COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels, 11.12.1995 
COM(95) 622 final 
95/0302 (CNS) 
95/0303 (CNS) 
95/0304 (CNS) 
95/0305 (CNS) 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 
on the marketing of seed potatoes 
(consolidated version) 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 
on the marketing of beet seed 
(consolidated version) 
À Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 
on the marketing of seed of oil and fibre plants 
(consolidated version) 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 
on the marketing of fodder plant seed 
(consolidated version) 
(presented by the Commission) 
n 
I 

Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 
on the marketing of seed potatoes 
(consolidated version) 
S 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
1. When considering how Community law could be made simpler and more transparent, 
Parliament, the Commission and the Council found themselves confronted with an 
over-abundance of legislative instruments which had been amended several times, 
often substantially, and unanimously agreed on the need for a working method which 
would use legislative consolidation as a means of achieving greater clarity and trans­
parency. 
2. On 1 April 1987 the Commission therefore decided to instruct its staff that all legis­
lative measures should be consolidated after no more than ten amendments, stressing 
that this was a minimum requirement and that departments shoxild endeavour to con­
solidate at even shorter intervals the texts for which they were responsible, to ensure 
that the Community rules were clear and readily understandable. 
3. The conclusions of the Presidency of the Edinburgh European Council reaffirmed 
these points, stressing that "official codification is important because it provides legal 
security as to the law which is applicable at a certain moment concerning a specific 
issue." To ensure not only the quality and the legal security of the texts consolidated, 
it was also suggested that "a jointly acceptable accelerated working method should be 
sought allowing codified Community law (replacing existing legislation without chang­
ing its substance) to be adopted in a speedy and efficient way". 
4. The proposed consolidated version of Council Directive 66/403/EEC of 14 June 1966 
on aie marketing of seed potatoes forms part of a much larger programme of consolida­
tion of the provisions on seeds and propagating material for agriculture, horticulture 
and forestry. It has been drafted in accordance with the fundamental principles agreed 
by Council, Parliament and the Commission in 1974; it aims at legislative consolida­
tion: the existing Directives would be replaced by one new one, which would leave 
their substance untouched but would assemble them into a single text, with only the 
formal amendments required by the operation itself ^). This codified text will serve as 
the basis for future legislative developments in this field. 
5. Certain provisions of Directive 66/403/EEC refer to "EEC standards". 
The Treaty on European Union replaced the expression "European Economic Com­
munity" by "European Community" in the Treaty, the same should now be done in 
the above provisions. 
This may be regarded as a purely formal amendment, but the Member States must 
none the less transpose it into national legislation if firms are to use labels referring 
to the EC rather than the EEC Moreover, there could be a financial impact for these 
firms if they were required to begin using the new labels forthwith. 
For these reasons, arid since consolidating directives do not need to be transposed, the 
original provisions being presumed to have been transposed within the time allowed, 
it would not appear possible to incorporate this amendment in the consolidation pro­
posal as a purely formal adjustment 
The Commission will accordingly present a separate proposal for the amendment of 
Directive 66/403/EEC replacing "EEC" by "EC". 
This amendment and those already proposed to the Council will, following adoption, be 
incorporated in the consolidation proposal wliich should then be before the Council. 
6. This consolidation proposal was drawn up on the basis of a preliminary consolidation, 
in all the official languages, of Directive 66/403/EEC and the instruments amending it, 
carried out by the Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, by 
means of a data-processing system referred to in the conclusions of the European 
Council meeting at Edinburgh. Although the articles have been given new numbers, 
the former number is printed alongside in each case for the reader's convenience; the 
correlation between the old and new numbers is shown in a table contained in Annex 
V to the consolidated Directive. 
(1) Annex IV, part A of this proposal. 
SL 
Proposal for a 
Council Directive ~J~JEC 
on the marketing of seed potatoes 95/0302 (CNS) 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European 
Community, and in particular Article 43 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parlia-
ment^1); 
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and So 
cial Committee^2); 
1) Whereas Councfl Directive 66/403/EEC of 14 June 1966 
on the marketing of seed potatoes^3) has been frequently 
and substantially amended; whereas for reasons of clarity 
and rationality the said Directive should be consolidated; 
2) Whereas potato production occupies an important place 
in the agriculture of the Community, 
3) Whereas satisfartory results in potato cultivation depend 
to a large extent on the use of appropriate seed pota­
toes; whereas to this end certain Member States have 
for some time restricted the marketing of seed potatoes 
to high-quality seed potatoes; whereas they have been 
able to take advantage of the systematic plant selection 
work carried out over several decades which has resulted 
in the development of sufficiently stable and uniform po­
tato varieties which, by reason of their characteristics, 
promise to be of great value for the purposes in view, 
4) Whereas greater productivity will be achieved in Com­
munity potato cultivation if for the choice of the vari­
eties permitted to be marketed the Member States apply 
uniform rules which are as strict as possible, in particular 
as regards health status; whereas a common catalogue of 
varieties of agricultural plant species is therefore pro­
vided for in Councfl Directive 95/...7EC<4), 66/403/EEC 
71A62/EEC 
[70/457/EEC] 
(1) OJNoC — 
(2) OJNoC — 
(3) OJ No 125,11.7.1966, p. 2320/66; as last amended by Decision 
95/65/EC (OJ No L 56,14.3.1995, p. 18). 
(4) See page ... of this Official Journal. 
5) Whereas it is, however, justifiable to restrict marketing 
to certain varieties only if the user can be sure of actual­
ly obtaining seed potatoes of those varieties; 
6) Whereas certain Member States have for this purpose 
been applying certification schemes which are intended 
by official verification to ensure the identity and purity 
of the varieties and their health status; 
7) Whereas recommendations have been made within the 
framework of the Economic Commission for Europe 
concerning standardisation of the commercial quality of 
seed potatoes moving in international trade; whereas 
these recommendations relate in particular to the health 
of the progeny, whereas they may, consequently, consti­
tute one of the bases for a uniform Community certifica­
tion scheme; 
8) Whereas such a scheme should apply to marketing both 
in other Member States and on domestic markets; 
whereas Community rules should not apply to seed pota­
toes shown to be intended for export to third countries; 
9) Whereas, as a general rule, seed potatoes should be al­
lowed to be marketed only if they have been officially 
examined and certified, in accordance with the rules for 
certification, as basic seed potatoes or certified seed po­
tatoes; whereas the choice of the technical terms 'basic 
seed potatoes' and 'certified seed potatoes' is based on 
already existing international terminology; whereas it is 
appropriate however to amplify the provisional measures 
and to authorize the use of seed potatoes of stages prior 
to basic seed potatoes; 
10) Whereas Member States may subdivide the categories of 
seed potatoes into grades satisfying different require­
ments; whereas it seems appropriate to provide that 
Community grades and their requirements may be estab­
lished in an accelerated procedure; whereas in this re­
spect it should be left to Member States to decide the 
extent to which they apply these grades to their own 
production; 
11) Whereas, in the light of modem advances in propagation 
techniques, it is appropriate to lay down a Community 
procedure for the establishment of specific rules applica­
ble to the marketing of seed potatoes produced by tech­
niques mvorving micro-propagation; 
12) Whereas seed potatoes which are not placed on the mar­
ket should not, in view of their minor economic impor­
tance, be subject to Community rules; whereas Member 
States must retain the right to make such seed potatoes 
subject to special provisions; 7. 
+ 
10. 
9. 66/403/EEC 
69/62 /EEC 
79/967/EEC 
90/404/EEC 
66/403/EEC 
13) Whereas it is necessary to provide that bred seed of gen­
erations prior to basic seed and plants, which may be 
admitted for marketing in the different Member States, 
shall correspond to the requirements laid down by this 
Directive; 
14) Whereas, in order to improve not only the genetic value 
and health status of Community seed potatoes but also 
their external characters, provision should be made for 
tolerances in respect of impurities, blemishes and dis­
eases in seed potatoes; 
15) Whereas Member States may be authorized, in respect 
of the marketing of seed potatoes in all or part of their 
territories, to take more stringent measures than pro­
vided for in Annex I against particular virus diseases 
which do not exist in those regions or which appear par­
ticularly harmful to crops in those regions; whereas it 
has appeared that the scope of this provision should be 
extended to harmful organisms other than virus diseases; 
16) Whereas, in order to ensure the identity of the seed po­
tatoes, Community rules on packaging, sealing and mark­
ing must be established; whereas to this end the labels 
should give the particulars needed both for official verifi­
cation and for the information of the user and should 
clearly show the Community nature of the certification; 
17) Whereas, in order to ensure that both the requirements 
as to the quality of the seed potatoes and the provisions 
for ensuring their identity are complied with during mar­
keting, Member States must make provision for ap­
propriate control arrangements; 
18) Whereas seed potatoes satisfying these requirements 
should, without prejudice to Article 36 of the Treaty, be 
subject to no marketing restrictions other than those 
provided for in Community rules, except in those cases 
where Community rules provide for tolerances in respect 
of diseases, harmful organisms or their vectors; 
19) Whereas provision should be made for authorizing the 
marketing within the Community of seed potatoes har­
vested in third countries only if they afford the same 
assurances as seed potatoes officially certified within the 
Community and complying with Community rules; 
20) Whereas, during periods in which there are difficulties in 
obtaining supplies of certified seed potatoes of the vari­
ous categories, seed potatoes satisfying less stringent re­
quirements should temporarily be permitted to be mar­
keted; 11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 
16. 
17. 72/418/EEC 
(adapted) 
66/403/EEC 
89/366/EEC 
66/403/EEC 
21) Whereas, in order to ensure that seed potatoes certified 
in the Member States satisfy the requirements laid down 
and to enable comparisons to be made in the future be­
tween such seed potatoes and those œming from third 
countries, Community test fields should be established in 
Member States to permit annual post-control of the vari­
ous categories of certified seed potatoes; whereas the 
Member States should be authorized to prohibit the 
marketing of all or certain varieties of seed potatoes 
ccrming from other Member States if the comparative 
tests have given unsatisfactory results over a period of 
several years; 
22) Whereas for the exercise of implementation powers con­
ferred on the Commission, it seems appropriate that the 
Commission be assisted by the Standing Ckîmmittee on 
Seeds and Propagating Material for Agriculture, Horti­
culture and Forestry, according to the Management 
Committee procedure provided for in Article 2 (H) of 
Council Decision 87/373/EEC*1); 
23) Whereas this Directive must not affect the obligations of 
the Member States concerning the deadlines for trans­
position of the Directives set out in Annex IV, part B, 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: 18. 
19. (adapted) 
(1) OJ No L197,18.7.1987, p. 33. 
Article 1 
This Directive shall apply to seed potatoes marketed with­
in the Community. 
It shall not apply to seed potatoes shown to be intended 
for export to third countries. 
Article 2 
1» For the purposes of this Directive, 
A. 'Basic seed potatoes' means potato tubers 
(a) which have been produced according to accepted 
practices for the maintenance of the variety and 
of health; 
(b) which are intended mainly for the production of 
certified seed potatoes; 
(c) which satisfy the minimum conditions laid down 
in Annexes I and II for basic seed potatoes; and 
(d) which have been found by official examination to 
satisfy the minimum conditions laid down above; 
B. 'Certified seed potatoes' means potato tubers 66/403/EEC 
Article 17 
69/62/EECArt.2(l) 
(a) which has been produced directly from basic 
seed or, if the breeder so requests, from seed of 
a generation prior to basic seed which can satisfy 
and has been found by official examination to 
satisfy the conditions laid down in Annexes I and 
II for basic seed; 69/62/EECArt.2(2) 
Corrigendum, English Special Edition, p. 30 
(b) which are intended mainly for the production of 
potatoes other than seed potatoes; 
(c) which satisfy the minimum conditions laid down 
in Annexes I and II for certified seed potatoes; 
and 
(d) which have been found by official examination to 
satisfy the abovementioned minirmrm conditions; 
C 'Official measures' means measures taken 
(a) by State authorities, or 
(b) by any legal person whether governed by public 
or by private law, acting under the responsibility 
of the State, or 
(c) in the case of ancillary activities which are also 
subject to State control, by any natural person 
duly sworn for that purpose, 
provided that the persons mentioned under (b) and 
(c) derive no private gain from such measures. 66/403/EEC 
2. Member States, during a transitional period of not 
more than two years after the entry into force of the laws, 
regulations or administrative provisions necessary to com­
ply with this Directive, and by way of derogation from 
point B of paragraph 1, may certify as certified seed pota­
toes, seed potatoes produced directly from seed potatoes 
officially controlled in a Member State under the scheme 
in operation at that time and which afford the same assur­
ances as seed potatoes certified as 'basic seed potatoes' or 
'certified seed potatoes' in accordance with the principles 
of this Directive; 69/62/EECArt.2(3) 
Corrigendum, English Special Edition, p. 30 
Article 3 
1. Without prejudice to the provisions laid down in Di­
rective 95/.../EC, Member States shall provide that seed 
potatoes may not be placed on the market unless they 
have been officially certified as 'basic seed potatoes' or 
'certified seed potatoes' and unless they satisfy the mini­
mum conditions laid down in Annexes I and ri. The 
Member States shall provide that seed potatoes which do 
not during marketing satisfy the minimum conditions laid 
down in Annex II may be sorted. The tubers which are not 
rejected shall then undergo a further official examination. 
2. Member States may: 
A. subdivide the categories of seed potatoes provided for 
in Article 2 into grades satisfying different require­
ments; 
B. provide for derogations from the provisions of the 
first sentence of paragraph 1: 
(a) for seed potatoes of generations prior to basic 
seed potatoes, 
(b) for tests or for scientific purposes, 
(c) for selection work. 66/403/EEC 
(adapted) 
[70/457/EEC] 
3. For seed potatoes which have been officially certified, 
the following may be determined in accordance with the 
procedure laid down in Article 19 (2): 
— Community grades, 
— the conditions applicable to such grades, 
— designations applicable to such grades. 
Member States may prescribe the extent to which they 
apply these Community grades in certifying their own pro­
duction. 79/967/EECArtl 
4. For seed potatoes produced by micropropagation 
techniques and not meeting the size requirements of this 
Directive, the following may be determined in accordance 
with the procedure laid down in Article 19 (2): 
— derogation from specific provisions of this Directive, 
— the conditions applicable to such seed potatoes, 
— the designations applicable to such seed potatoes. 90/404/EECArLl(l) 
Article 4 
Member States may, as regards the rninimum conditions 
laid down in Annexes I and H, impose additional or more 
stringent requirements for the certification of seed pota­
toes produced in their own territory. 66/403/EEC 
Article 5 
Member States shall require that, for the examination of 
seed potato tubers for certification, samples are taken offi­
cially in accordance with appropriate methods. 78/692/EECArt 4(1) 
Article 6 
Member States shall provide that seed potatoes may not 
be placed on the market if they hâve been treated with 
sprout inhibitors. 
Article 7 
1. Member States shall provide that seed potatoes may 
not be placed on the market unless they have a minimum 
size such that they do not pass through a square mesh of 
28 x 28 mm; for varieties having, on an average, a length 
of at least twice the greatest width, the square mesh must 
not be less than 25 x 25 mm. In the case of tubers which 
are too large to pass through a square mesh of 35 x 35 
mm, the upper and lower delimits shall he expressed in 
multiples of five. The maximum variation in size between 
tubers in a loi shall be such that the difference between 
the dimensions of the two square meshes used does not 
exceed 20 mm. 
2. A loi shall not contain more than 3 % by weight of 
tubers smaller than the minimum size indicated or more 
than 3 % by weight of tubers larger than the maximum 
size indicated. 
3. Member States may, in respect of seed potatoes pro­
duced in their national territory, further reduce the per­
mitted variation in size between tubers in a lot 66/403/EEC 
72/418/EECArt4(l) 
69/62/EECArt.3 
69/62/EECArt.3 
69/62/EECArt.3 
4. Member States may 
(a) apply the provisions of the second part of the first 
sentence of paragraph 1 to varieties other than those 
referred to therein; 
(b) increase the maximum permitted variation in size be­
tween tubers in a lot. 72/418/EECArt4(2) 
Corrigendum, English Special Edition, p. 106 
Article 8 
1. Member States shall require that basic seed potatoes 
and certified seed potatoes be marketed only in sufficiently 
homogeneous lots and in closed packages or containers 
which must be sealed and bear, as prescribed in Articles 9 
and 10, a sealing device and markings. The packages must 
be new; the containers must be clean. 72/418/EEC Art 4 (3) 
2. Member States may, for the marketing of small quan­
tities to the final consumer, provide for derogations from 
the provisions of paragraph 1 in respect of packaging, seal­
ing and marking. 66/403/EEC 
Article 9 
1. Member States shall require that packages and con­
tainers of basic seed potatoes and certified potatoes be 
sealed officially or under official supervision in such a 
manner that they cannot be opened without damaging the 
system of sealing or leaving evidence of tampering on 
either the official label provided for in Article 10 (1) or 
the package. 
In order to ensure closure, the sealing system shall com­
prise at least either the official label or the affixing of an 
official seal. 
The measures provided for in the second subparagraph 
above shall not be necessary where a non-reusable sealing 
system is used. 
In accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 19 
(2) it may be established whether a particular sealing sys­
tem complies with the provisions of this paragraph. 78/692/EECArt 4 (2) 
2. Packages which have been officially sealed shall not 
be resealed, whether one or more times, except officially 
or under official supervision. If packages are resealed, the 
fact of resealing, the most recent date of resealing and the 
authority responsible therefor shall be stated on the label 
required under Article 10 (1). 69/62/EECArt.5 
78/692/EECArt 4 (3) 
3. Member States may provide for exceptions to para­
graph 1 in the case of small packages. 75/444/EECArt4 
10 
Article 10 
1. Member States shall require that packages and con­
tainers of basic seed potatoes and certified seed potatoes: 
(a) be labelled on the outside with an official label which 
has not previously been used, which fulfils the condi­
tions laid down in Annex HI and the particulars of 
which are provided in one of the official languages of 
the Community. The colour of the label shall be 
white for basic seed potatoes and blue for certified 
seed potatoes. When a label with a string-hole is 
used, its attachment shall be ensured in all cases with 
an official seaL The use of official adhesive labels 
shall be authorized. In accordance with the procedure 
laid down in Article 19 (2), the indelible printing of 
the prescribed particulars on the package in accord­
ance with the label model may be authorized under 
official supervision; 
(b) contain an official document, in the same colour as 
the label, providing at least the label particulars re­
quired under Annex HI (A) (3), (4) and (6). This 
document shall be drawn up in such a manner that it 
cannot be confused with the official label referred to 
under (a). 
This document shall not be necessary if the particu­
lars are printed indelibly on the package or if, in ac­
cordance with the provisions under (a), an adhesive 
label or a label of tear resistant material is used. 
2. The Member States may provide for derogations from 
paragraph 1 in the case of small packages where they are 
marked: 'Passed for marketing in ... ' (Member State con­
cerned) only. 78/692/EEC Art 4 (4) 
Article 11 
L This Directive shall not affect the right of Member 
States to require that packages or containers of basic seed 
potatoes or certified seed potatoes, whether the seed 
potatoes have been produced in their own territory or im­
ported, must, if the seed potatoes are to be marketed with­
in their territory, bear a supplier's labeL 66/403/EEC - 88/380/EEC Art. 4 (1) 
72/418/EECArt4(5) 
2. The label referred to in paragraph 1 shall be drawn 
up in such a manner that it cannot be confused with the 
official label referred to in Article 10 (1). 88/380/EEC Art 4 (2) 
Article 12 
Member States shall require that any chemical treatment 
of basic seed potatoes or certified seed potatoes be noted 
either on the official label or on the supplier's label and 
on the package or inside it or on the container. 66/403/EEC 
72/418/EEC Art 4 (6) 
11 
Article 13 
1. Member States shall ensure that basic seed potatoes 
and certified seed potatoes which have been officially certi­
fied and whose package or containers have been marked 
and sealed officially or under official supervision as pre­
scribed in this Directive are subject to no marketing re­
strictions as regards their characters, examination arrange­
ments, marking and sealing other than those laid down in 
this Directive. 
2. The Commission, acting in accordance with the pro­
cedure laid down in Article 19 (2). shall, in respect of the 
marketing of seed potatoes in all or part of the territory of 
one or more Member States, authorize more stringent 
measures than those provided for in Annexes I and II to 
be taken against harmf^ organisms which do not exist in 
those regions or which appear particularly harmful to crops 
in those regions. Where there is imminent danger of the 
introduction or spread of such harmful organisms, and 
until such time as the Commission has given a final ruling 
on the matter, such measures may be taken by the 
Member State concerned as soon as its request has been 
submitted. 
3. Member States which have provided for exemptions 
in accordance with the provisions of point B (a) of Article 
3 (2) shall ensure that bred seed potatoes of stages prior 
to basic seed potatoes are subject to no marketing restric­
tions on account of their characteristics, examination ar­
rangements, marking and sealing, 
(a) if they have been officially checked by the competent 
certification authority, in accordance with the provi­
sions applicable for the certification of basic seed 
potatoes, 
(b) if they are placed in packages or containers in accord­
ance with the provisions of this Directive, and 
(c) if the packages or containers bear an official label giv­
ing at least the following particulars: 
— certification authority and Member State or their 
distinguishing abbreviation 
— producer's identification number or loi reference 
number 
— month and year of sealing 
— species, indicated at least in roman characters, 
under its botanical name, which may be given in 
abridged form and without the authorities' 
names, or under its common name, or both 
— variety, indicated at least in roman characters 66/403/EEC 
72/418/EEC Art 4 (7) - 72/418/EEC Art. 4 (7) 
89/366/EECArtl(l) 
72/418/EECArt4(8) 
Corrigendum, English Special Edition, p. 106 
Corrigendum, English Special Edition, p. 106 
Corrigendum, English Special Edition, p. 106 
78/692/EECArt 4 (6) 
88/380/EEC Art 4 (3) 
— the description 'pre-basic seed potatoes'. 
The label shall be white with a diagonal violet line. 72/418/EECArt4(8) 
Corrigendum, English Special Edition, p. 106 
12 
Article 14 
1. Member States may prohibit, in whole or in part, the 
marketing of seed potatoes harvested in another Member 
State if the progeny of officially drawn samples of basic 
seed potatoes or certified seed potatoes harvested in that 
Member State and grown in one or more Community test 
fields has for three successive years fallen appreciably 
below the minimum conditions laid down in Annex I (1) 
(c), (2) (c), (3) and (4). Satisfaction of the other minimum 
conditions laid down in AnneT T may also be checked dur­
ing the comparative tests. 
2. Any measures taken under paragraph 1 shall be with­
drawn as soon as it has been established with adequate 
certainty that the basic seed potatoes and certified seed 
potatoes harvested in the Member State concerned will in 
future satisfy the minimum conditions referred to in para­
graph 1. 
3. Before the measures provided for in paragraph 1 are 
taken a reasoned opinion shall be requested from the 
Committee referred to in Article 19 (1). Its opinion shall 
also be sought if a Member State refuses to withdraw a 
measure taken under paragraph 1 where its withdrawal ap­
pears to be required under paragraph 2. 
4. The necessary arrangements, acting in accordance 
with the procedure laid down in Article 19 (2), shall be 
made for the comparative tests to be carried out Seed po­
tatoes harvested in third countries may be included in the 
comparative tests. 
Article 15 
1. The Council, acting by a qualified majority on a pro­
posal from the Commission, shall determine whether seed 
potatoes harvested in a third country and affording the 
same assurances as regards their characteristics and the 
arrangements for their inspection, for ensuring identity, for 
marking and for control are equivalent in these respects to 
basic seed potatoes or certified seed potatoes harvested 
within the Community and complying with the provisions 
of this Directive. 
2. Until such time as the Council has taken a decision 
under paragraph 1, the Member States shall be free to 
take such decisions themselves. This right shall expire on 1 
July 1975. 66/403/EEC 
71/162/EECArt4(2) 
Corrigendum, English Special Edition, p. 19 
73/438/EECArt4(l) 
3. Member States are hereby authorized to extend until 
31 March 1995 the validity of decisions taken in accord­
ance with paragraph 2, it being understood that these deci­
sions may be used only in accordance with Member States' 
obligations under the common rules on plant health laid 
down by Council Directive 95/.../EEC W. 
(!) OJNoL 90/404/EECArt. 1(2) 
95/65/ECArtl 
[77/93/EEC] 
13 
The period in the first subparagraph may be extended for 
third countries, in accordance with the procedure laid 
down in Article 19 (2), if the available information does 
not permit a determination according to paragraph 1 and 
for as long as such information does not permit such a 
determination. 90/404/EECArtl(2) 
4. Paragraphs 1 and 2 shall also apply in respect of any 
new Member State from the date of its accession to the 
date on which it is to bring into force the laws, regulations 
or administrative provisions necessary to comply with this 
Directive. 72/274/EECArt2 
Article 16 
1. In order to remove any temporary difficulties in the 
general supply of basic seed potatoes or certified seed 
potatoes that occur in one or more Member States and 
cannot be overcome within the Community, one or more 
Member States may be authorized, in accordance with the 
procedure laid down in Article 19 (2), to permit, for a 
specified period, the marketing of seed potatoes of a cat­
egory subject to less stringent requirements or of seed po­
tatoes of varieties not included in the 'Common Catalogue 
of Varieties of Agricultural Plant Species' or in their 
national catalogues of varieties. 
2. For that category the colour of the official label shall 
be brown. The label shall always state that the seed 
potatoes in question are of a category satisfying less strin­
gent requirements. 72/418/EECArt4(9) 
66/403/EEC 
69/62/EECArt8 
3. Rules for the application of paragraph 1 may be 
adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Ar­
ticle 19 (2). 88/332/EECArt4 
Article 17 
L. Member States shall make suitable arrangements for 
seed potatoes to be officially verified during marketing, at 
least by sampling, as regards their compliance with the re­
quirements of this Directive. ArtickM 
66/403/EEC - 72/418/EEC Art. 4 (10) 
2. Member States shall take all necessary measures to 
ensure that the following particulars are presented during 
the marketing of seed potatoes coming from another 
Member State or from a third country: 
(a) species, 
(b) variety, 
(c) category, 
(d) country of production and control authority, 
(e) country of dispatch, 
(f) importer, 
(g) quantity of seed potatoes. 72/418/EECArt4(ll) 
14 
The manner in which these particulars must be presemed 
may be determined in accordance with the procedure laid 
down in Article 19 (2). 
Article 18 
Amendments to be made to the content of the Annexes in 
the light of the development of scientific or technical 
knowledge shall be adopted according to the procedure 
laid down in Article 19 (2). 72/418/EECArt4(ll) 
Ankk 19a 
73/438/EECArt4(2) 
Article 19 
1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Standing 
Committee on seeds on Propagating Material for Agricul­
ture, Horticulture and Forestry set up by Council Decision 
66/399/EEC W. 
2. The representative of the commission shall submit a 
draft of the measures to be taken. The committee shall 
deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which 
the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of 
the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority 
laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of 
decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a 
proposal from the Commission. The votes of the represen­
tatives of the Member States within the Committee shall 
be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The 
chairman shall not vote. 
The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply 
immediately. However, if these measures are not in accor­
dance with the opinion of the Committee, they shall be 
communicated by the Commission to the Council forth­
with. In that event the Commission may defer application 
of the measures which it has decided for a period of not 
more than one month from the date of such communica­
tion. 
The Councfl, acting by a qualified majority, may take a 
different decision within the time limit referred to in the 
second subparagraph. 
3. The Committee, on request by the chairman or of 
one of the Member States, may examine any questions 
relevant to the subject matter of this Directive. 87/373/EEC 
(adapted) 
66/399/EEC Art 2 
(adapted) 
Article 20 
Save as otherwise provided in Annexes I and II in respect 
of tolerances for diseases, harmful organisms or their 
vectors, this Directive shall be without prejudice to the 
provisions of national laws justified on grounds of the 
protection of health and life of humans, animals or plants 
or the protection of industrial and commercial property. 
(1) OJNoL125,11.7.1966, p. 2289/66. 
15 66/403/EEC 
Article 21 
1. The Directives listed in Annex TV, Part A, are hereby 
repealed without prejudice to the obligations of the Mem­
ber States concerning the deadline for transposition of the 
said Directives set out in Annex TV, Part B. 
2. References to the repealed Directives shall be cons­
trued as references to this Directive and should be read in 
accordance with the correlation table set out in Annex V 
Article 22 
This Directive shall enter into force the twentieth day 
following that of its publication in the Official Journal of 
the European Communities. 
Article 23 
This directive is addressed to the Member States. 
Done at Brussels, 
For the Councfl, 
The President 
16 
ANNEX I 
Minimum conditions to be satisfied by seed potatoes 
1. Basic seed potatoes shall satisfy the following 
conditions: 
(a) On official inspection of the growing plants the 
number affected by blackleg must not exceed 
2%; 
(b) In the direct progeny the number of plants not 
breeding true to the variety must not exceed 
0,25 % and the number of plants of a different 
variety must not exceed 0,1 %; 
(c) In the direct progeny the number of plants show­
ing symptoms of mild or severe virus infection 
must not exceed 4 %. 
2. Certified seed potatoes shall satisfy the following 
conditions: 
(a) On official inspection of the growing plants the 
number affected by blackleg must not exceed 
4%; 
(b) In the direct progeny the number of plants not 
breeding true to the variety must not exceed 
0,5 % and the number of plants of a different 
variety must not exceed 0,2 %; 
(c) In the direct progeny the number of plants 
showing symptoms of severe virus infection must 
not exceed 10 %. Light mosaics merely causing 
discoloration and not leaf deformation shall be 
ignored. 
3. In assessing the progeny of a variety affected by a 
chronic virus disease, slight symptoms caused by the 
virus in question shall not be taken into account 
4. The tolerances allowed under Items 1 (c), 2 (c) and 3 
are applicable only where the virus diseases are 
caused by viruses that are prevalent in Europe. 66/403/EEC 
5. The production ground must not be infected by Heter-
odera rostochiensis Woll. 
6. The crop must be free from 
(a) Synchytrium endobioticum (Schilb.) Perc. 
