, accompanied by a reference to the final variety, with or without reference to its function (male or female), and accompanied by the word “component”;

• (c) for Certified Seed—

• the name of the variety to which the seed belongs, accompanied by the word “hybrid”.

• (b) Minimum size of the label—110 mm × 67 mm

• (c) The label shall be white for Basic Seed and Blue for Certified Seed.

Official Label for a Package of Seed not Finally Certified

C

• (a) Prescribed contents of the label

• (1) Certifying authority

• (1A) Officially assigned serial number

• (2) Kind

• (3) Variety

• (4) Category

• (5) Crop Identity Number

• (6) Declared net or gross weight (Tonnes)

• (7) The words “seed not finally certified”

PART II

Supplier’s Label for a Package of Standard Seed, other than a Small Package

A

• (a) Prescribed contents

• (1) “GB rules and standards”

• (2) Name and address of the supplier responsible for affixing the label or his identification mark

• (3) Month and year when sealed

• (4) Kind

• (5) Variety

• (6) “Standard Seed”

• (7) Lot reference number given by the supplier responsible for affixing the labels

• (8) Declared net or gross weight or declared number of seeds

• (9) Where weight is indicated and granulated pesticides, pelleting substances or other solid additives are used the nature of the additive and also the approximate ratio between the weight of the seed and the total weight.

• (b) Minimum size of the label—110 mm × 67 mm

• (c) The label shall be dark yellow.

Supplier’s label for a Package of Uncertified Pre-basic Seed

B

• (a) Prescribed contents

• (1) Name and address of the supplier responsible for fixing the labels or his identification mark

• (2) Reference number of the lot

• (3) “Kind”

• (4) Variety

• (5) “Uncertified Pre-basic Seed”

• (6) Declared net or gross weight or declared number of seeds.

• (b) The label shall be coloured buff.

PART III

SMALL PACKAGES

Supplier’s Label for a Small Package of Certified Seed

A

• (a) Prescribed contents

• (1) “GB rules and standards”

• (2) Name and address of the supplier responsible for affixing the labels or his identification mark

• (3) Year of sealing

• (4) Kind

• (5) Variety

• (6) “Certified Seed”

• (7) Reference number enabling the certified lot to be identified

• (8) Declared net or gross weight or declared number of seeds, except in the case of packages not exceeding 500 grams

• (9) Where weight is indicated and granulated pesticides, pelleting substances or other solid additives are used the nature of the additive and also the approximate ratio between the weight of the seed and the total weight.

• (b) The label shall be blue.

Supplier’s Label for a Small Package of Standard Seed

B

• (a) Prescribed contents

• (1) “GB rules and standards”

• (2) Kind

• (3) Variety

• (4) Name and address of packeter or his identifying reference number

• (5) Declared net or gross weight or declared number of seeds, except in the case of packages not exceeding 500 grams

• (6) “Standard Seed”

• (7) Year of sealing (packeting)

• (8) Where weight is indicated and granulated pesticides, pelleting substances or other solid additives are used the nature of the additive and also the approximate ratio between the weight of the seed and the total weight.

• (b) Where the seeds comprise a mixture of seeds of different varieties of lettuce or of different varieties of radish the label shall also state the names of the constituent varieties.

• (c) The label shall be dark yellow.

PART V

PARTICULARS TO BE MARKED OR DISPLAYED ON THE SALE OF UNPACKETED SEEDS

1

“Complies with legal standards”

2

Kind

3

Variety.

