DEAS 1036 : 2020  
ICS nn.nnn.nn  
 
© EAC 2020                                                                                                                               First Edition 2020   
 EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  
Rice seeds — Requirements for certification  
 DEAS  1036 : 2020  
ii © EAC 2020  – All rights reserved  
 Copyright notice  
This EAC document is copyright -protected by EAC. While the reproduction of this document by 
participants in the EAC standards development process is permitted without prio r permission from EAC, 
neither this document nor any extract from it may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form for 
any other purpose without prior written permission from EAC.  
Requests for permission to reproduce this document for the purpose of  selling it should be addressed 
as shown below or to EAC’s member body in the country of the requester:  
© East African Community 2020  — All rights reserved  
East African Community   
P.O. Box 1096 , 
Arusha  
Tanzania  
Tel: + 255 27 2 162100  
Fax: + 255 27 2162190  
E-mail: eac@eachq.org  
       Web: www.eac -quality.net  
Reproduction for sales purposes may be subject to royalty payments or a licensing agreement.  
Violators may be prosecuted . DEAS 1036 : 2020  
© EAC 2020  – All rights reserved  iii 
 Contents  Page 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  iv 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  1 
4 Abbreviated terms  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 4 
5 Seed classes  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  5 
6 Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  5 
6.1 Eligible varieties  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 5 
6.2 Application for certification  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  5 
6.3 Field inspection  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 5 
7 Field requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................  6 
8 Seed sampling and laboratory requirements  ................................ ................................ .....................  7 
9 Certificates  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  8 
10 Packaging and labelling ................................ ................................ ............ Error! Bookmark not defined.  
11 Post -control tests  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 9 
Kenya: Adopt the annexes from wheat draft standard.  ................................ ......Error! Bookmark not defined.  
Bibliography  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  12 
 DEAS  1036 : 2020  
iv © EAC 2020  – All rights reserved  
 Foreword  
Development of the East African Standard s has been necessitated by the need for harmonizing requirements 
governing quality of products and services in the East African Community. It is envisaged that through 
harmonized standardization, trade barriers that are encountered when goods and services are exchanged 
within the Community will be removed.  
The Community has established an East African Standards Committee  (EASC)  mandated to develop and 
issue East African Standards  (EAS) . The Committee is composed of representatives of the National 
Standards  Bodies in Partner States, together with the representatives from the public and private sector 
organizations  in the community .  
East African Standards are developed through  Technical Committees that are representative of key 
stakeholders including governm ent, academia, consumer groups, private sector and other interested parties. 
Draft East African Standards are circulated to stakeholders through the National Standards Bodies in the 
Partner States. The comments received are discussed and incorporated befor e finalization of standards, in 
accordance with the Principles and procedures for development of East African Standards. XXXXXX.  
East African Standards are subject to review, to keep pace with technological advances. Users of the East 
African Standards are  therefore expected to ensure that they always have the latest versions of the standards 
they are implementing .  
The committee responsible  for this document is Technical Committee EASC /TC 012, Seed and propagation 
materials . 
Attention is drawn to the possi bility that some of the elements of this document may be subject of patent 
rights. EAC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.  
 DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  DEAS 1036 : 2020  
 
