D-DNS 12: 202x  
 
  
 
 
DOMINICA NATIONAL STANDARD  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT OF SEEDS  
D-DNS 12: 20xx  
 
 
 
 
©DBOS 202x  
Dominica Bureau of Standards  
National Centre of Testing Excellence  
P.O. Box 1015, Stockfarm, Roseau  
Commonwealth of Dominica, W.I.  
Tel.: 767 -275-5921/3017  
Email: info@dominicastandards.org  
 
 
 
 
 
___________ 202x       Price Group  ______  
D-DNS 12: 202x  
 
  
COPYRIGHT © 20 2x 
 
This document contains proprietary information, and should not be published, reproduced, copied, 
disclosed or used for any purpose without the prior written approval of the Dominica Bureau of 
Standards (DBOS).  This does not preclude quotation for the purposes of review or comments. 
Enquiries relating to copyright may be addressed to the Director, Dominica Bureau of Standards  
 D-DNS 12: 202x  
i 
 Draft No.  1 
ISSUED FOR COMMENT ONLY  
DRAFT  
DOMINICA NATIONAL STANDARD  
INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT OF SEEDS  
 
D-DNS 12: 202x  
 
 
 
 
 
Last date for comments …………………………..  
 
 
 
DOMINICA BUREAU OF STANDARDS  
National Centre of Testing Excellence  
Stockfarm  
P.O. Box 1015  
Roseau  
COMMONWEALTH OF DOMINICA  
Email: info@dominicastandards.org   
  This is a draft and should not be regarded or used as a 
Dominica National Standard  D-DNS 12: 202x  
ii 
 GENERAL STATEMENT  
 
The Dominica Bureau of Standards was established under the Standards Act (#4) of 1999 and 
started operations in April 2000. A broad -based 15 -member Standards Council governs the affairs 
of the Bureau.  
 
The Standards Act gives the Burea u the responsibility to facilitate the development and promotion 
of Standards and Codes of Practice for products and services for the protection of the health and 
safety of consumers and the environment as well as for industrial development in order to pro mote 
the enhancement of the economy of Dominica.  
 
The Bureau develops Standards through consultations with relevant interest groups. In accordance 
with the provisions of the Standards Act, public comment is invited on all draft Standards before 
they are d eclared as Dominica National Standards (DNS).  
 
The Bureau is a correspondent member body of the International Organization for Standardization 
(ISO), an affiliate member of the International Electro -technical Commission (IEC), and a member 
of the Caribbea n Regional Organization for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) and the Pan 
American Standards Commission (COPANT). The Bureau is the local agent for foreign Standard 
Body, the American Standards for Testing and Measurement (ASTM). The Bureau also serves as 
the enquiry point for the World Trade Organization (WTO) on matters pertaining to the Technical 
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Agreement and is the Contact Point for Codex Alimentarius.  
 
In accordance with good practice for the adoption and application of Standards, Dominica National 
Standards are subject to periodic review every five years.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 D-DNS 12: 202x  
iii 
  
 
 
 
Amendments  
 
 
 
Amendment No.   
Date of Issue   
Text (s) Affected  
   
 
  D-DNS 12: 202x  
iv 
 DOMINICA NATIONAL STANDARD  
INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT OF USED VEHICLES, MACHINERY AND 
EQUIPMENT  
 
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE – Food Products, Processes and Services (FPPS)  
 
 
ORGANIZATION  REPRESENTIVE (S)  
(Alternate)  
Dominica Association of Industry and Commerce  Alleyna Robin  
Dominica Export Import Agency  Lloyd Pascal  
Sharon Rolle  
Dominica Manufacturers Association  Linvor Ambo  
Dominica State College  Sharon Allicock Joseph  
Valda Joseph  
IICA  Kent Coipel  
Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries  Anna Mary Seraphine  
Ministry of Trade, Energy, and Employment  Margaret Roudette  
Jackie Xavier  
TECHNICAL SECRETARY  
Mr. Kyle James  
Technical Officer, DBOS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 D-DNS 12: 202x  
1 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS  
 
 
0.0 FOREWORD  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 3 
INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  4 
Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  4 
References  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  4 
Definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  4 
Outline of Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  4 
BACKGROUND  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  5 
IMPACTS ON BIODIVERSITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT  ................................ ................................ . 5 
REQUIREMENTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 5 
1.  Pest Risk Analysis  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  5 
1.1  Seeds a s pests  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  6 
1.2 Seeds as pathways  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  6 
1.3  Purpose of import  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  6 
1.3.1 Seeds for laboratory testing or destructive analysis  ................................ ................................ ..... 7 
1.3.2 Seeds for planting under restricted conditions  ................................ ................................ .............  7 
1.3.3 Seeds for field planting  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  7 
1.4  Mixing, blending and bulking of seeds  ................................ ................................ .....................  7 
1.5  Pest management in seed production  ................................ ................................ ........................  8 
1.5.1 Seed certification schemes  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  9 
1.5.2 Resistant plant varieties  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  9 
1.5.3 Seed treatment  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  9 
2.  Phytosanit ary Measures  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  10 
2.1  Consignment inspection and testing for pest freedom  ................................ ............................  10 
2.2  Field inspection for the presence of pests  ................................ ................................ ...............  10 
2.3  Pest free areas, pest free places of production, pest free production sites and areas of low pest 
prevalence  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  10 
2.4  Treatments  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  10 
2.4.1 Crop treatment  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  10 
2.4.2 Seed treatment  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  10 
2.5  Systems approaches  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  10 
2.6  Post-entry quarantine  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  11 
2.7  Prohibition  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  11 
3.  Equivalence of Phytosanitary Measures  ................................ ................................ .........................  11 
4.  Specific Requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  12 
4.1  Inspection  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................  12 
4.1.1 Inspection of seed consignments  ................................ ................................ ................................  12 D-DNS 12: 202x  
2 
 4.1.2 Field inspection  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  13 
4.2  Sampling of lots  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  13 
4.2.1 Sampling of small lots  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  13 
4.3  Testing  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 13 
4.3.1 Testing of tre ated seeds  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  13 
5.  Phytosanitary Certification  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  14 
6.  Record Keeping  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  15 
APPENDIX 1: Ex amples of seed -transmitted, seed -borne and contaminating pests  ................................ . 16 
APPENDIX 2: Guidance on the likelihood of pest groups being carrie d and introduced with seeds  ........  17 
APPENDIX 3: Bibliography  ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  20 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 D-DNS 12: 202x  
3 
 0.0 FOREWORD  
 
0.1. This Dominica National Standard was adopted by the Bureau of Standards (the 
Bureau) of the Commonwealth of Dominica on  _____________  after the draft was 
finalized by Technical Committee for Food Products, Processes and Services (FPPS) 
and has been approved by the  Minister responsible for the Bureau.  
 