(b) Corynebacterium sepedonicum (Spieck. and 
Kotth.) Skapt and Burkh. 72/418/EECArt4(12) 
17 
ANNEX II 
Minimum quality conditions for lots of seed potatoes 
Tolerances for the following impurities, blemishes and 
diseases allowed for seed potatoes: 
1. Presence of earth and extraneous 
matter 
2. Dry and wet rot, except if caused by 
Synchytrium endobioticum, Coryne­
bacterium sepedonicum or Pseudo-
monas solanacearum 
3. External blemishes, e.g. misshapen 
or damaged tubers 
4. Common scab: tubers affected over 
more than one-third of their surface 
Total tolerance for Items 2 to 4 2 % by weight 
1% by weight 
3 % by weight 
5 % by weight 
6 % by weight 66/403/EEC 
72/418/EEC Art 4 (13) 
B. The seed potatoes shall be free from Heterodera rosto-
chiensis, Synchytrium endobioticum, Corynebacterium 
sepedonicum and Pseudomonas solanacearum. 72/418/EEC Art. 4 (14) 
18 
ANNEX in 
Label 
A. Required information 66/403/EEC 
1. *EEC rules and standards' 
2. Certification authority and Member State or 
their initials 69/62/EECArt.9(l) 
3. Producer's identification number or reference 
number of lot 66/403/EEC 
4. Month and year of sealing 78/692/EECArt 4 (7) 
5. Variety, indicated at least in roman characters 
6. Country of production 
7. Country of production 
8. Size 
9. Declared net weight 66/403/EEC - 88/380/EEC Art. 4 (4) 
B. Minimum dimensions 
110 mm x 67 mm 
19 66/403/EEC 
ANNEX TV 
Part A 
Repealed Directives 
(referred to by Article 21) 
Directive 66/403/EEC 
and its successive amendements 
Directive 69/62/EEC 
Directive 71A62/EEC 
Directive 72/274/EEC 
Directive 72/418/EEC 
Directive 73/438/EEC 
Directive 75/444/EEC 
Directive 76/307/EEC 
Directive 77/648/EEC 
Directive 78/692/EEC 
Directive 78/816/EEC 
Directive 79/967/EEC 
Directive 80/52/EEC 
Directive 81/561/EEC 
Directive 84/218/EEC 
Directive 86/215/EEC 
Directive 87/374/EEC 
Directive 88/332/EEC 
Directive 88/359/EEC 
Directive 88/380/EEC 
Directive 89/366/EEC 
Directive 90/404/EEC 
Directive 90/654/EEC 
Directive 91/127/EEC 
Directive 92/17/EEC 
Directive 93/3/EEC 
Directive 93/108/EC only Article 4 
only conœrningreferences made to Artidesl and 
2 on the provisions of Directive 66/403/EEC 
only Artide 4 
only Artide 4 
only Artide 4 
only Artide 4 
only Artide 1 
only Artide 2 
only Artide 4 
only Artide 4 
only concerning references made to Article 2 and 
to Annex II (1) (4) on the provisions of Directive 
66/403/EEC 
20 
Part B 
Deadline for transposition into national law 
(referred to by Article 21) 
Directive Deadlines for transposition 
Directive 66/403/EEC (OJ No 125,11. 7.1966, p. 2320/66) 
Directive 69/62/EEC (OJ No L 48,26. 2.1969, p. 7) 
Directive 71/162/EEC (OJ No L 87,17.4.1971, p. 24) 
72/274/EEC (OJ No L171, 29. 7.1972, p. 37) 
72/418/EEC (OJ No L 287,26.12.1972, p. 22) 
Directive 73/438/EEC (OJ No L 356,27.12.1973, p. 79) 
Directive 75/444/EEC (OJ No L196,26. 7.1975, p. 6) 
Directive 76/307/EEC (OJ No L 72,18. 3.1976, p. 16) 
Directive 77/648/EEC (OJ No L 261,14.10.1977, p. 21) 
Directive 78/692/EEC (OJ No L 236, 26.8.1978, p. 13) 
Directive 78/816/EEC (OJ No L 281,6.10.1978, p. 18) 
Directive 79/967/EEC (OJ No L 293,20.11.1979, p. 16) 
Directive 80/52/ EEC (OJ No L18,24.1.1980, p. 29) 
Directive 81/561/EEC (OJ No L 203,23.7.1981, p. 52) 
Directive 84/218/EEC (OJ No L104,17.4.1984, p. 19) 
Directive 867215/EEC (OJ No L152,6.6.1986, p. 46) 
Directive 87/374/ EEC (OJ No L197,18. 7.1987, p. 36) 
Directive 88/332/EEC (OJ No L151,17. 6.1988, p. 82) 
Directive 88/359/EEC (OJ No L174,6. 7.1988, p. 51) 
Directive 88/380/EEC (OJ No L187,16.7.1988, p. 31) 
Directive 89/366/EEC (OJ No L159,10.6.1989, p. 59) 
Directive 90/404/EEC (OJ No L 208,7. 8.1990, p. 30) 
Directive 90/654/EEC (OJ No L 353,17.12.1990, p. 48) 
Directive 91/127/EEC (OJ No L 60,7. 3.1991, p. 18) 
Directive 92/17/EEC (OJ No L 82,27. 3.1992, p. 69) 
Directive 93/3/EEC (OJ No L 54,5.3.1993, p. 21) 
Directive 93/108/EC (OJ No L 319,21.12.1993, p. 39) July 1968 (Artide 13 (1)) 
Jury 1969 (other provisions) C1) <2> <3) 
July 1969 (!) 
July 1970 (Artide 4 (3)) 
July 1972 (Artide 4 (l))*1) 
Jury 1971 (other provisions) 
Jury 1972 (Artide 1) 
January 1973 (Artide 2) 
July 1973 
July 1973 (Artide 4(1)) 
January 1974 (Artide 4 (2)) 
July 1977 
Jury 1975 
January 1977 
Jury 1977 
Jury 1978 
January 1980 
Jury 1979 
1 July 1990 
28 February 1993 
1 December 1993 
(1) For Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom, 1 Jury 1973 for Arucle 13 (1), 1 Jury 1974 for the other provisions concerning 
bask seed potatoes and 1 Jury 1976 for the other provisions. 
(2) 1 January 1986 for Greece, 1 March 1986 for Spain, and 1 January 1991 for Portugal 
21 
(3) 1 January 1995 for Austria, Finland and Sweden. 
However 
- Sweden shall be allowed to maintain a tolerance limit of 40 % by weight for tubers affected over more than one tenth of their 
surface with common scab, relating to the marketing in its territory of seed potatoes until 31 December 19% at the latest. This 
tolerance limit shall apply solely to seed potatoes produced in areas of Sweden in which particular problems with common scab 
have been experienced. 
Such seed potatoes shall not be introduced into the territory of other Member States; 
- Sweden shall adapt its legislation in this respect to comply with the relevant part of Annex II to the Directive by the date of expiry 
of the above period; 
- Sweden shall apply from the date of accession those provisions of the Directive which ensure access for material complying with 
the Directive to marketing in its territory. 
22 
ANNEX V 
CORRELATION TABLE 
Directive 66/403/EEC This Directive 
Artide 1 
Artide 17 
Artide 2 
Artide 3 
Artide4 
Artide5 
Artide 6 
Artide 7 
Artide8 
Artide 9 
Artide 10 
Artide 11 
Artide 12 
Artide 13 (1) 
Artide 13 (2) 
Artide 13 (3) 
Artide 13 (4) 
Artide 14 
Artide 15 (1) 
Artide 15 (2) 
Artide 15 (2) (a) 
Artide 15 (3) 
Artide 16 
Artide 18 
Artide 19a 
Artide 19 
Artide 20 
Artide 21 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX I 
II 
in, Part 
in, Part 
in, Part 
in, Part 
in, Part 
in, Part 
in, Part 
IU, Part 
in, Part 
m, Part A(l) 
A (2) 
A (3) 
A (3a) 
A (4) 
A (5) 
A (6) 
A (7) 
A (8) 
B Artide 1,1st subparagraph 
Artide 1, 2nd subparagraph 
Artide 2 
Artide3 
Artide 4 
Artide 5 
Artide6 
Artide7 
Artide 8 
Artide 9 
Artide 10 
Artide 11 
Artide 12 
Artide 13 (1) 
Artide 13 (2) 
Artide 
Artide 
Artide 
Artide 
Artide 
Artide 
Artide 
Artide 
Artide 
Artide 
Artide 13(3) 
14 
15(1) 
15(2) 
15(3) 
15(4) 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
Artide 21 
Article 22 
Artide 23 
ANNEXI 
ANNEX II 
ANNEX IU, 
ANNEX in, 
ANNEX in, 
ANNEX in, 
ANNEX in, 
ANNEX IU, 
ANNEX IU, 
ANNEX in, 
ANNEX III, 
ANNEX IIL 
ANNEX IV 
ANNEX IV Part A (1) 
Part A (2) 
Part A (3) 
Part A (4) 
Part A (5) 
Part A (6) 
Part A (7) 
Part A (8) 
Part A (9) 
PartB 
23 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 
on the marketing of beet seed 
(consolidated version) 
£^ b^ 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
1. When considering how Community law could be made simpler and more transparent, 
Parliament, the Commission and the Council found themselves confronted with an 
over-abundance of legislative instrument which had been amended several times, 
often substantially, and unanimously agre en the need for a working method which 
would use legislative consolidation as a n of achieving greater clarity and trans­
parency. 
2. On 1 April 1987 the Commission therefore dedded to instruct its staff that all legis­
lative measures should be consolidated after no more than ten amendments, stressing 
that this was a minimum requirement and that departments should endeavour to con­
solidate at even shorter intervals the texts for which they were responsible, to ensure 
that the Community rules were clear and readily understandable. 
3. The condusions of the Presidency of the Edinburgh European Council reaffirmed 
these points, stressing that "official codification is important because it provides legal 
security as to the law which is applicable at a certain moment concerning a specific 
issue." To ensure not only the quality and the legal security of the texts consolidated, 
it was also suggested that "a jointly acceptable accelerated working method should be 
sought allowing codified Community law (repladng existing legislation without chang­
ing its substance) to be adopted in a speedy and efficient way". 
4. The proposed consolidated version of Council Directive 66/400/EEC of 14 June 1966 
on the marketing of beet seed forms part of a much larger programme of consolidation 
of the provisions on seeds and propagating material for agriculture, horticulture and 
forestry. It has been drafted in accordance with the fundamental prindples agreed by 
Council, Parliament and the Commission in 1974; it aims at legislative consolidation: 
the existing Directives would be replaced by one new one, which would leave their 
substance untouched but would assemble them into a single text, with only the formal 
amendments required by the operation itself (*). This codified text will serve as the 
basis for future legislative developments in this field. 
5. Certain provisions of Directive 66/400/EEC refer to "EEC packaging" and "EEC stan­
dards". 
The Treaty on European Union replaced the expression "European Economic Com­
munity" by "European Community" in the Treaty; the same should now be done in 
the above provisions. 
This may be regarded as a purely formal amendment, but the Member States must 
none the less transpose it into national legislation if firms are to use labels referring 
to the EC rather than the EEC. Moreover, there could be a finandal impact for these 
firms if they were required to begin using the new labels forthwith. 
For these reasons, and since consolidating directives do not need to be transposed, the 
original provisions being presumed to have been transposed within the time allowed, 
it would not appear possible to incorporate this amendment in the consolidation pro­
posal as a purely formal adjustment 
The Commission will accordingly present a separate proposal for the amendment of 
Directive 66/400/EEC repladng "EEC" by "EC". 
This amendment and those already proposed to the Council will, following adoption, be 
incorporated in the consolidation proposal which should then be before the Council. 
6. This consolidation proposal was drawn up on the basis of a preliminary consolidation, 
in all the official languages, of Directive 66/400/EEC and the instruments amending it, 
carried out by the Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, by 
means of a data-processing system referred to in the conclusions of the European 
Council meeting at Edinburgh. Although the articles have been given new numbers, 
the former number is printed alongside in each case for the reader's convenience; the 
correlation between the old and new numbers is shown in a table contained in Annex 
VI to the consolidated Directive. 
(*) Annex V, part A of this proposal. 
Zu 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE -/.../EC 
on the marketing of beet seed 95/0303 (CNS) 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European 
Community, and in particular Article 43 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parlia­
ment (}), 
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and So­
cial Committee (2), 
1) Whereas Council Directive 66/400/EEC of 14 June 1966 
on the marketing of beet seed (3) has been frequently 
and substantially amended; whereas for reasons of darity 
and rationality the said Directive should be consolidated; 
2) Whereas the production of sugar beet and fodder beet 
(hereinafter called *beet') occupies an important place in 
the agriculture of the Community, 
3) Whereas satisfactory results in beet cultivation depend to 
a large extent on the use of appropriate seed; whereas to 
this end certain Member States have for some time re­
stricted the marketing of beet seed to high-quality seed; 
whereas they have been able to take advantage of the 
systematic plant selection work carried out over several 
decades which has resulted in the development of suffi­
ciently stable and uniform types and varieties of beet 
which, by reason of their characteristics, promise to be 
of great value for the purposes in view; 
4) Whereas greater productivity will be achieved in Com­
munity beet cultivation if for the choice of varieties per­
mitted to be marketed the Member States apply uniform 
rules which are as strict as possible; whereas a common 
catalogue of varieties of agricultural plant spedes is 
therefore provided for in Council Directive 95/..7EC (4); 3. 
+ 
2. 66/400/EEC 
71/162/EEC 
[70/457/EEC] 
(1) 
(2) 
(4) OJNoC_ 
O J No C _ 
OJ No 125,11.7.196$)p. 2290/66; as last amended by the Act of 
Accession AT, FL SE. 
See page.~ of this Official Journal. 
R<5~ 
5) Whereas it is, however, justifiable to restrict marketing 
to certain varieties only if the farmer can be sure of 
actually obtaining seed of those varieties; 
6) Whereas certain Member States have for this purpose 
been applying certification schemes which are intended, 
by official verification, to ensure the identity and purity 
of the varieties; 
7) Whereas such schemes already exist at international level 
for maize seed (Food and Agriculture Organization of 
the United Nations) and |or herbage seed (Organization 
for Economic Co-operation and Development); 
8) Whereas it is desirable to establish a uniform certifi­
cation scheme for the Community based on the experi­
ence gained in the application of those schemes; whereas 
the scheme should therefore apply to marketing both in 
other Member States and on domestic markets; 
9) Whereas it has become apparent, in the course of apply­
ing the Directive, that small packages of beet seed form 
an item of trade within the Community; whereas it ac­
cordingly seems necessary to harmonize this sector; 
10) Whereas, as a general rule, beet seed should be allowed 
to be marketed only if it has been offidally examined 
and certified, in accordance with the rules for certifi­
cation, as basic seed or certified seed; whereas the 
choice of the technical terms *basic seed' and 'certified 
seed' is based on already existing international terminol­
ogy; 
11) Whereas Community rules should not apply to seed 
shown to be intended for export to third countries; 
12) Whereas, in order to improve the quality of Community 
beet seed, certain requirements must be laid down as to 
polyploidy, monogermity segmentation, analytical purity, 
germination and moisture content; whereas, in adopting 
provisions in this field, account should be taken of the 
requirements based on the recommendations of the In­
ternational Institute for Sugar Beet Research, which are 
already in general application in the sugar beet seed 
trade; 
13) Whereas, in order to ensure identity of the seed, Com­
munity rules on packaging, sampling, sealing and mark­
ing must be established; whereas to this end the labels 
should give the particulars needed both for offidal verifi­
cation and for the information of the farmer and should 
clearly show the Community nature of the certification; 
14) Whereas, in order to ensure that both the requirements 
as to the quality of seed and the provisions for ensuring 
its identity are complied with during marketing, 
Member States must make provision for appropriate 
control arrangements; 66/400/EEC 
75/444/EEC 
66/400/EEC 
11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 
&6 
15) Whereas seed satisfying these requirements should, with­
out prejudice to Artide 36 of the Treaty, be subject to 
no marketing restrictions other than those provided for 
in Community rules; 
16) Whereas restrictions include in particular the obligation 
of the Member States to restrict the marketing of seed 
to those varieties allowed by the catalogue provided for 
by Directive 95/..TEC; 
17) Whereas, subject to certain conditions, seed multiplied in 
another country from basic seed certified in a Member 
State should be recognized as being equivalent to seed 
multiplied in that Member State; 
18) Whereas, on the other hand, provision should be made 
for authorizing the marketing within the Community of 
beet seed harvested in third countries only if such seed 
affords the same assurances as seed officially certified 
within the Community and complying with Community 
rules; 
19) Whereas, during periods in which there are difficulties in 
obtaining supplies of certified seed of the various cat­
egories, seed satisfying less stringent requirements should 
temporarily be permitted to be marketed; 
20) Whereas, in order to harmonize the technical methods 
of certification used in the Member States and to enable 
comparisons to be made between seed certified within 
the Community and that coming from third countries, 
Community test fields should be established in Member 
States to permit annual post-control of seed of the cat­
egory 'certified seed'; 
21) Whereas for the exercise of implementation powers con­
ferred on the Commission, it seems appropriate that the 
Commission be assisted by the Standing Committee on 
Seeds and Propagating Material for Agriculture, Horti­
culture and Forestry, according to the Management 
Committee procedure provided for in Artide 2 (H) of 
Councfl Decision 87/373/EEC (*); 
22) Whereas this Directive must not affect the obligations of 
the Member States concerning the deadlines for trans­
position of the Directives set out in Annex V, part B, 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: 15. 
16. 
17. 
18. (adapted) 
[70/457/EEC] 
19. 
20. 
21. (adapted) 
(1) OJ No L 197,18.7.1987, p. 33. 
*ty 
Article 1 
This Directive shall apply to beet seed marketed within the 
Community. 
It shall not apply to beet seed shown to be intended for 
export to third countries. 
Article 2 
L, For the purposes of this Directive, 
A. "Beet" means sugar and fodder beet of the spedes 
Beta vulgaris L; 
B. "Basic seed" means seed 
(a) which has been produced under the responsibility 
of the breeder according to well-defined practi­
ces for the maintenance of the variety; 
(b) which is intended for the production of seed of 
the category 'certified seed'; 
(c) which, subject to the provisions of Artide 4, 
satisfies the conditions laid down in Annex I for 
basic seed; and 
(d) which has been found by offidal examination to 
satisfy the abovementioned conditions; 
C. "Certified seed" means seed 
(a) which is of direct descent from basic seed; 
(b) which is intended for the production of beet; 
(c) which, subject to the provisions of point (b) of 
Artide 4, satisfies the conditions laid down in 
Annex I for certified seed; and 
(d) which has been found by offidal examination to 
satisfy the abovementioned conditions; 
D. "Monogerm seed" means genetically monogerm seed; 66/400/EEC 
(Artide 18) 
69/61/EEC - Art. 3(1) 
"Precision seed" means seed designed for use in pre-
dsion drills which, as required under Annex I (B) (3) 
(b) (bb^ and (cc). gives single seedlings; 69/61/EEC - Art 3(2) 
88/380/EEC - Art 1(1) 
"Offidal measures" means measures taken 
(a) by State authorities; or 
(b) 
(c) by any legal person whether governed by public 
or by private law, acting under the responsibility 
of the State; or 
in the case of ancillary activities which are also 
under State control, by any natural person duly 
sworn for that purpose; 66/400/EEC 
&& 
provided that the persons mentioned under (b) and 
(c) derive no private gain from such measures; 66/400/EEC 
G. "Small EEC packages" means packages containing the 
following certified seeds: 
— monogerm or precision seed: not exceeding 
100 000 clusters or grains or a net weight of 
2,5 kg excluding, where appropriate, granulated 
pestiddes, pelleting substances or other solid 
additives; 
— seed other than monogerm or prerision seed: not 
exceeding a net weight of 10 kg, excluding, 
where appropriate, granulated pesticides, pellet­
ing substances or other solid additives. 75/444/EEC - Art. 1(1) 
2. The different types of varieties, including the compo­
nents, eligible for certification under the provisions of this 
Directive, may be specified and defined in accordance with 
the procedure laid down in Article 24 (2). 88/380/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
3. Member States may, during a transitional period of 
not more than four years after the entry into force of the 
laws, regulations or administrative provisions necessary to 
comply with this Directive, and by way of derogation from 
point C of paragraph 1, certify as certified seed, seed 
which is of direct descent from seed offidally controlled in 
a Member State under the scheme in operation at that 
time and which affords the same assurances as basic seed 
certified in accordance with the principles of this Directive. 
Article 3 
1. Member States shall provide that beet seed may not 
be placed on the market unless it has been officially certi­
fied as 'basic seed' or 'certified seed' and unless it satisfies 
the conditions laid down in Annex I (B). 
2. Member States shall ensure that the offidal examina­
tions of seed are carried out in accordance with current 
international methods, in so far as such methods exist. 
3. Member States may provide for derogations from the 
provisions of paragraph 1: 
(a) for bred seed of generations prior to basic seed; 
(b) for tests or for scientific purposes; 
(c) for selection work; 
(d) for seed as grown, marketed for processing, provided 
that the identity of the seed is ensured. 69/61/EEC - Art 3(3) 
66/400/EEC 
Article 4 
Member States may, however, by way of derogation from 
the provisions of Artide 3, 
(a) authorize the official certification and marketing of 
basic seed which does not satisfy the conditions laid 
down in Annex I in respect of germination; to this 
end all necessary measures shall be taken to ensure 
that the supplier guarantees a specific germination 
which he shall state for marketing purposes on a 
spedal label bearing his name and address and the 
reference number of the seed lot; 
(b) in order to make seed rapidly available, 
notwithstanding the fact that the offidal examination 
to check compliance with the conditions laid down in 
Annex I in respect of gerrnination has not been 
concluded, authorize the offidal certification and the 
marketing as far as the first buyer by way of trade of 
seed of the categories 'basic seed' or 'certified seed'. 
Certification shall be granted only on presentation of 
a provisional analytical report on the seed and 
provided that the name and address of the first 
redfrient are indicated; all necessary measures shall be 
taken to ensure that the supplier guarantees the 
germination ascertained at the provisional analysis; 
this gerrnination shall be stated for marketing 
purposes on a spedal label bearing the name and 
address of the supplier and the reference number of 
the lot. 
These provisions shall not apply to seed imported from 
third countries, save as otherwise provided in Article 18 in 
respect of multiplication outside the Community. 
Article 5 
Member States may, as regards the conditions laid down in 
Annex L impose additional or more stringent requirements 
for the certification of seed produced in their own territory. 
Article 6 
Member States shall provide that the description of the 
genealogical components which may be required is, if the 
breeder so requests, treated as confidential. 
Article 7 
1. Member States shall require that, for the checking of 
varieties and for the examination of seed for certification, 
samples are drawn offidally in accordance with appropriate 
methods. 
2. For the exarnination of seed for certification, samples 
shall be drawn from homogeneous lots; the maximum 
weight of a lot and the minimum weight of a sample are 
given in Annex EL 66/400/EEC 
71/162/EEC - Art 1(1) 
66/400/EEC 
h O 
Article 8 
1. Member States shall require that basic seed and certi­
fied seed be marketed only in sufficiently homogeneous 
lots and in sealed packages bearing, as prescribed in Ar­
ticles 9. 10 or 11. whichever is appropriate, a sealing sys­
tem and markings. 
2. Member States may, for the marketing of small quan­
tities to the final consumer, provide for derogations from 
the provisions of paragraph 1 in respect of packaging, seal­
ing and marking. 
Article 9 
1. Member States shall require that packages of basic 
seed and certified seed, except where seed of the latter 
category takes the form of small EEC packages, be sealed 
offidally or under official supervision in such a manner 
that they cannot be opened without damaging the sealing 
system or leaving evidence of tampering on either the 
official label provided for in Article 10 (1) or the package. 
La order to ensure sealing, the sealing system shall 
comprise at least either the official label or the affixing of 
an official seal. 
The measures provided for in the second subparagraph 
shall not be necessary where a non-reusable sealing system 
is used 
In accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 
24 (2), it may be established whether a particular sealing 
system fulfils the provisions of this paragraph. 66/400/EEC Article 9 
75/444/EEC - Art. 1(2) — 69/61/EEC - Art. 5 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 15 
Article 10 
78/692/EEC - Art 1(1) 
2. Member States shall require that, except in the case 
of small EEC packages, packages shall not be resealed on 
one or more occasions unless this is done offically or un­
der offical supervision. If packages are resealed, the fact of 
resealing, the date of resealing and the authority responsi­
ble therefore shall be stated on the label required under 
Artide 10 (1). 75/444/EEC - Art 1(3) 
78/692/EEC - Art 1(2) 
3. Member States shall require that small EEC packages 
be sealed in such a manner that they cannot be opened 
without damaging the sealing system or leaving evidence of 
tampering on the label or package. In accordance with the 
procedure laid down in Artide 24 (2), it may be estab­
lished whether a particular sealing system complies with 
the provisions of this paragraph. Packages shall not be re­
sealed on one or more occasions except under offidal su­
pervision. 78/692/EEC - Art 1(3) 
4. Member States may provide for exceptions to para­
graphs 1 and 2 in the case of small packages of basic seed. 75/444/EEC - Art 1(3) 
M 
Article 10 
1. Member States shall require that packages of basic 
seed and certified seed, except where seed of the latter 
category takes the form of small EEC packages: 
(a) be labelled on the outside with an offidal label which 
has not previously been used, which satisfies the 
conditions laid down in Annex HI (A) and on which 
the information is given in one of the offidal 
languages of the Community. The colour of the label 
shall be white for basic seed and blue for certified 
seed. When a label with a string-hole is used, its 
attachment shall be ensured in all cases with an 
official seal. If, in cases under point (a) of Artide 4, 
the basic seed does not satisfy the conditions laid 
down in Annex I in respect of germination, this fact 
shall be stated on the label. The use of offidal 
adhesive labels shall be authorized. In accordance 
with the procedure laid down in Artide 24 (2) the 
indelible printing under offidal supervision of the 
prescribed information on the package according to 
the label's model may be authorized; 
(b) contain an offidal document, in the same colour as 
the label, giving at least the information required un­
der Annex HI (A) (I) (3), (5), (6), (11) and (12). This 
document shall be drawn up in such a manner that it 
cannot be confused with the official label referred to 
under (a). This document is not necessary if the in­
formation is printed indelibly on the package or if, in 
accordance with the provisions under (a), an adhesive 
label or a label of non-tear material is used. 
2. Member States may provide for exceptions to para­
graph 1 in the case of small packages of basic seed where 
they are marked: 'passed for marketing in ... (Member 
State concerned) only\ 
Article 11 
1. Member States shall require that small EEC pack­
ages: 
(a) bear on the outside, in accordance with Annex in (B), 
a supplier's label, a printed notice or stamp in one of 
the offidal languages of the Community; in the case 
of transparent packages this label may be placed in­
side, provided it can be read through the package; the 
label shall be blue in colour, Article U 
78/55/EEC - Art 1(1) 
Article Ha 
75/444/EEC - Art 1(6) 
(b) bear on the outside or on the supplier's label pro­
vided for in point (a) an officially assigned serial 
number; should an offidal adhesive label be used, it 
shall be blue in colour; the methods of attaching the 
said serial number may be fixed in accordance with 
the procedure laid down in Artide 24 (2). 
2. Member States may require that an offidal adhesive 
label containing all or part of the information laid down in 
Annex HI (B) be used for marking small EEC packages 
packed in their territory; in so far as the information is 
given on such label, the marking provided for in point (a) 
of paragraph 1 shall not be required. 
Article 12 
Member States may provide that, on request, small EEC 
packages of certified seed are sealed and marked offidaUv 
or under offidal supervision pursuant to Artide 9 (1) and 
Artide 10. 
Article 13 
Member States shall take all measures necessary to ensure 
that, in the case of small packages of certified seed, the 
identity of the seed can be checked in particular at the 
time when seed lots are divided up. lb this end, they may 
require that small packages divided up in their territory be 
sealed offidally or under official supervision. 
Article 14 
It This Directive shall not affea the right of Member 
States to require that, in cases other than those provided 
for by fhis Directive, packages of basic seed or certified 
seed, whether the seed has been produced in their own 
territory or imported, must, if the seed is to be marketed 
within their territory, bear a supplier's label. 75/444/EEC - Art 1(6) 
Article lib 
78/55/EEC - Art 1(2) 
Article lie 
Article 12 
66/400/EEC - 88/380/EEC - Art 1(3) 
75/444/EEC - Art. 1(7) - Corrigendum, English 
Spedal Edition, p. 15 
2. The label referred to in paragraph 1 shall be drawn 
up in such a manner that it cannot be confused with the 
official label referred to in Article 10 (1). 
Article 15 
Member States shall require that any chemical treatment 
of basic seed or certified seed be noted either on the offi­
dal label or on the supplier's label and on the package or 
inside it. 
Article 16 
For the purpose of seeking improved alternatives to certain 
elements of the certification scheme adopted under this 
Directive, it may be dedded to organize temporary experi­
ments under specified conditions at Community level in ac­
cordance with the provisions laid down in Article 24 (2). 88/380/EEC - Art 1(4) 
Article 13 
66/400/EEC 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 15 
Article 13a 
88/380/EEC - Art 1(5) 
3«3 
In the framework of such experiments, Member States may 
be released from certain obligations laid down in this 
Directive. The extent of that release shall be defined with 
reference to the provisions to which it applies. The 
duration of an experiment shall not exceed seven years. 
Article 17 
1. Member States shall ensure that 
— basic seed and certified seed which has been offidally 
certified and the containers of which have been 
marked and closed offidally or under offidal supervi­
sion in accordance with this Directive, 
— certified seed which has been offidally certified and 
takes the form of small EEC packages which have 
been marked and sealed in accordance with this 
Directive, 
are not subject to any marketing restrictions as regards 
their characteristics, examination requirements, marking 
and sealing, other than those laid down in this Directive. 88/380/EEC - Art 1(5) 
Article 14 
75/444/EEC - Art 1(8) 
78/55/EEC - Art 1(3) 
2. Member States may. 
(a) provide that beet seed may not be placed on the mar­
ket unless it corresponds to specified sizes; 66/400/EEC 
(b) increase the minimum percentages of dusters giving 
single seedlings laid down for precision seed in Annex 
I (B)(3)(b) (ft) and (cc). 69/61/EEC - Art. 8 
88/380/EEC - Art 1(6) 
3. Member States which have provided for exemptions 
in accordance with the provisions of point (a) of Article 
3 (3) shall ensure that bred seed of generations prior to 
basic seed are subject to no marketing restrictions on ac­
count of their characteristics, examination arrangements, 
marking and sealing, 
(a) if it has been offidally checked by the competent cer­
tification authority in accordance with the provisions 
applicable for the certification of basic seed; 
(b) if it is packed in accordance with the provisions of 
this Directive; and 
(c) if the packages bear an offidal label giving at least 
the following particulars: 
— certification authority and Member State or their 
distinguishing abbreviation, 
— lot reference number, 72/418/EEC - Art 1(2) 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 106 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 106 
•*><, 
— month and year of sealing, 
or 
— month and year of the last offidal sampling for 
the purposes of certification, 78/692/EEC - Art. 1(4) 
— spedes, indicated at least in roman characters, 
under its botanical name, which may be given in 
abridged form and without the authorities' 
names, or under its common name, or both; in­
dication whether sugar beet or fodder beet, 
— variety, indicated at least in roman characters, 88/380/EEC - Art. 1(7) 
— the description 'pre-basic seed', 
— number of generations preceding seed of the 
category 'certified seed'. 
The label shall be white with a diagonal violet line. 
Article 18 
1. Member States shall provide that beet seed 
— which has been produced directly from basic seed of­
ficially certified in one or more Member States or in 
a third country which has been granted equivalence 
under point (b) of Article 19 (1), and 
— which has been harvested in another Member State, 
shall, on request and without prejudice to the provisions of 
Directive 95/.. TEC, be offidally certified as certified seed 
in any Member State if that seed has undergone field in­
spection satisfying the conditions laid down in Annex I (A) 
for the relevant category and if offidal examination has 
shown that the conditions laid down in Annex I (B) for the 
same category are satisfied. 
Where in such cases the seed has been produced directly 
from offidally certified seed of generations prior to basic 
seed, Member States may also authorize official certifica­
tion as basic seed, if the conditions laid down for that 
category are satisfied. 
2. Beet seed which has been harvested in another Mem­
ber State, and which is intended for certification in accor­
dance with the provisions laid down in paragraph 1, shall 
— be packed and labelled with an offidal label satisfying 
the conditions laid down in Annex IV (A) and (B), in 
accordance with the provisions laid down in Article 9 
(1), and 72/418/EEC - Art 1(2) 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p.106 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p.106 
AzticjeJl 
88/380/EEC - Art. 1(8) 
[70/457/EEC] 
sr 
— be accompanied by an offidal document satisfying the 
conditions laid down in Annex IV (C). 