© EAC 2020 – All rights reserved  
  
 Rice seeds — Requirements for certification  
1 Scope   
This Draft East Africa Standard speci fies the certification requirements for pre -basic, basic and  certified seed 
of rice ( Oryza sativa L .). It includes requirements for eligible varieties, field requirements, field  inspections, 
seed sampling, laboratory requirements, certificates, packaging a nd labelling, and post -control  tests.  
2 Normative references   
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes 
requirements of this document.  For dated references, only the edition cited applie s. For undated references, 
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.  
International Seed Testing Association (ISTA ) rules 
OECD, Seed Schemes; Guidelines for Control Plot Tests and Field Inspection of Seed Crops  
OECD, Schemes for Varietal Certification or the Control of Seed Moving in the International Trade  
UPOV TG/16/8, Guidelines for conducting DUS tests for Rice (Oryza sativa L.)  
3 Terms and definitions   
For the purposes of this standard, the terms and definitions g iven in ISTA, UPOV and OECD apply.  
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:  
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp  
3.1  
seed test certificate  
legal document issued by  the national seed certification authority, which states that a seed lot has met the 
requirements set in this standard  
3.2  
distinctness  
variety is deemed to be distinct if it is clearly distinguishable in at least one character from any other variety 
whos e existence is a matter of common knowledge at the time of filing the application for registration  
3.3  
field 
defined and identifiable area of land or facility that is used to produce a seed crop under the Seed Certification  
Scheme   
2 © EAC 2020  – All rights reserved  
 3.4  
field inspection  
inspection of a field and or seed crop, by an inspector to check if the minimum requirements for seed  
certification have been satisfied  
3.5  
field number  
number assigned to the field by the national seed certification authority, when the application form for  
certification is submitted  
3.6  
germination  
emergence and development of a seedling to a stage where the aspect of its essential structures indicates 
whether or not it is able to develop further into a satisfactory plant under favourable conditions in the  field 
3.7  
seed grower  
person or entity registered  to grow a crop intended  to produce seed  
3.8 
seed dealer/merchanta  
person trading in seed and who is licensed to do so   
3.9  
inert matter  
seed units and all other matter and structures not defined as pure  seed or other seeds  
3.10  
isolation  
minimum distance or time between two crops of wheat that is required to prevent contamination either 
mechanically or by cross pollination  
3.11  
inspector  
authorized official or accredited entity responsible for carrying  out seed certification activities  
3.12  
international seed testing association (ISTA) rules  
rules for seed testing published by the International Seed Testing Association  
3.13  
label  
tag or other device that is attached to or written, stamped, or printed on any container of seed or that 
accompanies any lot of bulk seed and which describes the kind of seed and any other information required by 
relevant regulation  
3.14  
previous cropping  
minimum period (seasons or years) that must elapse between the producti on of a crop of the same species in 
a field and the production of a crop entered in the certification scheme in the same field  
3.15  
maintainer  
person or organisation responsible for the production or maintenance of a bred variety included in a national 
list of varieties/variety catalogue eligible for certification, and ensure that the variety remains true to type 
throughout its full life -span and in the case of hybrid varieties, that the formula for hybridisation is followed   
© EAC 2020  – All rights reserved  3 
 3.16  
national seed certificati on authority  
national authority responsible for conducting seed certification processes  
3.17  
noxious weed  
weed species, the seed of which is difficult to separate during processing or has undesirable effects on the 
crop produced, for example by possible g enetic contamination  
3.18  
off-type 
plant of the same species which does not exhibit the recognised and accepted habit and characteristics of the 
variety being grown  
3.19  
other seeds  
seeds of any plant species other than that of the crop sample that is be ing tested. They consist of weed seeds 
and other crop seeds  
3.20  
parental material  
population or lines used by a breeder to maintain a variety  
3.21  
person  
natural person or legal entity  
3.22  
post -control plot  
small plot where a representative sample of a seed lot is grown to determine the identity and purity of the 
variety and to check if the seed certification system is operating satisfactorily  
3.23  
pure seed  
species stated by an applicant, or found to predominate in a test, and includes all botanical varieties and 
cultivars of that species, including intact seeds and pieces of seed units larger than one -half their original size  
3.24  
/variety registration  
recording of a new variety in a national variety catalogue/n ational variety list  when it has been tested and 
satisfied the requirements for distinctness, uniformity, stability, and has value for cultivation and use  
3.25  
rogueing  
removal of off -types and diseased plants or any other unwanted plant from a seed crop if they may reduce the 
quality of the harvested crop  
3.26  
seed certification  
process by which the quality and identity of a seed lot is assured  
3.27  
seed lot  
defined quantity of seed bearing the same reference number and for which the origin, production history and 
identity is known  
3.28  
stability  
condition of a variety distinguishing characteristics to remain unchanged after repeated growing cycles   
4 © EAC 2020  – All rights reserved  
 3.29  
uniformity  
relevant characteristics subject to the variations that may be expected from the particular features of its 
propagation   
3.30 
variety  
assemblage of cultivated plants that is clearly distinguished from other varieties by any characters 
(morphological, physiological, cytological, chemical, or others) and which retains its distinguishing 
character istics when reproduced by the normal means for the crop and variety  
3.31 
variety catalogue/national variety list  
list of varieties that have been registered by a national authority and can be produced and marketed as 
certified seed  
3.32 
carryover seed  
seed produced in previous season and sto red for one or more cropping seasons  
3.33 
pre-basic seed  
seed that is derived from breeder seed and is used to produce basic seed through one cycle of multiplication  
3.34breeder seed  
nucleus seed from the breeder and is used to produce pre -basic seed  
3.35 
seed  
planting materials used for generative propagation of plants  
3.36 
basic seed  
seed that has been produced from breeder or pre -basic seed and is used for the production of certified seed  
3.37 
certified seed  
seed that is produced from basic seed through one or two generations of multiplication  
3.37.1 
certified seed 1st generation  
first generation of seed derived from basic seed  
3.36.2  
certified seed 2nd generation  
seed derived from 1st generation certified seed  
4 Abbreviated terms  
— DUS: Distinctness, Uni formity and Stability  
— ISTA: International Seed Testing Association  
— OECD: Organization for Economic Co -operation and Development  
— UPOV: International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants .  
© EAC 2020  – All rights reserved  5 
 5 Seed classes  
For the purpose of this standard, the following classes of seed shall apply:  
a) Pre-basic seed;  
b) Basic seed; and  
c) Certified seed ; 
i. 1st generation (C1); and  
ii. 2nd generation (C2).  
6 Requirements  
6.1 Eligible varieties  
6.1.1 Varieties eligible for seed certification shall be those that have been exa mined, tested and registered 
in at list one member country of the EAC and are included in the national list of varieties/national variety 
catalogue. The country adopting the variety shall test it for at least one season .  
6.1.2 Each national seed certifica tion authority shall keep the official descriptor of the varieties it has 
regstered in hard and electronic copies and these shall be made available within EAC on request . 
 