0.2. This Standard became effective as a Compulsory Standard on the date notified by the 
Minister with  responsibility for the Bureau of Standards in a Notice published in the 
Commonwealth of Dominica Official Gazette on ________________.  
 
0.3. This standard is an identical adoption of International Standards for Phytosanitary 
Measures (ISPM)  38: 2017 - Internat ional Movement of  Seeds  
 
0.4. Acknowledgement is given to International Plant Protection Convention  (IPPC ) for 
providing permission to adopt ISPM 38: 2017.  
 
0.5. Although the editorial style and layout of the ISPM 38: 2017 are not in conformity 
with that of Dominic a's Standards, the identical adoption has been approved as suitable 
for publication as a Dominica National Standard.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  D-DNS 12: 202x  
4 
  INTRODUCTION  
Scope  
This standard provides guidance to assist national plant protection organizations (NPPOs) in 
identifying, assessing and managing the pest risk associated with the international movement of 
seeds (as a commodity class).   
The standard also provides guidance  on procedures to establish phytosanitary import requirements 
to facilitate the international movement of seeds; on inspection, sampling and testing of seeds; and 
on the phytosanitary certification of seeds for export and re -export.   
Under ISPM 5 ( Glossar y of phytosanitary terms ) seeds (as a commodity class) are intended for 
planting and not for consumption. Viable seeds, which are a sample of a seed lot, imported for 
laboratory testing or destructive analysis are also addressed by this standard.  
This sta ndard does not apply to grain or vegetative plant parts (e.g. tubers of potatoes).  
References  
The present standard refers to International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs). 
ISPMs are available  on  the  International  Phytosanitary  Portal  (IPP)  at 
https://www.ippc.int/core activities/standards -setting/ispms .  
Definitions  
Definitions of phytosanitary terms used in this standard can be found in ISPM 5.  
In addition to the definitions in ISPM 5, in this standard the following definitions apply.  
Seed -borne pest   A pest carried by seeds externally or internally that may or 
may not be transmitted to plants growing from these seeds and 
cause their infestation  
Seed -transmitted 
pest  A seed -borne pest that is transmitted via seeds directly to 
plants growing from these seeds and causes their infestation  
 
