DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEW FINAL DRAFT UGANDA 
STANDARD  
  FDUS EAS 821 
First  Edition  
2015-mm-dd 
 
 Reference number  
FDUS EAS 821: 2014 
© UNBS 201 5 
  
Maize seed  — Requirements for certification  
 DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEWFDUS EAS 821: 2014 
ii                © UNBS  2015 - All rights reserved 
 Compliance with this standard does not, of itself confer immunity from legal obligations  
A Uganda Standard does not purport to include all necessary provisions of a contract. Users are 
responsible for its correct application  
© UNBS 2015 
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any 
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without prior written 
permission from UNBS. 
Requests for permission to reproduce this document should be addressed to 
The Executive Director 
Uganda National Bureau of Standards 
P.O. Box 6329 
Kampala 
Uganda 
Tel: 256 41 505 995 
Fax: 256 41 286 123 
E-mail: unbs@infocom.co.ug  
Web: www.unbs.go.ug  
 DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEWFDUS EAS 821: 2014 
© UNBS  2015 - All rights reserved                iii National foreword 
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a parastatal under the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and 
Industry established under Cap 3 27, of the Laws of Uganda. UNBS is mandated to co-ordinate the elaboration 
of standards and is  
(a) a member of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and  
(b) a contact point for the WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission on Food Standards, and  
(c) the National Enquiry Point on TBT/SPS Agreements of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). 
The work of preparing Uganda Standards is carried out through Technical Committees. A Technical 
Committee is established to deliberate on standards in a given field or area and consists of representatives of 
consumers, traders, academicians, manufacturers, government and other stakeholders. 
Draft Uganda Standards adopted by the Technical Committee are widely circulated to stakeholders and the 
general public for comments. The committee reviews the comments before recommending the draft standards 
for approval and declaration as Uganda Standards by the National Standards Council. 
This Final Draft Uganda Standard, FDUS EAS 821: 2014 , Maize seed — Requirements for certification , is 
identical with  and has been reproduced from an East African  Standard , EAS 821: 2014, Maize seed — 
Requirements for certification , and adopted  as a Uganda Standard.  
Wherever the words, “ East African Standard" appear, they should be replaced by "Uganda Standard." 
 
  DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEW FDEAS 821: 2014 
ICS nn.nnn.nn  
© FDEAS 2014                                                                                                                         First Edition 2014 
 
FINAL DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD 
 
Maize seed  — Requirements for certification 
EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY  DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEWFDEAS 821: 2014 
ii © EAC 2014  – 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 prior 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 2014 — All rights reserved 
East African Community  
P.O.Box 1096 
Arusha 
Tanzania 
Tel: 255 27 2504253/8 
Fax: 255 27 2504481/2504255 
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. 
 DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEWFDEAS 821: 2014 
© EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  iii 
 Contents Page 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................... 1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ............................................................  1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ...........................................................  1 
4 General requirements  ................................ ................................ ...........................................................  5 
5 Seed Classes:  ................................................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 6 
6 Field standards  ................................ ................................................................ ................................ ...... 6 
7 Field Inspection  ................................ ................................................................ ................................ ..... 8 
8 Seed sampling and laboratory standards  ................................ ...........................................................  9 
9 Certificates  ................................................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 10 
10 Treatment, Packaging and Labelling  ................................................................ ................................ . 10 
11 Post -control tests  ................................ ................................................................ ................................  11 
 DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEWFDEAS 821: 2014 
iv © EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  
 Foreword 
Development of the East African Standards 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.  
In order to achieve this objective, the Community established an East African Standards Committee mandated 
to develop and issue East African Standards.   
The Committee is composed of representatives of the National Standards Bodies in Partner States, together 
with the representatives from the private sectors and consumer organizations. Draft East African Standards 
are circulated to stakeholders through the National Standards Bodies in the Partner States. The comments 
received are discussed and incorporated before finalization of standards, in accordance with the procedures 
of the Community. 
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 .  
FDEAS  821 was prepared by Technical Committee EASC/TC/012,  Seeds and propagation material.  
 DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEWFINAL DRAFT EAST AFRICAN STANDARD  FDEAS 821 :2014  
 