6.2 Application for certification  
6.2.1 The minimum information for an application f or certification of a seed crop shall include the following:  
a) name, address and contact details of the seed grower;  
b) crop and variety to be sown;  
c) physical location;  
d) area and reference number of the field, and its cropping history for the past two cropping se asons;  
e) class of seed to be produced; and  
f) registration number of the seed grower.  
6.2.2 Information and records related to the previous cropping history, origin of seed planted, and field  
inspections shall be kept and used for certification to ensure full t raceability of quality, genetic identity and  
purity of the seed harvested.  
6.3 Field inspection  
6.3.1 The national seed certification authority shall prepare the inspections’ schedule for the inspectors, 
based on all necessary information on the applicatio n form, to ensure that the timing of inspections allows the 
requirements in Table 1and Table 2 to be properly assessed.  
6.3.2 The inspector shall inspect the field in accordance with OECD seed schemes and shall check for 
isolation requirements, off types, the presence of noxious weeds and pests and diseases.   
6 © EAC 2020  – All rights reserved  
 6.3.3 A minimum of two inspections shall be done for each seed production field to check if the field 
requirements specified in Table 1 and table 2 are met.  
6.3.4 At the time of the first inspection, th e inspector shall confirm with the grower the previous cropping of 
the field, checking on isolation, and the proof of origin/authentication of the variety planted by using the labels.  
6.3.5 Depending on the degree of contamination, the inspector may give i nstructions for off -types and 
diseased plants to be rogued so as to maintain the genetic purity. In case of noxious weeds found in the field, 
the grower shall be instructed to remove the weeds before harvesting.  
6.3.6 The field inspection report shall indi cate the field status and comments for any corrective actions 
required such as re -inspection to confirm the field requirements. All field inspection reports shall be provided 
to the grower and the seed enterprise after each inspection in a timely manner. T he field inspection report in 
Annex B shall be signed by both the inspector and the grower or the grower’s representative.  
7 Field requirements  
7.1 Pre basic seed shall be produced under the responsibility of the breeder or maintainer . 
7.2 Certified seed shall be produced for up to a maximum of 2 generations . 
7.3 For hybrid seed, certified seeds shall be produced from one generation .  
7.4 The national certification authority shall inspect and certify the production of pre -basic, basic and 
certified seed cro ps 
7.5 A field producing a seed crop of rice shall be approved for certification if it complies with the 
requirements in Table 1 and Table 2.  
Table 1 — Field requirements for seed crops of rice ( non –hybrid)  
S/N Variable  Pre-basic seed  Basic seed  Certified  seed  
i  Previous cropping  (seasons before), 
min.  1 1 1 
ii Isolation, m, min .  5 5 5 
iii  Off types %, max  number per 100 m2 1 1 3 
iv Rice blast, %, max .  0.1 0.1 0.5 
v Bacterial leaf blight , %, max .  1 2 2 
vi White tip nematode, %, max .  0 0 0 
vii Bunt round spot, per 100m2  0 0 0 
viii Brown spot, per 100m2 1 1 1 
ix Narrow brown leaf spot, per 100m2 1 1 1 
x Wild rice, per 100m2 0 1 1 
Table 2 — Field requirements for seed crops of rice (hybrids)  
S/N Variable  Pre-basic seed  Basic seed  Certified seed  
i Previous cropping  (seasons  
before), min .  2 2 2 
ii Isolation, m, min .  25 25 25 
iii Off types , per 100m2 1 1 5  
© EAC 2020  – All rights reserved  7 
  2 (1 male and1 
female)  10 (5 male and5 
female)  
vI Rice Blast %, max .  0.1 0.1 0.5 
v Bacterial Leaf Blight, % , max.  1 2 2 
vi White tip nematode, % , max.  0 0 0 
vii Bunt round spot, per 100m2  0 0 0 
viii Brown spot, per 100m2 1 1 1 
ix Narrow brown leaf spot, per 100m2 1 1 1 
x Wild rice, per 100m2 0 1 1 
 