Outline of Requirements  
Seeds, as with other plants for planting, may present a pest risk because they may be introduced to 
an environment where pests associated with the seeds have a high probability of establishing and 
spreading.   
Seeds are regularly moved internationally for commercial and research purposes. Therefore, when 
assessing the pest risk and determining appropriate phytosanitary measures, NPPOs should 
consider the intended use of the seeds (research, planting under restri cted conditions or planting 
under natural conditions).   
A pest risk analysis (PRA) should determine if the seeds are a pathway for the entry, establishment 
and spread of quarantine pests and their potential economic consequences in the PRA area, or if 
the seeds are a pest themselves or a pathway and the main source of infestation of regulated non -
quarantine pests. The PRA should consider the purpose for which the seeds are imported (e.g. field 
planting, research, testing) and the potential for quarantine p ests to be introduced and spread or for D-DNS 12: 202x  
5 
 regulated non -quarantine pests to cause an economically unacceptable impact when present above 
a threshold.   
Specific phytosanitary measures may be used to reduce the pest risk associated with the 
international move ment of seeds, including phytosanitary measures that may be applied before 
planting, during growth, at seed harvest, post -harvest, during seed processing, storage and 
transportation, and on arrival in the importing country. Phytosanitary measures may be us ed either 
alone or in combination to manage the pest risk. Phytosanitary import requirements may be met 
by applying equivalent phytosanitary measures.  
BACKGROUND  
Seeds are moved internationally for many uses. They are planted for the production of food, forage, 
ornamental plants, biofuels and fibre as well as for forestry and for pharmacological uses. They 
also have pre -commercial uses (research, breeding and seed multiplication).  
As with other plants for planting, seeds may present a pest risk when intr oduced to an environment 
where any pests associated with the seeds have a high probability of establishing and spreading 
(ISPM 32 ( Categorization of commodities according to their pest risk )).  
Seed companies may have breeding and multiplication programmes  in several countries, and may 
distribute seeds from these countries to many other countries. Moreover, research and breeding are 
conducted internationally to develop new varieties that are adapted to a range of environments and 
conditions. The internation al movement of seeds may involve small or large quantities of seeds.   
Contracting parties face challenges associated with the international movement of seeds that are 
distinct from the international movement of other types of plants for planting. For exam ple, seeds 
produced in one country and exported to a second country for processing (e.g. pelleting and 
coating), testing and packing may then be re -exported to numerous other destinations (including 
the country of origin). At the time of production of the seeds, the destination countries and their 
phytosanitary import requirements may not be known, especially if a number of years pass between 
production and export to the final destinations.   
IMPACTS ON BIODIVERSITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT  
This standard may he lp manage the pest risk posed by seeds moved internationally, including the 
pest risk posed by invasive alien species (as defined in the Convention on Biological Diversity).   
Harmonized international phytosanitary measures for seeds may help preserve biod iversity by 
increasing the potential for exchanging healthy seeds (free from pests).  
REQUIREMENTS  
1.  Pest Risk Analysis  
PRA for seeds performed in accordance with ISPM 2 ( Framework for pest risk analysis ), ISPM 
11 (Pest risk analysis for quarantine pes ts) and ISPM 21 ( Pest risk analysis for regulated non -
quarantine pests ) should identify the regulated pests potentially associated with seeds and seeds 
as pests. The PRA should consider the purpose for which seeds are imported (e.g. field planting, D-DNS 12: 202x  
6 
 researc h, testing) and the probability of regulated pests establishing and spreading and in 
consequence causing economic impacts (ISPM 32).   
1.1  Seeds as pests  
PRA for seeds as pests should follow the guidance provided in Annex 4 of ISPM 11.  
1.2 Seeds as pathways  
In PRA for seeds as pathways, the ability of a pest to transfer to a suitable host and cause infestation 
needs specific consideration to identify pests that warrant regulation.   
Some seed -borne pests associated with a suitable host upon entry ma y result in infestation of the 
host when the seed is planted while others may not.  
Seed -borne pests include:  
- seed-transmitted pests that are carried by the seed internally or externally and directly infest 
the host plant growing from the seed (category 1 (a))  
- non-seed-transmitted pests that are carried by the seed internally or externally and are 
transferred to the environment (e.g. water, soil) and then infest a host plant under natural 
conditions (category  
1(b))   
- pests carried by the seed, internally or externally, that do not transfer to a host plant under 
natural conditions (category 1(c)).  
A further category of pests may be relevant even though the pests are not seed -borne. This is the 
category of contaminating pests present in a seed lot (includin g seeds of plants as pests) (category 
2).  
Pests in categories 1(a), 1(b) and 2 should be further assessed for establishment, spread and 
economic impacts. Pests in category 1(c) cannot establish because they are not transferred to a 
suitable host.  
Example s of pests in each category are provided in Appendix 1.  
The PRA should consider whether the transmission of pests has been observed or confirmed to 
occur under natural conditions or under experimental conditions (e.g. in a laboratory or a growth 
chamber).  When the transmission of pests has been observed or confirmed under experimental 
conditions it is necessary to confirm that it can also occur under natural conditions.  
Consideration of the biological and epidemiological characteristics of specific pest g roups may 
help in determining the probability of a pest being introduced with seeds in an area. Guidance on 
the likelihood of pest groups being carried and introduced with seeds is provided in Appendix 2. 
The pests and host seeds should be assessed at the species level unless there is technical 
justification for using a higher or lower taxonomic level, in accordance with the requirements in 
ISPM 11.  
1.3  Purpose of import  
The production of seeds may involve several steps (e.g. breeding, multiplication, destructive 
analysis, restricted field planting), which may be performed in different countries. The purpose of 
import of seeds may impact the probability of establishment of  quarantine pests and should be 
considered when conducting the PRA and determining phytosanitary measures (ISPM 32).   D-DNS 12: 202x  
7 
 The purpose of import may be broadly ranked from lowest to highest pest risk as follows.   
1.3.1 Seeds for laboratory testing or destruct ive analysis   
Such seeds are not intended for planting or for release into the PRA area. PRA may not be 
necessary because these seeds will not be released into the environment.  
Seeds imported for testing may be germinated to facilitate testing, but their  purpose is not for 
planting. Requirements for laboratory testing or similar confinement and the destruction of the 
seeds and plants growing from these seeds should be sufficient as a phytosanitary measure.   
The NPPO of the importing country may not requi re other phytosanitary measures for these seeds 
if the pest risk is considered low or negligible.  
1.3.2 Seeds for planting under restricted conditions  
Such seeds are imported for research and are grown in protected environments (e.g. glasshouses, 
growth chambers) or in isolated fields. These seeds should be planted under conditions that prevent 
the introduction of quarantine pests into the PRA area. Examples include seeds for evaluation, 
germplasm and seeds as breeding material.  
For these seeds, NPPOs ma y require relevant phytosanitary measures, which should not be more 
stringent than needed to address the pest risk identified.  
1.3.3 Seeds for field planting   
Seeds intended for unrestricted release into the PRA area may present the highest pest risk for  
quarantine pests.  
The NPPO of the importing country may require phytosanitary measures; any such measures 
should be proportionate to the assessed pest risk. Specific tolerance levels for regulated non -
quarantine pests may be determined and published.   
1.4  Mixing, blending and bulking of seeds   
Mixing of seeds combines different species, varieties or cultivars into a single lot (e.g. lawn grass 
mixture, wildflower mixture). Blending of seeds combines different seed lots of the same variety 
into a single  lot. Bulking combines seeds of the same variety from different fields immediately 
after harvest into a single lot.  
Seeds from various origins and different harvest years may be mixed or blended. All seeds in a 
mixture, a blend or a bulk lot should meet t he relevant phytosanitary import requirements.  
In assessing the pest risk of mixed, blended or bulked seeds, all combinations of pests, hosts and 
origins should be considered. The impacts of the mixing, blending or bulking processes (e.g. 
dilution, increa sed handling) should also be considered in determining the overall pest risk of 
mixtures, blends and bulk lots of seeds.  
Testing and inspection may be done either on the components or on the mixture or the blend to be 
certified.  
All components of the mix ture, blend or bulk lot should be traceable.   D-DNS 12: 202x  
8 
 1.5  Pest management in seed production   
Certain practices used in seed production may alone or in combination be sufficient to meet 
phytosanitary import requirements. Full documentation of phytosanitary measures applied to the 
seeds should be maintained to facilitate trace -back, as appropriate.   
Phytosanitary measures may be included in integrated pest management and quality control 
protocols applied in seed production.  
In the case of tree seeds, phytosanitary measures are often applied only at the time of harvest.  
Production practices may var y between seed production sectors (e.g. field crops, forestry). Options 
that may be considered when determining pest risk management include:  
Pre-planting:   
- use of resistant plant varieties (section 1.5.2)  
- use of healthy seeds (free from pests)  
- seed tr eatment (section 1.5.3)  
- crop management (e.g. rotation or mixed planting)  
- field selection  
- soil or growing medium treatment   
- geographical or temporal isolation   
- sanitation or disinfection of water  
Pre-harvesting:   
- hygiene measures (e.g. disinfection of workers’ hands and shoes, farm equipment, 
machinery and  
tools)   
- field inspection and, where appropriate, testing if symptoms are observed  
- field sanitation (e.g. removal of symptomatic plants, removal of weeds)   
- parent plant testing   
- crop treatment   
- protected environments (e.g. glasshouses, growth chambers) -  sanitation or 
disinfection of water  
Harvesting and post -harvest handling:   
- hygiene measures (e.g. disinfection of workers’ hands and shoes, farm equipment, 
machinery and  
tools)   
- timely harvest (e.g. just as seed matures, for tree seeds in mast years, from fruit at the pre -
ripe stage)  
- use of disinfectants during seed extraction    
- seed cleaning, drying, conditioning and sorting  
- seed testing   
- seed storage   
- seed treatment (section 1.5.3)  D-DNS 12: 202x  
9 
 - sanitation (e.g. removing plant debris, soil or visibly infested plants and seeds)   
- seed packaging and sealing   
- mechanical treatment (e.g. separation of healthy seeds (free from pests)) -  harvesting 
method (e.g. use of collection mats or tarpaulins for tree seeds).  
1.5.1 Seed certification schemes  
Certain elements of a seed certification scheme (a scheme to improve the quality of seeds) may 
have an effect on the pest risk of the seeds being certified. Some of these elements (e.g. inspection 
for the pre sence of pests, purity analysis to detect weed seeds) may be considered in pest risk 
management by NPPOs and assessed on a case -by-case basis.  
Seed certification schemes should ensure seed traceability. Information on international seed 
certification sche mes is provided in some of the sources in Appendix 3.  
1.5.2 Resistant plant varieties  
Modern breeding programmes may produce plant varieties that have a level of resistance to pests, 
which may include resistance to regulated pests. When confirmed resista nce to a regulated pest is 
such that a resistant variety is not infested by the pest, the NPPO of the importing country may 
consider this resistance as an appropriate pest risk management option.   
A plant variety’s level of resistance to different regulat ed pests may vary depending on the 
resistance characteristics present in the plant. Resistance genes may be effective against all or some 
races, strains, biotypes or pathotypes of the targeted pest, but the emergence of new races, strains, 
biotypes or path otypes may affect the level of resistance. The pest resistance should therefore be 
assessed on a caseby -case basis. The NPPO of the importing country may consider the use of 
resistant varieties as an appropriate phytosanitary measure in the framework of a systems approach.   
A suggested bibliography on the use of resistant plant varieties is provided in Appendix 3.  
1.5.3 Seed treatment  
Seeds may be treated to eliminate an infestation by a pest; however, they may be treated even if 
not infested, either as a precaution by a general disinfection or to protect the seedlings growing 
from the seeds when exposed to pests in the environment. Seed treatments may also be unrelated 
to pests; for example, seeds may be treated with seedling growth enhancer.   
Seed treatments include, but are not limited to:  
- pesticides (fungicides, insecticides, nematicides and bactericides)  
- disinfectants, which are generally used against bacteria and viruses; disinfection may take 
place during various steps in seed processing  (e.g. seed extraction, seed priming1) or during 
a dedicated disinfection process  
- physical treatments (e.g. dry heat, steam, hot water, irradiation by ultraviolet light, high 
pressure, deep -freezing)  
 