SCHEDULE 7 — MAXIMUM WEIGHTS FOR RETAIL SALES OF UNPACKETED SEEDS

AsparagusBeet (all kinds)Brassica (all kinds)CarrotCeleriacCeleryChicoryCucumberEndiveGherkinLeekLettuceMarrowMelonOnionParsleyRadishSpinachTomatoTurnip	1 kg
Broad beanFrench beanPeaRunner bean	3 kg

SCHEDULE 8 — LIMITS OF VARIATION

GERMINATION

Minimum percentage of germination	Limit of variation
per cent	per cent
99–100	2
97–98	3
94–96	4
91–93	5
87–90	6
82–86	7
76–81	8
69–75	9
60–68	10
50–59	11

PURITY

Minimum percentage of analytical purity	Limit of variation
per cent	per cent
99.9–100	0.2
99.8	0.3
99.6–99.7	0.4
99.3–99.5	0.5
99.0–99.2	0.6
98.5–98.9	0.7
98.3–98.4	0.8
97.5–98.2	0.9
97.0–97.4	1.0
96.5–96.9	1.1
95.5–96.4	1.2
95.0–95.4	1.3

CONTENT OF SEEDS OF OTHER PLANT SPECIES

Maximum content of seeds of other plant species	Limit of variation
per cent	per cent
0.0	0.1
0.1–0.2	0.3
0.3–0.4	0.4
0.5–0.6	0.5
0.7–0.9	0.6
1.0–1.4	0.7
1.5	0.8

Signed

In witness whereof the Official Seal of the Minister of Agriculture, Fishers and Food is hereunto affixed on 30th July 1993.

Gillian Shephard — Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

Hector Monro — Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Scottish Office — 1993-08-02

John Redwood — Secretary of State for Wales — 1993-07-29

Explanatory note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations re-enact, with amendments, the Vegetable Seeds Regulations 1985.

The Regulations, which come into force on 1st September 1993, continue to restrict the marketing in Great Britain of vegetable seeds to specified categories meeting prescribed standards (regulations 3(3), 5(1) and Schedule 4), to require such seeds to be sold in sealed packages labelled or marked with prescribed particulars (regulations 8 and 9 and Schedule 6) and to make tampering with labels prescribed by regulations an offence (regulation 9(13)). The Regulations also continue to make provision for the taking of samples for the verification of standards (regulation 7 and Schedule 5) and provide that certain particulars stated or implied on a package of seeds are deemed to constitute a statutory warranty by the seller for the protection of the purchaser for the purpose of section 17 of the Plant Varieties and Seeds Act 1964 (regulation 10(1)).

The consolidation incorporates a provision required under Council Directive 88/380/EEC (OJ No. L187, 16.7.88, p.31), and previously dealt with by a General Licence under Regulation 5(3)(d) of the 1985 Regulations. This relates to the marketing to other Member States of seed in respect of which an official certificate has not been issued (regulation 5(14) and Schedule 6 Part IC).

The Regulations implement Council Directive 70/458/EEC (OJ No. L225, 12.10.70, p.7) on the marketing of vegetable seed as amended.

Footnotes

[^f00001]: 1964 c. 14; section 16 was amended by the European Communities Act 1972 (c. 68), section 4(1) and paragraph 5(1), (2) and (3) of Schedule 4. See section 38(1) for a definition of “the Ministers”.

[^f00002]: In the case of the Secretary of State for Wales by virtue of S.I. 1978/272.

[^f00003]: S.I. 1985/979.

[^f00004]: S.I. 1987/1093.

[^f00005]: S.I. 1989/1315.