© EAC 2014 – All rights reserved                 1 
 Maize seed  — Requirements for certification 
1 Scope 
This Final Draft East African Standard specifies the certification requirements for the production of pre-basic, 
basic and certified seed of maize ( Zea mays  L.). It includes requirements for eligible varieties,  field standards, 
field inspections, seed sampling, laboratory standard s, certificates, packaging and labe lling and post -control  
tests .  
2 Normative references 
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced 
document (including any amendments) applies. 
International Seed Testing Association 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 International Trade 
UPOV Test guidelines for maize 
3 Terms and definitions 
For the purposes of this standard, the terms and definitions given in ISTA, UPOV and OECD and the following 
shall apply. 
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 
whose existence is a matter of common knowledge at the time of filing the application for registration. 
3.3 
double cross hybrid  
first generation of a cross between two single-cross hybrids 
3.4 
field 
defined and identifiable area of land or facility that is used to produce a seed crop under the Seed Certification 
Scheme 
3.5 
field inspection 
inspection of a field and or seed crop, by an inspector to confirm that the minimum requirements for s eed 
certification have been satisfied DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEW 
2 © EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  
 3.6 
field number 
number assigned to the field when the application form for certification is submitted 
3.7 
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 furthe r into a satisfactory plant under favourable conditions in the field 
3.8 
grower 
person or entity registered to produce seed   
3.9 
hybrid variety 
type of variety produced by the controlled crossing of parent lines in a way prescribed by the breeder or 
maintainer  
3.10 
inbred line   
uniform and stable line obtained by self-fertilization for several successive generations and used in the 
production of a hybrid variety  
3.11 
inert matter 
seed units and all other matter and structures not defined as pure seed or o ther seeds 
3.12 
isolation 
minimum distance or time between two crops of maize that is required to prevent contamination either 
mechanically or by cross pollination 
3.13 
inspector 
authorized official or accredited entity responsible for carrying out seed certification activities   
3.14 
international seed testing association (ISTA) rules  
rules for seed testing published by the International Seed Testing Association 
3.15 
label 
tag or other device that is attached to, 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 
law 
3.16 
previous cropping  
minimum period (seasons or years) that must elapse between the production 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  
3.17 
maintainer 
person or organisation responsible for the production or maintenance of a bred variety included in a national 
list of varieties eligible for certification, and ensures 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  DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEW 
© EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  3 
 3.18 
national seed certification authority 
national authority responsible for conducting seed certification processes 
3.19 
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 genetic contamination 
3.20 
off-type 
plant of the same species which does not exhibit the recognised and accepted habit and characteristics of the 
variety being grown 
3.21 
other seeds 
seeds of any plant species other than that of the crop sample that is being tested. They consist of weed seeds 
and other crop seeds. 
3.22 
open pollinated variety (OPV)   
variety that is normally produced by natural (un-controlled) pollination  
3.23 
parental material 
population or lines used by a breeder to maintain a variety  
3.24 
person 
natural person or legal entity   
3.25 
post-control plot 
small plot where a representative sample of a seed lot is grown to determine the identity and purity of the 
variety to confirm that the seed certification system is operating satisfactorily  
3.26 
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  
3.27 
variety registration  
recording of a new variety in a national variety list/catalogue when it has been tested and satisfied the 
requirements for distinctness, uniformity, stability, and has value for cultivation and use 
3.28 
rogueing 
removal by hand of off-types, other varieties, and diseased or any other unwante d plants from a seed crop if 
they may reduce the quality of the harvested crop 
3.29 
seed certification 
process by which the quality and identity of a seed lot is assured to the purchaser by attaching an official 
certification label to the package DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEW 
4 © EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  
 3.30 
seed  lot 
defined quantity of seed bearing the same reference number and for which the origin, production history and 
identity is known 
3.31 
single cross hybrid  
first generation of seed resulting from a cross between two inbred lines 
3.32 
stability 
condition o f a variety distinguishing characteristics to remain unchanged after repeated  growing cycles 
3.33 
three-way cross hybrid  
first generation of seed resulting from a cross between an inbred line and a single cross hybrid  
3.34 
top-cross hybrid  
first generation of a cross between an inbred line or a single cross hybrid and an open-pollinated variety or 
synthetic variety  
3.35 
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 
characteristics when reproduced by the normal means for the crop and variety 
3.36 
variety list/catalogue 
list of varieties that have been registered by a national authority and can be produced and marketed as 
certified seed 
3.37 
uniformity 
variety is deemed to be uniform if, subject to the variation that may be expected from the particular features of 
its propagation, it is sufficiently uniform in its relevant characteristics  
3.38 
synthetic variety  
variety which is produced by crossing in all combination a number of inbred lines that combines well with each 
other. Once synthesized is maintained by open pollination in isolation. 
3.39 
carryover seed 
seed produced in previous season and stored for   one or more cropping seasons 
3.40 
breeder seed  
original parental material produced by the breeder and which is multiplied through one or more generations to 
produce pre-basic seed  
3.41 
pre-basic seed 
seed that is derived from breeder seed and is used to produce basic seed through one cycle of multiplication DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEW 
© EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  5 
 3.42 
basic seed  
seed that has been produced from breeder or pre-basic seed under the responsibility of the breeder and is 
used for the production of certified seed 
3.43 
certified seed 
seed that is produced from basic seed through one or two generations of multiplication 
3.43.1  
certified seed, 1st generation 
first generation of seed derived from basic seed 
3.43.2  
certified seed, 2nd generation 
certified seed 1st generation which is multiplied once 
4 Symbols (and abbreviated terms) 
 DUS:  Distinctness, Uniformity 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 
5 General requirements  
5.1 Eligible varieties 
5.1.1 Key parameters required to implement this standard are the variety descriptors, the genetic purity of 
the seed sown, the field and laboratory standards and the post-control tests. 
5.1.2 Varieties eligible for seed certification shall be those that have been examined , tested and registered 
in at least one member country of EAC and are included in the national variety list/catalogue of that country . 
The country adopting the variety shall test it for at least one season. 
5.1.3 Examination of a candidate variety for registration shall be undertaken in accordance with the 
characters listed in Annex A.  The official descriptor of the variety shall be made available for the national 
seed certification authority and its inspectors to check the identity and purity of the variety during field 
inspections. 
5.1.4 Each national seed certification authority shall keep the official descriptor of the varieties it has 
registered in hard and electronic copies and these shall be made available within EAC on request .  
5.2 Inspection and laboratory testing 
5.2.1  The minimum information for an application for certification of a seed crop shall include following :  
a) name, address and contact details of the applicant;  
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 seasons ;  DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEW 
6 © EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  
 e) class of seed to be produced; and  
f) registration number of the grower.  
5.2.2 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 traceability of quality, genetic identity and 
purity of the seed harvested. 
5.2.3  The inspection of seed crops shall be done in accordance with OECD Seed Schemes: Guidelines for 
Control Plot Tests and Field Inspection of Seed Crops. If the field is found to be in conformity with the 
standards stated in Table 1 or Table 2 and is approved, the harvested seed shall be identified, transported, 
stored, and processed. 
5.2.4  The seed lot shall be sampled and tested in an official or authorized laboratory. The sampling and 
testing of seed lots shall be done in accordance with the relevant procedures described in the ISTA rules  
5.2.5  A s eed lot that conforms to the standards set out in Table 3 or Table 4 shall be given a seed test 
certificate and a unique reference number to confirm its status under the certification scheme. One part of the 
seed sample shall be retained for sowing in a post-control plot in the next season, or earlier if that can be 
achieved using irrigation. 
6 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 s eed: 
 1st generation; and 
 2nd generation. 
7 Field requirements 
7.1 Pre basic and basic seed shall be produced under the responsibility of the breeder or maintainer.  
7.2 Certified seed shall be produced in not more than two generations for OPVs and one generation for 
hybrids .   
7.3 The national seed certification authority sha ll inspect and certify the production of pre-basic, basic and 
certified seed crops.  
7.4 A field producing a seed crop of open-pollinated maize varieties shall be approved for certification if it 
complies with the requirements in Table 1. 
7.5 A field producing a seed crop of hybrid maize shall be approved for certification if it complies with the 
requirements in Table 2.  
7.6 Fields may be rejected for certification because of unsatisfactory conditions 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 or the control of pollination in the crop. DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEW 
© EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  7 
 Table 1 — Field standards for seed crops of open -pollinated varieties of maize  
S.No  Variable  Pre-basic seed  Basic seed Certified seed 
i Previous cropping (seasons 
before)1), min. 1 1  1 
ii Isolation2), m, min.  400 400  200 
iii Off-types, % , max . 0.1 0.1 1st generation  0.5 
2nd generation  1 
v Maximum number of plants 
infected with  h ead smut 
(Sphacelotheca reiliana )  - at 
final inspection  0 0 0 
vi Maximum number of plants 
infected with  c ommon smut 
(Ustilago zeae  ) – at final 
inspection  0 0 0 
vii Maximum number of plants 
infected with  loose smut   
(Ustilago maydis ) 0 0 0 
viii Maize chlorotic mottle virus 
disease  0 0 0 
ix Maize lethal necrotic disease  0 0 0 
1) If the field has been infested with smut then, the previous cropping shall be two seasons.    
2) In addition to th e isolation distance, at least four barrier  rows shall be put in place . 
NOTE Isolation by time may be possible if minimum time enough to separate the flowering phase of 
two varieties or class  of a crop species is observed . 
 