1 Seed priming is the pre -treatment of seeds by various methods in order to improve the percentage and uniformity 
of germination.  D-DNS 12: 202x  
10 
 - biological treatments based on different modes of act ion (e.g. antagonism, competition, 
induced resistance).  
2.  Phytosanitary Measures  
In accordance with ISPM 11, phytosanitary measures proportionate to the assessed pest risk should 
be applied alone or in combination to prevent the introduction and spread  of quarantine pests and 
to ensure that the tolerance levels of regulated non -quarantine pests are met, as identified through 
a PRA.   
2.1  Consignment inspection and testing for pest freedom  
Seed sampling, including sample size (the total number of seeds tested), should be appropriate for 
detecting regulated pests. Guidance on sample size is provided in ISPM 31 ( Methodologies for 
sampling of consignments ). Harvested seeds showing visible symptoms that suggest the presence 
of regulated pests may need to be tested to confirm the presence of the pests.   
2.2  Field inspection for the presence of pests  
Field inspection may be a phytosanitary measure to detect some regulated pests that produce 
visible symptoms.   
2.3  Pest free areas, pest free places of production, pest free production sites and areas of 
low pest prevalence  
Pest free areas, pest free pl aces of production, pest free production sites and areas of low pest 
prevalence should be established, recognized and maintained in accordance with ISPM 4 
(Requirements for the establishment of pest free areas ), ISPM 10 ( Requirements for the 
establishment of pest free places of production and pest free production sites ) and ISPM 29 
(Recognition of pest free areas and areas of low pest prevalence ).   
Areas of low pest prevalence in accordance with ISPM 22 ( Requirements for the establishment of 
areas of low p est prevalence ) may be used alone or in combination with other phytosanitary 
measures in a systems approach (ISPM 14 ( The use of integrated measures in a systems approach 
for pest risk management )).   
2.4  Treatments   
2.4.1 Crop treatment  
Pesticide appli cation to parent plants may be used to prevent seed infestation.  
2.4.2 Seed treatment  
Seed treatments may be used as phytosanitary measures (section 1.5.3).  
Many tropical and some temperate tree species produce seeds that are sensitive to desiccation an d 
particularly prone to latent pest development or pest infestation. Physical or chemical treatments 
may be applied to prevent latent pest development or pest infestation in seeds that need to be 
maintained at high moisture levels.  
2.5  Systems approaches   
Systems approaches provide the opportunity to consider both pre -harvest and post -harvest 
procedures that may contribute to effective pest risk management. Many pest management D-DNS 12: 202x  
11 
 practices to reduce pest risk throughout the seed production process, from pla nting to harvesting, 
may be integrated in a systems approach. ISPM 14 provides guidelines for the development and 
evaluation of integrated measures in a systems approach as an option for pest risk management.   
2.6  Post-entry quarantine   
The NPPO of the i mporting country may require post -entry quarantine for seeds, including 
confinement in a quarantine station, in cases where a quarantine pest is difficult to detect, where 
symptom expression takes time, or where testing or treatment is required and no alte rnative 
phytosanitary measures are available. Guidance on post -entry quarantine stations is provided in 
ISPM 34 ( Design and operation of post -entry quarantine stations for plants ).   
As part of post -entry quarantine, a representative sample of the seed lot  may be sown and the plants 
growing from these seeds tested (this may be an option for small seed lots used for research).  
The NPPO of the importing country may consider, based on the findings of a PRA, that the pest 
risk can be adequately managed by requiring the imported seeds to be planted in a designated 
planting area. The planting area should be isolated from other host p lants, and weed control, 
sanitation, and hygiene measures for people, machinery and equipment may be required.  
2.7  Prohibition  
NPPOs may prohibit the importation of seeds of certain species or origins when a PRA determines 
that the seeds pose a high pes t risk as a pathway for quarantine pests and no alternative 
phytosanitary measures are available. This includes situations where the seeds may pose a high 
risk of being a pathway for plants as pests (e.g. weeds, invasive alien species). Guidance on 
prohibi tion of importation can be found in ISPM 20 ( Guidelines for a phytosanitary import 
regulatory system ).   
The NPPO of the importing country may allow – for research purposes and under an import 
authorization that indicates specific conditions to prevent the  introduction and spread of quarantine 
pests – the entry of seeds that are normally prohibited.   
3.  Equivalence of Phytosanitary Measures   
The equivalence of phytosanitary measures (ISPM 1 ( Phytosanitary principles for the protection 
of plants and the a pplication of phytosanitary measures in international trade )) is particularly 
important for the international movement of seeds as seed companies may have breeding and 
multiplication programmes in several countries and may export these seeds to other count ries, and 
there may be frequent re -export from a single seed lot.   
Determination of the equivalence of phytosanitary measures may be initiated by the exporting 
country making a request for equivalence to the importing country, as described in ISPM 24 
(Guidelines for the determination and recognition of equivalence of phytosanitary measures ). It 
may also be initiated by the importing country. NPPOs are encouraged to provide multiple options 
when setting phytosanitary import requirements.  
Equivalent phytosa nitary measures may provide NPPOs with options to achieve the required 
protection. An example of an equivalent phytosanitary measure is the substitution of a requirement 
for field inspection of the seed crop in the country of origin with appropriate seed t esting or seed D-DNS 12: 202x  
12 
 treatment for the regulated pest. ISPM 24 provides further guidance on the equivalence of 
phytosanitary measures.  
For seeds (including organic seeds) requiring for import a specific chemical treatment, if the 
chemical is not permitted for u se in the country of origin, export or re -export, the NPPO of the 
importing country should consider an equivalent phytosanitary measure, where possible, provided 
that the measure is technically feasible and reduces the assessed pest risk to an acceptable l evel. It 
is recommended that phytosanitary import requirements do not specify chemical products, active 
ingredients or exact protocols.  
4.  Specific Requirements  
Specific requirements for inspection, sampling and testing of seeds for phytosanitary certif ication 
or verification are provided as follows.  
4.1  Inspection  
Inspection may be conducted on the seed consignment or as field inspection of the growing crop, 
or both, as required. ISPM 23 ( Guidelines for inspection ) and ISPM 31 provide further guidance 
on inspection and sampling.   
4.1.1 Inspection of seed consignments  
Seed consignments may be inspected for the presence of seeds of plants regulated as pests (i.e. 
weeds, invasive alien species), for signs or symptom s of regulated pests, for the presence of 
regulated articles (e.g. soil) or for the presence of contaminating pests. Inspection for pest 
symptoms may be effective where infested seeds are known to display characteristic symptoms 
such as discoloration or sh rivelling. However, the presence of the pest should be confirmed by 
laboratory testing. Visual examination should be combined with testing if pest freedom or a 
specific tolerance level is required for asymptomatic or unreliably symptomatic regulated pests.   
Inspection of seeds can be done with or without the help of devices that automatically sort seeds 
based on visible physical characteristics. Although inspection may be effective for the detection 
of insects and mites, the majority of seed -borne pests (i. e. bacteria, fungi, nematodes, viroids, 