3. Member States shall also provide that beet seed 
— which has been produced directly from basic seed of­
fidally certified in one or more Member States or in 
a third country which has been granted equivalence 
under point (b) of Artide 19 (1), and 
— which has been harvested in a third country, 
shall, on request, be officially certified as certified seed in 
any of those Member States where the basic seed was 
either produced or offidally certified, if the seed has un­
dergone field inspection satisfying the conditions laid down 
in an equivalence decision made under point (a) Article 
19 (1) for the relevant category, and if offidal examination 
has shown that the conditions laid down in Annex I (B) for 
the same category are satisfied. Other Member States may 
also authorize offidal certification of such seed. 88/380/EEC - Art 1(8) 
Article 19 
1. The Council, acting by a qualified majority on a pro­
posal from the Commission, shall determine whether 
(a) in the case provided for in Artide 18, the field in­
spections in the third country satisfy the conditions 
laid down in Annex I (A); 
(b) beet seed harvested in a third country and affording 
the same assurances as regards its characteristics and 
the arrangements for its examination, for ensuring its 
identity, for marking and for control is equivalent in 
these respects to basic seed or certified seed harves­
ted within the Community and complying with the 
provisions of this Directive. Article 16 
66/400/EEC 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 15 
2. Paragraph 1 shall also apply in respect of any new 
Member State from the date of its accession to the date 
on which it is to bring into force the laws, regulations or 
administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Di­
rective. 72/274/EEC - Art 2 
?>G 
Article 20 
1. In order to remove any temporary difficulties in the 
general supply of basic seed or certified seed that occur in 
one or more Member States and cannot be overcome with­
in the Community, one or more Member States may be 
authorized, in accordance with the procedure laid down in 
Artide 24 (2), to permit for a specified period, the mar­
keting of seed of a category subject to less stringent re­
quirements, or of seed varieties not induded in the cata­
logue provided by Directive 95/.. ./EC or their national 
catalogues of varieties. Article 17 
72/418/EEC - Art. 1(3) 
[70/457/EEC] 
2. For a category of seed of any given variety, the offi­
dal label shall be that provided for the corresponding cate­
gory; in all other cases it shall be brown. The label shall 
always state that the seed in question is of a category satis­
fying less stringent requirements. 66/400/EEC 
69/61/EEC - Art 11 
3. Rules for the application of paragraph 1 may be 
adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Ar­
ticle 24 (2). 
Article 21 
L, Member States shall make suitable arrangements for 
beet seed to be offidally verified during marketing, at least 
by sampling, as regards its compliance with the require­
ments of this Directive. 88/332/EEC - Art 1 
Article 19 
66/400/EEC - 72/418/EEC - Art 1(4) 
2. Member States shall take all necessary measures to 
ensure that the following particulars are presented during 
the marketing of quantities exceeding 2 kg of seed coming 
from another Member State or from a third country: 
(a) spedes, 
(b) variety, 
(c) category, 
(d) country of production and offidal control authority, 
(e) country of dispatch, 
(f) importer, 
(g) quantity of seed. 
The manner in which these particulars must be presented 
may be determined in accordance with the procedure laid 
down in Article 24 (2). 72/418/EEC - Art 1(5) 
5^ 
sirticle 22 
1. Community comparative tests shall be carried out 
within the Community for the post-control of samples of 
certified beet seed taken during sampling. Satisfaction of 
the conditions with which the seed must comply may be 
checked during the post-control tests. The arrangements 
for holding the tests and their results shall be submitted to 
the Committee referred to in Artide 24 (1). Article 20 
71/162/EEC - Art. 1(4) 
2. These comparative tests shall be used to harmonize 
the technical methods of certification so as to obtain re­
sults which are equivalent Annual progress reports shall 
be made on the tests and sent in confidence to the Mem­
ber States and to the Commission. The Commission shall, 
in accordance with the procedure laid down in Artide 24 
(2), set the date for the first report. 
3. The Commission, acting in accordance with the 
procedure laid down in Artide 24 (2), shall make the 
necessary arrangements for the comparative tests to be 
carried out. Beet seed harvested in third countries may be 
induded in the comparative tests. 
Article 23 
Amendments to be made to the content of the Annexes in 
the light of the development of scientific or technical 
knowledge shall be adopted according to the procedure 
laid down in Artide 24 (2). 
Article 24 
1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Standing 
Committee on Seeds on Propagating Material for Agricul­
ture, Horticulture and Forestry set up by Council Decision 
66/399/EEC W. 
2. The representative of the Commission shall submit a 
draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall 
deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which 
the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of 
the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority 
laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of 
decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a pro­
posal from the Commission. The votes of the representa­
tives of the Member States within the Committee shall be 
weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chair­
man shall not vote. 66/400/EEC 
Article 21a 
73/438/EEC - Art 1(2) 
Article 21 
(!) OJ No L125.ll. 7.1966, p. 2289/66. 87/373/EEC 
(adapted) 
as 
The Commission shall adopt measures which shall apply 
immediately. However, if these measures are not in accord­
ance with the opinion of the Committee, they shall be 
communicated by the Commission to the Council forth­
with. In that event, the Commission may defer application 
of the measures which it has dedded for a period of not 
more than one month from the date of such communica-
tioa 
The Councfl, acting by a qualified majority, may take a 
different decision within the time limit referred to in the 
second subparagraph. 87/373/EEC 
(adapted) 
3. The Committee, on request by the chairman or one 
of the Member States, may examine any questions relevant 
to the subject matter of this Directive. 
Article 25 
This Directive shall be without prejudice to the provisions 
of national laws justified on grounds of the protection of 
health and life of humans, animals or plants or the protec­
tion of industrial and commerdal property. 66/399/EEC - Art 2 
(adapted) 
66/400/EEC ArMe_21 
Article 26 
1. The Directives listed in Annex V, Part A, are hereby 
repealed without prejudice to the obligations of the Member 
States concerning the deadlines for transposition of the said 
Directives set out in Annex V, Part B. 
2. References to the repealed Directives shall be cons­
trued as references to this Directive and should be read in 
accordance with the correlation table set out in Annex VL 
Article 27 
This Directive shall enter into force the twentieth day 
following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the 
European Communities. 
Article 28 
This Directive is addressed to the Member States. 
Done at Brussels, 
For the Councfl, 
The President 
^ 
ANNEX I 
Conditions for certification 
A. THE CROP 66/400/EEC 
1. The previous cropping of the field shall not have been 
incompatible with the production of seeds of Beta vul­
garis of the variety of the crop, and the field shall be 
suffidentry free from such plants which are volunteers 
from previous cropping. 
2. The aop shall have suffident identity and purity of 
variety. 
3. The seed producer shall submit all the multiplications 
of a given variety of seed for examination by the cer­
tification authority. 
4. There shall be at least one offidal field inspection 
and in the case of basic seed at least two such inspec­
tions, one of stecklings and one of the seed-producing 
plants 
5. The cultural condition of the field and the stage of 
development of the crops shall be such as to permit 
identity and varietal purity to be adequately checked. 87A20/EEC - Art 1(1) 
66/400/EEC 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 15 
The minimum distances from neighbouring pollen 
sources shall be: 
Crop 
For the production of basic seed: 
from any pollen sources of the 
genus Beta 
For the production of certified 
seed: 
(a) of sugar beet 
— from any pollen sources 
of the genus Beta not in­
cluded below 
— the intended pollinator or 
one of the intended polli­
nators being diploid, from 
tetraploid sugar beet pol­
len sources 
— the intended pollinator 
being exdusivery tetra­
ploid, from diploid sugar 
beet pollen sources Minimum 
distance 
1000m 
1000m 
600m 
600m 87A20/EEC - Art 1(2) 
ko 
— from sugar beet pollen 
sources, the ploidy of 
which is unknown 
— the intended pollinator or 
one of the intended polli­
nators being diploid, from 
diploid sugar beet pollen 
sources 
— the intended pollinator 
being exclusively tetra­
ploid, from tetraploid 
sugar beet pollen sources 
— between two sugar beet 
seed production fields in 
which male sterility is not 
used 
(b) of fodder beet: 
— from any pollen sources 
of the genus Beta not in­
cluded below 
— the intended pollinator or 
one of the pollinators be­
ing diploid, from tetra­
ploid fodder beet pollen 
sources 
— the intended pollinator 
being exdusivery tetra­
ploid, from diploid fodder 
beet pollen sources 
— from fodder beet pollen 
sources, the ploidy of 
which is unknown 
— the intended pollinator or 
one of the pollinators be­
ing diploid, from diploid 
fodder beet pollen 
sources 600 m 
300 m 
300 m 
300 m 
1000m 
600 m 
600m 
600 m 
300 m 87/120/EEC - Art 1(2) 
*M 
the intended pollinator 
being exdusivery tetra­
ploid, from tetraploid fod­
der beet pollen sources 
between two fodder beet 
seed production fields in 
which male sterility is not 
used 300 m 
300 m 
The above distances can be disregarded if there is 
suffident protection from any undesirable foreign 
pollinator. No isolation is necessary between seed 
crops using the same pollinator. 
The ploidy of both seed-bearing and pollen-shedding 
components of seed-producing crops is to be estab­
lished by reference to the catalogue compiled under 
Directive 95/.. TEC, or the national Catalogues of 
Varieties established under that Directive. If this in­
formation is not induded for any variety, the ploidy is 
to be regarded as unknown, and thus a minimum 
isolation distance of 600 metres is required 87/120/EEC - Art 1(2) 
[70/457/EEC] 
2. 
3. B. THE SEED 
The seed shall have suffident identity and purity of 
variety. 
Diseases which reduce the usefulness of the seed shall 
be at the lowest possible level. 
The seed shall also satisfy the following conditions: 66/400/EEC 
<iK 
(a) 
(aa) Sugar-beet 
— monogerm seed 
— precision seed 
multigerm seed of 
varieties with more 
than 85% diploids 
— other seeds 
(bb) Fodder-beet: 
— multigerm seed of 
varieties with more 
than 85% diploids, 
monogerm seed, 
precision seed 
— other seeds Minimum 
analytical 
purity (!) 
(% by weight) 
97 
97 
97 
97 
97 
97 Minimum 
germination 
(% of clusters 
or pure seed) 
80 
75 
73 
68 
73 
68 Maximum 
moisture 
content (l) 
(% by weight) 
15 
15 
15 
15 
15 
15 
The percentage by weight of other seeds shall not exceed 0,3. 
"(*) Excluding, where appropriate, granulated pestiddes, pelleting substances 
or other solid additives. 76/331/EEC - Art 2 
(b) Special conditions for monogerm seed and for 
precision seed: 
(aa) Monogerm seed: 
At least 90% of the germinated clus­
ters shall give single seedlings. 66/400/EEC 
The percentage of clusters giving three 
or more seedlings shall not exceed five, 
calculated on the germinated clusters. 76/331/EEC - Art 3(1) 
V3 
(bb) Precision seed of sugar beet: 
At least 70% of the germinated 
clusters shall give single seedlings. The 
percentage of clusters giving three or 
more seedlings shall not exceed five, 
calculated on the germinated clusters. 76/331/EEC - Art 3(2) 
(cc) Predsion seed of fodder-beet: 76/331/EEC - Art 3(3) 
In the case of varieties with a percent­
age of diploids exceeding 85, at least 
58% of the germinated clusters shall 
give single seedlings. In the case of all 
other seeds, at least 63% of the germi­
nated clusters shall give single seed­
lings. The percentage of clusters giving 
three or more seedlings shall not ex­
ceed five, calculated on the germinated 
dusters. 69/61/EEC - Art 13(3) 
(dd) In the case of seed of the category 
'basic seed', the percentage by weight 
of inert matter shall not exceed 1,0. In 
the case of seed of the category 'certi­
fied seed', the percentage by weight of 
inert matter shall not exceed 0,5. In 
the case of pelleted seed of both cat­
egories, the satisfaction of the relevant 
condition shall be examined on samples 
drawn, pursuant to Article 7 (1), from 
processed seed which has undergone 
partial decortication (rubbing or grind­
ing) but has not yet been pelleted, 
without prejudice to the official exam­
ination of the minimum analytical pu­
rity of the pelleted seed. 88/95/EEC - Art 1(1) 
(c) Other special conditions: 
Member States shall ensure that beet seed may 
not be introduced into areas recognized as 'Rhi-
zomania-free zones' under appropriate Commu­
nity procedures, unless the percentage by weight 
of inert matter does not exceed 0,5. 88/95/EEC - Art 1(2) 
^4 
ANNEX II 
Maximum weight of a seed lot: 20 metric tons 
Minimum weight of a sample: 5jQp. grammes 66/400/EEC 
69/61/EEC - Art 14 
The maximum lot weight shall not be exceeded by more 
than 5%. 87/120/EEC - Art 1(3) 
h? 
ANNEX in 
MARKING 
A. Official label 
I. Information required 
1. THEC rules and standards' 
2. Certification authority and Member State or 
their initials. 
Reference number of lot 75/444/EEC - Art. 1(9) 
month and year of sealing expressed thus: 
'sealed...' (month and year) 
or 
month and year of the last offidal sampling 
for the purposes of certification expressed 
thus: 'sampled...' (month and year). 78/692/EEC - Art 1(5) 
Species, indicated at least in roman charac­
ters, under its botanical name, which may 
be given in abridged form and without the 
authorities' names, or under its common 
name, or both; indication whether sugar 
beet or fodder beet 88/380/EEC - Art 1(9) 
6. Variety indicated at least in roman charac­
ters. 
7. Category. 
8. Country of production. 
9. Declared net or gross weight or declared 
number of clusters or pure seeds. 
10. Where weight is indicated and granulated 
pestiddes, pelleting substances or other sol­
id additives are used, the nature of the ad­
ditive and also the approximate ratio be­
tween the weight of clusters or pure seeds 
and the total weight 
11. For monogerm seed: the word *monogerm'. 
12. For precision seed: the word 'precision'. 75/444/EEC - Art 1(9) - 88/380/EEC - Art. 
1(10) 
13. Where at least germination has been re-
tested, the words 'retested ... (month and 
year)' and the service responsible for such 
retesting may be indicated. Such informa­
tion may be given on an official sticker at­
tached to the official label. 78/55/EEC - Art 1(4) 
^ 
II. Minimum dimensions 
110 x 67 mm. 
Supplier's label or information on the packing 
(small ECC package) 
Information required 
1. 'Small EEC package'. 
2. Name and address of the supplier responsible for 
marking or his identification mark. 
3. Officially assigned serial number. 
4. Service which assigned the serial number and 
name of Member State or their initials. 
5. Reference number if the offidal serial number 
does not enable the lot to be identified. 75/444/EEC - Art 1(9) 
Spedes, indicated at least in roman characters; 
indication whether sugar beet or fodder beet 88/380/EEC - Art 1(11) 
7. Variety indicated at least in roman characters. 
8. 'Certified seed'. 
9. Net or gross weight or number of dusters or 
pure seeds. 
10. Where weight is indicated and granulated pesti­
ddes, pelleting substances or other solid addi­
tives are used, the nature of the additive and 
also the approximate ratio between the weight of 
dusters or pure seeds and the total weight 
11. For monogerm seed: the word 'monogerm'. 
1Z For precision seed: the word 'precision'. 75/444/EEC - Art 1(9) - 88/380/EEC - Art 
1(12) 
** 
ANNEX IV 
Label and document provided in the case of seed not 
finally certified, harvested in another Member State 
A. Information required for the label 
— authority responsible for field inspection and 
Member State or their initials, 
— species, indicated at least in roman characters, 
under its botanical name, which may be given in 
abridged form and without the authorities' 
names, or under its common name, or both; in­
dication whether sugar beet or fodder beet, 
— variety, indicated at least in roman characters, 
— category, 
— field or lot reference number, 
— dedared net or gross weight, 
— the words 'seed not finally certified'. 
B. Colour of the label 
The label shall be grey. 
C. Information required for the document 
— authority issuing the document, 
— species, indicated at least in roman characters, 
under its botanical name, wiiich may be given in 
abridged form and without the authorities' 
names, or under its common name, or both; in­
dication whether sugar beet or fodder beet, 
— variety, indicated at least in roman characters, 
— category, 
— reference number of the seed used to sow the 
field and name of the country or countries which 
certified that seed, 
— field or lot reference number, 
— area cultivated for the production of the lot 
covered by the document, 
— quantity of seed harvested and number of pack­
ages, 
— attestation that the conditions to be satisfied by 
the crop from which the seed comes have been 
fulfilled, 88/380/EEC - Art 1(13) 
W 
where appropriate, results of a preliminary seed 
analysis. 88/380/EEC - Art 1(13) 
44 
Directive 66/400/EEC 
and its successive amendments ANNEX V 
Part A 
Repealed Directives 
(referred to by Article 26) 
Directive 69/61/EEC 
Directive 71/162/EEC 
Directive 72/274/EEC 
Directive 72/418/EEC 
Directive 73/438/EEC 
Directive 75/444/EEC 
Directive 76/331/EEC 
Directive 78/55/EEC 
Directive 78/692/EEC 
Directive 87/120/EEC 
Directive 88/95/EEC 
Directive 88/332/EEC 
Directive 88/380/EEC 
Directive 90/654/EEC only Artide 1 
only concerning references made to Artides 1 and 2 
on the provisions of Directive 66/400/EEC 
only Artide 1 
only Artide 1 
only Artide 1 
only Artide 1 
only Artide 1 
only Artide 1 
only Artide 1 
only Artide 1 
only concerning references made to Artide 2 and to 
Annex II (I) (1) (a) on the provisions of Directive 
66/400/EEC 
So 
PartB 
Deadlines for transposition into national law 
(referred to by Article 26) 
Directive Deadline for transposition 
Directive 66/400/EEC (OJ No 125, 11. 7. 1966, p. 2290/66) 
Directive 69/61/EEC (OJ No L 48, 26. 2. 1969, p. 4) 
Directive 71/162/EEC (OJ No L 87, 17. 4. 1971, p. 24) 
Directive 72/274/EEC (OJ No L 171, 29. 7. 1972, p. 37) 
Directive 72/418/EEC (OJ No L 287, 26. 12. 1972, p. 22) 
Directive 73/438/EEC (OJ No L 356, 27. 12. 1973, p. 79) 
Directive 75/444/EEC (OJ No L 196, 26. 7. 1975, p. 6) 
Directive 76/331/EEC (OJ No L 83, 30. 3. 1976, p. 34) 
Directive 78/55/EEC (OJ No L 16, 20. 1. 1978, p. 23) 
Directive 78/692/EEC (OJ No L 236, 26. 8. 1978, p. 13) 
Directive 87/120/EEC (OJ No L 49, 18. 12. 1987, p. 39) 
Directive 88/95/EEC (OJ No L 56, 2. 3. 1988, p. 42) 
Directive 88/332/EEC (OJ No L 151, 17. 6. 1988, p. 82) 
Directive 88/380/EEC (OJ No L 187, 16. 7. 1988, p. 31) 
Directive 90/654/EEC (OJ No L 353, 17. 12. 1990, p. 48) July 1968 (Article 14 (1)) 
July 1969 (other provisions) ^H2) 
Jury 1969 M 
Jury 1970 (Artide 1 (3)) 
Jury 1972 (Artide 1 (1)) 
Jury 1971 (other provisions) M 
Jury 1972 (Artide 1) 
January 1973 (Artide 2) 
July 1973 
Jury 1973 (Artide 1 (1)) 
January 1974 (Artide 1 (2)) 
Jury 1977 
July 1978 (Artide 1) 
July 1979 (other provisions) 
Jury 1979 
Jury 1977 
Jury 1988 
Jury 1988 
July 1992 (Artide 1 (8)) 
Jury 1990 (other provisions) 
W For Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom, 1 July 1973 for Arucle 14 (1), 1 Jury 1974 for the other provisions œnœrning basic seed 
and 1 Jury 1976 for the other provisions. 
(2) 1 January 1986 for Greece, 1 March 1986 for Spain, 1 January 1991 for Portugal, and 1 January 1995 for Austria, Finland and Sweden. 
" 
ANNEX VI 
CORRELATION TABLE 
Directive 667400/EEC This Directive 
Artide 1 
Artide 18 
Artide 2 (1) 
Artide 2 (la) 
Article 2 (2) 
Artide 3 
Artide 4 
Artide 5 
Article 6 
Artide 7 
Article 9 
Article 10 
Article 11 
Article 11a 
Artide lib 
Artide lie 
Article 12 
Article 13 
Artide 13a 
Article 14 (1) 
Artide 14 (2) (b) 
Artide 14 (2) (c) 
Article 14 (3) 
Artide 15 
Article 16 (1) 
Article 16 (3) 
Article 17 
Article 19 
Artide 20 
Article 21a 
Artide 21 
Article 22 Artide 1,1st subparagraph 
Artide 1,2nd subparagraph 
Artide 2 (1) 
Article 2 (2) 
Artide 2 (3) 
Artide 3 
Artide 4 
Artide 5 
Artide 6 
Artide 7 
Article 8 
Artide 9 
Artide 10 
Article 11 
Article 12 
Article 13 
Article 14 
Artide 15 
Artide 16 
Artide 17 (1) 
Artide 17 (2) (a) 
Artide 17 (2) (b) 
Artide 17 (3) 
Artide 18 
Article 19 (1) 
Article 19 (2) 
Artide 20 
Artide 21 
Artide 22 
Article 23 
Artide 24 
Article 25 
Article 26 
Article 27 
Article 28 
30 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX I, Part A (01) 
I, Part A (1 
I, Part A (2 
I, Part A (3 
I, Part A (4 
I, Part A (5 
I, Part B (1 
I, Part B (2 
I, Part B (3 
I, Part B (3 
I,PartB(3 
I, Part B (3 
I, Part B (3 
I, Part B (3 
II 
in, Part A (I) (1) 
ITL Part A (I) (2) 
IU, Part A (I) (3) 
m, Part A (I) (3a) 
in, Part A (I) (4) 
in, Part A (I) (5) 
IJJ, Part A (I) (6) 
in, Part A (I) (7) 
ffl, Part A (I) (8) 
in, Part A (I) (9) 
in, Part A (I) (10) 
in, Part A (I) (11) 
m, Part A (I) (12) 
in, Part B 
IV (a) 
(b)(aa) 
(b)(aa)(a) 
(b)(bb) 
(b)(cc) 
(c) ANNEX L Part A (1) 
ANNEX I, Part A (2) 
ANNEX L Part A (3) 
ANNEX L Part A (4) 
ANNEX I, Part A (5) 
ANNEX L Part A (6) 
ANNEX L Part B (1) 
ANNEX L Part B (2) 
ANNEX I, Part B (3) (a) 
ANNEX I, Part B (3) (b) (aa) 
ANNEX I, Part B (3) (b) (bb) 
ANNEX L Part B (3) (b) (cc) 
ANNEX L Part B (3) (b) (dd) 
ANNEX L Part B (3) (c) 
ANNEXn 
ANNEX in, Part A (I) (1) 
ANNEX m, Part A (I) (2) 
ANNEX in, Part A (I) (3) 
ANNEX in, Part A (I) (4) 
ANNEX HI, Part A (I) (5) 
ANNEX in, Part A (I) (6) 
ANNEX IJJ, Part A (I) (7) 
ANNEX III, Part A (I) (8) 
ANNEX IU, Part A (I) (9) 
ANNEX m, Part A (I) (10) 
ANNEX in, Part A (I) (11) 
ANNEX in, Part A (I) (12) 
ANNEX m, Part A (I) (13) 
ANNEX in, Part B 
ANNEX IV 
ANNEXV 
ANNEXVI 
31 
$1> 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
1. When considering how Community law could be made simpler and more transparent, 
Parliament the Commission and the Council found themselves confronted with an 
over-abundance of legislative instruments which had been amended several times, 
often substantially, and unanimously agreed on the need for a working method which 
would use legislative consolidation as a means of achieving greater clarity and trans­
parency. 
2. On 1 April 1987 the Commission therefore dedded to instruct its staff that all legis­
lative measures should be consolidated after no more than ten amendments, stressing 
that this was a minimum requirement and that departments should endeavour to con­
solidate at even shorter intervals the texts for which they were responsible, to ensure 
that the Community rules were clear and readily understandable. 
3. The condusions of the Presidency of the Edinburgh European Coundl reaffirmed 
these points, stressing that "official codification is important because it provides legal 
security as to the law which is applicable at a certain moment concerning a specific 
issue." lb ensure not only the quality and the legal security of the texts consolidated, 
it was also suggested that "a jointly acceptable accelerated working method should be 
sought allowing codified Community law (repladng existing legislation without chang­
ing its substance) to be adopted in a speedy and efficient way". 
4. The proposed consoUdated version of Council Directive 69/208/EEC of 30 June 1969 
on the marketing of seed of oil and fibre plants forms part of a much larger programme 
of consolidation of the provisions on seeds and propagating material for agriculture, 
horticulture and forestry. It has been drafted in accordance with the fundamental 
prindples agreed by Councfl, Parliament and the Commission in 1974; it aims at legis­
lative consolidation: the existing Directives would be replaced by one new one, which 
would leave their substance untouched but would assemble them into a single text, 
with only the formal amendments required by the operation itself <!). This codified 
text will serve as the basis for future legislative developments in this field. 
5. Certain provisions of Directive 69/208/EEC refer to "EEC standards". 
The Treaty on European Union replaced the expression "European Economic Com­
munity" by "European Community" in the Treaty, the same should now be done in 
the above provisions. 
This may be regarded as a purely formal amendment, but the Member States must 
none the less transpose it into national legislation if firms are to use labels referring 
to the EC rather than the EEC. Moreover, there could be a finandal impact for these 
firms if they were required to begin using the new labels forthwith. 
For these reasons, and since consolidating directives do not need to be transposed, the 
original provisions being presumed to have been transposed within the time allowed, 
it would not appear possible to incorporate this amendment in the consolidation pro­
posal as a purely formal adjustment. 
The Commission will accordingly present a separate proposal frr the amendment of 
Directive 69/208/EEC repladng "EEC" by "EC". 
This amendment and those already proposed to the Council will, following adoption, be 
incorporated in the consolidation proposal which should then be before the Council. 
6. This consolidation proposal was drawn up on the basis of a preliminary consolidation, 
in all the offidal languages, of Directive 69/208/EEC and the instruments amending it, 
carried out by the Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, by 
means of a data-processing system referred to in the conclusions of the European 
Council meeting at Edinburgh. Although the articles have been given new numbers, 
the former number is printed alongside in each case for the reader's convenience; the 
correlation between the old and new numbers is shown in a table contained in Annex 
VII to the consolidated Directive. 
0) Annex VL part A of this proposal. 
f<* 
4 Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 
on the marketing of seed of oil and fibre plants 
(consolidated version) 
S"^ ta-to 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE -J„JEC 
of 
on the marketing of seed of oil and fibre plants 95/0304 (CNS) 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European 
Community, and in particular Article 43 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parlia­
ment 0), 
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and So­
cial Committee (2)-
1) Whereas Council Directive 69/208/EEC of 30 June 1969 
on the marketing of seed of oil and fibre plants (3) has 
been frequently and substantially amended; whereas for 
reasons of clarity and rationality the said Directive 
should be consoUdated; 
2) Whereas the production of oil and fibre plants occupies 
an important place in the agriculture of the Community; 
3) Whereas satisfactory results in the cultivation of oil and 
fibre plants depend to a large extent on the use of ap­
propriate seed; whereas to this end certain Member 
States have restricted the marketing of seed of some 
spedes of these plants to high-quality seed; whereas they 
have been able to take advantage of the systematic plant 
selection work carried out for some time which has re­
sulted in the development of sufficiently stable and uni­
form cereal varieties which, by reason of their character­
istics, promise to be of great value for purposes in view; 
4) Whereas greater productivity will be achieved in the cul­
tivation of oil and fibre plants within the Community if 
for the choice of the varieties permitted to be marketed 
the Member States apply uniform rules which are as 
strict as possible; whereas a common catalogue of var­
ieties of agricultural plant spedes is therefore provided 
for in the Council Directive 95/... /EC (4); 69/208/EEC 
71/162/EEC 
[70/457/EEC] 
(1) OJNoC. 
(2) OJ No C ._ 
(3 ) O J No L169,10.7.1969, p. 3; as last amended by the Act of Ac­
cession AT, FI, SE. 
(4) See page _. of this Official Journal. 
5T" 
5) Whereas it is, however, justifiable to restrict marketing 
to certain varieties only where the user can be sure of 
actually obtaining seed of those varieties; 
6) Whereas certain Member States have for this purpose 
been applying certification schemes which are intended 
by offidal verification to ensure the identity and purity 
of the varieties; 
7) Whereas the conditions to be satisfied by the crop and 
by the seed, induding the varietal purity standards, 
should be amended so as to conform with the schemes 
for varietal certification of seed intended for interna­
tional trade laid down by the Organization for Economic 
Cooperation and Development (OECD); 
8) Whereas it is desirable to establish a uniform certifi­
cation scheme for the Community based on the experi­
ence gained in the application of those schemes; whereas 
the Community scheme should therefore apply to 
marketing both in other Member States and on domestic 
markets; 
9) Whereas, as a general rule, seed of oil and fibre plants 
should be allowed to be marketed only if it has been 
officially examined and certified, in accordance with the 
rules for certification, as basic seed or certified seed; 
whereas the choice of the technical terms *basic seed' 
and 'certified seed' is based on already existing interna­
tional terminology; 
10) Whereas there should be approval for commercial seed 
in order to take into account the fad that not all genera 
and spedes of oil and fibre plants of importance for 
cropping have as yet produced either the desired var­
ieties or sufficient quantities of seed of the existing var­
ieties to meet all the needs of the Community; whereas 
it is therefore necessary, in the case of certain genera 
and spedes, to prove seed of oil and fibre plants which 
is not of a named variety, but which satisfies the regula­
tions in all other respects; 
11) Whereas seed of oil and fibre plants which is not placed 
on the market should not, in view of its minor economic 
importance, be subject to Community rules; whereas 
Member States must retain the right to make such seed 
subject to spedal provisions; 
12) Whereas it is necessary to provide that bred seed of gen­
eration prior to basic seed, which may be admitted for 
marketing in the different Member States, shall corre­
spond to the requirements laid down by this Directive; 
13) Whereas Community rules should not apply to seed 
shown to be intended for export to third countries; 8. 
10. 69/208/CEE 
82/287/EEC 
(adapted) 
69/208/EEC 
(adapted) 
72/418/EEC 
(adapted) 
69/208/EEC 
*G 
14) Whereas, in order to improve not only the genetic qual­
ity of Community seed of oil and fibre plants but also its 
external characteristics, certain requirements should be 
laid down as to analytical purity and germination; 
15) Whereas, if certain spedes of seed are not normally re­
produced or marketed in the territory of a Member 
State, provision should be made for release of that 
Member State, under the procedure of the Standing 
Committee on Seeds and Propagating Material for Agri­
culture, Horticulture and Forestry, from the obligation to 
apply this Directive in respect of the species in question; 
16) Whereas, in order to ensure the identity of the seed, 
Community rules on packaging, sampling, sealing and 
marking must be established; whereas to this end the 
labels should give the particulars needed both for offidal 
verification and for the information of the user and 
should dearly show the Community nature of the certifi­
cation of the certified seed of the various categories; 
17) Whereas, in order to ensure that both the requirements 
as to the quality of the seed and the provisions for en­
suring its identity are complied with during marketing, 
Member States must make provision for appropriate 
control arrangements; 
18) Whereas seed satisfying these requirements should, with­
out prejudice to Artide 36 of the Treaty, be subject to 
no marketing restrictions other than those provided for 
in Community rules; 
19) Whereas, subject to certain conditions, seed multiplied in 
another country from basic seed certified in a Member 
State should be recognized as equivalent to seed multi­
plied in that Member State; 
20) Whereas, on the other hand, provision should be made 
for authorizing the marketing within the Community of 
seed of oil and fibre plants which has been harvested in 
third countries only if such seed affords the same assur­
ances as seed officially certified, or offidally approved as 
commerdal seed, within the Community and complying 
with Community rules; 
21) Whereas, during periods in which there are difficulties in 
obtaining supplies of certified seed of the various cat­
egories, seeds of an inferior quality should be temporar­
ily permitted to be marketed, and also seeds of varieties 
not induded either in the common catalogue or in the 
national catalogue of varieties; 11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 
15. 
17. 
18. 
19. 
+ 
3. 72/418/EEC 
(adapted) 
n 
22) Whereas, in order to harmonize the technical methods 
of certification used in the Member States and to enable 
comparisons to be made between seed certified within 
the Community and that coming from third countries, 
Community test fields should be established in Member 
States to permit annual post-control of seed of the vari­
ous categories of 'certified seed'; 
23) Whereas for the exerdse of implementation powers con­
ferred on the Commission, it seems appropriate that the 
Commission be assisted by the Standing Committee on 
Seeds and Propagating Material for Agriculture, Horti­
culture and Forestry, according to the Management 
Committee procedure provided for in Artide 2 (II) of 
Council Decision 87/373/EEC(1>; 
24) Whereas this Directive must not affea the obUgations of 
the Member States concerning the deadlines for trans­
position of the Directives set out in Annex VI, part B, 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIIŒCTiVE: 20. 