Table 2 — Field standards for seed crops of hybrid maize  
S.No  Variable  Pre-basic seed  Basic seed Certified seed 
i Previous cropping (seasons 
before)1), min.  1 1 1 
ii Isolation2), m, min.  400 400 200 
iii Off-types , %, max.  0.1 0.1 0.2 
iv Maximum 
number of 
female plants  
that have  
shed  or are 
shedding  
pollen, %  From a single 
inspection  0.5 0.5 1 
From all 
inspections  1 1 2 
v Minimum number of 
Inspections  3 3 3 
vi Maximum  number of plants 
infected with h ead smut 
(Sphacelotheca reiliana ) - at 
final inspection  0 0 0 
vii Maximum numbe r of plants 
infected with c ommon smut 
(Ustilago zeae  ) – at final 
inspection  0 0 0 DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEW 
8 © EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  
 S.No  Variable  Pre-basic seed  Basic seed Certified seed 
viii Maximum number of plants 
infected with loose smut  
(Ustilago maydis)  0 0 0 
ix Maize lethal necrotic disease  0 0 0 
x Maize chlorotic mottle virus 
disease  0 0 0 
1) If the field has been infested with smut then, the previous cropping shall be two seasons.  
2) In addition to the isolation distance, at least four barr ier rows shall be put in place.  
NOTE  Isolation by time may be possible if minimum time enough to separate t he flowering phase of two 
varieties or grade of a crop species is observed  
 