viruses) are not detectable by inspection with the naked eye and require a more specialized 
examination (e.g. with a binocular microscope) or laboratory testing. Washing, sieving or breaking 
seeds may be necessary be fore inspection.  
Inspection of seeds that are coated, pelleted or embedded in tape, mats or any other substrate may 
require removal of the covering material by washing it off the seeds or breaking it because such 
material may reduce the ability to see the  seeds or symptoms of the pest on the seeds. In such cases, 
the NPPO of the importing country may require the NPPO of the exporting country to 
systematically sample the seeds before coating, pelleting or embedding them, and to test them. For 
monitoring at import, the NPPO of the importing country may request the NPPO of the exporting 
country to provide a sample of the seeds (of a size proportional to the seed lot) before coating, 
pelleting or treating them, for inspection and testing, or, alternatively, if agreed bilaterally, to 
collect an official sample and test the seeds without coating, pelleting or treating them and to 
provide the test results.  D-DNS 12: 202x  
13 
 4.1.2 Field inspection   
Inspection of the seed crop in the field by trained staff at an appropriate time may  be useful to 
detect regulated pests known to cause visible symptoms. A pest observed in the field on the parent 
plant may not necessarily be present on or in the seeds produced by these plants (section 1.2). A 
laboratory test may be conducted on the harve sted seeds to determine if they are infested.  
4.2  Sampling of lots  
Sampling of a seed lot may be done to inspect or test for the absence of a pest in the lot.   
Inspection for pests is usually based on sampling. Sampling methodologies used by NPPOs will  
depend on the sampling objectives (e.g. sampling for testing or inspection) and may be solely 
statistically based or developed noting particular operational constraints.   
Guidance on the sampling of consignments for inspection is given in ISPM 31.  
4.2.1  Sampling of small lots   
Testing of samples that are taken in accordance with ISPM 31 from a small lot may result in the 
destruction of a large proportion of the lot. In such cases, alternative sampling methodologies (e.g. 
clustering small samples of diffe rent lots for testing) or equivalent phytosanitary procedures should 
be considered by the NPPO of the importing country, as per the guidance in ISPM 24.   
In cases where sampling from small lots is not possible, specific post -entry quarantine 
requirements may be determined by the NPPO of the importing country.  
4.3  Testing  
Inspection may not be sufficient to determine if a regulated pest is present and other forms of 
examination may be needed (e.g. laboratory testing). Some bacteria, fungi, insects, nematodes, 
viroids and viruses may not be detectable by inspection of seed c onsignments or plants during 
growth, but they may be detectable by specific laboratory tests that follow validated diagnostic 
protocols for regulated pests.   
Molecular and serological diagnostic methods are considered indirect protocols to detect pests in  
seeds. These methods may give a positive result even when no viable pests are present. 
Consequently, when testing seeds with these methods, results should be interpreted carefully. 
Confirmatory tests or additional tests based on a different biological pri nciple may be required to 
confirm the presence of a viable pest in a sample. NPPOs should ensure that internationally 
recognized or validated diagnostic protocols are used to avoid false positives or false negatives.   
The purpose and use of diagnostic pro tocols are described in ISPM 27 ( Diagnostic protocols for 
regulated pests ) and adopted protocols are provided as annexes to ISPM 27. Information on a range 
of other protocols, some of which have been validated, can be found in the sources listed in 
Appendi x 3.   
4.3.1 Testing of treated seeds  
Seed treatment may influence the sensitivity of testing. Ideally, a detection method that detects 
only viable pests should be used to determine treatment efficacy, so when the treatment has been 
successful the test re sult is negative. Examples of such detection methods are techniques for the 
detection of bacteria and fungi where the organism will grow on the substrate (i.e. media or 
blotters), and techniques for the detection of viruses where the seeds are sown and pla nts growing D-DNS 12: 202x  
14 
 from the seeds are observed for symptoms. Most established seed testing methods have been 
developed and validated for use on untreated seeds. If treated seeds are to be tested, the testing 
method should be validated for treated seeds.  
The test  results of treated seeds should be interpreted carefully, as the following situations may be 
encountered:   
- The treatment inactivates the pest but the detection method detects both viable and non -
viable pests. This may be the case with some serological or  molecular tests or when detection 
is based on morphological identification of pests or pest structures that may remain even 
after treatment (e.g. nematodes, spores). In such cases, determination of the efficacy of the 
treatment is conclusive only if a tes t validated for treated seeds is used.   
- The treatment physically or chemically inhibits the detection method; for example, some 
detection methods for bacteria are affected by fungicide treatments.  
- The treatment adversely affects the detection method; for  example, a method detects only 
pests present externally and any pests remaining internally after the treatment cannot be 
detected. In these situations, other detection methods that are able to detect internal infection 
should be used.  
5.  Phytosanitary C ertification  
The global and temporal nature of the seed trade (i.e. re -export to many destinations, repeated re -
export from the same seed lot, long -term storage) presents phytosanitary certification challenges 
distinct from those of the international move ment of other commodities.   
NPPOs are encouraged to exchange additional official phytosanitary information at the time of 
export certification with other NPPOs to enable certification for re -export of seeds, as described 
in ISPM 12 ( Phytosanitary certific ates). Additional official phytosanitary information, which is 
not required by the first country of import, may be included on the phytosanitary certificate issued 
by the country of origin when so requested by the exporter in order to facilitate future re -export to 
other countries (ISPM 12).  
A country’s phytosanitary import requirement for a field inspection may not be known at the time 
of production. Where appropriate, the NPPO of the importing country may consider equivalent 
phytosanitary measures (such as tests or treatments) to fulfil its phytosanitary import requirements 
for seeds already harvested, in accordance with ISPM 24. However, it is the responsibility of the 
exporting country to meet the phytosanitary import requirements.  
On phytosanitary certificates, “place of origin” refers pr imarily to places where the seeds were 
grown. If seeds are repacked, stored or moved, the pest risk may change as a result of their new 
location through possible infestation or contamination by regulated pests. The pest risk may also 
change if a seed treat ment or disinfection removes possible infestation or contamination. In such 
cases, each country or place, as necessary, should be declared with the initial place of origin in 
brackets, in accordance with ISPM 12. If the consignment has not been exposed to infestation in 
the country or place of re -export, this can be indicated on the phytosanitary certificate for re -export. 
If different lots within a consignment originate in different countries or places, or if lots are mixed, 
blended or bulked, all countrie s or places should be indicated.  D-DNS 12: 202x  
15 
 6.  Record Keeping  
Because seeds may be stored for many years before being exported or re -exported, official 
phytosanitary information on the seed lot, including in the case of re -export the original 
phytosanitary certifi cate for export, when available, should be retained as long as the seeds are in 
storage.  
  