21. 69/208/EEC 
(adapted) 
(1) OJ No L 197, 18. 7. 1987, p. 33. 
<?% 
Article 1 
This Directive shall apply to seed of oil and fibre plants 
marketed within the Community and intended for agricul­
tural production but excluding use for ornamental pur­
poses. 
It shall not apply to seed of oil and fibre plants which is 
shown to be intended for export to third countries. 
1. Article 2 
For the purposes of this Direaive, 
A. 'Oil and fibre plants' means plants of the following 
genera and spedes 69/208/EEC 
Article 17 
Arachis hypogaea L. Groundnut (peanut) 79/641/EEC - Art 3 (1) 
Brassica juncea (L.) and 
Czernj. Cosson 
Brassica napus L. (par-
tim) 
Brassica nigra (L.) Koch 
Brassica rapa L. var. sil-
vestris (Lam.) Briggs 
Cannabis sativa L. 
Carthamus tinctorius L. Brown mustard 
Swede rape 
Black mustard 
Turnip rape 
Hemp 
Safflower 87A20/EEC - Art 4 (1) 
79/641/EEC - Art 3 (1) 
| 86/155/EEC - Art 4 (1) 
Carum carvi L. 
Glycine max (L.) Merr. 
Gossypium spp. 
Helianthus annum L. 
Linum usitatissimum L. 
Papaver somniferum L. 
Sinapis alba L. Caraway 
Soyabean 
Cotton 
Sunflower 
Flax, linseed 
Opium poppy 
White mustard 79/641/EEC - Art 3 (1) 
'Basic seed' (varieties other than hybrids of sunflower) 
means seed 
(a) which has been produced under the responsibility 
of the breeder according to accepted practices 
for the maintenance of the variety; 
(b) which is intended for the production of seed ei­
ther of the category 'certified seed' or of the 
categories 'certified seed, first generation' or 'cer­
tified seed, second generation' or. where ap­
propriate, 'certified seed, third generation': 69/208/EEC - 88/380/EEC - Art. 5 (1) 
71/162/EEC - Art 5 (2) (a) 
^ 
(c) which, subject to the provisions of Article 4, sat­
isfies the conditions laid down in Annexes I and 
II for basic seed; and 
(d) which has been found by official examination to 
satisfy the abovementioned conditions; I 69/208/EEC 
C. 'Basic seed' (hybrids of sunflower): 
1. Uasic seed of inbred lines' means seed 
(a) which, subject to the provisions of Article 4, 
satisfies the conditions laid down in An­
nexes I and II for basic seed; and 
(b) which has been found by offidal examina­
tion to satisfy the abovementioned condi­
tions; 
2 'Basic seed of simple hybrids' means seed 
(a) which is intended for the production of 
three-way-cross hybrids or double-cross hy­
brids; 
(b) which, subject to the provisions of Article 4, 
satisfies the conditions laid down in An­
nexes I and II for basic seed; and 
(c) which has been found by offidal examina­
tion to satisfy the abovementioned condi­
tions; 88/380/EEC - Art. 5 (2) 
D. 'Certified seed' (turnip rape, brown mustard, swede 
rape, dioecious hemp, safflower. black mustard, car­
away, sunflower, opium poppy, white mustard) means 
seed 
(a) which has,, bccp-produçed directly from basic 
seed or, if the breeder so requests, from seed of 
a generation prior to basic seed and which can 
satisfy and has been found by official examina­
tion to satisfy the conditions laid down in An­
nexes I and II for basic seed; 
(b) which is intended for purposes other than the 
production of seed of oil or fibre plants; 
(c) which, subject to the provisions of point (b) of 
Article 4, satisfies the conditions laid down in 
Annexes I and II for certified seed; and 
(d) which has been found by official examination to 
satisfy the abovementioiied conditions; 69/208/EEC 
71/162/EEC-Art.5(2)(b)-86A55/EEC-Art4(2) 
Corrigendum, English Special Edition, p. 33 
<QSD 
'Certified seed, first generation' (groundnut, mono­
ecious hemp, flax, linseed, soya, cotton-) means seed 
(a) which has been produced directly from basic 
seed or, if the breeder so requests, from seed of 
a generation prior to basic seed which can satisfy 
and has been found by official examination to 
satisfy the conditions laid down in Annexes I and 
II for basic seed; 
(b) which is intended either for the production of 
seed of the category 'certified seed, second gen­
eration' or. where appropriate, of the category 
'certified seec^ third generation', or for purposes 
other than the production of seed of oil or fibre 
plants; 
(c) which satisfies the conditions laid down in An­
nexes I and II for certified seed; and 
(d) which has been found by official examination to 
satisfy the abovementioned conditions; 
'Certified seed, second generation' (groundnut, flax, 
linseed, soya, cotton) means seed 
(a) which has been produced directly from basic 
seed, from certified seed of the first generation 
or, if the breeder so requests, from seed of a 
generation prior to basic seed and which can sat­
isfy and has been found by official examination 
to satisfy the conditions laid down in Annexes I 
and JJ for basic seed; 
(b) which is intended for purposes other than the 
production of seed of oil or fibre plants or, 
where appropriate, which is intended for the pro­
duction of seed of the category 'certified seed. 
(c) which satisfies the conditions laid down in An­
nexes I and II for certified seed; and 
(d) which has been found by official examination to 
satisfy the abovementioned conditions; 69/208/EEC - 7 1/I(WLÀ^ - AJ t. 5 (2) (c) 
86/155/EEC Art. 4 (4) 
Corrigendum, English Special Edition, p. 33 
71/162/EEC - Art 5 (2) (d) 
86/155/EEC - Art 4 (5) 
Corrigendum, English Special Edition, p. 33 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 33 
71/162/EEC - Art. 5 (2) (e) 
G. 'Certified seed, second generation' (monoecious 
hemp) means seed 
(a) which has been produced directly from certified 
seed of the first generation which has been es­
tablished and officially controlled witli a special 
view to the production of certified seed of the 
second generation; 
(b) which is intended for the production of hemp to 
be harvested in flower; 71/162/EEC - Art. 5 (2) (0 
Corrigendum, English Special Edition, p. 87 
6 A 
(c) which satisfies the conditions laid down in An­
nexes I and II for certified seed; and 
(d) which has been found by official examination to 
satisfy the abovementioned conditions; 71A62/EEC - Art. 5 (2) (f) 
H. 'Certified seed, third generation' (flax, linseed) means 
seed 
(a) which is of direct descent from basic seed, from 
certified seed of the first or second generation 
or, if the breeder so requests, from seed of a 
generation prior to basic seed and which can sat­
isfy and has been found by offidal examination 
to satisfy the conditions laid down in Annexes I 
and II for basic seed; 
(b) which is intended for purposes other than the 
production of seed of oil or fibre plants; 
(c) which satisfies the conditions laid down in An­
nexes I and n for certified seed; and 
(d) which has been found by official examination to 
satisfy the abovementioned conditions; 
I. 'Commercial seed' means seed 
(a) which is identifiable as belonging to a species; 
(b) which, subject to the provisions of Artide 4 (b), 
satisfies the conditions laid down in Annex II for 
commercial seed; and 
(c) which has been found by official examination to 
satisfy the abovementioned conditions; 
J. 'Offidal measures' means measures taken 
(a) by State authorities, or 
(b) by any legal person whether governed by public 
or by private law, acting under the responsibility 
of the State, or 
(c) in the case of ancillary activities which arc also 
subject to State control, by any natural person 
duly sworn for that purpose, 
provided that the persons mentioned under (b) and 
(c) derive no private gain from such measures. 69/208/EEC 
2. Amendments to be made to the list of species re­
ferred to in point A of paragraph 1 in the light of the 
development of scientific or technical knowledge concern­
ing the names and hybrids resulting from the crossing of 
species covered by this Directive shall be adopted in ac­
cordance with the procedure laid down in Article 21 (2). 78/55/EEC - Art 5 (1) 
88/380/EEC - Art 5 (3) 
6X 
3. The different types of varieties, including the compo­
nents, eligible for certification under the provisions of this 
Directive may be specified and defined in accordance with 
the procedure laid down in Artide 21 (2). 88/380/EEC - Art. 5 (5) 
4j Member States may be authorized in accordance with 
the procedure laid down in Artide 21 (2) to permit, by 
way of derogation from points E (a) or F (a) of paragraph 
1, to be certified as certified seed of the first generation or 
certified seed of the second generation seeds of self-pollin­
ating spedes which have been entered for certification as 
basic seed and which have been produced from a gener­
ation prior to basic seed but which has not been offidally 
examined. This provision shall not apply to hybrid seeds. 
Certification as certified seed may occur only if this is re­
quested by the applicant for certification with the agree­
ment of the breeder and if an offidal post-control test 
based on samples taken officially and carried out at the 
latest during the growing season of the entered seed shows 
that the seeds from the previous generation have met the 
requirements for basic seed in respect of varietal identity 
and purity. In this case the breeder shall, when the 
samples are taken, state the total area which has been 
under production of seed of the previous generation. 
These conditions may be amended in the light of the de­
velopment of sdentific or technical knowledge in accord­
ance with the procedure laid down in Artide 21 (2). 
Member States shall require that the offidal labels for 
seeds marketed in accordance with the authorization re­
ferred to in the first subparagraph be marked: 'passed for 
marketing in ... (Member State concerned) only'; in addi­
tion, Member States may require in this case that the offi­
dal labels also be marked 'intended for further multiplica­
tion onh/\ 78/55/EEC - Art 5 (1) - 88/380/EEC - Art 5 (4) 
5. Member States may: 
(a) in the case of flax or linseed seed, indude several 
generations in the basic seed category and subdivide 
this category by generation; 
(b) provide that offidal examinations to check compliance 
with the condition laid down in Annex II (I) (4) for 
Brassica napus shall not be carried out on all lots dur­
ing certification unless there is doubt whether that 
condition has been satisfied. 69/208/EEC 
88/380/EEC - Art 5 (6) 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 33 
S3 
Article 3 
1. Without prqudice to the provisions of Directive 
95/... /EC, Member States shall provide that seed of 
Brassica napus L. (partim) 
Brassica rapa L. var. silvestris (Lam.) Briggs 69/208/EEC 
[70/457/EEC] 
87/120/EEC - Art. 4 (2) 
Cannabis sativa L. 
Carthamus tine tortus L. 
Carum carvi L. 
Gossypium spec 
Helianthus annum L. 
Linum usitatissimum L, (partzm)-flax 
may not be placed on the market unless it has been offi­
dally certified as *basic seed' or 'certified seed' and unless 
it satisfies the conditions laid down in Annex H 
2. Member States shall provide that seed of oil and fibre 
plant spedes other than those listed in paragraph 1 may 
not be placed on the market unless the seed has been offi­
dally certified as "basic seed' or 'certified seed', or is com-
merdal seed, and unless the seed also satisfies the condi­
tions laid down in Annex II. 
3. It may be provided, under the procedure laid down in 
Artide 21 (2), that after specified dates seed of oil and 
fibre plant spedes other than those listed in paragraph 1 
may not be placed on the market unless it has been offi­
dally certified as 'basic seed' or 'certified seed'. 
4. Member States shall ensure that official examinations 
are carried out in accordance with current international 
methods, in so far as such methods exist 
5. Member States may provide for derogations from the 
provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2: 
(a) for bred seed of generations prior to basic seed; 
(b) for tests or for scientific purposes; 
(c) for selection work; 
(d) for seed as grown, marketed for processing, provided 
that the identity of the seed is ensured. 69/208/EEC 
I 86/155/EEC - Art 4 (6) 
69/208/EEC 
S(f 
Article 4 
Member States may, however, by way of derogation from 
the provisions of Artide 3: 
(a) authorize the offidal certification and marketing of 
basic seed which does not satisfy the conditions laid 
down in Annex II in respea of germination; to this 
end all necessary measures shall be taken to ensure 
that the supplier guarantees a specific germination 
which he shall state for marketing purposes on a 
spedal label bearing his name and address and the 
reference number of the seed lot; 
(b) in order to make seed rapidly available, notwithstand­
ing the faa that offidal exarnination to check com­
pliance with the conditions laid down in Annex II in 
respea of germination has not been conduded, auth­
orize the official certification or approval and market­
ing as far as the first buyer by way of trade of seed of 
the categories 'basic seed', 'certified seed' of all 
categories or 'commerdal seed'. Certification or ap­
proval shall be granted only on presentation of a 
provisional analytical report on the seed and provided 
that the name and address of the first redpient are 
given; all necessary measures shall be taken to ensure 
that the supplier guarantees the gerrnination ascer­
tained at the provisional analysis; this germination 
shall be stated for marketing purposes on a spedal 
label bearing the name and address of the supplier 
and the reference number of the lot. 
These provisions shall not apply to seed imported from 
third countries, save as otherwise provided in Article 15 in 
respea of multiplication outside the Community. 
Article 5 
Member States may, as regards the conditions laid down in 
Annexes I and H, impose additional or more stringent re­
quirements for the certification and examination of com­
merdal seed produced in their own territory. 
Article 6 69/208/EEC 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 33 
Member States shall provide that the description of genea­
logical components which may be required is, if the 
breeder so requests, treated as confidential. 71/162/EEC - Art. 5 (3) 
ér 
Article 7 
1. Member States shall require that for the checking of 
varieties, the examination of seed for certification and the 
examination of commerdal seed, samples are drawn under 
offidal supervision in accordance with appropriate 
methods. 
2. For the exarnination of seed for certification and the 
examination of commerdal seed, samples shall be drawn 
from homogeneous lots; the maximum weight of a lot and 
the minimum weight of a sample are given in Annex HI. 
Article 8 
1. Member States shall require that basic seed, certified 
seed of all categories and commerdal seed be marketed 
only in sufficiently homogeneous consignments and in 
sealed packages bearing, as prescribed in Articles 9 and 10, 
a sealing system and markings. 
2. Member States may, for the marketing of small quan­
tities to the final consumer, provide for derogations from 
the provisions of paragraph 1 in respea of packaging, seal­
ing and marking. 
Article 9 
1. Member States shall require that packages of basic 
seed, certified seed of all categories and commerdal seed, 
be sealed offidally or under offidal supervision in such a 
manner that they cannot be opened without damaging the 
sealing system or leaving evidence of tampering on either 
the offidal label provided for in Article 10 (1) or the pack­
age. 
In order to ensure sealing, the sealing system shall com­
prise at least either the official label or the affixing of an 
offidal seal. 
The measures provided for in the second subparagraph 
above shall not be necessary where a non-reusable sealing 
system is used. 
In accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 
21 (2), it may be established whether a particular sealing 
system complies with the provisions of this paragraph. 69/208/EEC 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 33 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 33 
78/692/EEC - Art. 6 (1) 
2. Packages which have been officially sealed shall not 
be resealed, whether one or more times, except offidally 
or under official supervision. If packages are resealed, the 
faa of resealing, the most recent date of resealing and the 
authority responsible therefore shall be stated on the label 
required under Artide 10 (1). 69/208/EEC 
78/692/EEC - Art 6 (2) 
3. Member States may provide for exceptions to para­
graph 1 in the case of small packages. 75/444/EEC - Art 5 (1) 
&6 
Article 10 
1. Member States shall require that packages of basic 
seed, certified seed of all categories and commerdal seed: 
(a) be labelled on the outside with an offidal label which 
has not previously been used, which satisfies the 
conditions laid down in Annex IV and on which the 
information is given in one of the offidal languages of 
the Community. The colour of the label shall be 
white for basic seed, blue for certified seed of the 
first generation after basic seed, red for certified seed 
of subsequent generations and brown for commerdal 
seed. When a label with a string-hole is used, its at­
tachment shall be ensured in all cases with an offidal 
seal. If, in cases under point (a) of Article 4, the basic 
seed does not satisfy the conditions laid down in 
Annex II in respea of germination, this faa shall be 
stated on the label. The use of offidal adhesive labels 
shall be authorized. In accordance with the procedure 
laid down in Article 21 (2) the indelible printing 
under official supervision of the information on the 
package according to the label's model may be auth­
orized; 
(b) contain an official document, in the same colour as 
the label, giving at least the information required 
under Annex IV (A) (a) (4), (5) and (6) and, in the 
case of commerdal seed, under (b) (2), (5) and (6). 
This document shall be drawn up in such a manner 
that it cannot be confused with the offidal label re­
ferred to under (a). This document is not necessary if 
the information is printed indelibly on the package or 
if, in accordance with the provisions under (a), an ad­
hesive label or a label of non-tear material is used. 
2. Member States may provide for exceptions to para­
graph 1 in the case of small packages where they are 
marked: 'passed for marketing in ... (Member State con­
cerned) onh/. 78/55/EEC - Art 5 (3) 
3. This Directive shall not affea the right of Member 
States to require that seed of oil and fibre plants which is 
shown to be intended for purposes other than agricultural 
production may not be placed on the market unless this 
faa is stated on the label. 69/208/EEC 
6? 
Article 11 
L This Direaive shall not affea the right of Member 
States to require that in cases other than those provided 
for in Article 4, packages of basic seed, certified seed of 
all categories or commerdal seed, whether the seed has 
been produced in their own territory or imported, must if 
the seed is to be marketed within their territory, bear a 
supplier's label. 69/208/EEC - 88/380/EEC - Art. 5 (7) 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 33 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 33 
2. The label referred to in paragraph 1 shall be drawn 
up in such a manner that it cannot be confused with the 
official label referred to in Article 10 (1). 
Article 12 
Member States shall require that any chemical treatment 
of basic seed, certified seed of all categories or commerdal 
seed be noted either on the official label or on the 
supplier's label and on the package or inside it. 
Article 13 
For the purpose of seeking improved alternatives to certain 
elements of the certification scheme adopted under this 
Direaive, it may be decided to organize temporary experi­
ments under specified conditions at Community level in ac­
cordance with the procedure laid down in Artide 21 (2). 
In the framework of such experiments, Member States may 
be released from certain obligations laid down in this Di­
rective. The extent of that release shall be defined with 
reference to the provisions to which it applies. The dur­
ation of an experiment shall not exceed seven years. 
Article 14 
1. Member States shall ensure that basic seed and certi­
fied seed of all categories which have been offidally certi­
fied and whose packages have been marked and sealed 
officially or under offidal supervision as prescribed in this 
Direaive, and commerdal seed whose packages have been 
marked and sealed offidally or under offidal supervision 
as prescribed in this Direaive, are subjea to no marketing 
restriaions as regards their charaaeristics. examination ar­
rangements, marking and sealing other than those laid 
down in this Direaive. 88/380/EEC - Art. 5 (8) 
69/208/EEC 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 33 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 33 
Article 12a 
88/380/EEC - Art. 5 (9) 
Article 13 
69/208/EEC 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 33 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 33 
78/55/EEC - Art. 5 (4) 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 33 
78/55/EEC - Art. 5 (4) 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 33 
6V 
2. Member States may: 
(a) where no measures have been taken by the Commis­
sion under Artide 3 (3) and entered into force, pro­
vide that after specified dates seed of oil and fibre 
plant spedes other than those listed in Article 3 (1) 
may not be placed on the market unless it has been 
offidally certified as "basic seed' or 'certified seed'; 
(b) adopt provisions concerning the maximum moisture 
content accepted for marketing; 
(c) restria the marketing of certified seed of oil and fibre 
plants to that of the first generation and, in the case 
of flax, to that of the first or second generation after 
basic seed; 69/208/EEC 
3. Member States which have provided for exemptions 
in accordance with the provisions of point (a) of Article 3 
(5) shall ensure that bred seed of generations prior to 
basic seed are subjea to no marketing restrictions on ac­
count of their charaaeristics. examination arrangements, 
marking and sealing, 
(a) if it has been offidally checked by the competent 
certification authority, in accordance with the provi­
sions applicable for the certification of basic seed, 
(b) if it is packed in accordance with the provisions of 
this Directive, and 
(c) if its packages bear an offidal label giving at least the 
following particulars: 
— certification authority and Member State or 
their distinguishing abbreviation 
— lot, reference number 72/418/EEC - Art. 5 (2) 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 106 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 106 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 106 
Corrigendum, English Special Edition, p. 106 
— month and year of sealing, 
or 
— month and year of the last offidal sealing for the 
purposes of certification, 78/692/EEC - Art 6 (3) 
— species, indicated at least under, its botanical 
name, which may be given in abridged form and 
without the authorities' names, in roman charac­
ters, 
— variety, indicated at least in roman charaaers, 88/380/EEC - Art. 5 (10) 
— the description 'pre-basic seed' 
— the number of generations preceding of the cat­
egories 'certified seed' or 'certified seed of the 
first generation'. 
The label shall be white with a diagonal violet line 
?s 72/418/EEC - Art 5 (2) 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 106 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 106 
In accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 
21 (2), Member States may be released from the require­
ment to indicate the botanical name in respea of individ­
ual species and, where appropriate, for limited periods, 
where it has been established that the disadvantages of the 
implementation outweigh the advantages expeaed for the 
marketing of seed. 
Article 15 88/380/EEC-Art 5 (11) 
Article 14 
1. Member States shall provide that seed of oil and fibre 
plants 
— which has been produced directly from basic seed or 
certified seed of the first generation offidally certified 
either in one or more Member States or in a third 
country which has been granted equivalence under 
point (b) of Article 16, or which has been produced 
directly from the crossing of basic seed offidally certi­
fied in a Member State with basic seed offidally certi­
fied in such a third country, and 
— which has been harvested in another Member State, 
shall, on request and without prqudice to the provisions of 
Directive 95/... /EC, be offidally certified as certified seed 
in any Member State if that seed has undergone field in­
spection satisfying the conditions laid down in Annex I for 
the relevant category and if offidal examination has shown 
that the conditions laid down in Annex II for the same 
category are satisfied. 
Where in such cases the seed has been produced directly 
from offidally certified seed of generations prior to basic 
seed, Member States may also authorize offidal certifi­
cation as basic seed, if the conditions laid down for that 
category are satisfied. 
2. Seed of oil and fibre plants which has been harvested 
in another Member State, and which is intended for certifi­
cation in accordance with the provisions laid down in para­
graph 1, shall: 
— be packed and labelled with an offidal label satisfying 
the conditions laid down in Annex V (A) and (B), in 
accordance with the provisions laid down in Artide 9 
(1), and 
— be accompanied by an official document satisfying the 
conditions laid down in Annex V (C). 88/380/EEC - Art 5 (12) 
[70/457/EEC] 
£ 
3. Member States shall also provide that seed of oil and 
fibre plants 
— which has been produced directly from basic seed or 
certified seed of the first generation offidally certified 
either in one or more Member States or in a third 
country which has been granted equivalence under 
point (b) of Article 16, or which has been produced 
directly from the crossing of basic seed offidally certi­
fied in a Member State with basic seed offidally certi­
fied in such a third country, and 
— which has been harvested in a third country, 
shall, on request be offidally certified as certified seed in 
any of those Member States where the basic seed was 
either produced or officially certified, if the seed has un­
dergone field inspection satisfying the conditions laid down 
in an equivalence dedsion made under Article 16 (a) for 
the relevant category and if official examination has shown 
that the conditions laid down in Annex n for the same 
category are satisfied. Other Member States may also 
authorize offidal certification of such seed. 
Article 16 
The Councfl, acting by a qualified majority on a proposal 
from the Commission, shall determine whether: 
(a) in the case provided for in Artide 15, the field in­
spections in the third country satisfy the conditions 
laid down in Annex I; 
(b) seed of of! and fibre plants which has been harvested 
in a third country and affords the same assurances as 
regards its characteristics and the arrangements for its 
examination, for ensuring its identity, for marking and 
for control is equivalent in these respects to basic 
seed, certified seed, certified seed of the first, second 
or third generation or commercial seed harvested 
within the Community and complying with the provi­
sions of this Directive. 88/380/EEC - Art. 5 (12) 
Article 15 
69/208/EEC 
y-* 
Article 17 Article 16 
1. In order to remove any temporary difficulties in the 
general supply of basic seed or certified seed of any kind 
or commerdal seed that occur in one or more Member 
States and cannot be overcome within the Community, one 
or more Member States may be authorized, according to 
the procedure laid down in Article 21 (2) to permit for a 
specified period, the marketing of seed of a category sub-
jea to less stringent requirements, or of seed of varieties 
not induded in the common catalogue, or in their national 
catalogues of varieties. 72/418/EEC - Art. 5 (3) 
2. For a category of seed of any given variety, the offi­
dal label shall be that provided for the corresponding var­
iety; in all other cases the colour shall be that provided for 
commercial seed. The label shall always state that the seed 
in question is of a category satisfying less stringent require­
ments. 69/208/EEC 
3. Rules for the application of paragraph 1 may be 
adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Ar­
ticle 21 (2). 
Article 18 88/332/EEC - Art 7 
1. Member States shall make suitable arrangements for 
seed of oil and fibre plants to be officially verified during 
marketing, at least by sampling, as regards its compliance 
with the requirements of this Directive. 69/208/EEC — 72/418/EEC - Art 5 (4) 
2. Member States shall take all necessary measures to 
ensure that the following particulars are presented during 
the marketing of quantities exceeding 2 kg of seed coming 
from another Member State or from a third country: 
(a) species, 
(b) variety, 
(c) category, 
(d) country of production and official control authority, 
(e) country of dispatch, 
(f) importer, 
(g) quantity of seed. 
The manner in which these particulars must be presented 
may be determined in accordance with the procedure laid 
down in Article 21 (2). 72/418/EEC - Art 5 (5) 
TVL 
Article 19 
1. Community comparative tests shall be carried out 
within the Community for the post-control of samples of 
basic seed, with the exception of that of hybrid or synthetic 
varieties, and of certified seed of all categories of oil and 
fibre plants, taken during sampling. Satisfaction of the 
conditions with which the seed must comply may be 
checked during the post-control tests. The arrangements 
for holding the tests and their results shall be submitted to 
the Committee referred to in Article 21 (2). 71/162/EEC - Art 5 (6) 
2. These comparative tests shall be used to harmonize 
the technical methods of certification so as to obtain re­
sults which are equivalent Annual progress reports shall 
be made on these tests and sent in confidence to the 
Member States and to the Commission. The Commission 
shall, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Ar­
tide 21 (2), set the date for the first report. 
3. The Commission, aaing in accordance with the pro­
cedure laid down in Artide 21 (2), shall make the necess­
ary arrangements for the comparative tests to be carried 
out Seed of oil and fibre plants harvested in third 
countries may be induded in the comparative tests. 
Article 20 
Amendments to be made to the content of the Annexes in 
the light of the development of scientific or technical 
knowledge shall be adopted according to the procedure 
laid down in Artide 21 (2). 
Article 21 69/208/EEC 
Article 20a 
73/438/EEC-Art5(4) 
1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Standing Com­
mittee on Seeds on Propagating Material for Agriculture, 
and Forestry set up by Council Decision 66/399/EEC (-1). 
2. The representative of the Commission shall submit a 
draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall 
deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which 
the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of 
the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority 
laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of 
dedsions which the Council is required to adopt on a pro­
posal from the Commission. The votes of the representa­
tives of the Member States within the Committee shall be 
weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chair­
man shall not vote. 
W OJ No 125,11.7.1966, p. 2289/66. 87/373/EEC 
(adapted) 
VvS 
The (^mmission shall adopt measures which shall apply 
immediately. However, if these measures are not in accord­
ance with the opinion of the Committee, they shall be 
communicated by the Commission to the Council forth­
with. In that event the Commission may defer application 
of the measures which it has dedded for a period of not 
more than one month from the date of such communica­
tion. 
The Councfl, acting by a qualified majority, may take a 
different decision within the time limit referred to in the 
second subparagraph. 
3. The Committee, on request by the chairman or of 
one of the Member States, may examine any questions rel­
evant to the subjea matter of this Directive. 87/373/EEC 
66/399/EEC - Art 2 
(adapted) 
Article 22 
Save as otherwise provided in Annex II in respea of the 
presence of diseases, harmful organisms and their veaors, 
this Direaive shall be without prejudice to the provisions 
of national laws justified on grounds of the protection of 
health and life of humans, animals or plants or the protec­
tion of industrial and commercial property. 
Article 23 
Upon application by a Member State, which wfll be dealt 
with as provided in Article 21 (2), that State may be 
wholly or partially released from the obUgation to apply 
the provisions of this Directive, with the exception of Ar­
ticle 14 (1): 
(a) in respea of the following spedes: 
— Safflower; 
(b) in respea of other spedes which are not normally re­
produced or marketed in its territory. Article 21 
69/208/EEC 
Article 22 
88/380/EEC - Art 5 (13) 
V. 
Article 24 
1. The Directives listed in Annex VI Part A, are hereby 
repealed without prejudice to the obUgations of the 
Member States concerning the deadlines for transposition 
of the said Directives set out in Annex VI Part B. 
2. References to the repealed Directives shall be con­
strued as references to this Direaive and should be read 
in accordance with the correlation table set out in Annex 
vn. 
Article 25 
This Directive shall enter into force the twentieth day fol­
lowing that of its publication in the Official Journal of the 
European Communities. 
Article 26 
This Directive is addressed to the Member States. 
Done at Brussels, 
For the Council, 
The President 
*T 
ANNEX I 
CONDITIONS TO BE SATISFIED BY THE CROP 
The previous cropping of the field shall not have been 
incompatible with the production of seeds of the spe­
des and variety of the crop, and the field shall be 
suffidently free from such plants which are volunteers 
from previous cropping. 
The crop shall conform to the following standards as 
regards distances from neighbouring sources of pollen 
which may result in undesirable foreign pollination: 
Crop 
Brassica spp. other than Brassica napus: 
Cannabis sativa other than monoecius 
hemp; Carthamus tinctorius: Carum carvi; 
Gossypium spp.; Sinapis alba: 
— for the production of basic seed 
— for the production of certified seed 
Brassica napus: 
— for the production of basic seed 
— for the production of certified seed 
Cannabis sativa, monoecius hemp.-
— for the production of basic seed 
— for the production of certified seed 
Helianthus annum: 
— for the production of basic seed of hy­
brids 
— for the production of basic seed of vari­
eties other than hybrids 
— for the production of certified seed Minimum 
distance 
400 m 
200m 
200m 
100 m 
5000m 
1000m 
1500 m 
750 m 
500 m 78/388/EEC - Art 1 (1) 
79/641/EEC - Art 3 (3) 
86/155/EEC - Art 4 
88/380/EEC - Art 5 (15) 
These distances can be disregarded if there is suffi­
dent protection from any undesirable foreign pollina­
tion. 78/388/EEC - Art 1 (1) 
3. The crop shall have suffident varietal identity and va­
rietal purity or, in the case of a aop of an inbred Une 
of Htlianthus annum, sufficient identity and purity as 
regard;, its charaaeristics. 88/380/EEC - Art 5 (16) 
Vfc 
For the produaion of seed of hybrid varieties of He-
lianthus annuus, the abovementioned provisions shall 
also apply to the charaaeristics of the components, 
induding male sterflity or fertflity restoration. 
In particular, crops of Brassica juncea, Brassica nigra, 
Cannabis sativa, Carthamus tinctorius, Carum carvi, 
Gossypium spp. and hybrids of Helianthus annum 
shall conform to the foUowing standards or other 
conditions: 
A. Brassica juncea, Brassica nigra, Cannabis sativa, 
Carthamus tinctorius, Carum carvi and Gossypium 
spp.: 
The number of plants of the crop spedes which 
are recognizable as obviously not being true to 
the variety shall not exceed: 
— one per 30 m2 for the production of basic 
seed, 
— one per 10 m2 for the production of certi­
fied seed. 