8 Field inspection 
8.1 The national seed certification authority shall prepare the inspections’ schedule for the inspectors, 
based on all necessary information on the field, to ensure that the timing of inspections allows the standards in 
Table 1 or Table 2 to be properly assessed.  
8.2 The inspector shall inspect the field in accordance with OECD Seed Schemes: Guidelines for Control 
Plot Tests and Field Inspection of Seed Crops and shall check for isolation requirements, off types, the 
presence of noxious weeds and diseases. 
8.3 A minimum of three inspections shall be d one for each seed production field to confirm if the field 
standards specified in Table 1 or Table 2 are met.  
8.4 In crops producing hybrid varieties, the first inspection shall be done when 1 % of the females are at the 
silk stage. The second inspection shall be done five to seven days thereafter while the third shall be done 
when most silks are dry (non-receptive) and the fourth inspection shall be done at maturity. 
8.5 In a crop producing hybrid seed, the inspector shall check the identity of the parental lines following the 
official descriptors. For fields producing certified seed of hybrid varieties, a minimum of three inspections is 
required when the silks of the female parent are receptive and there is sufficient pollen from the male parent 
plants. 
8.6 For open pollinated varieties (OPV), a minimum of three field inspections shall be done shortly before 
pollen sheds, during flowering and before harvest. 
8.7 At the time of the first inspection, the 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.  
8.8 Depending on the degree of contamination, the inspector may give instructions for off-types and 
diseased plants to be rogu ed so as to maintain the genetic purity.  
In crops producing hybrid seed, rogueing is accepted as an option for ensuring varietal purity but plants shall 
be removed before pollen shedding begins. In the case of hybrids produced by male sterility, the inspector 
shall confirm that there are no male fertile plants in the female rows. 
In case of noxious weeds found in the field, the grower shall be instructed to remove the weeds before 
harvesting.  
8.9 The field inspection report shall indicate the field status and comments for any corrective actions 
required such as re-inspection to confirm the field standards. All field inspection reports shall be provided to 
the grower and the seed enterprise after each inspection in a timely manner. The field inspection report in 
Annex B shall be signed by both the inspector and the grower or the grower’s  representative. DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEW 
© EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  9 
 8.10 At final inspection, seed from approved fields shall be securely packed in containers, and having been 
cleared, shall be identifiable by grower number, field crop number, packing unit, variety name and status, prior 
to leaving the field.   
9 Seed sampling and laboratory standards 
9.1 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 lot number for the purpose of tracking and sampling .  
9.2 The maximum size of a seed lot for certification purposes is 4 0 000 kg; lots larger than this shall be 
divided and given separate lot numbers.  
9.3 An inspector shall draw a representative composite sample from each lot according to the ISTA Rules 
(Chapter 2).  
9.4 The composite 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 test.  The 
samples shall be labelled, securely sealed and shall be stored in cool and dry conditions to prevent 
contamination and loss of germination.   
9.5 Laboratories authorized by the national seed certification authority to conduct seed testing for 
certification shall follow the methodology established in the ISTA rules for maize seed. Additional testing 
methods can be used for varietal identity and purity such as Iso-enzymes and ultrathin-layer Iso-electric 
focusing, as described in the ISTA rules.  
9.6 The seed lots shall comply with the laboratory standards specified in Table 3 or Table 4.  
9.7 The seed laboratory test report shall be issued in accordance with Annex C .  
Table 3 — Laboratory standards for seed lots of open-pollinated varieties of maize   
S.No  Variable  Pre-basic seed  Basic seed Certified  seed  
i Pure seed , %, min. 99 99 99 
ii Inert matter , % by weight , max . 0.95 0.95 0.95 
iii Other crop seeds , %, max . 0.05 0.05 0.05 
iv Germination , %, min . 90 90 90 
v Moisture content , %, max . 13 13 13 
vi Weed seeds , per kg , max . 0 0 0 
NOTE  Moisture content is expressed as a percentage of the fresh weight of the original sample.  
 