     
16 
 This appendix is for reference purposes only and is not a prescriptive part of the standard  
APPENDIX 1: Examples of seed-transmitted, seed -borne and contaminating pests  
This appendix provides examples of pests in the categories presented in section 1.2 (Seeds as 
pathways) of the standard.   
Category 1(a): Seed -transmitted pests that are carried by the seed internally or  
externally and directly infest the host plant growing from the seed    
- Acidovorax citrulli  in seeds of Citrullus lanatus   
- Clavibacter michiganensis  subsp. michiganensis  in seeds of Solanum lycopersicum    
- Ditylenchus dipsaci  on or in seeds of Vicia faba  and Medicago sativa    
- Fusarium circinatum  on or in seeds of Pinus  spp. and Pseudotsuga menziessii    
- Pea seed -borne mosaic virus  in seeds of Pisum sativum    
- Squash mosaic virus  in seeds of Cucumis melo   
- Tomato mosaic virus  in seeds of S. lycopersicum    
Category 1(b): Non -seed transmitted pests that are carried by the seed internally or 
externally and are transferred to the environment (e.g. water, soil) and then infest a 
host plant under natural conditions  
- D. dipsaci  on or in seeds of V. faba  and M. sativa    
- Fusarium oxysporum  f.sp. lycopersici  on seeds of S. lycopersicum   -  Gibberella 
avenaceae  on seeds of Linum usitatissimum  -  Megastigmus spp. in seeds of Abies spp.  
Category 1(c): Pests carried by the seed, internally or externally, that do not transfer to a 
host plant under natural conditions  
- Callosobruchus chinensis  and C. maculatus  on seeds of Fabaceae   
- Rice yellow mottle virus  on seeds of Oryza sativa   
Category 2: Contaminating pests  
- Cyperus iria  in seed lots of Oryza sativa    
- Mycosphaerella pini  in seed lots of Pinus  spp. contaminated with needle debris - 
 Sclerotium cepivorum , sclerotia in seed lots of Allium cepa   
  