B. Hybrids of Helianthus annuus: 
(a) the percentage by number of plants which 
are recognizable as obviously not being true 
to the inbred Une or to the component shall 
not exceed: 
(aa) for the production of basic seed: 
(i) inbred Unes 0,2 
(ii) simple hybrids 
— male parent 
plants which have 
shed pollen while 
2 % or more of 
the female plants 
have receptive 
flowers 
— female parent 0,2 
0,5 
(bb) for the production of certified seed: 
male component, 
plants which have 
shed poUen while 5 
% or more of the fe­
male plants have re­
ceptive flowers 
— female component 0,5 
1,0 88/380/EEC - Art. 5 (16) 
(b) the foUowing other standards or conditions 
shaU be satisfied for the produaion of seed 
of hybrid varieties: 
(aa) suffident poUen shaU be shed by the 
plants of the male component while 
the plants of the female component are 
in flower; 
(bb) where the female component plants 
have receptive stigmas, the percentage 
by number of female component plants 
which have shed poUen or are shedding 
poUen shaU not exceed 0,5; 
(cc) for the production of basic seed the to­
tal percentage by number of plants of 
the female component which are recog­
nizable as obviously not being true to 
the component and which have shed 
poUen or are shedding poUen shall not 
exceed 0,5; 
(dd) where the condition laid down in An­
nex II (I) (2) cannot be satisfied, the 
following condition shall be satisfied: a 
male-sterile component shaU be used 
to produce certified seed by using a 
male component which contains a spe­
cific restorer Une or lines so that at 
least one-third of the plants grown 
from the resulting hybrid wfll produce 
poUen which appears normal in all re­
spects. 88/380/EEC - Art 5 (16) 
4. Harmful organisms which reduce the usefulness of the 
seed shall be at the lowest possible level. In the case 
of Glycine max. this condition is apphcahle in particu­
lar to the organisms Pseudomonas syringae pv. grvri-
nea. Diaporthe phaseolorum var. caulivora and var. so-
jaer Phialophora gregata and Phytophthom megasperma 
f.sp. ftycinea (*). 
5. The satisfaction of the abovementioned standards or 
other conditions shall be examined in offidal field in­
spections. 
These field inspeaions shall be carried out in accord­
ance with the foUowing conditions: 
A, The condition and the stage of development of 
the crop shall permit an adequate examination. 
(*) The standards and conditions shall, where appropriate, be re­
viewed by 30 June 1995 at the latest 78/388/EEC - Art. 1 (1) 
92/9/EEC-Artl(l) 
& 
In cases other than crops of hybrids of sunflower 
there shaU be at least one field inspeaion. In the 
case of hybrids of sunflower there shaU be at 
least two field inspections. 88/380/EEC — Art. 5 (17) 
The size, the number and the distribution of the 
portions of the field to be inspected in order to 
examine the satisfaction of the provisions of this 
Annex shall be determined in accordance with 
appropriate methods. 78/388/EEC - Art. 1 (1) 
V*3 
ANNEX II 
CONDITIONS TO BE SATISFIED BY THE SEED 
I. BASIC AND CERTIFIED SEED 78/388/EEC - Art 1 (2) 
The seed shaU have sufficient varietal identity and va­
rietal purity. In particular, seeds of the species listed 
below shaU conform to the foUowing standards or 
other conditions: 
Species and category 
Arachis hypogaea: 
— basic seed 
— certified seed 
Brassica napus, other than varieties io_ 
be used solely for fodder purposes, 
Brassica rapa other than varieties to be 
used solely for fodder purposes 
— basic seed 
— certified seed 
Brassica napm, varieties to be used sole-
h/ for fodder purposes, Brassica rapa, 
varieties to be used solely for fodder 
purposes, Helianthus annuus, other than 
hybrid varieties including their compo­
nents, Sinapis alba: 
— basic seed 
— certified seed 
Linum usitatissimum: 
— basic seed 
— certified seed, 1st generation 
— certified seed, 2nd and 3rd generations 
Papa ver somniferum: 
— basic seed 
— certified seed 
Glycine max: 
— basic seed 
— certified seed Minimum 
varietal pu­
rity (%) 
99,7 
99,5 
99,9 
99,7 
99,7 
99 
99,7 
98 
97,5 
99 
98 
99.5 
22 
The rninimum varietal purity shaU be examined main­
ly in field inspections carried out in accordance with 
the conditions laid down in Annex I 82/287/EEC - Art 4 
82/859/EEC - Art 1 (1) 
82/859/EEC - Art 1 (1) 
82/859/EEC - Art 1 (1). 
82/859/EEC - Art 1 (1) 
92/107/EEC - Art 1 
92/107/EEC - Art 1 
eo 
2. Where the condition laid down in Annex I (3) (B) (b) 
(dd) cannot be satisfied, the foUowing condition shaU 
be met: where for the produaion of certified seed of 
hybrids of sunflower a female male-sterile component 
and a male component which does not restore male 
fertiUty have been used, the seed produced by the 
male-sterile parent shaU be blended with seed pro­
duced by the fuUy fertile seed parent. The ratio of 
male-sterile parent seed to male-fertile parent shaU 
not exceed two to one. 88/380/EEC - Art 5 (18) 
The seed shaU conform to the foUowing standards or 
other conditions as regards germination, analytical pu­
rity and content of seeds of other plant spedes in-
duding Orobanche spp.: 
A. Table: 78/388/EEC - Art 1 (2) 
f^l 
m >* Spedes and category 
1 
Arachis hypogaea 
Brassica spp.: 
— basic seed 
— certified seed 
Cannabis sativa 
Carthamus tinctorius 
Carum carvi 
Gossypium spp. 
Helianthm annuus 
Linum usitatissimum 
— flax 
— Unseed 
Papaver somniferum 
Sinapis alba: 
— basic seed 
— certified seed 
Glycine max. Mini­
mum 
ger­
mina­
tion 
(%of 
pure 
seed) 
2 
70 
85 
85 
75 
75 
70 
80 
85 
92 
85 
80 
85 
85 
80 Analytical purity 
Mini­
mum 
analyti­
cal 
purity 
(%by 
weight) 
3 
99 
98 
98 
98 
98 
97 
98 
98 
99 
99 
98 
98 
98 
98 Maxi­
mum 
content 
seed of 
other 
plant 
spedes 
(%by 
weight) 
4 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 Maximum content by number of seeds of other plant spedes in a sample of 
the weight 
specified in column 4 of Annex III 
(total per column) 
Other 
plant 
species 
(a) 
5 
5 
2Q 
Ltd 
5 
25 
(b) 
15 
5 
15 
15 
25 
(b) 
5 A vena 
fatua, 
Avena 
ludovi-
ciana, 
Avena 
sterilis 
6 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 Cuscuta 
spp. 
7 
0(c) 
0 (c) (d) 
0(c) (d) 
0(c) 
0(c) 
0(c) (d) 
0(c) 
0(c) 
0(c) (d) 
0(c) (d) 
0(c) (d) 
0(c) (d) 
0(c) (d) 
0(c) Rapha-
nus 
rapha-
nistrum 
8 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 Rumex 
spp. oth­
er than 
Rumex 
acetosella 
9 
I 
I 
1 Alopecu-
rusmyo-
suroides 
10 
3 
4 
4 Lolium 
remotum 
11 
2 
2 Condi­
tions as 
regards 
content 
oiOro-
banche 
seeds 
12 
(c) 
(e) 78/388/EEC - Art. 1 (2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 2 
87/480/EEC - Art. 2 
81/126/EEC - Art. 4 
86/155/EEC - Art. 4 (9) 
78/388/EEC - Art. 1 (2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 2 
87/480/EEC - Art. 2 
B. Standards or other conditions appUcable where 
reference is made to them in the table under 
Section I (3) (A) of this Annex: 
(a) The maximum contents of seeds laid down 
in column 5 indude also the seeds of the 
spedes in columns 6 to 11. 
(b) The determination of total content of seeds 
of other plants species by number need not 
be carried out unless there is doubt whether 
the conditions laid down in column 5 have 
been satisfied. 
(c) The determination of seeds of Cmcuta spp. 
by number need not be carried out unless 
there is doubt whether the conditions laid 
down in column 7 have been satisfied. 
(d) The presence of one seed of Cmcuta spp. in 
a sample of the prescribed weight shaU not 
be regarded as an impurity where a second 
sample of the same weight is free from any 
seeds of Cmcuta spp. 
(e) The seed shaU be free from Orobanche spp.; 
however the presence of one seed of Oro­
banche spp. in a sample of 100 grams shaU 
not be regarded as an impurity where a se­
cond sample of 200 grams is free from any 
seeds of Orobanche spp. 
4. Harmful organisms which reduce the usefulness of the 
seed shaU be at the lowest possible level. In particu­
lar, the seed shaU conform to the foUowing standards 
or other conditions: 
A. Table: 78/388/EEC - Art 1 (2) 
^^ 
Species 
1 
Brassica 
napus 
Brassica 
rapa 
Cannabis 
sativa 
Gossypium 
spp. 
Helianthus 
annuus 
Linum mi-
tat issimum 
Sinapis 
alba Harmful organisms 
Maximum percentage by 
number of seeds contami­
nated by harmful organisms 
(total per column) 
Botry-
tis spp. 
2 
5 
5 
5 Altema-
ria spp., 
Ascochy-
ta linico­
la (syn. 
Phoma 
linicola), 
Colleto-
tirchum 
Uni, Fu-
sarium 
spp. 
3 
5(a) Platye-
dria 
gossy-
piella 
4 
1 Sclerotinia 
sclerotio-
rum 
number of 
sclerotia or 
fragments 
of sclerotia 
ina 
sample of 
the weight 
specified 
in column 
4 of 
Annex ID) 
5 
10(b) 
5(b) 
10(b) 
5(b) 
Standards or other conditions applicable where 
reference is made to them in the table under 
Seaion I (4) (A) of this Annex: 
(a) In flax the maximum percentage by number 
of seeds contaminated by Ascochyta linicola 
(syn. Phoma linicola) shaU not exceed one. 
(b) The determination of sclerotia or fragments 
of sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum by 
number need not be carried out unless 
there is doubt whether the conditions laid 
down in column 5 of this table have been 
satisfied. 78/388/EEC - Art. 1 (2) 
80/304/EEC - Art. 1 
79/641/EEC - Art. 3 (4) 
sH 
Particular standards or other conditions applica­
ble to Glycine max: 
(a) In respect of Pseudomonas syringae pv. gfyci-
nea the maximum number of sub-samples 
within a sample of 5 000 seeds minimum 
per lot subdivided into 5 sub-samples which 
have been found to be contaminated by the 
said organism shall not exceed 4. 
Where suspect colonies are identified in all 
five sub-samples, appropriate biochemical 
tests on the suspect colonies isolated on a 
preferential medium for each sub-sample 
may be used to confirm the above standards 
or conditions. 
(b) In respect of Diaporthe phaseolorum the 
maximum number of seeds contaminated 
shall not exceed 15 %. 
(c) The percentage by weight of inert matter, as 
defined in accordance with current interna­
tional testing methods, shall not exceed 0,3. 
In accordance with the procedure laid down in 
Artide 21 (2), Member States may be authorized 
not to carry out the examination in respea of 
the above particular standards or other condi­
tions unless, on the basis of previous experience, 
there is doubt whether those standards or condi­
tions have been satisfied W. J 92/9/EEC - Art. 1 (2) 
H COMMERCIAL SEED 
With the exception of Section I, the conditions laid 
down in Annex II (I) shall apply to commerdal seed. 
(t) The standards and conditions referred to in point C shaU, 
where appropriate, be reviewed by 30 June 1995 at the latest 78/388/EEC - Art 1 (2) 
&<r 
ANNEX in 
LOT AND SAMPLE WEIGHTS 
Species 
1 
Arachis hypogaea 
Brassica rapa 
Brassica juncea 
Brassica napus 
Brassica nigra 
Cannabis sativa 
Carthamm 
tinctorim 
Carum carvi 
Gossypium spp. 
Helianthm 
annuus 
Linum 
usitatissimum 
Papaver 
somniferum 
Sinapis alba 
Glycine max. Maximum 
weight 
of a lot 
(tonnes) 
2 
20 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
20 
20 
10 
10 
10 
20 Minimum 
weight of a 
sample to be 
drawn from 
a lot 
(grams) 
3 
1000 
200 
100 
200 
100 
600 
900 
200 
1000 
1000 
300 
50 
400 
1000 Weight of the 
sample for the 
determinadons 
by number pro­
vided for in col­
umns 5 to 11 of 
Annex II (I) (3) 
(A) and in col­
umn 5 of Annex 
n(i)(4)(A) 
(grams) 
4 
1000 
70 
40 
100 
40 
600 
900 
80 
1000 
1000 
150 
10 
200 
1000 78/388/EEC - Art. 1 (3) 
79/641/EEC - Art. 3 (5) 
86/155/EEC - Art. 4 (10) 
78/388/EEC - Art. 1 (3) 
The maximum lot weight shaU not be exceeded by more 
than 5 %. 87/120/EEC - Art 4 (7) 
Sfc 
ANNEX IV 
LABEL 
Required information 
(a) For basic seed and certified seed: 
1. 'EEC rules and standards' 
2. Certification authority and Member State or 
their initials 69/208/EEC 
Month and year of sealing expressed thus: 
'sealed ...' (month and year) 
or 
month and year of the last offidal sampling 
for the purposes of certification expressed 
thus: 'sampled ...' (month and year) 78/692/EEC - Art 6 (4) 
4. Reference number of lot 
5. Species, indicated at least under its botani­
cal namft, whirh may be given in abridged 
form and without the authorities' names, m 
rnman characters 
6. Variety, indicated at least in roman charaç-
îejs 
7. Category 
8. Country of produaion 
9. Declared net or gross weight 69/208/EEC 
88/380/EEC - Art 5 (19) 
88/380/EEC-Art 5 (21) 
10. Where weight is indicated and granulated 
pesticides, peUeting substances, or other sol­
id additives are used, the nature of the ad­
ditive and also the approximate ratio be­
tween the weight of pure seeds and the 
total weight 75/444/EEC - Art 5 (3) 
11. In the case of varieties which are hybrids or 
inbred lines: 
— for basic seed where the hybrid or 
inbred line to which the seed belongs 
has been officially accepted under Di­
reaive 95/... /EC: 88/380/EEC - Art. 5 (22) 
[70/457/EEC] 
Sf 
the name of this component under 
which it has been offidaUy accepted, 
with or without reference to the final 
variety, accompanied, in the case of hy­
brids or inbred Unes which are in­
tended solely as components for final 
varieties, by the word 'component', 
for basic seed in other cases: 
the name of the component to which 
the basic seed belongs, which may be 
given in code form, accompanied by a 
reference to the. final variety, with or 
without reference to its function (male 
or female), and accompanied by the 
word 'component', 
for certified seed: 
the name of the variety to which the 
seed belongs, accompanied by the word 
'hybrid'. 88/380/EEC - Art 5 (22) 
12. Where at least germination has been 
retested, the words *retested ... 
(month and year)' and the service re­
sponsible for such re testing may be in­
dicated. Such information may be given 
on an offidal sticker attached to the 
offidal labeL 78/55/EEC - Art 5 (5) 
In accordance with the procedure laid down 
in Article 21 (2), Member States may be re­
leased from the requirement to indicate the 
botanical name in respea of individual spe­
des and, where appropriate, for limited pe­
riods where it has been established that the 
disadvantages of its implementation out­
weigh the advantages expeaed for the mar­
keting of seed. 88/380/EEC - Art 5 (20) 
(b) For commercial seed: 
1. 'EEC rules and standards' 
2. 
3. 'Commerdal seed (not certified as to vari­
ety)' 
Certification authority and Member State or 
their initials 69/208/EEC 
gg 
Month and year of sealing expressed thus: 
'sealed ...' (month and year) 78/692/EEC - Art. 6 (5) 
5. Reference number of lot 
6. Species, indicated at least under its botani­
cal name, which mav be given in abridged 
form and without the authorities' names, in 
roman çharaders 
7. Region of production 
8. Dedared net or gross weight 69/208/EEC 
88/380/EEC - Art. 5 (23) 
9. Where weight is indicated and granulated 
pestiddes, peUeting substances, or other sol­
id additives are used, the nature of the ad­
ditive and also the approximate ratio be­
tween the weight of pure seeds and the 
total weight. 75/444/EEC - Art 5 (3) 
10. Where at least germination has been re-
tested, the words 'retested ... (month and 
year)' and the service responsible for such 
retesting may be indicated. Such informa­
tion may be given on an offidal sticker at­
tached to the official labeL 78/55/EEC - Art 5 (6) 
In accordance with the procedure laid down in 
Artide 21 (2), Member States may be released 
from the requirement to indicate the botanical 
name in respect of individual spedes and, where 
appropriate, for limited periods where it has 
been established that the disadvantages of its im­
plementation outweigh the advantages expeaed 
for the marketing of seed. 88/380/EEC - Art 5 (24) 
B. Minimum dimensions 
110 mm x 67 mm. 69/208/EEC 
S* 
ANNEX V 
Label and document provided in the case of seed not 
finally certified, harvested in another Member State 
A. Information required for the label 
— authority responsible for field inspeaion and 
Member State or their initials, 
— species, indicated at least under its botanical 
name, which may be given in abridged form and 
without the authorities' names, in roman charac­
ters, 
— variety, indicated at least in roman charaaers; in 
the case of varieties (inbred lines, hybrids), which 
are intended soldy as components for hybrid va­
rieties, the word 'component' shaU be added, 
— category, 
— in the case of hybrid varieties, the word ' hybrid', 
— field or lot reference number, 
— dedared net or gross weight 
— the words 'seed not finally certified'. 
In accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 
21 (2), Member States may be released from the re­
quirement to indicate the botanical name in respea 
of individual spedes and, where appropriate, for Um-
ited periods where it has been established that the 
disadvantages of its implementation outweigh the ad­
vantages expeaed for the marketing of seed. 
B. Colour of the label 
The label shaU be grey. 
C. Information required for the document 
— authority issuing the document 
— species, indicated at least under its botanical 
name, which may be given in abridged form and 
without the authorities' names, in roman charac­
ters, 
— variety, indicated at least in roman charaaers, 
— category, 
— reference number of the seed used to sow the 
field and name of the country or countries which 
certified that seed, 88/380/EEC - Art. 5 (25) 
^C 
— field lot or reference number, 
— area cultivated for the produaion of the lot cov­
ered by the document 
— quantity of seed harvested and number of pack­
ages, 
— number of generations after basic seed, in the 
case of certified seed, 
— attestation that the conditions to be satisfied by 
the crop from which the seed comes have been 
fulfilled, 
— where appropriate, results of a preliminary seed 
analysis. 88/380/EEC - Art 5 (25) 
°H 
Directive 69/208/EEC 
and its successive amendments ANNEX VI 
Part A 
Repealed Directives 
(referred to by Article 24) 
Directive 71/162/EEC 
Direaive 72/274/EEC 
Directive 72/418/EEC 
Directive 73/438/EEC 
Directive 75/444/EEC 
Directive 78/55/EEC 
Directive 78/388/EEC 
Directive 78/692/EEC 
Directive 78/1020/EEC 
Directive 79/641/EEC 
Directive 80/304/EEC 
Directive 81/126/EEC 
Directive 82/287/EEC 
Directive 82/727/EEC 
Directive 82/859/EEC 
Directive 86/155/EEC 
Directive 87/120/EEC 
Directive 87/480/EEC 
Directive 88/332/EEC 
Directive 88/380/EEC 
Directive 90/654/1:LC 
Directive 92/9/EEC 
Directive 92/107/HEC only Artide 5 
only concerning references made to Artide 1 and 2 
on the provisions of Directive 69/208/EEC 
only Artide 5 
only Artide 5 
only Artide 5 
only Artide 5 
only Artide 6 
only Artide 3 
only Artide 3 
only Artide 4 
only Article 3 and 4 
only Artide 4 
only Artide 4 
only Artide 2 
only Artide 7 
only Artide 5 
only concerning references made to Artide 2 and to 
Annex II (I) (5) on the provisions of Directive 
69/208/EEC 
«>SL 
Part B 
Deadlines for transposition into national law 
(referred to by Article 24) 
Directive Deadline for transposition 
69/208/EEC (OJ No 169,10. 7. 1969, p. 3) 
71/162/EEC (OJ No L 87,17. 4.1971, p. 24) 
72/274/EEC (OJ No L171, 29. 7.1972, p. 37) 
72/418/EEC (OJ No L 287, 26.12.1972, p. 22) 
73/438/EEC (OJ No L 356, 27.12.1973, p. 79) 
75/444/EEC (OJ No L196, 26. 7.1975, p. 6) 
78/55/EEC (OJ No L16,20.1.1978, p. 23) 
78/388/EEC (OJ No L113, 25.4.1978, p. 20) 
78/692/EEC (OJ No L 236, 26. 8.1978, p. 13) 
78/1020/EEC (OJ No L 350,14.12.1978, p. 27) 
79/641/EEC (OJ No L183,19. 7.1979, p. 13) 
80/304/EEC (OJ No L 68,14. 3.1980, p. 33) 
81/126/EEC (OJ No L 67,12 3.1981, p. 36) 
82/287/EEC (OJ No L131,13. 5.1982, p. 24) 
82/727/EEC (OJ No L 310, 6.11.1982, p. 21) 
82/859/EEC (OJ No L 357,18.12.1982, p. 31) 
86/155/EEC (OJ No L118, 7. 5.1986, p. 23) 
87/120/EEC (OJ No L 49,18. 2.1987, p. 39) 
87/480/EEC (OJ No L 273, 26. 9.1987, p. 43) 
88/332/EEC (OJ No L151,17. 6.1988, p. 82) 
88/380/EEC (OJ No L187,16. 7.1988, p. 31) 
90/654/EEC (OJ No L 353,17.12.1990, p. 48) 
92/9/EEC (OJ No L 70,17. 3.1992, p. 25) 
92/107/EEC (OJ No L16, 25.1.1993, p. 1) July 1970 (^ (2) 
Jury 1970 (Artide 5 (1), (2) and (7)) 
Jury 1972 (Article 5 (3)) 
July 1971 (other provisions) W 
Jury 1972 (Artide 1) 
January 1973 (Artide 2) 
Jury 1973 
Jury 1973 (Artide 5 (3)) 
January 1974 (Article 5 (4)) 
July 1974 (other provisions) 
Jury 1975 (Artide 5 (2)) 
July 1977 (other provisions) 
Jury 1978 (Artide 5 (2)) 
July 1979 (other provisions) 
January 1981 (Artide 1 (1) (3) and (2) (4)) 
July 1980 (other provisions) 
July 1977 
July 1977 
July 1980 
July 1980 
Jury 1982 
January 1983 
July 1982 
Jury 1983 
March 1986 (Artides 4 (3), (4) and (5)) 
July 1987 (other provisions) 
June 1988 
Jury 1990 
July 1992 (Artide 5 (10), (19), (23) and (25) (5> and 
also Artide 5 (12)) 
July 1990 (other provisions) 
30 June 1992 
1 Jury 1994 
(1) For Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom, 1 July 1973 for Article 14 (1); 1 July 1974 for the other provisions 
concerning basic seed and 1 Jury 1976 for the other provisions. 
(2) 1 January 1986 for Greece, 1 March 1986 for Spain, and 1 January 1991 for Portugal. 
(3) Concerning Annex I (3). 
(4) Concerning Annex II (I) ( 1). 
(5) In so far as these provisions require the botanical name of a spedes to be indicated on the label of seed. 
^ 
ANNEX VU 
CORRELATION TABLE 
Directive 69/208/EEC This Directive 
)(A) 
)(B) 
)(Ba) 
)(Q 
)(D) 
)(E) 
)(Ea) 
)(F) 
)(G) 
)(H) Artide 1 
Artide 17 
Artide 2 (1 
Artide 2 (1 
Artide 2 (1 
Artide 2 (1 
Artide 2 (1 
Artide 2 (1 
Artide 2 (1 
Artide 2 (1 
Artide 2 (1 
Artide 2 (1 
Artide 2 (la) 
Artide 2 (lb) 
Artide 2 (lc) 
Artide 2 (2) (b) 
Artide 2 (2) (d) 
Artide 3 
Artide 4 
Artide 5 
Artide 6 
Artide 7 
Artide 8 
Artide 9 
Artide 10 
Artide 11 
Artide 12 
Artide 12a 
Artide 13 
Artide 14 
Artide 15 (1) (a) 
Artide 15 (1) (b) 
Artide 16 
Artide 18 
Artide 19 
Artide 20a 
Artide 20 
Artide 21 
Artide 22 Article 1,1st subparagraph 
Article 1,2nd subparagraph 
Article 2 (1 
Artide 2 (1 
Artide 2 (1 
Artide 2 (1 
Article 2 (1 
Article 2 (1 
Artide 2 (1 
Artide 2 (1 
Article 2 (1 
Artide 2 (1 
Artide 2 (2 
Artide 2 (3 
Artide 2 (4 
Artide 2 (5 
Artide 2 (5 
Artide 3 
Article 4 
Artide 5 
Artide 6 
Artide 7 
Artide 8 
Artide9 
Artide 10 
Article 11 
Artide 12 
Artide 13 
Article 14 
Artide 15 
Artide 16 (a) 
Artide 16 (b) 
Artide 17 
Artide 18 
Artide 19 
Artide 20 
Artide 21 
Artide 22 
Artide 23 
Artide 24 
Artide 25 
Artide 26 (A) 
(B) 
(C) 
(D) 
(E) 
(F) 
(G) 
(H) 
(I) 
(J) 
(a) 
(b) 
°5>l{ 
ANNEXI 
ANNEX II (I) (1) 
ANNEX II (I) (la) 
ANNEX II (I) (2) 
ANNEX II (I) (3) 
ANNEX II (IT) 
ANNEX IU 
ANNEX IV Part A (a)(1) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (2) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (3) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (4) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (5) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (6) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (7) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (8) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (9) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (10) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (10a) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (11) 
ANNEX IV Part A (b) 
ANNEX IV PartB 
ANNEXV ANNEXI 
ANNEX H (I) (1) 
ANNEX H (I) (2) 
ANNEX n (I) (3) 
ANNEX H (I) (4) 
ANNEX H (H) 
ANNEXin 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (1) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (2) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (3) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (4) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (5) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (6) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (7) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (8) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (9) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (10) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (11) 
ANNEX IV Part A (a) (12) 
ANNEX IV Part A (b) 
ANNEX IV PartB 
ANNEXV 
ANNEX VI 
ANNEX Vn 
°> V 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 
on the marketing of fodder plant seed 
(consolidated version) 
<u 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
When considering how Community law could be made simpler and more transparent, 
Parliament, the Commission and the Council found themselves confronted with an 
over-abundance of legislative instruments which had been amended several times, 
often substantially, and unanimously agreed on the need for a working method which 
would use legislative consolidation as a means of achieving greater darity and trans­
parency. 
On 1 April 1987 the Commission therefore dedded to instrua its staff that all legis­
lative measures should be consoUdated after no more than ten amendments, stressing 
that this was a minimum requirement and that departments should endeavour to con­
solidate at even shorter intervals the texts for which they were responsible, to ensure 
that the Community rules were clear and readily understandable. 
The condusions of the Presidency of the Edinburgh European Council reaffirmed 
these points, stressing that "official codification is important because it provides legal 
security as to the law which is applicable at a certain moment concerning a specific 
issue." To ensure not only the quality and the legal security of the texts consoUdated, 
it was also suggested that "a jointly acceptable accelerated working method should be 
sought allowing codified Community law (repladng existing legislation without chang­
ing its substance) to be adopted in a speedy and efficient way". 
The proposed consoUdated version of Council Directive 66/401/EEC of 14 June 1966 
on the marketing of fodder plant seed forms part of a much larger programme of conso-
Udation of the provisions on seeds and propagating material for agriculture, horticul­
ture and forestry. It has been drafted in accordance with the fundamental prindples 
agreed by Council, ParUament and the Ccmirnission in 1974; it aims at legislative con­
solidation: the existing Directives would be replaced by one new one, which would 
leave their substance untouched but would assemble them into a single text, with only 
the formal amendments required by the operation itself 0). This codified text will 
serve as the basis for future legislative developments in this field. 
Certain provisions of Directive 66/401/EEC refer to "EEC packaging" and "EEC stan­
dards". 
The Treaty on European Union replaced the expression "European Economic Com­
munity" by "European Community" in the Treaty, the same should now be done in 
the above provisions. 
This may be regarded as a purely formal amendment, but the Member States must 
none the less transpose it into national legislation if firms are to use labels referring 
to the EC rather than the EEC. Moreover, there could be a finandal impaa for these 
firms if they were required to begin using the new labels forthwith. 
For these reasons, and since consoUdating directives do not need to be transposed, the 
original provisions being presumed to have been transposed within the time allowed, 
it would appear possible to incorporate this amendment in the consoUdation proposal 
as a purely formal adjustment 
The Commission wfll accordingly present a separate proposal for die amendment of 
Directive 66/401/EEC repladng "EEC" by "EC". 
This amendment and those already proposed to the Council will, foUowing adoption, be 
incorporated in the consoUdation proposal which should then be before the Council. 
This consolidation proposal was drawn up on the basis of a preliminary consolidation, 
in all the offidal languages, of Direaive 66/401/EEC and the instruments amending it, 
carried out by the Office for Offidal PubUcations of the European Communities, by 
means of a data-processing system referred to in the conclusions of the European 
Council meeting at Edinburgh. Although the articles have been given new numbers, 
the former number is printed alongside in each case for the reader's convenience; the 
correlation between the old and new numbers is shown in a table contained in Annex 
VII to the consoUdated Directive. 
0) Annex VT, part A of this proposal. 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE ../.«/EC 
of 
on the marketing of fodder plant seed 95/0305 (CNS) 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 
Having regard to the Treaty estabUshing the European 
Community, and in particular Article 43 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 
Having regard to the opinion of the European ParUa-
ment (l), 
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and So­
cial Committee (*), 
1) Whereas Council Directive 66/401/EEC of 14 June 1966 
on the marketing of fodder plant seed (3) has been fre­
quently and substantially amended; whereas for reasons 
of clarity and rationaUty the said Directive should be 
consoUdated; 
2) Whereas fodder plant production occupies an important 
place in the agriculture of the Community; 
3) Whereas satisfactory results in fodder plant cultivation 
depend to a large extent on the use of appropriate seed; 
whereas to this end certain Member States have for 
some time restricted the marketing of fodder plant seed 
to high-quahty seed; whereas they have been able to 
take advantage of the systematic plant selection work 
carried out over several decades which has resulted in 
the development of sufficiently stable and uniform fod­
der plant varieties which, by reason of their charaaeris­
tics, promise to be of great value for purposes in view; 
4) Whereas greater productivity will be achieved in Com­
munity fodder plant cultivation if for the choice of the 
varieties permitted to be marketed the Member States 
apply uniform rules which are as stria as possible; 
whereas a common catalogue of varieties of agricultural 
plant spedes is therefore provided for in Council Direc­
tive 95/..7EC (4); 66/401/EEC 
71/162/EEC 
[70/457/EEC] 
(1) OJNoC-
(2) OJNoC... 
(3) OJ No 125,11.7.1966, p. 2298/66; as last amended by the Act of Accession AT, FI, SE. 