7.6 Fields may be rejected for certification because of unsatisfactory conditi on caused by noxious weeds, 
poor growth, poor stands, excessive disease presence, insect damage, and any other condition that prevents 
accurate inspection or creates doubt as to the identity of the variety.  
8 Seed sampling and laboratory requirements  
8.1 The harvested seed from the field approved for certification shall be kept as an identified unit until 
processing. After processing, a sample shall be submitted to laboratory for testing where a conformed sample 
shall be given a certificate with a unique lo t number for the purpose of tracking and sampling.  
8.2 The maximum size of a seed lot for certification purposes is 30 000 kg; lots larger than this shall be 
divided and a given separate lot numbers.  
8.3 An A seed sampler  shall draw a representative sampl e from each lot according to the ISTA rules  
9.4 The submitted sample shall be divided into three sub -samples, one for testing in the laboratory, one to 
be stored for reference purposes in case re -testing is necessary, and one for the post -control tests. T he 
samples shall be marked with the same identification as the seed lot, securely sealed and shall be stored in 
cool and dry conditions to prevent deterioration . 
8.5 Laboratories authorized by the national seed certification authority to conduct seed testi ng for 
certification shall follow ISTA rules .. 
8.6 The seed lots shall comply with the laboratory requirements specified in Table 3 and Table 4.  
Table 3 — Laboratory requirements for seeds lots of rice ( non hybrid ) 
S/N Variable  Pre-basic seed  Basic seed  Certified seed  
i Pure seed, %, min.  99 99 98 
ii Inert matter, %, max.  0.95 0.95 1.95 
iii Other crop seeds, %, max.  0.05 0.05 0.05 
iv Germination, %, min . 80 80 75 
v Moisture content, % , max.  13 13 13 
vi Weed seeds, per kg, max.  0 0 0 
 