  
    
 
 
 
 
 
  
17 
  
This appendix is for reference purposes only and is not a prescriptive part of the standard   
 
APPENDIX 2: Guidance on the likelihood of pest groups being carried and introduced 
with seeds  
This appendix provides general guidance on assessing the probability of different pest groups 
being carried and introduced with seeds. In accordance with ISPM 11, pests and their hosts are 
recommended to be assessed at the species level unless there is tec hnical justification for using 
a higher or lower taxonomic level. Guidance for assessing the probability of pests being 
associated with seeds or being present in consignments of seeds and their potential to establish 
and spread via this pathway is provided  in section 1.2 of the standard and in ISPM 11.   
There is limited, and at times conflicting, information available regarding the seed transmission 
of pests. In addition, a pest that has been proven to be seed -transmitted in one host is not 
necessarily see dtransmitted in all known hosts. Seed transmission in other hosts and the level of 
host infestation before seed formation should be considered.   
NPPOs should consider in their determination of pest –host interaction that plants that may host 
certain pests under experimental conditions may not be hosts under natural conditions.   
1.  Arthropods  
1.1  Pre-harvest pests   
Arthropods in the field include pests that feed on and in seeds during the seed development 
period, before harvest.   
Arthropods in the field  that have a low probability of being present in seed consignments include:   
External feeders: arthropods that feed on external parts of seeds are often dislodged during 
harvesting and cleaning.   
Internal feeders that cause seed abortion: arthropods that  feed on internal parts of seeds usually 
cause seeds to fall before maturity and harvest.   
Arthropods that are internal feeders on the mature seed in the field have a high probability of 
being present in seed consignments because they are usually collecte d with seeds during harvest. 
Consideration during the pest risk management stage of the PRA is needed to determine whether 
these arthropods (e.g. Bruchidae ) would be visible during quality grading or inspection and 
whether they would survive storage condit ions.   
1.2  Post-harvest pests  
Stored product arthropods can infest seeds after harvest, particularly if the seeds are stored in  
poor conditions (e.g. in high moisture or with previously stored seeds). Good storage conditions, 
as generally applied for hi gh value seeds, greatly decrease or remove the likelihood of arthropods 
feeding on stored seeds.   
18 
 Stored product arthropods that are external feeders have a low probability of being present in 
seed consignments. Arthropods that feed on but are not attached  to external parts of seeds may 
destroy the seeds and pose a risk as contaminating pests. Secondary pests (e.g. Mycetophagus  
spp., Acarus  spp., Liposcelis  spp.) may also be present when sanitation is poor or extraneous 
matter excessive.  
Stored product art hropods that are internal feeders have a high probability of being present in 
seed consignments. Thus consideration should be given to the likelihood of infestation in poor 
storage conditions. Arthropods that feed on internal parts of seeds can infest seed s that are left 
exposed before packaging.   
2.  Fungi   
Fungal and fungal -like organisms may be associated with seeds both externally and internally 
without causing disease in the plants growing from these seeds; however, many species cause 
seed rot, necros is, reduced germination and infestation of seedlings. Seed fungal pathogens can 
be grouped as field pathogens and storage pathogens. Fungi may be present on the surface of 
seeds or mixed with seeds as contaminating pests, and may be introduced and spread t o the host 
crop or to other crops (e.g. by contamination of the growing medium). Fungi may also be present 
in the integuments or in the internal part of the seed and can be introduced and spread to the host 
crop in this way.   
3.  Bacteria   
Although not al l bacteria are seed -transmitted, bacteria can be found on or within seeds as 
external or internal infections, respectively.   
4.  Viruses   
Not all viruses are seed -transmitted. Viruses as a general rule are seed -transmitted only if the 
seed embryo is infec ted, although there are exceptions in the Tobamovirus genus. For seed -
transmitted viruses, the percentage of infected seedlings is often lower than the percentage of 
infested seeds.  
5.  Viroids  
Seed transmission has been demonstrated for many but not all  viroids.   
6.  Phytoplasmas and Spiroplasmas   
There is no substantial evidence of seed transmission for phytoplasmas and spiroplasmas under 
natural conditions.  
7.  Nematodes   
The majority of plant -parasitic nematode species are recorded as internal or external root 
parasites; however, some species of  nematodes are known to attack above -ground plant parts, 
including seeds (e.g. Ditylenchus dipsaci , Anguina tritici  and Anguina agrostis ). Nematodes 
identified as seed -transmitted pests generally are species that are known to be endoparasites 
(internal fee ders). Some species that are ectoparasites (external feeders) have dormant stages in  
19 
 seeds, plant debris and soil (e.g. Aphelenchoides besseyi ) or become endoparasitic, invading 
inflorescenses and developing seeds (e.g. A. tritici ).  
8.  Plants as Pests  
Seeds of plants as pests (e.g. weeds, parasitic plants) may be introduced into a country as 
contaminating pests in seed lots.   
      
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
20 
  
 
 
This appendix is for reference purposes only and is not a prescriptive part of the standard   
  