Table 4 — Laboratory standards for seed lots of hybrid varieties of maize 
S.No  Variable  Pre-basic seed Basic seed Certified seed 
i Pure seed, %, min . 99 99 99 
ii Inert matter, % by weight, max . 0.95 0.95 0.95 
iii Other  crop seeds ,  %, max . 0.05 0.05 0.05 
iv Germination, %, min . 90 90 90 
v Moisture content, %, max . 13 13 13 
vi Weed seeds, per kg , max . 0 0 0 
NOTE Moisture content is expressed as a percentage of the weight of the original sample.  DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEW 
10 © EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  
 10 Certificates 
10.1 The seed test certificate for a seed lot shall be signed and issued by the national seed certification 
authority and shall include all the information specified in Annex D. This certificate shall be valid for a period 
not exceeding twelve months. 
10.2 Carryover seed shall be re-sampled and retested for germination.  If the test result complies with the 
minimum standards, a new test certificate shall be issued for the seed lot, which cancels the previously issued 
certificate, and shall include the certificate number of the cancelled certificate. 
11 Packaging and labelling 
11.1 All classes of seed that have been certified shall be packaged in new containers which shall be mark ed 
with the company name and crop species and shall have the official label of the national seed certification 
authority . 
11.2 The labels for each class are identified by the following colours: 
 Pre-basic seed:    violet band on white 
 Basic seed:     white 
 Certified seed 1st generation: blue 
 Certified seed 2nd generation: red 
11.3 If seeds are treated with any chemical or product harmful for human or animal consumption, the 
container shall carry a label stating th e chemical or product used and warning of the health risks. 
11.4. The labels shall be prominent, indelible, legible and fixed to the containers by an authorized person in 
such a way that they cannot be destroyed or easily removed. The language on the label shall be English and 
any other additional language may be used. The following information shall be included on the official labels: 
a) front of label: 
 name of the crop, “ Maize seed” ; 
 species (Latin name); 
 variety denomination; 
 seed lot number; 
 seed test certificate number;  
 date of test; 
 date of sealing; 
 net weight; and 
 seed treatment declaration (if applicable); 
b) back of label: 
 logo of the national seed certification authority; DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEW 
© EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  11 
  name and address of national seed certification authority; 
 seed class;  
 year of production; 
 country of production; and 
 statement of re-packing and re-labelling (if applicable). 
11.5 All containers shall be closed either by hand or machine stitching and shall be sealed in such a way that 
if they are opened illegally, that violation can be detected.  
11.6 Repackaging and relabeling are authorized in the 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) blending 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 blended lots and their proportions shall be kept by the 
certifying authority for traceability. 
12 Post-control tests 
The post-control tests shall be carried out in accordance with OECD Schemes for Varietal Certification or the 
Control of Seed Moving in International Trade. DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEW 
12 © EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  
 Annex A 
(normative)  
 