(4) See page._ of this Official Journal 
^ 
5) Whereas it is, however, justifiable to restria marketing 
to certain varieties only if the user can be sure of actual­
ly obtaining seed of those varieties; 
6) Whereas certain Member States have for this purpose 
been applying certification schemes which are intended, 
by offidal verification to ensure the identity and purity 
of the varieties; 
7) Whereas such schemes already exist at international lev­
el; whereas the Organization for Economic Co-operation 
and Development has estabUshed a scheme for the vari­
etal certification of herbage seed moving in international 
trade; 
8) Whereas it is desirable to estabUsh a uniform certifica­
tion scheme for the Community based on the experience 
gained in the appUcation of that scheme and of national 
schemes for this product; whereas the Community 
scheme should therefore apply to marketing both in oth­
er Member States and on domestic markets; 
9) Whereas it has become apparent, in the course of apply­
ing this Directive, that smaU packages of fodder plant 
seed form an item of trade within the Community; 
whereas it accordingly seemed necessary to harmonize 
this sector; 
10) Whereas, as a general rule, fodder plant seed, for what­
ever use it is intended as grown, should be allowed to be 
marketed only if it has been offidally examined and cer­
tified, in accordance with the rules for certification, as 
basic seed or certified seed or if, in the case of certain 
genera and species, it has been offidalh/ examined and 
approved as commercial seed; whereas the choice of the 
technical terms 'basic seed' and 'certified seed' is based 
on already existing international terminology; whereas, 
by way of derogation however, Community rules also 
permit in the case of certain spedes, certification as 'cer­
tified seed' where the seed has been produced from pre-
basic seed which has been subjea to offidal examina­
tion; whereas the latter is not suffident for some spedes; 
whereas this facility should be extended provided that 
suffident guarantees are laid down; 
11) Whereas there should be approval for commerdal seed 
in order to take into account the faa that not all genera 
and spedes of fodder plant of importance for cropping 
have as yet produced either the desired varieties or suffi­
dent quantities of seed of the existing varieties to meet 
all the needs of the Community; whereas it is therefore 
necessary, in the case of certain genera and spedes, to 
approve fodder plant seed which is not of a named vari­
ety, but which satisfies the regulations in all other re­
spects; 5. 
10. 66/401/EEC 
75/444/EEC 
(adapted) 
66/401/EEC 
78/55/EEC 
(adapted) 
66/401/EEC 
^LOJO 
12) Whereas it is appropriate to authorize the Member 
States, in certain circumstances, to admit for marketing 
seed of generation prior to basic seed derogating from 
the estabUshed prindple that only seed offidally certified 
as T?asic seed' or 'certified seed' are permitted to be 
marketed; 
13) Whereas, in the case of fodder plant seed, certain condi­
tions concerning seed testing should be relaxed for those 
regions of the Community in which very favourable eco­
logical conditions ensure compUance with the relevant 
Community standards laid down; 
14) Whereas fodder plant seed which is not placed on the 
market should not, in view of its minor economic impor­
tance, be subjea to Community rules; whereas Member 
States must retain the right to make such seed subjea to 
spedal provisions; 
15) Whereas Community rules should not apply to seed 
shown to be intended for export to third countries; 
16) Whereas, in order to improve not only the genetic quaU-
ty of Community fodder plant seed but also its external 
charaaeristics, certain requirements should be laid down 
as to analytical purity and germination; 
17) Whereas, in order to ensure the identity of the seed, 
Community rules on packaging, sampling, seating and 
marking must be estabUshed; whereas to this end the 
labels should give the particulars needed both for offidal 
verification and for the information of the farmer and 
should dearly show the Community nature of the certifi­
cation of the certified seed of the various categories; 
whereas in the case of fodder plant seed provision 
should be made for the possibiUty of spedal marking 
concerning the presence of Avena fatua; 
18) Whereas it should be ensured that the suppUers' labels 
required under national provisions are drawn up in such 
a way that they cannot be confused with the offidal la­
bels; 
19) Whereas it seems advisable that, for the purpose of 
seeking improved alternative solutions to certain ele­
ments of the certification schemes adopted under this 
Directive, temporary experiments under spedfic condi­
tions should be organized; 
20) Whereas certain Member States need mixtures of fodder 
plant seed of several genera and spedes for spedal uses; 
whereas, in order to take these needs into account, 
Member States should be authorized to approve such 
rnixtures subject to certain conditions; 79/692/EEC 
11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 
15. 66/401/EEC 
73/438/EEC 
88/380/EEC 
(adapted) 
66/401/EEC 
A*>* 
21) Whereas, in order to ensure that both the requirements 
as to the quaUty of the seed and the provisions for en­
suring its identity are compUed with during marketing, 
Member States must make provision for appropriate ver­
ification arrangements; 
22) Whereas seed satisfying these requirements should, with­
out prejudice to Artide 36 of the Treaty, be subjea to 
no marketing restrictions other than those provided for 
in Community rules; whereas it is necessary to provide 
that, in certain drcumstances, bred seed of generations 
prior to basic seed and plants, admitted for marketing in 
the Member States and in accordance with Community 
rules, should no longer be subjea to marketing restric­
tions between the Member States; 
23) Whereas restrictions include in particular the obUgation 
of the Member States to restria the marketing of seed 
to those varieties allowed by the common catalogue pro­
vided for by Directive 95/..JEC; 
24) Whereas, subjea to certain conditions, seed multipUed in 
another country from basic seed certified in a Member 
State should be recognized as being equivalent to seed 
multipUed in that Member State; 
25) Whereas, on the other hand, provision should be made 
for authorizing the marketing within the Community of 
fodder plant seed harvested in third countries only if 
such seed affords the same assurances as seed officially 
certified, or offidally approved as commerdal seed, with­
in the Community and complying with Community rules; 
26) Whereas, during periods in which there are difficulties in 
obtaining suppUes of certified seed of the various catego­
ries, seed of an inferior quatity should temporarily be 
permitted to be marketed, and also seeds of varieties not 
induded either in the common catalogue or in the na­
tional catalogue of varieties; 
27) Whereas, in order to harmonize the technical methods 
of certification used in the Member States and to enable 
comparisons to be made between seed certified within 
the Community and that coming from third countries, 
Community test fields should be established in Member 
States to permit annual post-control of seed of the vari­
ous categories of 'certified seed'; 16. 
17. 
+ 
2. 
18. 
19. 
20. 
21. 
+ 
22. 72/418/EEC 
66/401/EEC 
(adapted) 
[70/457/EEC] 
72/418/EEC 
66/401/EEC 
yU)l 
28) Whereas for the exercise of implementation powers con­
ferred on the Commission, it seems appropriate that the 
Commission be assisted by the Standing Committee on 
Seeds and Propagating Material for Agriculture, Horti­
culture and Forestry, according to the Management 
Committee procedure provided for in Artide 2 (II) of 
Council Dedsion 87/373/EEC (l); 
29) Whereas this Directive must not affea the obUgations of 
the Member States concerning the deadlines for trans­
position of the Directives set out in Annex VI, part B, 23. (adapted) 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE: 
( 1 ) OJ No L197,18.7.1987, p. 33. 
-Ajcr$ 
Article 1 
This Directive shaU apply to fodder plant seed marketed 
within the Community, irrespective of the use for which 
the seed as grown is intended. 
It shaU not apply to fodder plant seed shown to be inten­
ded for export to third countries. 
Article 2 
L, For the purposes of this Direaive, 
A. "Fodder plants" means plants of the foUowing genera 
and spedes: 
(a) Gramineae 
Agrostis canina L Grasses 
Velvet bent 
Agrostis gigantea Roth Redtop 
Agrostis stolonifera L. Creeping bent grass 
Agrostis capillaris L Brown top 
Alopecurus pratensis L Meadow foxtail 
Arrhenatherum elatius TaU oatgrass 
(L) P. Bcayy, CT J.S 
and K.B Prcsl 
Bromus catharticus Rescue grass 
Vahl 
Bromus sitchensis Trin. Alaska brome-grass 
Cynodon dactylon (L.) Bermuda grass 
Pers. 
Dactylis glomerata L Cocksfoot 
Festuca arundinacea TaU fescue 
ScJnei2ex 
Festuca ovina L, Sheep's fescue 
Festuca pratensis Hud- Meadow fescue 
son 
Festuca rubra L Red fescue 66/401/EEC 
Article 18 
69/63/EEC- Art. 3(1) 
Lolium multiflorum 
Lam. 
Lolium perenne L 
Lolium X bçuçheq-
num Kupth Italian ryegrass (including 
Westerwold ryegrass) 
Perennial ryegrass 
Hybrid ryegrass 179/641/EEC - Art 1(1) 
71/162/EEC - Art 2(1) 
87/120/EEC - Art 2(1) 
66/401/EEC 
79/641/EEC-Art. 1(1) - 87/120/EEC-Art 2(1) 
88/380/EEC - Art 2(1) 
86/155/EEC - Art. 1(1) 
66/401/EEC 
87/120/EEC - Art. 2(1) 
87/120/EEC - Art. 2(1) 
71/162/EEC - Art. 2(2) 
87/120/EEC - Art. 2(1) 
Phalaris aquatica L. Harding grass, Phalaris j 86/155/EEC - Art 1(1) 
/JOLi 
Phleum bertolonn DC Timothy 
Phleum pratense L Timothy | 79/641/EEC- Art. 1(1) 
I 66/401/EEC 
Poa annua L 
Poa nemoralis L. 
Poa palustris L. 
Poa pratensis L 
Poa trivialis L 
Trisetum flavescens 
(L.) P. Beauv. Annual meadowgrass 
Wood meadowgrass 
Swamp meadowgrass 
Smooth-stalk meadowgrass 
Rough-stalk meadowgrass 
Golden oatgrass 71/162/EEC - Art 2(3) 
79/641/EEC-Art 1(1) - 87/120/EEC-Art 2(1] 
This definition shaïï also cover the foUowing hy­
brid resulting from the crossing of spedes re­
ferred to above. 
Festuca pratensis 
Huds. X Lolium mul-
tiflorum Lam. Hybrid resulting from the 
crossing of taU fescue with 
ItaUan ryegrass (including 
Westerworld ryegrass) (x 
Festulolium) 
Legumes (b) Leguminosae 
Hedysarum coronarium SuUa 
L 
Lotm comiculatm L Birdsfoot trefoil 
Lupinus albus L. 
Lupinus angustifolius 
L 
Lupinus luteus L 
Medicago lupulina L. 
Medicago sativa L. White lupin 
Blue lupin 
YeUow lupin 
Black medick 
Lucerne 
Medicago X varia T. Lucerne 
Martyn. 
Onobrychis vicufolia Sainfoin 
Scop. 
Pisum sativum L. (par- Field pea 
tim) 92/19/EEC - Art 1(1) 
69/63/EEC - Art 3(2) 
71/162/EEC - Art 2(4) 
69/63/EEC - Art 3(2) 
79/641/EEC-Art 1(2) - 87/120/EEC-Art 2(1)-
Trifolium alexandrinum 
L. 
Trifokum hybridum L 
Trifolium incamatum 
L. 
Trifolium pratense L 
Trifolium repens L 
Trifokum resupinatum Berseem, Egyptian dover 
Alsike clover 
Crimson clover 
Red dover 
White clover 
Persian clover 69/63/EEC - Act 3(2) 
A&Ç 
Trigonella foenum- Fenugreek 
graecum L. 
Vicia faba L (panim) Field beans 
Vicia pannonica 
Crantz 
Vicia sativa L 
Vicia villosa Roth Hungarian vetch 
Common vetch 
Hairy vetch 
(c) Other species 
Brassica napm L. var. Swede 
napobrassica CL.) 
Bchk 
Brassica oleracea L. Fodder kale 
convar. acephala 
CDC.Ï Met var. me-
dulhsa Theli + var, 
variais L 
Phacelia tanacetifolia California bluebefl 
Benth. 
Rpphanus sqfivm L, 
var. oleiformis Pers Fodder radish. 
B. 'Basic Seed': 
1. 'Seed of bred varieties' means seed 
(a) which has been produced under the respon-
sibiUty of the breeder according to accepted 
practices for the maintenance of the variety; 
(b) which is intended for the production of seed 
of the category 'certified seed'; 
(c) which, subjea to the provisions of Artide 4, 
satisfies the conditions laid down in An­
nexes I and II for basic seed; and 
(d) which has been found by offidal examina­
tion to satisfy the abovementioned condi­
tions; 
2. 'Seed of local varieties' means seed 
(a) which has been produced under official con­
trol from material offidaUy accepted as be­
ing of the local variety on one or more 
holdings situated within a dearly demar­
cated region of origin; 
(b) which is intended for the production of seed 
of the category 'certified seed'; 79/641/EEC - Art 1(2) 
79/641/EEC - Art 1(3) 
71/162/EEC - Art 2(5) 
69/63/EEC - Art 3(3) 
87A20/EEC - Art 2(1) 
87A20/EEC - Art 2(1) 
88/380/EEC - Art 2(1) 
69/63/EEC - Art 3(3) - 87A20/EEC - Art. 2(1) 
66/401/EEC 
AO6 
66/401/EEC - IV 
8. 11. 1995 
(c) which, subjea to the provisions of Article 4, 
satisfies the conditions laid down in An­
nexes I and II for basic seed; and 
(d) which has been found by official examina­
tion to satisfy the abovementioned condi­
tions; 
C. 'Certified seed' means seed 66/401/EEC 
(a) which has been produced direary from basic 
seed or certified seed, or, if the breeder so 
requests, from seed of a generation prior to 
basic seed which has been found by offidal 
examination to satisfy the conditions laid 
down in Annexes I and II for basic seed; 69/63/EEC - Art. 3(4) 
Special Edition, p. 30 Corrigendum, EngUsh 
(b) which is intended for the production of seed 
of the category 'certified seed' or of plants; 
(c) which, subjea to the provisions of point (b) 
of Artide 4, satisfies the conditions laid 
down in Annexes I and II for certified seed; 
and 
(d) which has been found by offidal examina­
tion to satisfy the abovementioned condi­
tions; 
D. 'Commerdal seed' means seed 
(a) which is identifiable as belonging to a spe­
des 
(b) which, subjea to the provisions of Article 4 
(b), satisfies the conditions laid down in An­
nex II for commercial seed; and 
(c) which has been found by offidal examina­
tion to satisfy the abovementioned condi­
tions. 
E. 'Official measures' means measures taken 
(a) by State authorities, or 
(b) by any legal person whether governed by 
pubUc or by private law, acting under the 
responsibility of the State, or 
(c) in the case of anciUary activities which are 
also subjea to State control, by any natural 
person duly sworn for that purpose, 
provided that the persons mentioned under (b) 
and (c) derive no private gain from such mea­
sures; 66/401/EEC 
AOf 
F. 'Small EEC A packages' means packages con­
taining a mixture of seeds not intended for the 
production of fodder plants, with a net weight 
not exceeding 2 kg exduding, where appropriate, 
granulated pestiddes, pelleting substances or oth­
er solid additives; 
G. 'Small EEC B packages' means packages con­
taining certified seed, commerdal seed or — if 
the packages concerned are not small EEC A 
packages — a mixture of seeds with a net weight 
not exceeding 10 kg exduding, where appropri­
ate, granulated pestiddes, pelleting substances or 
other solid additives. 75/444/EEC - Art 2(1) 
2. Amendments to be made to the list of species re­
ferred to in point A of paragraph 1 in the light of the 
development of sdentific or technical knowledge concern­
ing the names and hybrids resulting from the crossing of 
spedes covered by this Directive shall be adopted in accor­
dance with the procedure laid down in Article 25 (2). 78/55/EEC - Art 2(1) 
88/380/EEC - Art 2(2) 
3. The different types of varieties, including the com­
ponents, eligible for certification under this Directive may 
be specified and defined in accordance with the procedure 
laid down in Artide 25 (2). 88/380/EEC - Art 2(4) 
4 Member States may be authorized in accordance 
with the procedure laid down in Artide 25 (2) to permit, 
by way of derogation from point C (a) of paragraph 1, to 
be certified as certified seed seeds of serf-pollinating or 
apomictic spedes which have been entered for certification 
as basic seed and which have been produced directly from 
a generation prior to basic seed but which has not been 
officially examined. This provision shall not apply to hybrid 
seeds. Certification as certified seed may occur only if this 
is requested by the applicant for certification with the 
agreement of the breeder and if an official post-control 
test based on samples taken offidally and carried out at 
the latest during the growing season of the entered seeds 
shows that the seeds from the previous generation have 
met the requirements for basic seed in respea of varietal 
identity and purity. In this case the breeder shall, when the 
samples are taken, state the total area which has been un­
der produaion of seed of the previous generation. These 
conditions may be amended in the light of development of 
scientific or technical knowledge in accordance with the 
procedure laid down in Article 25 (2). 78/55/EEC-Art 2(1) - 88/380/EEC-Art 2(3) 
AJD^ 
Member States shaU require that the offidal labels for 
seeds marketed in accordance with the authorization re­
ferred to in the first subparagraph be marked: 'passed for 
marketing in . . . (Member State concerned) onh/; in addi­
tion Member States may require in this case that the offi­
dal labels also be marked: 'intended for further multipUca-
tion onr/. 78/55/EEC - Art 2(1) 
5j, Member States may be authorized, in accordance with 
the procedure laid down in Artide 25 (2), not to apply in 
respea of the production of a given Member State the 
condition contained in Annex n, section L point 2, para­
graph B (1) for one or more of the spedes concerned, if it 
can be assumed from ecological conditions and previous 
experience that the standards laid down in Annex IL sec­
tion L point 2, column 13 of the table are being compUed 
with. 79/692/EEC - Art. 1 - 88/380/EEC - Art 2(3) 
6. Member States may, during a transitional period of 
not more than four years after the entry into force of the 
laws, regulations or administrative provisions necessary to 
comply with this Directive, and by way of derogation from 
pint C of paragraph 1, certify as certified seed seed pro­
duced directly from seed officiaUy verified in a Member 
State under the scheme in operation at that time and 
which affords the same assurances as seed certified as ba­
sic seed or certified seed in accordance with the prindples 
of this Directive. 
Article 3 
1. Without prejudice to the provisions of Directive 
95/.. ./EC, Member States shaU provide that seed of: 69/63/EEC - Art 3(5) 
Corrigendum, English Special Edition, p. 30 
69/63/EEC - Art 4 
[70/457/EEC] 
Brassica napus L var. naprobrassica (L) Rchb. 
Brassica oleracea L convar. acephala (DC) Alef. var. me-
dullosa TheU. + var. viridis L 87/120/EEC - Art 2(2) 
Dactylis glomerata L. 
Festuca arundinacea Schreber 
Festuca pratensis Hudson 69/63/EEC -Ait. 4 
87/120/EEC - Art 2(2) 
Festuca rubra L. x Festulotium 69/63/EEC - Art 4 - 92/19/EEC - Art 1(2) 
Lolium multiflorum Lam. 
Lolium perenne L 71A62/EEC - Art 2(6) 
Lolium x boucheanum Kunth 
Phleum pratense L 
Medicago sativa L 87/120/EEC - Art 2(2) 
69/63/EEC - Art. 4 
^Lo? 
Medicago x varia T. Martyn 
Pisum sativum L 
Raphanus sativus L var. oleiformis Pers. 
Trifolium repens L 
Trifolium pratense L 
may not be placed on the market unless it has been offi-
daUy certified as 'basic seed' or 'certified seed' and unless 
it satisfies the conditions laid down in Annex H 87A20/EEC - Art 2(2) 
79/641/EEC - Art 1(4) 
87A20/EEC - Art 2(2) 
69/63/EEC - Art 4 
2. Member States shaU provide that fodder plant seed of 
genera and spedes other than those Usted in paragraph 1 
may not be placed on the market unless the seed has been 
officially certified as *basic seed' or 'certified seed', or is 
commerdal seed, and unless the seed also satisfies the 
conditions laid down in Annex IL 
3. The Commission may, in accordance with the pro­
cedure laid down in Artide 25 (2), provide that after spe­
cified dates seed of genera and species of fodder plant oth­
er than those Usted in paragraph 1 may not be placed on 
the market unless it has been offidally certified as *basic 
seed' or 'certified seed'. 
4. Member States shall ensure that the offidal examina­
tions are carried out in accordance with current interna­
tional methods, insofar as such methods exist 
5. Member States may provide for derogations from the 
provisions of paragraphs 1 and 2: 
(a) for bred seed of generations prior to basic seed; 
(b) for tests or for sdentific purposes; 
(c) for selection work; 
(d) for seed as grown, marketed for processing, provided 
that the identity of the seed is ensured. 
Article 4 
Member States may, however, by way of derogation from 
the provisions of Artide 3: 
(a) authorize the official certification and marketing of 
basic seed which does not satisfy the conditions laid 
down in Annex II in respea of gennination; a similar 
derogation may also be granted in respea of certified 
seed of Trifolium pratense where such seed is intended 
for the further production of other certified seed. 
In such cases, aU necessary measures shaU be taken to 
ensure that the suppUer guarantees a specific ger­
mination which he shaU state for marketing purposes 
on a special label bearing his name and address and 
the reference number of the seed lot; 66/401/EEC 
Corrigendum, English Special Edition, p. 30 
^iAo 
(b) in order to make seed rapidly available, notwithstand­
ing the faa that official examination to check com­
pliance with the conditions laid down in Annex II in 
respea of germination has not been conduded, autho­
rize the official certification or approval and market­
ing as far as the first buyer by way of trade of seed of 
the categories 'basic seed', 'certified seed' or 'commer­
dal seed'. Certification or approval shaU be granted 
only on presentation of a provisional analytical report 
on the seed and provided that the name and address 
of the first recipient are given; aU necessary measures 
shaU be taken to ensure that the suppUer guarantees 
the germination ascertained at the provisional analy­
sis; this germination shall be stated for marketing pur­
poses on a spedal label bearing the name and address 
of the supplier and the reference number of the lot 
These provisions shaU not apply to seed imported from 
third countries, save as otherwise provided in Article 15 in 
respea of multipUcation outside the Community. 
Article 5 
Member States may, as regards the conditions laid down in 
Annexes I and H, impose additional or more stringent re­
quirements for the certification and examination of com­
merdal seed produced in their own territory. 
Article 6 
Member States shaU provide that the description of the 
genealogical components which may be required is, if the 
breeder so requests, treated as confidential. 
Article 7 
1. Member States shall require that, for the checking of 
varieties, the examination of seed for certification and the 
examination of commerdal seed, samples are drawn offi-
daUy in accordance with appropriate methods. 
2. For the examination of seed for certification and the 
examination of commerdal seed, samples shaU be drawn 
from homogeneous lots; the maximum weight of a lot and 
the minimum weight of a sample are given in Annex HI. 
Article 8 
1. Member States shaU require that basic seed, certified 
seed and commercial seed be marketed only in sufficiently 
homogeneous lois and in sealed packages bearing, as pre­
scribed in Article 9f 10 or llf whichever is appropriate, a 
seaUng system and markings. 
2. Member States may, for the marketing of smaU quan­
tities to the final consumer, provide for derogations from 
the provisions of paragraph 1 in respea of packaging, seal­
ing and marking. 66/401/EEC 
71/162/EEC - Art 2(7) 
66/401/EEC 
69/63/EEC - Art. 5 - Corrigendum, English 
Spedal Edition, p. 16 
75/444/EEC - Art 2(2) 
API 
Article 9 
1. Member States shaU require that packages of basic 
seed, certified seed and commercial seed, except where 
seed of the two latter categories takes the form of smaU 
EEC B packages, be sealed offidaUy or under offidal su­
pervision in such a manner that they cannot be opened 
without damaging the sealing system or leaving evidence of 
tampering on either the official label provided for in Ar­
ticle 10 (1) or the package. 
In order to ensure sealing, the sealing system shaU com­
prise at least either the offidal label or the affixing of an 
official seal. 
The measures provided for in the second subparagraph 
shaU not be necessary where a non-reusable sealing system 
is used. 
In accordance with the procedure laid down in Artide 
25 (2), it may be estabUshed whether a particular sealing 
system comphes with the provisions of this paragraph. 78/692/EEC - Art 2(1) 
2. Member States shaU require that, except in the case 
of smaU EEC B packages, packages shaU not be resealed 
on one or more occasions unless this is done offidaUy oi 
under offidal supervision. If packages are resealed, the faa 
of resealing, the date of resealing and the authority re­
sponsible therefor shaU be stated on the label required un­
der Artide 10 (1). 75/444/EEC - Art 2(3) 
78/692/EEC - Art 2(2) 
3. Member States shaU require that smaU EEC B pack­
ages be sealed in such a manner that they cannot be 
opened without damaging the sealing system or leaving 
evidence of tampering on the label or package. In accor­
dance with the procedure laid down in Article 25 (2), it 
may be estabUshed whether a particular sealing system 
compUes with the provisions of this paragraph. Packages 
shaU not be resealed on one or more occasions except un­
der official supervision. 78/692/EEC - Art 2(3) 
4. Member States may provide for exceptions to para­
graphs 1 and 2 in the case of small packages of basic seed. 
Article 10 
1. Member States shall require that packages of basic 
seed, certified seed and commerdal seed, except where 
seed of the last two categories takes the form of smafl 
EEC B packages: 75/444/EEC - Art 2(3) 
78/55/EEC - Art 2(2) 
yiA^ 
(a) be labeUed on the outside with an offidal label which 
has not previously been used, which satisfies the 
conditions laid down in Annex IV (A) and on which 
the information is given in one of the offidal lan­
guages of the Community. The colour of the label 
shaU be white for basic seed, blue for certified seed of 
the first generation after basic seed, red for certified 
seed of subsequent generations and brown for com­
merdal seed. When a label with a string-hole is used, 
its attachment shaU be ensured in aU cases with an 
offidal seaL If, in cases under point (a) of Artide 4, 
the basic seed or certified seed does not satisfy the 
conditions laid down in Annex II in respea of ger­
mination, this faa shaU be stated on the label. The 
use of offidal adhesive labels shaU be authorized. In 
accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 
25 (2), the indehble printing under offidal supervision 
of the prescribed information on the package accord­
ing to the label's model may be authorized; 
(b) contain an official document, in the same colour as 
the label, giving at least the infomation required un­
der Annex IV (A) (I) (a) (3), (5) and (6) and, in the 
case of commerdal seed, under (b) (2), (4) and (6). 
This document shaU be drawn up in such a manner 
that it cannot be confused with the offidal label re­
ferred to under (a). This document is not necessary if 
the information is printed indeUbly on the package co­
if , in accordance with the provisions under (a), an 
adhesive label or a label of non-tear material is used. 
2. Member States may provide for exceptions to para­
graph 1 in the case of smaU packages of basic seed where 
they are marked: 'passed for marketing in: . . . (Member 
State concerned) onry\ 
Article 11 
1. Member States shaU require that smaU EEC B pack­
ages: 
(a) bear on the outside in accordance with Annex IV (B) 
a suppUer's label, a printed notice or stamp in one of 
the offidal languages of the Community; in the case 
of transparent packages this label may be placed in­
side, provided it can be read through the package; as 
regards the colour of the label, Article 10 (1) (a) shaU 
apply; 78/55/EEC - Art 2(2) 
Article 10a 
75/444/EEC - Art 2(6) 
A AI 
(b) bear on the outside or on the suppUer's label pro­
vided for in point (a) an officially assigned serial 
number; should an offidal adhesive label be used, Ar­
ticle 10 (1) (a) shaU apply as regards its colour, the 
methods of attaching the said serial number may be 
fixed in accordance with the procedure laid down un­
der Artide 25 (2). 
2. Member States may require that an offidal adhesive 
label containing part of the information prescribed in An­
nex IV (B) is used for the marking of smaU EEC B pack­
ages packed in their territory; insofar as the information is 
given on such label, the marking provided for in point (a) 
of paragraph 1 shaU not be required. 
Article 12 
Member States may provide that, on request, smaU EEC B 
packages of certified seed and commerdal seed are sealed 
and marked offidally or under offidal supervision accord­
ing to Articles 9 (1) and 10. 
Article 13 
Member States shaU take afl measures necessary to ensure 
that, in the case of smaU packages of seed, the identity of 
the seed can be checked, in particular at the time when 
seed lots are divided up. To this end they may require that 
smaU packages divided up in their territory shall be sealed 
offidaUy or under offidal supervision. 
Article 14 
L This Directive shaU not affea the right of Member 
States to require that, in cases other than those provided 
for by this Directive, packages of basic seed, certified seed 
or commerdal seed, whether the seed has been produced 
in their own territory or imported, must, if the seed is to 
be marketed within their territory, bear a suppUer's label 
or that seed lots complying with the spedal conditions con­
cerning the presence of Avena fatua laid down according 
to the procedure provided for in Article 25 (2\ must be 
accompanied bv an offidal certificate attesting compUance 
with these conditions. 75/444/EEC - Art 2(6) 
Article 10b 
78/55/EEC - Art. 2(3) 
Article 10c 
Article U 
66/401/EEC - 88/380/EEC - Art 2(5) 
75/444/EEC - Art 2(7) - Corrigendum, English 
Special Edition, p. 16 
73/438/EEC - Art 2(3) 
2. The label referred to in paragraph 1 shaU be drawn 
up in such a manner that it cannot be confused with the 
official label referred to in Article 10 (1). 
Article 15 
Member States shaU require that any chemical treatment 
of basic seed, certified seed or commerdal seed be noted 
either on the official label or on the suppUer's label and 
on the package or inside it. 88/380/EEC - Art 2(6) 
66/401/EEC AJMSJI 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 16 
si/Uj 
Article 16 
1. Member States shaU require that fodder plant seed in 
the form of mixtures of seed of various genera, spedes or 
varieties or of mixtures containing seed of plants which are 
not fodder plants within the meaning of this Directive may 
be marketed only if they are not intended for the produc­
tion of fodder plants and if the various components of the 
mixture compUed, before mixing, with the marketing regu­
lations appUcable to them. 
2. Notwithstanding paragraph 1, Member States may 
also authorize the marketing of fodder plant seed in the 
form of mixtures: 
— if such mixtures are intended for the production of 
fodder plants, or 
— if these mixtures contain seed of plant spedes for 
which Community provisions do not provide that they 
may be mixed with seed of fodder plants. 
3. Artides 8, 9, 12, 14 and 15 shaU apply, and, provid­
ing, however, the label is green in colour, Artides 10 and 
11. For this purpose, smaU EEC A packages shaU be con­
sidered smaU EEC B packages. 
However, for smaU EEC A packages, the offidaUy as­
signed serial number provided for in paragraph 1 (b) of 
Artide 11 shaU not be required. 
In applying paragraph 2, Member States may authorize 
derogations from this Directive for smaU packages as re­
gards maximum quantities and the information to be pro­
vided when marking, if such packages are marked: Tassed 
for marketing in . . . (Member State concerned) onry\ 
Article 17 
For the purpose of seeking improved alternatives to certain 
elements of the certification scheme adopted under this 
Directive, it may be dedded to organize temporary experi­
ments under specified conditions at Community level in ac­
cordance with the procedure laid down in Artide 25 (2). 