APPENDIX  3: Bibliography  
The references included in this appendix are generally recognized as authoritative. The list is 
neither comprehensive nor static.   
1.  Seeds as Pathways and Seed -borne and Seed -transmitted Dise ases  
Agarwal, V.K. & Sinclair, J.B.  1996. Principles of seed pathology , 2nd edn. Boca Raton, FL, 
CRC Press. 560 pp.  
Bertaccini, A., Duduk, B., Paltrinieri, S. & Contaldo, N.  2014. Phytoplasmas and 
phytoplasma diseases: A severe threat to agriculture. American Journal of Plant Sciences , 5(12): 
1763 –1788.  
Cram, M.M. & Fraedrich, S.W. 2009. Seed diseases and seedborne pathogens of North 
America (forest trees). Tree Planter’s No tes, 53(2): 35 –44.   
ISF (International Seed Federation). n.d. ISF Regulated Pest List Database. Nyon, Switzerland, 
ISF.  
Available at http://pestlist.worldseed.org/isf/pest_lists_db.h tml (last accessed 23 September 
2016).   
Johansen, E., Edwards, M.C. & Hampton, R.O. 1994. Seed transmission of viruses: Current 
perspectives. Annual Review of Phytopathology , 32: 363 –386.   
Mink, G.I. 1993. Pollen - and seed -transmitted viruses and viroids. Annual Review of 
Phytopathology , 31: 375 –402.  
Sastry, K.S.  2013. Seed -borne plant virus diseases.  New Delhi, Springer. 328 pp.  
2.  Seed Testing and Sampling Protocols  
Agarwal, P.C. , Mortensen, C.N. & Mathur, S.B.  1989. Seed -borne diseases and seed health 
testing of rice.  Copenhagen, Danish Government Institute of Seed Pathology for Developing 
Countries and Kew, UK, CAB International Mycological Institute.   
Albrechtsen, S.E . 2006. Testing methods for seed -transmitted viruses: Principles and 
protocols.  Wallingford, UK, CABI Publishing. 268 pp.  
Chahal, S.S., Thakur, R.P. & Mathur, S.B.  1994. Seed -borne diseases and seed health testing 
of pearl millet.  Copenhagen, Danish Government Institute of Seed Pathology for Developing 
Countries.    
21 
 EPPO  (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization). n.d. Diagnostic protocols 
for regulated pests.  Paris, EPPO. Available at http://archives.eppo.int/EPPOStandards/  
diagnostics.htm  (last accessed 23 November 2016).   
ISHI -Veg (International Seed Health Initiative for Vegetable Crops). n.d. The ISHI -Veg 
Manual.  Nyon, Switzerland, International Seed Federation (ISF). Avai lable at 
http://www.worldseed.org/isf/ishi_vegetable.html  (last accessed 23 November 2016).   
ISTA  (International Seed T esting Association). 2016. International rules for seed testing : ISTA 
Rules 2016 Introduction and Chapters 1, 2 and 7, and information on how to access other 
chapters .  
Bassersdorf, Switzerland, ISTA. Available at http://seedtest.org/en/ista -rules -for-2016 -
_content --1--1449 --956.html  (last accessed 23 November 2016).   
ISTA  (International Seed Testing Association). 2016. International rules for seed testing 2016.  
Chapter 7: Seed health testing. Bassersdorf, Switzerland, ISTA. Available at 
http://www.seedtest.org/upload/cms/user/ISTA_Rules_2016_07_seed_health.pdf  (last accessed 
23 November 2016).  
Mathur, S.B. & Cunfer, B.M.,  eds. 1993. Seed -borne diseases and seed health testing of wheat.  
Copenhagen, Danish Government Inst itute of Seed Pathology for Developing Countries.   
NSHS  (National Seed Health System). n.d. Web page with links to information on diagnostic 
protocols for seed health testing.  Ames, IA, USDA -APHIS and Iowa State University Seed 
Science Center. Available a t http://www.seedhealth.org/methods -procedures  (last accessed 23 
November 2016).   
Palacio -Bielsa, A., Cambra, M.A. & López, M.M . 2009. PCR detection and identification of 
plantpathogenic bacteria: Updated review of protocols (1989 –2007). Journal of Plant 
Pathology , 91(2): 249 –297.   
3.  Tree Seeds   
Burgess, T. & Wingfield, M.J. 2002. Quarantine is important in restricting the spre ad of exotic 
seedborne tree pathogens in the southern hemisphere. International Forestry Review , 4(1): 56 –
65.  
Mittal, R.K., Anderson, R.L. & Mathur, S.B. 1990. Microorganisms associated with tree 
seeds: World Checklist 1990.  Information Report PI -X-96. Ch alk River, Ontario, Petawawa 
National Forestry Institute, Forestry Canada. 70 pp. (in French). Available at 
http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications?id=10573  (last accessed 23 November 2016).  
Motta, E., Annesi, T. & Balmas, V. 1996. Seedborne fungi in Norway spruce: Testing methods 
and pathogen control by seed dressing. European Journal of Forest Pathology , 26(6): 307 –314.  
Neergard, P . 1977. Seed pathology , vol. I and vol. II. London, Macmillan. 1187 pp.   
22 
 Rees, A.A. & Phillips, D.H. 1986. Detection, presence and control of seed -borne pests and 
diseases of trees with special reference to seeds of tropical and sub -tropical pines.  Technical 
Note No. 28. Humlebaek, Denmark, Danida Forest Seed Centre.  
Richardson, M.J. 1990. An annotated list of seed -borne diseases , 4th edn. Bassersdorf, 
Switzerland, International Seed Testing Association.    
Schmidt, L. 2000. Guide to handling of tro pical and subtropical forest seed . Humlebaek, 
Denmark, Danida Forest Seed Centre.  
Sutherland, J.R., Diekmann, M. & Berjak, P.,  eds. 2002. Forest tree seed health for 
germplasm conservation.  IPGRI Technical Bulletin No. 6. Rome, International Plant Genetic  
Resources Institute (IPGRI). 85 pp. Available at http://www.bioversityinternational.org/e - 
library/publications/detail/forest -tree-seed-health -for-germplasm -conservation/  (last accessed 
18 November 2016).  
Willan, R.L. 1987. A guide to forest seed handling.  FAO Forestry Paper 20/2. Rome, Food and 
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.  
4.  Resistant Plant Varieties    
ISF (International Seed Federation). n.d. Diseases and resistance. Nyon, Switzerland, ISF. 
Available at http://www.worldseed.org/our -work/plant -health/overview/  (last accessed 23 
November 2016).   
5.  Other   
NSHS  (National Seed Health System). n.d. Home page. Ames, IA, USDA -APHIS and Iowa 
State University Seed Science Center. Available a t https://www.seeds.iastate.edu/national -seed-
health system  (last accessed 23 November 2016).   
OECD  (Organisation for Economic Co -operation and Development). OECD seed schemes: 
rules and regulations. Paris, OECD. Available at http://www.oecd.org/ tad/code/  
oecdseedschemesrulesandregulations.htm  (last accessed 23 November 2016 ). 
   
23 
 Dominica Bureau of Standards  
 
Dominica Bureau of Standards is a statutory body established under the Standards Act No. 4 of 
1999 to establish, promote and maintain Standards for:  
a. Improving goods and services produced or used in Dominica;  
b. Processes and practices for ensuring industrial efficiency and development;  
c. Public and industrial welfare, health and safety;  
d. Safeguarding the environment.  
 
The National Standard Council  
 
The National Standard Council (NSC), a fourteen (14) member Council representing various 
interest groups, is appointed by the Minister responsible for the Dominica Bureau of Standards 
yearly, to guide the policy decision mat ters of the Bureau and oversee its financial management. 
The Council is also responsible for the general administrative affairs of the Dominica Bureau of 
Standards.