Editorial notes

[^key-b34e50de9b98d2845466c94c19f3f0b2]: Reg. 1 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-446eff5156eed59917ec2b409d5798b3]: Reg. 2 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-9443408bb225e9315a474a8cff45da36]: Reg. 4 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-b86422932d0763f3066c0fc8c5a30c36]: Reg. 6 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-2a83eb059923014cdb2892db747004e9]: Reg. 7 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-16a761fab479faebb47ce9c53f9eabba]: Reg. 8 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-075870375579dea484e2df446a8b82cc]: Reg. 9 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-b09f1c0c14440329960fd1e618900284]: Reg. 10 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-96195d8cc0d6a736c35677bdd6aa1034]: Reg. 11 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-d28ef57933d08f06856b7e2710c285b3]: Sch. 2 para. 1 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-11d4fa1805e0bc2eaf4bc2ed863130f9]: Sch. 2 para. 2 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-bcc274b6c9c45e35368da89162f93830]: Sch. 2 para. 3 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-e3ae243178c478d34d6b37f33e72e5b4]: Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 1 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-d8751744254df4e1038b05e921c03e47]: Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 3 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-cc205870ef06477b4a68c4d03ef28780]: Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 5 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-87ec3e2a6a60c12b53456700889beace]: Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 6 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-0c842050f46f4443bf2102a2ffd8ae90]: Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 7 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-4c3d22d3c8add815028decb581fc1b72]: Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 8 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-428f9986ac5567313afec31f05951e86]: Sch. 4 Pt. II para. 1 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-242aefc34b5d08d33f7ba4ca1b922c47]: Sch. 4 Pt. II para. 2 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-38a4d65410b5f5444f78ce152042da3f]: Sch. 4 Pt. II para. 3 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-657bdce0d1c9e87ed5d8b89dd839f13d]: Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 1 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-05171771d7710e7f01c860bfb7d374b9]: Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 2 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-2ed9c37807b7070982235b883e73fe49]: Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 3 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-169b49e5c2c592c12a3b304c08605a7c]: Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 4 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-671929a2f3cbd4f0fafecebf9f6d7350]: Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 5 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-2a8ea69c4fbed825398199243a7660c0]: Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 6 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-84002c7bb86b11b0042c1304a5a50815]: Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 7 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-e866ca70e71235be1de26b897dd210df]: Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 8 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-facef178f086e56f4a6ec51ec3ac55d0]: Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 9 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-643909f26c8470984a6bc1ae21301bd8]: Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 10 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-34cfd6af7c8697deb679edf96f4a176d]: Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 11 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-e54c2fe457d01752c1014e34c187d4e1]: Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 12 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-04da0defac2a545c35036d7cb70020eb]: Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 13 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-41f5e0d490c96dfaa25fe1a8266afccf]: Sch. 5 Pt. I para. 14 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-1cfa8fc6d3fb9d818790045428130c28]: Sch. 3 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-b196b61f6178cad3105b2ab08d80684a]: Sch. 7 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-4ebac696fd54d628633e179f3b1e20be]: Sch. 6 Pt. IV in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-3522416506e7da0c41bd702706230d53]: Sch. 5 Pt. II in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-2ed90d69d3dfa2519351f74e61e37a92]: Sch. 6 Pt. I in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-db06537bae7e3da4e63a65f776410301]: Sch. 6 Pt. II in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-b324024f2303b62ab5b40b570333edd8]: Sch. 6 Pt. III in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-b8a2b21a29bbecc83eecc8d20f230308]: Sch. 8 in force at 1.9.1993, see reg. 1

[^key-08d59ff036845b35843b4f44314ce61d]: Words in Sch. 5 para. 8 added (1.7.1996) by The Vegetable Seeds (Amendment) Regulations 1996 (S.I. 1996/1452), regs. 1, 2(2)

[^key-d2d0e8b05b20e04af636f5a81bcdfaba]: Reg. 6(5)-(9) added (30.7.1999) by The Vegetable Seeds (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/1863), regs. 1, 3(5)(b) (with reg. 4)

[^key-90798d558a29a625addef83c6f96a561]: Reg. 6(1)(a) substituted (30.7.1999) by The Vegetable Seeds (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/1863), regs. 1, 3(5)(a) (with reg. 4)

[^key-fae859fabc0261a33b28a90976093cca]: Reg. 6A inserted (30.7.1999) by The Vegetable Seeds (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/1863), regs. 1, 3(6) (with reg. 4)

[^key-6ad5da1c7c220ce7c14c944395c3eee9]: Reg. 8A inserted (30.7.1999) by The Vegetable Seeds (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/1863), regs. 1, 3(7) (with reg. 4)

[^key-fad7fa966ec0dfbb30d7665034235391]: Reg. 9A inserted (30.7.1999) by The Vegetable Seeds (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/1863), regs. 1, 3(9) (with reg. 4)

[^key-f1ed1714d1b2ef6bf462eaf7017d5246]: Reg. 9(1A) inserted (30.7.1999) by The Vegetable Seeds (Amendment) Regulations 1999 (S.I. 1999/1863), regs. 1, 3(8) (with reg. 4)