In the framework of such experiments, Member States may 
be released from certain obUgations laid down in this Di­
rective. The extent of that release shall be defined with 
reference to the provisions to which it appUes. The dura­
tion of an experiment shaU not exceed seven years. Article 13 
75/444/EEC - Art 2(8) 
Article 13a 
88/380/EEC - Art 2(7) 
./HÇ 
Article 18 
1. Member States shaU ensure that 
— basic seed and certified seed which has been officiaUy 
certified and the packaging of which has been marked 
and sealed offidally or under offidal supervision, pur-
suant to this Directive, 
— commercial seed which has been offidally tested and 
the packaging of which has been marked and sealed 
officially or under official supervision, pursuant to this 
Directive, 
— certified seed which has been officiaUy certified and 
officially tested commercial seed which take the form 
of smaU EEC B packages which have been marked 
and sealed pursuant to this Directive, 
— seed in the form of mixtures, produced in accordance 
with this Directive and not intended for the produc­
tion of fodder plants, whose packaging has been 
marked and sealed pursuant to this Directive, 
is not subjea to any marketing restrictions as regards its 
characteristics, examination requirements, marking and 
sealing other than those laid down in this Directive. Article 14 
75/444/EEC - Art 2(9) 
78/55/EEC - Art 2(4) 
78/55/EEC - Art 2(4) 
2. The Commission, in accordance with the procedure 
provided for in Article 25 (2), shaU for the marketing of 
forage crop seeds authorize, in respect of the whole or 
parts of the territory of one or more Member States, pro­
visions which are more stria than those laid down in An­
nex II concerning the presence of Avena fatua in those 
seeds, if similar provisions are appUed to the home produc­
tion of those seeds and if there is a campaign to eradicate 
Avena fatua from forage crops grown in the region in 
question. Act of Accession DA, IRL, UK - Art 29 
3. Member States may: 
(a) in so far as measures taken by the Commission under 
Artide 3 (3) have not entered into force, provide that 
after specified dates seed of genera and species of 
fodder plant other than those listed in Article 3 (1) 
may not be placed on the market unless it has been 
officiaUy certified as *basic seed' or 'certified seed'; 
(b) adopt provisions concerning the maximum moisture 
content accepted for marketing; 
(c) restria the marketing of certified fodder plant seed to 
that of the first generation after basic seed; 66/401/EEC 
Ai 6 
4. Member States which have provided for exemptions 
in accordance with the provisions of point (a) of Article 3 
(5) shaU ensure that bred seed of generations prior to ba­
sic seed are subjea to no marketing restrictions on account 
of their charaaeristics. examination arrangements, marking 
and seating, 
(a) if it has been offidaUy checked by the competent cer­
tification authority, in accordance with the provisions 
appUcable for the certification of basic seed, 
(b) if it is packed in accordance with the provisions of 
this direaive, and 
(c) if its packages bear an official label giving at least the 
foUowing particulars: 
— certification authority and Member State or their 
distinguishing abbreviation 
— lot, reference number 72/418/EEC - Art 2(3) 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 106 
Corrigendum, EngUsh Special Edition, p. 106 
Corrigendum, English Spedal Edition, p. 106 
Corrigendum, EngUsh Spedal Edition, p. 106 
month and year of seating, 
or 
month and year of the last offidal sampling for 
the purposes of certification 78/692/EEC - Art 2(4) 
spedes, indicated at least under its botanical 
name, which may be given in abridged form and 
without the authorities' names, in roman char­
acters, 
variety, indicated at least in roman charaaers, 88/380/EEC - Art 2(8) 
— the description 'pre-basic seed' 
— number of generations preceding seed of the 
category 'certified seed' of the first generation. 
The label shaU be white with a diagonal violet Une. 72/418/EEC - Art 2(3) 
Corrigendum, EngUsh Special Edition, p. 106 
Corrigendum, English Special Edition, p. 106 
In accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 
25 (2), Member States may be released from the require­
ment to indicate the botanical name in respea of individu­
al spedes and, where appropriate, for limited periods 
where it has been estabUshed that the disadvantages of its 
implementation outweigh the advantages expected for the 
marketing of seed. 88/380/EEC - Art 2(9) 
A^T-
Article 19 
1. The Member States shah provide that fodder plant 
seed 
— which has been produced directly from basic seed or 
certified seed officially certified either in one or more 
Member States or in a third country which has been 
granted equivalence under point (b) of Article 20, or 
which has been produced directly from the crossing of 
basic seed officially certified in a Member State with 
basic seed offidaUy certified in such a third country, 
and 
— which has been harvested in another Member State, 
shaU, on request and without prejudice to the provisions of 
Directive 95/.. TEC, be offidally certified as certified seed 
in any Member State if that seed has undergone field in­
spection satisfying the conditions laid down in Annex I for 
the relevant category and if official examination has shown 
that the conditions laid down in Annex II for the same 
category are satisfied. 
Where in such cases the seed has been produced directly 
from officially certified seed of generations prior to basic 
seed, Member States may also authorize official certifica­
tion as basic seed, if the conditions laid down for that 
category are satisfied. 
2. Fodder plant seed which has been harvested in 
another Member State, and which is intended for certifica­
tion in accordance with the provisions laid down in para­
graph 1, shaU: 
— be packed and labeUed with an official label satisfying 
the conditions laid down in Annex V (A) and (B), in 
acordance with the provisions laid down in Article 9 
(1), and 
— be accompanied by an official document satisfying the 
conditions laid down in Annex V (C). 
3. Member States shaU also provide that fodder plant 
seed 
— which has been produced directly from basic seed or 
certified seed officially certified either in one or more 
Member States or in a third country which has been 
granted equivalence under point (b) of Artide 20, or 
which has been produced directly from the crossing of 
basic seed officiaUy certified in a Member State with 
basic seed offidaUy certified in such a third country, 
and 
— which has been harvested in a third country, Article 15 
88/380/EEC - Art 2(10) 
[70/457/EEC] 
AA% 
shall, on request be offidally certified as certified seed in 
any of those Member States where the basic seed or certi­
fied seed referred to above was either produced or offidal­
ly certified, if the seed has undergone field inspection satis­
fying the conditions laid down in an equivalence dedsion 
made under Article 20 (a) for the relevant category, and if 
official examination has shown that the conditions laid 
down in Annex II for the same category are satisfied. Oth­
er Member States may also authorize offidal certification 
of such seed. 
Article 20 
1. The Council, acting by a qualified majority on a pro­
posal from the Commission, shall daermine whether 
(a) in the case provided for in Artide 19, the field in­
spections in the third country satisfy the conditions 
laid down in Annex I; 
(b) beet seed harvested in a third country and affording 
the same assurances as regards its charaaeristics and 
the arrangements for its examination, for ensuring its 
identity, for marking and for control is equivalent in 
these respeas to basic seed or certified seed har­
vested within the Community and complying with the 
provisions of this Directive. 
2. Paragraph 1 shall also apply in respea of any new 
Member State from the date of its accession to the date 
on which it is to bring into force the laws, regulations or 
administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Di­
rective. 
Article 21 
1. In order to remove any temporary difficulties in the 
general supply of basic seed, certified seed or commerdal 
seed that occur in one or more Member States and cannot 
be overcome within the Community, one or more Member 
States may be authorized, according to the procedure laid 
down in Artide 25 (2), to permit, for a specified period, 
the marketing of seed of a category subjea to less strin­
gent requirements, or of seed of varieties not included in 
the common catalogue or in their national catalogue of va­
rieties. 88/380/EEC - Art 2(10) 
Article 16 
66/401/EEC 
Corrigendum, EngUsh Spedal Edition, p. 16 
72/274/EEC - Art 2 
Article 17 
72/418/EEC - Art 2(4) 
2. For a category of seed of any given variety, the offi­
dal label shall be that provided for the corresponding cate­
gory; in all other cases it shall be that provided for com­
merdal seed. The label shall always state that the seed in 
question is of a category satisfying less stringent require­
ments. 66/401/EEC 
3. Rules for the appUcation of paragraph 1 may be 
adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Ar­
ticle 25 (2). 88/332/EEC - Art 2 
/AQ 
Article 22 
2^ Member States shall make suitable arrangements for 
fodder plant seed to be offidaUy controUed verified mar­
keting, at least by sampling, as regards its compUance with 
the requirements of this Directive. Article 19 
66/401/EEC - 72/418/EEC - Art 2(5) 
2. Member States shaU take aU necessary measures to 
ensure that the foUowing particulars are presented during 
the marketing of quantities exceeding 2 kg of seed coming 
from another Member State or from a third country: 
(a) species, 
(b) variety, 
(c) category, 
(d) country of production and official control authority, 
(e) country of dispatch, 
(f) importer, 
(g) quantity of seed. 
The manner in which these particulars must be presented 
may be determined in accordance with the procedure laid 
down in Article 25 (2). 
Article 23 
1. Community comparative tests shaU be carried out 
within the Community for the post-control of samples of 
basic seed, with the exception of that of hybrid or synthetic 
varieties, and of certified seed of fodder plants, taken dur­
ing sampling. Satisfaction of the conditions with which the 
seed must comply may be checked during the post-control 
tests. The arrangements for holding the tests and their re­
sults shaU be submitted to the Committee referred to in 
Artide 25 (2). 72/418/EEC - Art 2(6) 
Artickja 
71A62/EEC - Art 2(10) 
2. These comparative tests shaU be used to harmonize 
the technical methods of certification so as to obtain re­
sults which are equivalent Annual progress reports shaU 
be made on these tests and sent in confidence to the 
Member States and to the Commission. The Commission 
shaU, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Ar­
ticle 25 (2), set the date for the first report. 
3. The Commission, ading in accordance with the proce­
dure laid down in Artide 25 (2), shaU make the necessary 
arrangements for the comparative tests to be carried out 
Fodder plant harvested in third countries may be induded 
in the comparative tests. 66/401/EEC 
>**0 
Article 24 
Amendments to be made to the content of the Annexes in 
the Ught of the development of scientific or technical 
knowledge shaU be adopted according to the procedure 
laid down in Artide 25 (2). 
Article 25 
1. The Commission shaU be assisted by the Standing 
Committee on Seeds on Propagating Material for Agricul­
ture, Horticulture and Forestry set up by Council Decision 
66/399/EEC (*). 
2. The representative of the Commission shaU submit a 
draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shaU 
deliver its opinion on the draft within a time timit which 
the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of 
the matter. The opinion shaU be deUvered by the majority 
laid down in Article 148 (2) of tine Treaty in the case of 
dedsions which the Council is required to adopt on a pro­
posal from the Commission. The votes of the representa­
tives of the Member States within the Committee shaU be 
weighted in the manner set out in that Artide. The chair­
man shaU not vote. 
The Commission shaU adopt measures which shaU apply 
immediately. However, if these measures are not in accor­
dance with the opinion of the Committee, they shaU be 
communicated by the Commission to the Council forth­
with. In that event, the Commission may defer appUcation 
of the measures which it has dedded for a period of not 
more than one month from the date of such communica­
tion. 
The Council, acting by a qualified majority, may take a 
different dedsion within the time limit referred to in the 
second subparagraph. Article 21a 
73/438/EEC - Art 2(5) 
Article 21 
87/373/EEC 
(adapted) 
3. The Committee, on request by the chairman or of 
one of the Member States, may examine any questions re­
levant to the subjea matter of this Directive. 
Article 26 
This Directive shaU be without prejudice to the provisions 
of national laws justified on grounds of the protection of 
health and life of humans, animals or plants or the protec­
tion of industrial and commerdal property. 66/399/EEC - Art 2 
66/401/EEC ArUckJl 
Article 27 
Upon appUcation by a Member State, which wfll be dealt 
with as provided in Article 25 (2), that State may be whoUy 
or partially released from the obUgation to apply this Direc­
tive in respect of certain spedes if seed of those spedes is 
not normally reproduced or marketed in its territory. 
0) OJ No 125,11.7.1966, p. 2289/66. Article 23a 
69/63/EEC - Art 2(11) 
Afr/1 
Article 28 
1. The Directives Usted in Annex VI Part A, are hereby 
repealed without prejudice to the obUgations of the Member 
States concerning the deadlines for transposition of the said 
Directives set out in Annex VI Part B. 
2. References to the repealed Directives shaU be 
construed as references to this Directive and should be 
read in accordance with the correlation table set out in 
Annex VII. 
Article 29 
This Directive shaU enter into force the twentieth day fol­
lowing that of its pubUcation in the Official Journal of the 
European Communities. 
Article 30 
This Directive is addressed to the Member States. 
Done at Brussels, 
For the Council, 
The President 
AJLA 
2. ANNEXI 
CONDITIONS TO BE SATISFIED BY THE CROP 
The previous cropping of the field shaU not have been 
incompatible with the production of seeds of the spe­
des and variety of the crop, and the field shaU be 
suffidently free from such plants which are volunteers 
from previous cropping. 
The crop shaU conform to the foUowing standards as 
regards distances from neighbouring sources of poUen 
which may result in undesirable foreign poUination: 78/386/EEC - Art 1(1) 
Crop 
Brassica spp., Phacelia tanacetifolia: 
— for the production of basic 
seed 
— for the produaion of certified 
seed 
Spedes or varieties other than 
Brassica spp., Phacelia tanacetifoliar 
Pisum sativum, varieties of Poa pra­
tensis referred to in the second part 
of the third sentence of paragraph 
4; 
— for the production of seed in­
tended for multipUcation, 
fields up to two hectares 
— for the production of seed in­
tended for multipUcation, 
fields over two hectares 
— for the production of seed in­
tended for the production of 
fodder plants, fields up to two 
hectares 
— for the production of seed in­
tended for the production of 
fodder plants, fields over two 
hectares Minimum 
distance 
400m 
200 m 
200 m 
100 m 
100 m 
50 m 
These distances can be disregarded if there is suffi­
dent protection from any undesirable foreign pollina­
tion. 88/380/EEC-Art 2(11) 
88/380/EEC - Art 2(11) 
79/641/EEC - Art 1(5) - 85/38/EEC - Art. 1(1) 
A%3 
Plants of other spedes, the seeds of which are diffi­
cult to distinguish from the crop seeds in a laboratory 
test shall be at a low level. 
In particular, crops of lolium spedes or X Festulolium 
shall conform to the following conditions: the number 
of plants of a lolium spedes or X Festulolium other 
than the aop spedes shall not exceed: 
— one per 50 m2 for the production of basic seed, 
— one per 10 m2 for the production of certified 
seed. 
The crop shall have suffident varietal identity and va­
rietal purity. In particular, crops other than those of 
the spedes Pisum sativum. Vicia faba. Brassica napus 
var. napobrassicar Brassica oleracea convar. acephala. 
or of Poa pratensis shall conform to the following 
standards: the number of plants of the aop spedes 
which are recognizable as obviously not being true to 
the variety shall not exceed: 
— one per 30 m2 for the production of basic seed, 
— one per 10 m2 for the production of certified 
seed. 78/386/EEC - Art 1(1) 
92/19/EEC - Art 1(3) 
92/19/EEC - Art 1(3) 
81/126/EEC - Art 1(1) 
82/287/EEC - Art 1(1) 
85/38/EEC - Art 1(2) 
In the case of Poa pratensis, the number of plants of 
the aop spedes which are recognizable as obviously 
not being true to the variety shall not exceed: 
— one per 20 m2 for the production of basic seed, 
— four per 10 m2 for the production of certified 
seed; 
however, in the case of varieties which are offidally 
dassified as 'apomictic uni-donal varieties' under 
agreed procedures, a number of plants recognizable as 
not being true to the variety, which does not exceed 
six per 10 m2, may be regarded as satisfying the befo-
rementioned standards for the production of certified 
seed. Upon appUcation, a Member State may be au­
thorized, in accordance with the procedure laid down 
in Artide 25 (2), to assess the satisfaction of the vari­
etal purity standards in the case of crops of Poa pra­
tensis belonging to such varieties not only on the basis 
of the results of the field inspection carried out in 
accordance with paragraph 6 of Annex I, where there 
is evidence that compUance with the varietal purity 
standards set up in Annex II is ensured by appropri­
ate seed testing or other appropriate means. 85/38/EEC - Art 1(3) 
AclLj 
In the case of the spedes Pisum sativum, Vicia fabaT 
Brassica napm var. napobrassica, Brassica oleracea 
convar. acephala, only the first sentence is appUcable. 81/126/EEC-Art. 1(2) - 82/287/EEC-Art 1(1) 
5. Harmful organisms which reduce the usefulness of the 
seed shall be at the lowest possible level. 
6. The satisfaction of the abovementioned standards or 
other conditions shaU be examined in offidal field in­
spections. 
These field inspections shah be carried out in accor­
dance with the foUowing conditions: 
A. The condition and the stage of development of 
the crop shaU permit an adequate examination. 
B. There shall be at least one field inspection. 
C. The size, the number and the distribution of the 
portions of the field to be inspected in order to 
examine the satisfaction of the provisions of this 
Annex shaU be determined in accordance with 
appropriate methods. 78/386/EEC - Art 1(1) 
A&Ç 
ANNEX II 
CONDITIONS TO BE SATISFIED BY THE SEED 
I. CERTIFIED SEED 78/386/EEC - Art 1(2) 
1. The seed shaU have suffident varietal identity and pu­
rity. 
In particular, the seeds of the spedes Usted below 
shall conform to the foUowing standards or other 
conditions. The minimum varietal purity shaU be: 
— Poa pratensis. varieties referred to in the second 
part of the third sentence of paragraph 4 of An-
Bex_J: 98% 
— Pisum sativum, Vicia faba, Brassica napm var. 
napobrassica, Brassica oleracea conv. acephala: 
— certified seed, 1st generation: 99 %, 
— certified seed, 2nd and subsequent genera­
tions: 98 %. 
The minimum varietal purity shaU be examined main­
ly in field inspections carried out in accordance with 
the conditions laid down in Annex I. 82/287/EEC - Art 2(1) 
85/38/EEC - Art 2(1) 
The seed shaU conform to the foUowing standards or 
other conditions as regards germination, analytical pu­
rity and content of seeds of other plant spedes, in­
ducting Lupin seeds of another colour and of bitter 
Lupin seeds: 
A Table: 78/386/EEC - Art 1(2) 
A&6 
Species 
GRAMINEAE 
Agrostis canina 
Agrostis gigantea 
Agrostis stolonifera 
Agrostis capillaris 
Alopecumspraten­
sis 
Arrhenatherum 
elatim 
Bromm catharti-
cus 
Bromm sitchensis 
Cynodon dactylon 
Dactylis glomerata 
Festuca arundina-
cea 
Festuca ovina 
Festuca pratensis 
Festuca rubra 
X Festulolium 
Lolium multiflo-
rum 
Lolium perenne 
Lolium 
y boucheanum 
Phalaris aquatica 
L. 
Phleum bertolonii 
Phleum pratense 
Poa annua 
Poa nemoralis 
Poapalmtris Germination 
Mini­
mum 
germi­
nation 
(%of 
pure 
seed) Maxi­
mum 
content 
of hard 
seed(% 
of pure 
sedd) 
75(a) 
80(a) 
75(a) 
75(a) 
70(a) 
75(a) 
75(a) 
75(a) 
70(a) 
80(a) 
80(a) 
75(a) 
80(a) 
75(a) 
75(a) 
75(a) 
80(a) 
75(a) 
75(a) 
80(a) 
80(a) 
75(a) 
75(a) 
75(a) Analytical purity 
Mini­
mum 
analyti­
cal 
purity 
(%of 
weight) Maximum content of seeds of 
other plant spedes 
(% of weight) 
Tbtal 
90 
90 
90 
90 
75 
90 
97 
97 
90 
90 
95 
85 
95 
90 
96 
96 
96 
96 
96 
96 
96 
85 
85 
85 2,0 
2,0 
2,0 
2,0 
2,5 
3,0 
1,5 
1,5 
2,0 
1,5 
1,5 
2,0 
1,5 
1,5 
1,5 
1,5 
1,5 
1,5 
1,5 
1,5 
1,5 
2,0 (c) 
2,0 (c) 
2.0(c) A single 
species 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 ID 
1.0(f) 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1.0(c) 
1.0(c) 
1,0 (c) Agropy-
ron re-
pens 
03 
03 
03 
03 
03 
03 
03 
0,5 
03 
03 
03 
0,5 
03 
03 
03 
03 
03 
0,5 
03 
03 
03 
03 
03 
03 78/386/EEC - Art 1(2) 
79/641/EEC - Art. 1(6) 
87A20/EEC - Art 2(3) 
89A00/EEC - Art 1 
88/380/EEC - Art 2(14) 
86A55/EEC - Art 1(3) 
78/386/EEC - Art 1(2) 
92A9/EEC - Art 1(4) 
78/386/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87A20/EEC - Art 2(3) 
86A55/EEC -Art 1(3) 
78/386/EEC - Art 1(2) 
-A£¥ 
Analytical purity 
Maximum content of seeds of other plant 
spedes (% by weight) 
Alopecu-
ruamyo-
suroides 
8 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 Melilotus 
spp. Rapha-
nusra-
phani-
strum 
10 Sinapis 
arvensis 
11 Maximum content of seeds of 
other plant species in a sample 
of the weight specified in co­
lumn 4 of Annex HI (total per 
column) 
Avena 
fatua, 
Avena 
ludovi-
ciana, 
Avena 
sterilis 
12 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0(g) 
0(g) 
0(g) 
0 Cuscuta 
spp. 
13 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
o(j)00 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 00 
0(k) 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 Rumex 
m 
flthei 
than flu­ffier ace-
tosella 
eznuRuz 
ritimus 
14 
2jji) 
2fn) 
2f£) 
5Jn) 
5Jn} 
10 (n) 
10 (n) 
5Jn} 
5J& 
5JJÙ 
Hal 
Un] 
5_In) 
5Js} 
5Jn) 
5 
5 
5fjQ 
21a) 
2£nj Condi­
tions as 
regards 
content 
of Lu­
pin 
seeds 
of ano­
ther co­
lour 
and of 
bitter 
Lupin 
seeds 
15 78/386/EEC - Art 1(2) 
80^754/EEC - Art 1(1) 
81/126/EEC - Art 2 
81/126/EEC - Art 2 
81/126/EEC - Art 2 
81/126/EEC - Art 2 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
88/380/EEC - Art 2(14) 
|86/155/EEC-Artl(3) 
78/386/EEC-Art 1(2) - 87/480/EEC-Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
5(n) |92/19/EEC-Artl(4) 
78/386/EEC-Art 1(2) - 87/480/EEC-Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
86/155/EEC-Art 1(3) - 87/480/EEC-Art. 1(1) 
78/386/EEC - Art 1(2) 
81/126/EEC - Art 2 
81/126/EEC - Art 2 
81/126/EEC - Art 2 
ASLÛ 
Species 
Poa pratensis 
Poatriviahs 
Trisetum 
flavescens 
LEGUMINOSAE 
Hedysarum 
coronarium 
Lotm comiculatiis 
Lupinus afbus 
Lupinus 
angustifolius 
Lupinus luteus 
Medicago lupulina 
Medicago sativa 
Medicago x varia 
Onobrychis 
YictifoHa 
Pisum sativum 
Trifolium 
alexandrinum 
Trifolium 
hybridum 
Trifolium 
incamatum 
Trifolium pratense 
Trifolium repens 
Trifolium 
resupinatum Germination 
Mini­
mum 
germina­
tion (% 
of pure 
seed) 
75 (a 
75 (a 
70 (a 
75 
a)(b 
75 
a)(b 
80 
a)(b 
75 
a)(b 
80 
a)(b 
80 
a)(b 
80 
a)(b 
80 
a)(b 
75 
a)(b 
80 (a 
80 
a)(b 
80 
a)(b 
75 
a)(b 
80 
a)(b 
80 
a)(b 
80 
a)(b Maxi­
mum 
content 
of hard 
seed(% 
of pure 
sedd) 
30 
40 
20 
20 
20 
20 
40 
40 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 
40 
20 Analytical purity 
Mini­
mum 
analyti­
cal 
purity 
(%of 
weight) 
85 
85 
75 
95 
95 
98 
98 
98 
97 
97 
97 
95 
98 
97 
97 
97 
97 
97 
97 Maximum content of seeds of 
other plant species 
(% of weight) 
Total 
2,0 (C) 
2,0 (c) 
3,0 
2,5 
1,8 (d) 
03(c) 
03(c) 
03(c) 
13 
13 
1,5 
2,5 
0,5 
1,5 
13 
13 
1,5 
13 
13 A single 
species 
1,0 (c) 
1,0 (c) 
1,0 (f) 
1,0 
1.0(d) 
0,3(e) 
0,3 (e) 
03(e) 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
03 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 Agropy-
ron re-
pens 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 78/386/EEC - Art 1(2) 
79/641/EEC - Art 1(6) 
79/641/EEC - Art 1(6) 
79/641/EEC - Art 1(6) 
AYÔ 
Analytical purity 
Maximum content of seeds of other plant 
species (% by weight) 
Alopecu-
rusmyo-
suroides 
8 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 Melilotus 
spp. 
03 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 Rapha-
nusra-
phani-
strum 
10 Sinapis 
arvensis 
11 Maximum content of seeds of 
other plant species in a sample 
of the weight specified in co­
lumn 4 of Annex III (total per 
column) 
Avena 
fatua, 
Avena 
ludovi-
ciana, 
Avena 
sterilis 
12 
0 
0 
0(h) 
0 
0 
0(1) 
0(i) 
0(i) 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 Cuscuta 
spp. 
13 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 00 
0(l)(m) 
0 0) 
0 0) 
0 0) 
0(l)(m) 
0(l)(m) 
0(l)(m) 
0 0) 
0 0) 
0(l)(m) 
0(l)(m) 
0(l)(m) 
0(l)(m) 
0(l)(m) 
0(l)(m) Rumex 
other 
than fltt-
mgr acg-
(QSellQ 
eand/fo-
mexma-
ritimus 
14 
2ÙÙ 
2£n} 
2{n) 
5. 
10 
5_in} 
5_l2) 
Un] 
1Q 
10 
m 
1 
Un] 
IP. 
10 
112 
112 
10 
10 Condi­
tions as 
regards 
content 
of Lu­
pin 
seeds 
of ano­
ther co­
lour 
and of 
bitter 
Lupin 
seeds 
15 
(o)(p) 
(o)(p) 
(o)(p) 78/386/EEC - Art 1(2) 
80/754/EEC - Art 1(1) 
81A26/EEC - Art 2 
81A26/EEC - Art 2 
81A26/EEC - Art 2 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
AÏQ 
Species 
1 
Trigonella 
foenumgraecum 
Vicia faba 
Vicia pannonica 
Vicia sativa 
Vicia villosa 
OTHER 
SPECIES 
Brassica napus 
var. napobrassica 
Brassica oleracea 
convar. acephala 
Phacelia 
tanacetifolia 
Raphanus sativm 
var. oleiformis Germination 
Mini­
mum 
germina­
tion (% 
of pure 
seed) 
2 
80(a) 
85 
(a)(b) 
85 
(a)(b) 
85 
(a)(b) 
85 
(a)(b) 
80(a) 
75(a) 
80(a) 
80(a) Maxi­
mum 
content 
of hard 
seed(% 
of pure 
sedd) 
3 
5 
20 
20 
20 Analytical purity 
Mini­
mum 
analyti­
cal 
purity 
(%of 
weight) 
4 
95 
98 
98 
98 
98 
98 
98 
96 
97 Maximum content of seeds of 
other plant species 
(% of weight) 
Total 
5 
1,0 
0,5 
1.0(c) 
1.0(c) 
1,0 (c) 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 
1,0 A single 
species 
6 
0,5 
0,3 
0,5 (e) 
03 (e) 
03 (e) 
0,5 
03 
0,5 
03 Agropy-
ron re-
pens 
7 78/386/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
79/641/EEC - Art. 1(7) 
88/380/EEC - Art. 2(14) 
78/386/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87A20/EEC - Art 2(3) 
A^A 
Analytical purity 
Maximum content of seeds of other plant 
species (% by weight) 
Alopecu-
rusmyo-
suroides 
8 Melilotus 
spp. 
9 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 Rapha-
nusra-
phani-
strum 
10 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 Sinapis 
arvensis 
11 
03 
0,3 
0,3 Maximum content of seeds of 
other plant species in a sample 
of the weight specified in co­
lumn 4 of Annex III (total per 
column) 
Avena 
fatua, 
Avena 
ludovi-
ciana, 
Avena 
sterilis 
12 
0 
0 
0(0 
0(i) 
0(i) 
0 
0 
0 
0 Cuscuta 
spp. 
13 
0 0) 
0 0) 
0 0) 
0 0) 
0 0) 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 0)00 
0 0) Rumex 
32£L 
other 
than Ru-
mcxace-
tosella 
eandKw-
ritimus 
14 
5. 
lis! 
5!n) 
5Jn) 
liai 
5. 
10 
5 Condi­
tions as 
regards 
content 
of Lu­
pin 
seeds 
of ano­
ther co­
lour 
and of 
bitter 
Lupin 
seeds 
15 78/386/EEC - Art 1(2) 
80/754/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
88/380/EEC - Art 2(14) 
78/386/EEC - Art 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art 1(1) 
AVZ 
Standards or other conditions applicable where 
reference is made to them in die table under 
Section I (2) (A) of this Annex: 
(a) All fresh and healthy seeds which do not 
germinate after prc-treatment shall be re­
garded as seeds which have germinated. 
(b) Up to the maximum quantity indicated, 
hard seed present shall be regarded as seed 
capable of germination. 
(c) A maximum total of 0,8 % by weight of 
seeds of other Poa species shall not be re­
garded as an impurity. 
(d) A maximum of 1 % by weight of seeds of 
Trifolium pratense shall not be regarded as 
an impurity. 
(e) A maximum total of 03 % by weight of 
seeds of Lupinus a/bus, Lupinus angustifo-
hus, Lupinus lutem, Pisum sativum. Vicia 
faba f Vicia pannonica, Vicia sativa, Vicia 
villosa in another relevant species shall not 
be regarded as an impurity. 
(f) The prescribed maximum percentage by 
weight of seeds of a single species shall not 
apply to seeds of Poa spp. 
(g) A maximum total of two seeds of Avena fa­
tua, Avena tudoviciana, Avena sterilis in a 
sample of the prescribed weight shaU not be 
regarded as an impurity where a second 
sample of the same weight is free from any 
seeds of these species. 
(h) The presence of one seed of Avena fatua, 
Avena tudoviciana, Avena sterilis in a sample 
of the prescribed weight shall not be re­
garded as an impurity where a second sam­
ple of twice the prescribed weight is free 
from any seeds of these species. 
(i) The determination of seeds of Avena fatua, 
Avena tudoviciana, Avena sterilis by number 
need not be carried out unless there is 
doubt whether the conditions laid down in 
column 12 have been satisfied. 
(j) The determination of seeds of Cmcuta spp. 
by number need not be carried out unless 
there is doubt whether the conditions laid 
down in column 13 have been satisfied. 
(k) The presence of one seed of Cuscuta spp. in 
a sample of the prescribed weight shall not 
be regarded as an impurity where a second 
sample of the same weight is free from any 
seeds of Cuscuta spp. 
0) The weight of the sample for the determina­
tion of seeds of Cuscuta spp. by number 
shall be twice the weight specified in col­
umn 4 of Annex HI for the relevant species. 78/386/EEC - Art 1(2) 
79/641/EEC - Art 1(8) 
A^ 
(m) The presence of one seed of Cmcuta spp. in 
a sample of the prescribed weight shall not 
be regarded as an impurity where a second 
sample of twice the prescribed weight is 
free from any seeds of Cuscuta spp. 78/386/EEC - Art 1(2) 
(n) The determination of seeds of Rumex spp. 
other than Rumex acetosella and Rumex ma-
ritimm by number need not be carried out 
unless there is doubt whether the conditions 
laid down in column 14 have been satisfied. 80/754/EEC - Art 1(2) 
(o) The percentage by number of Lupin seeds 
of another colour shall not exceed: 
— in bitter Lupin, 2 % 
— in Lupins other than bitter Lupin, 1 % 
(p) The percentage by number of bitter Lupin 
seeds in varieties other than bitter Lupin 
shall not exceed 2.5 %. 
3. Harmful organisms which reduce the usefulness of the 
seed shall be at the lowest possible level. 
IL BASIC SEED 
Subject to the provisions below, the conditions laid down 
in Section I of this Annex shall apply to basic seed: 78/386/EEC - Art 1(2) 
87A20/EEC - Art 2(4) 
1. The seed of Pisum sativum, Brassica napus var. napo­
brassica, Brassica oleracea conv. acephala, Vicia faba 
and of varieties of Poa pratensis referred to in the 
second part of the third sentence of paragraph 4 of 
Armer I shall conform to the following standards or 
other conditions: the minimum varietal purity shall be 
99,7 %. 
The minimum varietal purity shall be examined main­
ly in field inspections carried out in accordance with 
the conditions laid down in Annex I. 82/287/EEC - Art 2(2) 
85/38/EEC - Art 2(2) 
The seed shall satisfy the following standards or other 
conditions: 
A. Table: 78/386/EEC - Art 1(2) 
•43 
i 
* Species 
1 
GRAMINEAE 
Agrostis canina 
Agrostis gigantea 
Agrostis stolonifera 
Agrostis capillaris 
Alopecurus pratensis 
Arrhenatherum elatius 
Bromus catharticus 
Bromus sitchensis 
Cynodon dactylon 
Dactylis glomerata 
Festuca arundinacea 
Festuca ovina 
Festuca pratensis 
Festuca rubra 
X Festulolium 
Lolium multiflorum 
Lolium perenne 
Lolium x boucheanum Maximum content of seed of other plant species 
Total 
(%by 
weight) 
2 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,4 
0,4 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 Content by number in a sample of the weight specified in 
column 4 of Annex LTJ (total per column) 
A single 
species 
3 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 (a) 
20(a) 
20 
20 
20 (a) 
20(a) 
20 (a) 
20(a) 
20 (a) 
20 (a) 
20(a) 
20(a) 
20(a) 
20(a) Rumex 
Slip-
other than 
Rumex 
acetosella 
and 
Rumex 
mariiimus 
4 
l 
l 
1 
1 
2 
I 
5 
5 
1 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I 
2 
I 
I 
I Agropyron 
repens 
5 
1 
1 
1 
1 
5 
5 
5 
5 
1 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 Alopecurus 
myosuroi-
des 
6 
1 
1 
1 
1 
5 
5 
5 
5 
1 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 Melilotus 
spp. 