Characteristics for assessing varietal identity and purity when carrying 
out inspection of a maize seed crop  
Stage of examination  Character number¹) Charac ter description  
PRIMARY  
Anthesis  7* Tassel: time of anthesis  
 8* Tassel: time of anthesis  
 9* Tassel: anthocyanin coloration of glumes 
excluding base  
 10* Tassel: anthocyanin color of anthers  
 14 Tassel: number of primary lateral branches  
 15* Ear: time of silk emergence  
 16 Ear: anthocyanin coloration of glumes of cob  
 17 Ear: intensity of anthocyanin coloration of 
silks 
 
Medium milk  22.1*  Inbred lines only: Plant: length  
 22.2*  Hybrids and open pollinated varieties only: 
Plant:  
 
Ripening  26* Ear: length  
 30* Ear: type of grain  
 31 Ear: color of top of grain  
 32 Ear: color of dorsal side of grain  
 33 Ear: anthocyanin coloration of glumes of cob  
 34 Ear: intensity of anthocyanin coloration of 
glumes of cob  
SECONDARY  
Anthesis  3* Leaf: ang le between blade and stem  
 4* Leaf: attitude of blade  
 6 Stem: anthocyanin coloration of brace roots  
 11* Tassel: density of spikelets  
 12* Tassel: angle between main axis and lateral 
branches  
 13* Tassel: attitude of lateral branches  
 18* Leaf: anth ocyanin coloration of sheath  
 
Ripening  20 Tassel: length of main axis above upper side 
branch  
 28 Ear: shape  
 29 Ear: number of rows of grain  
1) Please refer to the UPOV Guidelines for the Conduct of Tests for Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability Do c No. 
TG/2/6 +Corr. (24.11.1999) for explanation and method of examination  
NOTE  Where the OECD character description differs from the UPOV character, it is indicated by * against 
the relevant character number.  
 DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEW 
© EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  13 
 Annex B 
(normative)  
 
Field inspection report 
Reference number …………………..    Date of the report ………………………..  
Applicant         Contract grower 
Name …………………………………….    Name ………………………………………  
Address…………………………………. .   Address ……………………………………  
Telephone: ………………………………    Telephone:…………………………………  
E-mail……………………………………..   E-mail: ………………………………………  
Registration number…………………… .   
Field location 
Province/ Region………………………………………………………… .… 
District………………………………………………………………………..  
Sector/Ward/ Village ………………………………………………… .……. 
GPS co ordinates……………………………………………………………  
Field number………………………………………………………..……….  
Field inspection number…………………………………………..………..  
Field size (Ha/ac re) …………………………………………….……….....  
Cropping year/Season ……………………………………….…………….  
Crop species ………………………………………….……………………..  
Seed class ………………………….………………….…………………….  
Variety denomin ation……………………………………………….……….  
Previous cropping………………………………………….………………..  
 
Variable  Inspection number  Observations/results  Comments/ remarks  
Isolation, m     
Off types     
Noxious weeds     
Insect pests and diseases     
Other crops     
Others (specify)     
General conditions of crop (for example , drought, crop husbandry, etc.)  
 
 
 
 DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEW 
14 © EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  
  
Comments/Remarks on performance and management of the crop  
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………  
Observations 
The field is/is not meeting field requirements. 
Reasons:  
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………  
 
Recommendations 
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………  
 
Applicant signature & date   …………………………………………………………………  
Contract seed grower signature & date   …………………………………………………....................  
 
Name of authorized Inspector   ………………………………………………………………..  
Authorized Inspector ID card number  ………………………………………………………………..  
Signature & date    ………………………………………………………………..  
 