  
8 © EAC 2020  – All rights reserved  
 Table 4 — Laboratory requirements for seeds lots of rice (hybrids)  
S/N Variable  Pre-basic seed  Basic seed  Certified seed  
i Pure seed, %, min.  99 99 98 
ii Inert matter, %, max.  0.95 0.95 1.95 
iii Other crop seeds, %, max.  0.05 0.05 0.05 
iv Germination, %, min . 80 80 75 
v Moisture content, % , max.  13 13 13 
vi Weed seeds, per kg, max.  0 0 0 
 
8.7 The laboratory test report shall be issued in accordance with Annex B.  
9 Certificates  
9.1 The seed test certificate for a seed lot shall be signed and issued by the national seed certification  
authority and shall include all information presented in Annex D. This certificate  shall be valid for a period of 
six (6) months.  
9.2 Carryover seed shall be re -sampled and retested for germination. If the test result complies w ith the  
minimum requirements, a new test certificate shall be issued for the seed lo t, which cancels the previously 
issued certificate and shall include the lot number of the cancelled certificate.  
9.3 Issuing of certificates shall be in accordance to ISTA  rules.  
10 Packaging and labelling  
10.1 All classes of seed that have been certified shall be packaged in new containers which shal l be marked 
with the company name and crop species and shall have the official label of the national seed certification  
autho rity. 
10.2 The labels for each class are identified by the following colours:  
a) pre-basic seed: Violet band on white ; 
b) basic seed: White ; 
c) certified seed 1st Blue ; and  
d) certified seed 2nd: Red . 
10.3 If seeds are treated with any chemical or product harmful for human or animal consumption, the 
container shall carry a label stating the chemical or product used and warning of the health risks.  
10.4 The labels shall be prominent, indelible, legible and fixed to the containers by an authorized person in  
such a way th at they cannot be destroyed or easily removed. The following i nformation shall be included on 
the official labels:  
a) front label:  
i. name of the crop, ―Rice seed‖;  
ii. species ( scientific name);   
© EAC 2020  – All rights reserved  9 
 iii. variety denomination;  
iv. seed lot number;  
v. test certificate number;  
vi. date o f test;  
vii. net weight; and  
viii. seed treatment declaration (if applicable);  
b) back label:  
i. logo of the national certification authority;  
ii. name and address of certifying authority;  
iii. seed class;  
iv. date of test  and country of production; and  
v. statement of re -packing and re -labelling (if applicable).  
10.5 All containers/bags shall be closed either by hand or machine stitchin g and shall be sealed in such a 
way that if they are opened illegally, that violation can be detected.  
10.6 Repackaging and relabeling are authorized in th e following cases:  
a) the national seed certification authority may authorize the re -packaging and re -labelling of a particular 
seed lot that is produced in another country, but shall retain the original label information of the 
producing country; and  
b) blendin g of a seed lot with other lots of the same variety and class (generation) is allowable if all seed 
lots of the blend have met the field and laboratory requirements for certification prior to blending. A 
new lot number shall be issued. Details of the blend ed lots and their proportions shall be kept by the 
certifying authority for traceability.  
11 Post -control tests  
The Post control tests shall be carried out in accordance with OECD Schemes fo r Varietal Certification or the 
Control of Seed Moving in the Inte rnational Trade.   
10 © EAC 2020  – All rights reserved  
   
© EAC 2020  – All rights reserved  11 
   
12 © EAC 2020  – All rights reserved  
 Bibliography