7 Other 
standards 
or condi­
tions 
8 
0) 
0) 
0) 
0) 
0) 
0)0) 
0) 
0) 
0) | 
0) 
0) 
0) 
0) 
0) 
0) | 
0) 
0) 
0) 78/386/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
80/754/EEC - Art. 1(3) 
79/641/EEC - Art. 1(6) 
87/120/EEC - Art. 2(5) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
88/380/EEC - Art. 2(15) 
86/155/EEC - Art. 1(4) 
78/386/EEC - Art. 1(2) - 87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
92/19/EEC - Art. 1(5) 
78/386/EEC - Art. 1(2) - 87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/120/EEC - Art. 2(5) - 87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
• Species 
Phalaris aquatica L. 
Phleum bertolonii 
Phleum pratense 
Poa annua 
Poa nemoralis 
Poa palustris 
Poa pratensis 
Poa trivialis 
Trisetum flavescens 
LEGUMINOSAE 
Hedysarum coronarium 
Lotus comiculatus 
Lupinus albus 
Lupinm angustifolim 
Lupinm lutem 
Medicago lupulina 
Medicago sativa 
Medicago x varia 
Qnobrychis viciifolia 
Pisum sativum 
Trifolium alexandrinum 
Trifolium hybridum 
Trifolium incarnatum 
Trifolium pratense 
Trifolium repens Maximum content of seed of other plant species 
Total 
(%by 
weight) 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 Content by number in a sample of the weight specified in 
column 4 of Annex HI (total per column) 
A single 
species 
20 
20 
20 
20(b) 
20(b) 
20 (b) 
20(b) 
20(b) 
20(c) 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 Rumex 
spp* 
other than 
Rumex 
acetosella 
and 
Rumex 
maritimm Agropyron 
repens Alopecurus 
myosuroi-
des Melilotm 
spp. 
0(e) 
0(e 
0(d 
0(d 
0(d 
0 (e 
0 (e 
0 (e 
0(d 
0(d 
0 (e 
0(e 
0(e 
0(e 
0(e Other 
standards 
or condi­
tions 
0) 
0) 
0) 
(f)0) 
(f)0) 
(f)0) 
00 0) 
(f)0) 
0)0) 
0) 
(g)0) 
(h) (k) 
(h) (k) 
(h) (k) 
0) 
0) 
0) 
0) 
0) 
0) 
0) 
0) 78/386/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
80/754/EEC - Art 1(3) 
86/155/EEC - Art. 1(4) - 87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
78/386/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
79/641/EEC - Art. 1(6) - 87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
79/641/EEC - Art. 1(6) - 87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
79/641/EEC - Art. 1(6) - 87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
1 Species 
1 
Trifolium resupinatum 
Trigonella foenumgraecum 
Vicia faba 
Vicia pannonica 
Vicia sativa 
Vicia villosa 
OTHER SPECIES 
Brassica napus var. napobrassi­
ca 
Brassica oleracea convar 
acephala 
Phacelia tanacetifolia 
Raphanm sativm yar. okiformis Maximum content of seed of other plant species 
Total 
(%by 
weight) 
2 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 
0,3 Content by number in a sample of the weight specified in 
column 4 of Annex III (total per column) 
A single 
species 
3 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 
20 Rumex 
SPJL 
other than 
Rumex 
acetosella 
and 
Rumex 
maritimus 
4 
2 
I 
1 
1 
I 
I 
I 
I 
I Agropyron 
repens 
5 Alopecurus 
myosuroi-
des 
6 Melilotus 
spp. 
7 
0(e) 
0(d) 
0(d) 
0(d) 
0(d) 
0(d) Other 
standards 
or condi­
tions 
8 
0) 
(h) 
(h) 
(h) 
0) 
0) 
1 78/386/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
80/754/EEC - Art. 1(3) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
79/641/EEC - Art. 1(7) - 87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
88/380/EEC - Art. 2(15) 
78/386/EEC - Art. 1(2) - 87/120/EEC - Art. 2(5) 
87/480/EEC - Art. 1(2) 
B. Standard or odier conditions applicable where 
reference is made to them in the table under 
Section II (2) (A) of this Annex: 
(a) A maximum total of 80 seeds of Poa spp. 
shall not be regarded as an impurity. 
(b) The condition laid down in column 3 is not 
applicable to the seeds of Poa spp. The 
maximum total content of seeds of Poa spp. 
other than the species to be examined shall 
not exceed one in a sample of 500 seeds. 
(c) A maximum total of 20 seeds of Poa spp. 
shall not be regarded as an impurity. 
(d) The determination of seeds of Melilotm spp. 
by number need not be carried out unless 
there is doubt whether the conditions laid 
down in column 7 have been satisfied. 
(e) The presence of one seed of Melilotm spp. 
in a sample of the prescribed weight shall 
not be regarded as an impurity where a se­
cond sample of twice the prescribed weight 
is free from airy seeds of Melilotus spp. 
(f) The condition (c) laid down in Section I (2) 
of this Annex is not applicable. 
(g) The condition (d) laid down in Section I (2) 
of this Annex is not applicable. 
(h) The condition (e) laid down in Section I (2) 
of this Annex is not applicable. 
(i) The condition (f) laid down in Section I (2) 
of this Annex is not applicable. 
0) The conditions (k) and (m) laid down in 
Section I (2) of this Annex are not applica­
ble. 
(k) The percentage by number of bitter Lupin 
seeds in varieties other than bitter Lupin 
shall not exceed 1 %. 
EL COMMERCIAL SEED 
Subject to the provisions below, the conditions laid down 
in Section I (2) and (3) of this Annex shall apply to com­
mercial seed: 
1. The percentages by weight laid down in columns 5 
and 6 of the table under Section I (2) (A) of this 
Annex are increased by 1 %. 78/386/EEC - Art 1(2) 
>!*? 
2. In Poa annua a maximum total of 10 % by weight of 
seeds of other Poa species shall not be regarded as an 
impurity. 
3. In Poa spp. other than Poa annua a maximum total of 
3 % by weight of seeds of other Poa species shall not 
be regarded as an impurity. 
4. In Hedisarum coronarium a maximum total of 1 % by 
weight of seeds of Melilotm spp. shall not be regarded 
as an impurity. 
5. The condition (d) laid down in Section I (2) of this 
Annex for Lotm comiculatus is not applicable. 
6. In Lupin species: 
(a) the minimum analytical purity shall be 97% by 
weigh' 
(b) the percwtage by number of Lupin seeds of 
another colour shall not exceed: 
— in bitter Lupin, 4 % 
— in Lupii-s other than bitter Lupin, 2 % 
7. In Vicia spp. a maTîmiim total of 6% by weight of 
seeds of Vicia pannonica, Vicia villiosa or related cul­
tivated species in another relevant species shall be not 
regarded as an impurity. 
8. In Vicia pannonica, Vicia sativa, Vicia villosa the mini­
mum analytical purity shall be 97% by the weight 78/386/EEC - Art 1(2) 
^3<3 
ANNEX m 
LOT AND SAMPLE WEIGHTS 
Species 
GRAMINEAE 
Agrostis caning 
Agrostis gigantea 
Agrostis stolonifera 
Agrostis capiUaris 
Alopecurus pratensis 
Arrhenatherum elatius 
Bromus catharticus 
Bromm sitchensis 
Cynodon dactylon 
Dactylis glomerata 
Festuca arundinacea 
Festuca ovina 
Festuca pratensis 
Festuca rubra 
x Festulolium 
Lolium multiflorum 
Lolium perenne 
Lolium x boucheanum 
Phalaris aquatica L 
Phleum bertolonii 
Phleum pratense 
Poa annua 
Poa nemoralis 
Poa palmtris 
Poa pratensis 
Poa trivialis 
Trisetum flavescens Maximum 
weight of a lot 
(tonnes) 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 Minimum 
weight of a 
sample to be 
drawn from 
a lot 
(grams) 
50 
50 
50 
50 
100 
200 
200 
200 
50 
100 
100 
100 
100 
100 
200 
200 
200 
200 
100 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 
50 Weight of the 
sample for the 
determina­
tions by 
number provi­
ded for in 
columns 12 to 
14 of 
Annex II (I) 
(2) (A) and 
columns 3 to 
7of 
Annex II (II) 
(2) (A) 
(grams) 
5 
5 
5 
5 
30 
80 
200 
200 
30 
50 
30 
50 
30 
60 
60 
60 
60 
50 
10 
10 
10 
5 
5 
5 
5 
5 78/386/EEC - Art. 1(3) 
79/641/EEC - Art. 1(6) 
87/120/EEC - Art 2(7) 
88/380/EEC - Art 2(16) 
86/155/EEC - Art 1(5) 
78/386/EEC - Art. 1(3) 
92/19/EEC - Art 1(6) 
78/386/EEC - Art. 1(3) 
87/120/EEC - Art 2(7) 
86/155/EEC - Art. 1(5) 
78/386/EEC - Art 1(3) 
sfÇo 
Species Maximum 
weight of a lot 
(tonnes) 
LEGUMINOSAE 
Hedysarum coronarium: 
— fruit 
— seed 
Lotus comiculatus 
Lupinus ahbus 
Lupinus angustifokus 
Lupinus luteus 
Medicago lupulina 
Medicago sativa 
Medicago x varia 
Onobrvchis viciifolia: 
— fruit 
— seed 
Pisum sativum 
Trifolium alexandrinum 
Trifolium hybridum 
Trifolium incarnatum 
Trifolium pratense 
Trifohum repens 
Trifolium resupinatum 
Trigonella foenumgraecum 
Vicia faba 
Vicia pannonica 
Vicia sativa 
Vicia villosa 
OTHER SPECIES 
Brassica napus var. napobrassi­
ca 
Brassica oleracea convar. ace-
phala 
Phacelia tanacetifolia 
Raphanm sativm var. oleifor-
mis 10 
10 
10 
20 
20 
20 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
20 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
10 
20 
20 
20 
20 
10 
10 
10 
10 Minimum 
weight of a 
sample to be 
drawn from 
a lot 
(grams) 
1000 
400 
200 
1000 
1000 
1000 
300 
300 
300 
600 
400 
1000 
400 
200 
500 
300 
200 
200 
500 
1000 
1000 
1000 
1000 
200 
200 
300 
300 J 78/386/EEC - Art 1(3) 
Weight of the 
sample for the 
determina­
tions by 
number provi­
ded for in 
columns 12 to 
14 of 
Annex II (I) 
(2) (A) and 
columns 3 to 
7of 
Annex II (II) 
(2) (A) 
(grams) 
300 
120 
30 
1000 
1000 
1000 
50 
50 
50 
600 
400 
1000 
60 
20 
80 
50 
20 
20 
450 
1000 
1000 
1000 
1000 
100 
100 
40 
300 79/641/EEC - Art 1(6) 
79/641/EEC - Art 1(6) 
79/641/EEC - Art. 1(6) 
79/641/EEC - Art 1(7) 
The maximum lot weight shall not be exceeded by more than 5 %. 88/380/EEC - Art 2(16) 
78/386/EEC-Art 1(3) - 87/120/EEC-Art. 2(7) 
87/120/EEC - Art 2(8) 
/HjA 
ANNEX IV 
MARKING 
A. Official label 
I. Information required 
(a) For basic seed and certified seed: 
1. 'EEC rules and standards', 
2. Certification authority and Member 
State or their initials, 
3. Reference number of lot, 75/444/EEC- Art 2(11) 
4. Month and year of sealing expressed 
thus: 'sealed ...' (month and year), 
or 
month and year of the last official sam­
pling for the purposes of certification 
expressed thus: 'sampled ...' (month 
and year), 78/692/EEC - Art 2(5) 
6. Species, indicated at least under its bo­
tanical name, which may be given in 
abridged form and without the authori­
ties' names, in roman chai-arters, 
Variety indicated at least in roman 
characters, 
7. Category, 
8. Country of production, 
9. Declared net or gross weight or de­
clared number of pure seeds, 
10. Where weight is indicated and granu­
lated pesticides, pelleting substances or 
other solid additives are used, the na­
ture of the additive and also the 
approximate ratio between the weight 
of pure seeds and the total weight, 
11. For certified seed of the second gen­
eration and subsequent generations af­
ter basic seed: number of generations 
after basic seed, 
11 For seed of grass varieties which have 
not been subjected to tests for their 
CTopping value and use in accordance 
with Article 4 (2) (a) of Directive 
95/.. TEC concerning the common cat­
alogue: 'Not intended for the produc­
tion of fodder plants', 75/444/EEC-Art 2(ll)-88/380/EEC-Art 2(17) 
88/380/EEC - Art 2(19) 
[70/457/EEC] 
Jlft 
13. Where at least germination has been 
retested. the words 'retested ... 
(month and year)' and the service re­
sponsible for such retesting may be in­
dicated. Such information may be given 
on an official sticker attached to the 
official label. 78/55/EEC - Art 2(5) 
In accordance with the procedure laid down 
in Article 25 (2), Member States may be re­
leased from the requirement to indicate the 
botanical name in respea of individual spe­
cies and, where appropriate, for limited pe­
riods where it has been established that the 
disadvantages of its implementation out­
weigh the advantages expeaed for the mar­
keting of seed. 88/380/EEC - Art 2(18) 
(b) For commercial seed: 
1. 'EEC rules and standards', 
2. 'Commercial seed (not certified as to 
variety)', 
3. Supervising authority and Member 
State or their initials, 
4. Reference number of lot 75/444/EEC-Art 2(11) 
Month and year of sealing expressed 
thus: 'sealed ...' (month and year), 
or 
month and year of the last official sam­
pling for the purposes of certification 
expressed thus: 'sampled ...' (month 
and year), 78/692/EEC - Art 2(6) 
6. Species C1) indicated at least under its 
hntaniral name, which may be given in 
abridged form and without the authori­
ties' names, in roman charaaers. 
7. Area of production, 
8. Declared net or gross weight or de­
clared number of pure seeds, 
0) For lupins, h should be specified whether they are biner or 
sweet lupins. 75/444/EEC-Art 2(ll)-88/380/EEC-Art 2(20) 
^ 
9. Where weight is indicated and granu­
lated pesticides, pelleting substances or 
other solid additives are used, the na­
ture of the additive and also the 
approximate ratio between the weight 
of pure seed and the total weight 75/444/EEC- Art 2(11) 
10. Where at least germination has been 
retested, the words 'retested ... 
(month and year)'; and the service re­
sponsible for such retesting may be in­
dicated. Such information may be given 
on an official sticker attached to the 
official label. 78/55/EEC - Art 2(6) 
In accordance with the procedure laid down in 
Article 25 (2), Member States may be released 
from the requirement to indicate the botanical 
name in respea of individual species and, where 
appropriate, for limited periods where it has 
been established that the disadvantages of its im­
plementation outweigh the advantages expected 
for the marketing of seed. 88/380/EEC - Art 2(21) 
(c) For mixtures of seed: 
1. 'Mixture of seed for ...' (intended 
use), 
2. Authority responsible for sealing and 
Member State or their initials, 
3. Reference number of lot, 75/444/EEC-Art 2(11) 
4. Month and year of sealing expressed 
thus: 'sealed ...' (month and year), 78/692/EEC - Art 2(7) 
5. Percentage by weight of the various 
components shown by species and, 
where appropriate, by variety bfithjrjt 
cheated at least in roman charaaers: it 
is sufficient to give the name of the 
mixture if the percentage by weight has 
been notified in writing to the purchas­
er and officially recorded, 
6. Declared net or gross weight or de­
clared number of pure seeds, 
7. Where weight is indicated and granu­
lated pesticides, pelleting substances or 
other solid additives are used, the na­
ture of the additive and also the 
approximate ratio between the weight 
of pure seed and the total weight, 75/444/EEC-Art 2(11) 
88/380/EEC - Art 2(22) 
SlC,Cf 
Where at least germination of all the 
components of the mixture has been 
retested, the words 'retested ... 
(month and year)' and the service re­
sponsible for such re te sting may be in­
dicated. Such information may be given 
on an official sticker attached to the 
official label. 78/55/EEC - Art 2(7) 
EL Minimum dimensions 
110 x 67 mm. 
]3. Supplier's label or information on the packaging 
(small EEC package) 
Information required 
(a) Certified seed: 
1. 'Small EEC B package', 
2. Name and address of the supplier responsi­
ble for marking or his identification mark, 
3. Officially assigned serial number, 
4. Service which assigned the serial number 
and name of Member State or their initials, 
5. Reference number if the official serial num­
ber does not enable the certified seed lot to 
be identified, 
6. Species, indicated at least in roman charac­
ters. 
7. Variety, indicated at least in roman charac-
tejs, 
8. 'Certified seed', 
9. Net or gross weight or number of pure 
seeds, 
10. Where weight is indicated and granulated 
pesticides, pelleting substances, or other sol­
id additives are used, the nature of the ad­
ditive and also the approximate ratio be­
tween the weight of pure seed and the total 
weight 
11. For seed of grass varieties which have not 
been subjected to tests for their cropping 
value and use in accordance with Article 4 
(2) (a) Directive 95/.. ./EC concerning the 
common catalogue: 'not intended for the 
production of fodder plants'. 75/444/EEC-Art 2(11) 
88/380/EEC - Art 2(24) 
88/380/EEC - Art 2(25) 
[70/457/EEC] 
•AtiÇ 
(b) Commercial seed: 
1. 'Small EEC B package', 
2. Name and address of the supplier responsi­
ble for marking or his identification mark, 
3. Officially assigned serial number, 
4. Service which assigned the serial number 
and name of Member State or their initials, 
5. Reference number if the official serial num­
ber does not enable the admitted seed lot 
to be identified, 
6. Species (*), indicated at least in roman char­
acters. 
7. 'Commercial seed', 
8. Net weight or gross weight or number of 
pure seeds, 
9. Where weight is indicated and granulated 
pesticides, pelleting substances, or other sol­
id additives are used, the nature of the ad 
ditive and also the approximate ratio be­
tween the weight of pure seeds and the 
total weight 
(c) Seed mixtures: 
1. 'Small EEC A package' or 'small EEC B 
package', 
2. Name and address of the supplier responsi­
ble for marking or his identification mark, 
3. Small EEC B package: officially assigned se­
rial number, 
4. Small EEC B package: service which as­
signed the serial number and name of 
Member State or their initials, 
5. Small EEC B package: reference number if 
the official serial number does not enable 
the used seed lots to be identified, 
6. Small EEC A package: reference number 
enabling the used seed lots to be identified, 
7. Small EEC A package: Member State or its 
initials, 
8. 'Seed-mixturë for ... (intended use)', 
9. Net weight or gross weight or number of 
pure seeds, 
t1) For lupins, it should be specified whether they are bitter or 
sweet lupins. 75/444/EEC-Art 2(11) 
88/380/EEC - Art 2(26) 
ALf6 
10. Where weight is indicated and granulated 
pesticides, peileting substances, or ether sol­
id additives are used, the nature of the ad­
ditives and also the approximate ratio be­
tween the weight of pure seed and the total 
weight 
11. Percentage by weight of the various compo­
nents shown by species and, where ap­
propriate, by variety both indicated at least 
in roman charaaers: it is sufficient to give 
part of this information, as Member States 
may prescribe for small packages produced 
in their territory, and a reference to the 
kind of mixture if the proportion by weight 
can be communicated to the purchaser on 
request and has been offidally recorded. 75/444/EEC - Art 2(11) 
88/380/EEC - Art. 2(27) 
ACfY 
66/401/EEC - IV 
8. 11. 1995 
ANNEXV 
Label and document provided in the case of seed not 
finally certified, harvested in another Member State 
A. Information required for the label 
— authority responsible for field inspeaion and 
Member States or their initials, 
— species, indicated at least under its botanical 
name, which may be given in abridged form and 
without the authorities' names, in roman charac­
ters, 
— variety, indicated at least in roman charaaers, 
— category, 
— field or lot reference number, 
— declared net or gross weight, 
— the words 'seed not finally certified'. 
In accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 
25 (2), Member States may be released from the re­
quirement to indicate the botanical name in respea 
of individual species and, where appropriate, for lim­
ited periods where it has been established that the 
disadvantages of its implementation outweigh the ad­
vantages expeaed for the marketing of seed. 
B. Colour of the label 
The label shall be grey. 
C Information required for the document 
— authority issuing the document, 
— species, indicated at least under its botanical 
name, which may be given in abridged form and 
without the authorities' names, in roman charac­
ters, 
— variety, indicated at least in roman charaaers, 
— category, 
— reference number of the seed used to sow the 
field and name of the country or countries which 
certified that seed, 
— field or lot reference number, 
— area cultivated for the production of the lot cov­
ered by the document, 
— quantity of seed harvested and number of pack­
ages, 
— number of generations after basic seed, in the 
case of certified seed, 
Aqg 88/380/EEC - Art 2(28) 
attestation that the conditions to be satisfied by 
the crop from which the seed comes have been 
fulfilled, 
where appropriate, results of a r^elirninary seed 
analysis. 88/380/EEC - Art 2(28) 
^ 
ANNEX VI 
Part A 
Repealed Directives 
(referred to by Article 28) 
Directive 66/401/EEC 
and its successive amendments 
Directive 69/63/EEC 
Directive 71/162/EEC 
Directive 72/274/EEC 
Directive 
Directive 
Directive 
Direaive 
Directive 
Directive 
Direaive 
Directive 
Directive 
Directive 
Directive 
Directive 
Directive 
Direaive 
Directive 
Directive 
Directive 
Directive 
Directive 
Directive 72/418/EEC 
73/438/EEC 
75/444/EEC 
78/55/EEC 
78/386/EEC 
78/692/EEC 
78/1020/EEC 
79/641/EEC 
79/692/EEC 
80/754/EEC 
81/126/EEC 
82/287/EEC 
85/38/EEC 
86/155/EEC 
87/120/EEC 
87/480/EEC 
88/332/EEC 
88/380/EEC 
89/100/EEC 
90/654/EEC only Artide 2 
only concerning references made to Artides 1 and 2 
on the provisions of Directive 66/401/EEC 
only Artide 2 
only Artide 2 
only Artide 2 
only Artide 2 
only Artide 2 
only Artide 1 
only Artide 1 
only Artide 1 
only Artide 1 
only Artide 2 
only Artide 1 
only Artide 1 
only Artide 2 
only Artide 1 
only Artide 2 
only Artide 2 
only concerning references made to Artide 2 and to 
Annex II (I) (2) (a) on the provisions of Directive 
66/401/EEC 
Directive 92/19/EEC 
ACQ 
PartB 
Deadlines for transposition into national law 
(referred to by Artide 28) 
Directive Deadline for transposition 
66/401/EEC (OJ No 125, 11. 7. 1966, p. 2298/66) 
69/63/EEC (OJ No L 48, 26. 2. 1969, p. 8) 
71/162/EEC (OJ No L 87, 17. 4. 1971, p. 24) 
72/274/EEC (OJ No L 171, 29. 7. 1992, p. 37) 
72/418/EEC (OJ No L 287, 26. 12. 1972, p. 22) 
73/438/EEC (OJ No L 356, 27. 12. 1973, p. 79) 
75/444/EEC (OJ No L 196, 26. 7. 1975, p. 6) 
78/55/EEC (OJ No L 16, 20. 1. 1978, p. 23) 
78/386/EEC (OJ No L 113, 25. 4. 1978, p. 1) 
78/692/EEC (OJ No L 236, 26. 8. 1978, p. 13) 
78/1020/EEC (OJ No L 350, 14. 12. 1978, p. 27) 
79/641/EEC (OJ No 1 183, 19. 7. 1979, p. 13) 
79/692/EEC (OJ No L 205, 13. 8.1979, p. 1) 
80/754/EEC (OJ No L 207, 9. 8. 1980, p. 36) 
81/126/EEC (OJ No L 67, 12. 3. 1981, p. 36) 
82/287/EEC (OJ No L 131, 13. 5. 1982, p. 24) 
85/38/EEC (OJ No L 16, 19. 1. 1985, p. 41) 
86/155/EEC (OJ No L 118, 7. 5. 1986, p. 23) 
87/120/EEC (OJ No L 49, 18. 11 1987, p. 39) 
87/480/EEC (OJ No L 273, 26. 9. 1987, p. 45) 
88/332/EEC (OJ No L 151, 17. 6. 1988, p. 82) 
88/380/EEC (OJ No 1 187, 16. 7. 1988, p. 31) 
89/100/EEC (OJ No L 38, 10. 2. 1989, p. 38) 
90/654/EEC (OJ No L 353, 17. 12. 1990, p. 48) 
92/19/EEC ( OJ No L 104, 22. 4. 1992, p. 61) 1 Jury 1968 (Artide 14 (1)) 
1 July 1969 (other provisions) W (2> (3) 
1 Jury 1969 <*) 
1 July 1970 (Artide 2 (9)) 
1 July 1972 (Artide 2 (7) and (17)) 
1 July 1971 (other provisions) (*) 
1 Jury 1972 (Artide 1) 
1 January 1973 (Artide 2) 
1 Jury 1973 
1 July 1973 (Artide 2 (4)) 
1 January 1974 (Artide 2 (3) and (5)) 
1 July 1974 (other provisions) 
1 Jury 1975 (Artide 2 (10)) 
1 Jury 1980 (Artide 2 (6)) (4) 
1 July 1977 (other provisions) 
1 Jury 1979 
I January 1981 (Artide 1 W <5) and (2) <6)) 
1 Jury 1980 (other provisions) 
1 Jury 1977 
1 Jury 1977 
1 Jury 1980 
1 January 1980 
1 July 1980 
1 January 1981 
1 January 1984 (Artide 2) 
1 January 1983 (other provisions) 
1 January 1986 
1 March 1986 (Artide 1 (2)) 
1 Jury 1987 (other provisions) 
1 June 1988 
1 Jury 1990 
1 Jury 1992 (Artide 2 (8), (17), (20), (28); (7) and 
Artide 2 (10)) 
1 Jury 1990 (other provisions) 
1 January 1990 
30 June 1992 
( *) For Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom, 1 Jury 1973 for Artide 14 (1), 1 July 1974 for the other provisions concerning basic 
seed and 1 Jury 1976 for the other provisions. 
(2) 1 January 1986 for Greece, 1 March 1986 for Spain, and 1 January 1989 for Portugal concerning the marketing of fodder plant seed 
for the spedes Lolium mukiflorum Lam, loUumperenne L, and Vicia sativa L, and 1 January 1991 for other spedes. 
SL-Ç1 
(3) 1 January 1995 for Austria, Finland and Sweden. 
However: 
- Finland shall be allowed to maintain until 31 December 1996 at the latest its national scheme of seed production relating to the 
marketing in its territory of seed of the category 'commercial seed' ('Kauppasiemen'/'handelsutsâde') as denned in the existing 
Finnish legislation. 
Seed shaU not be introduced into the territoiy of other Member States; 
- Finland shall adapt its legislation in this respect to comply with the relevant provisions of the Directive by the date of expiry of 
the above period; 
- Finland shaU apply from accession those provisions of the Directive which ensure access for material complying with the Direc­
tive to marketing in its territory. 
(4) Omcernmg Artide 11 (l)(b). 
(s) Concerning Annex I (3) and (4). 
(6) Concerning Annex n, Section 1 (1) and Section 2(1). 
C7) In so far as these provisions require the botanical name of a species to be indicated on the label of seed. 
AS°L 
ANNEX VII 
CORRELATION TABLE 
Directive 66/401/EEC This Directive 
Artide 1 
Artide 18 
Artide 2 (1) 
Artide 2 (la) 
Artide 2 (lb) 
Artide 2 (lc) 
Artide 2 (Id) 
Artide 2 (2) 
Artide 3 
Artide 4 
Artide 5 
Artide 6 
Artide 7 
Article 8 
Artide 9 
Artide 10 
Artide 10a 
Artide 10b 
Artide 10c 
Article 11 
Artide 12 
Article 13 
Article 13a 
Artide 14 (1) 
Artide 14 (la) 
Article 14 (2) 
Article 14 (3) 
Article 15 
Artide 16 
Article 17 
Artide 19 
Artide 20 
Artide 21a 
Artide 21 
Artide 22 
Artide 23a Artide 1,1st subparagraph 
Article 1, 2nd subparagraph 
Artide 2 (1) 
Artide 2 (2) 
Article 2 (3) 
Artide 2 (4) 
Artide 2 (5) 
Artide 2 (6) 
Artide 3 
Artide 4 
Artide 5 
Artide 6 
Artide 7 
Article 8 
Artide 9 
Artide 10 
Artide 11 
Artide 12 
Artide 13 
Artide 14 
Artide 15 
Artide 16 
Artide 17 
Artide 18 (1) 
Artide 18 (2) 
Artide 18 (3) 
Article 18 (4) 
Artide 19 
Article 20 (1) 
Artide 20 (2) 
Artide 21 
Artide 22 
Article 23 
Artide 24 
Artide 25 
Article 26 
Artide 27 
Artide 28 
Artide 29 
Article 30 
AS~*> 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX I 
II 
in 
IV, Part A 
IV, Part A 
IV, Part A 
IV.PartA 
IV, Part A 
IV, Part A 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
lyPartA 
IV, Part A 
IV.PartA 
IV, Part A 
IV, Part A 
IV, Part A 
IV, Part A 
IV.PartA 
IV, Part A 
IV, Part A 
IV, Part A 
lyPartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV, Part A 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV, Part A 
V (I) (a)(1) 
0)(a)(2) 
0) (a) (3) 
0) (a) (3a) 
0) (a) (4) 
00(a)(5) 
0)(a)(6) 
0) (a) (7) 
00(a)(8) 
0) (a) (9) 
00 (a)(10) 
00 (a) (H) 
(D(a)(12) 
00(b)(1) 
© (b)(2) 
00(b)(3) 
00(b)(4) 
00(b) (4a) 
0(b)(5) 
(0 (b)(6) 
a) (b)(7) 
00(b)(8) 
00(b)(9) 
a) (c)(1) 
00(c)(2) 
00(c)(3) 
(D(c)(3a) 
00(c)(4) 
0) (c)(5) 
00(c)(6) 
(I) (c)(7) 
00 ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX 
ANNEX I 
II 
m 
IV.PartA 
IV, Part A 
IV, Part A 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
IV.PartA 
V 
VI 
VU (0(a)(1) 
(I) (a) (2) 
(0(a)(3) 
(0(a)(4) 
(0(a)(5) 
(0(a)(6) 
(0(a)(7) 
(0(a)(8) 
(0(a)(9) 
(0(a) (10) 
0) (a) (11) 
0) (a) (12) 
(0(a) (13) 
(0(b)(1) 
(0(b)(2) 
(0(b)(3) 
0) (b)(4) 
(0(b)(5) 
(0(b)(6) 
0) (b)(7) 
(0(b)(8) 
(0(b)(9) 
(0(b) (10) 
(0(c)(1) 
(0(c)(2) 
0) (c)(3) 
(0(c)(4) 
(0(c)(5) 
0) (c)(6) 
(0(c)(7) 
(0(c)(8) 
00 
^^w 


ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(95) 622 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 02 03 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-95-665-EN-C 
ISBN 92-77-97237-8 
Office for OfGcial Publications of the European Communities 
L-2985 Luxembourg It •••..!. 
1 
m 
•tot 
•!«