National seed certification authority ……………………………………………………………………..………..  
Signature & date…………………………………………………………………………………………..…………  
 DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEW 
© EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  15 
 Annex C  
(normative)  
 
Seed laboratory test report 
Name of applicant:  
Species, variety, cl ass, weight of lot:  
 
Testing and Issuing laboratory:  
 
Sampled  by: 
 
Test number:  
Country of origin:  
Label serial number:  
 
Seed Lot Reference Number:  
Number of containers  Date of sampling  Date sample 
received  Date test(s) 
concluded  Test number  
     
ANALYSIS RESULTS  
Species  
Purity  Germination  Moisture 
content,  
% Pure  
seed 
 
% Inert 
matter, 
% Other 
crop 
seeds  
% Weed 
seeds , 
per kg  Number 
of days  Normal 
seedling
s, 
% Hard  
seeds , 
% Fresh  
seeds , 
% Abnormal  
seedlings , 
% Dead  
seeds, 
% 
           
REMAR KS  
Kind of inert matter:  
 
Other crop seeds:  
 
Weed seed:  
 
Other determinations:  
 
 
Place  Date  Signature  DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEW 
16 © EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  
 Annex D 
(normative) 
 
Seed test certificate 
This certificate is issued for a seed lot which has satisfied all the requirements of the certification sche me. 
Certificate  No. ………….  
APPLICANT INFORMATION  
Name:  
Address:  
Country of origin (if applicable):  
SEED LOT INFORMATION  
Seed Lot Reference 
Number  Species and 
variety  Class  Weight of lot  Number of 
containers  
     
SAMPLING AND TESTING INFORMATION  
Date of sampling  Sampled  by Date sample received  Date test(s) concluded  
    
Name of testing laboratory:  
Test number:  
ANALYSIS RESULTS  
Purity  Germination,  
% Moisture 
content,  
% Pure  
seed 
% Inert 
matter 
% Other 
crop 
seeds  
% Weed 
seeds  
Per kg  Normal  
seedli ngs Abnormal  
seedlings  
 Fresh  
seeds  Hard  
seeds  Dead  
seeds  
          
REMARKS  
Kind of inert matter:  
 
Kind of o ther crop seeds:  
 
Kind of w eed seed s: 
 
Other determinations:  DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEW 
© EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  17 
 Previously issued certificate number (if applicable):  ……………………………………………………  
Statement of packaging and re-labelling: (if applicable): ……………………………………………………  
 
The seed lot described above is hereby accepted as per KS/US/TZS/RS/NB EAS 821. 
 
National Seed Certification Authority  
Signature  ………………………………………………………………….  
Place and Date ………………………………………………………………….  DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEW 
18 © EAC 2014  – All rights reserved  
 Bibliography 
[1] Kenya Gazette Supplement 217, Acts N 53, 2012, the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act. Nairobi Kenya. 
[2] Seed Regulations 2007 , Seed Act N18, 2003 Republic of Tanzania  
[3] Seeds and Plant Act of Uganda, 2006 
[4] Rwanda Seed Law # 14/2003. 
 [6] ASARECA, Seed Certification Standards for ten crops of the Major Economic Importance in EAST 
Africa and Rwanda. July 2007 Obongo Nyachae STAK. 
[7] Harmonization of Seed Policies and Regulations in Eastern Africa. ECAPAPA, ASARECA September 
2002.  
[8] Kenya Seed Sector Baseline Study, by Evans Olonyi Sikinyi, Seed Trade Association of Kenya, STAK, 
AFSTA 2010 
[9] Rwanda Seed Sector Baseline Study, AFSTA 2010 
[11] Uganda Seed Sector Baseline Study, Ruth N. Ssebuliba, Uganda Seed Trade Association (USTA). 
AFSTA 2010 
[12] Burundi Seed Sector Baseline Study, Mr. Juvent Baramburiye, AFSTA 2010 
[13] Principles of Seed Science and Technology. L.O.Copeland & M.B. McDonald. Second Edition 1985. 
[14] CABI, Crop Protection Compendium , 2013. 
[15] OECD Document TAD/CA/S/RD/2008/12/REV2, April 2009 
[16] UPOV Convention Act 1991 
 [19] IOWA CROP IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (ICIA), Certification Standards 2009. 
[20] Corn Inspector Training Manual, ICIA Ames Iowa 2009 
[21] Association of Official Seed Analysts  (AOSA) Cultivar Purity Testing Handbook . 
[22] the seeds and plant regulations for Uganda 2011”  
[23]  ISTA Handbook on Seedling Evaluation 
[24] OECD Seed Schemes; Rules and Regulations 2013;  
 DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD ON PUBLIC REVIEWFDEAS 821: 2014   
 
© EAC 2014  – All rights reserved