SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 1
SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 433.30
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS
AND VEGETABLES REGULATIONS
3rd Jannar, 2018
LEGAL NOTICE 2 of 2018, as amended by Legal Notice 5 of 2019.
Citation. 1. The title of these regulations is the Seeds of Agricultural
Plants and Vegetables Regulations.
Scope. 2. ( 1 ) T h e  s c o p e  o f  t h e s e  r e g u l a t i o n s  i s  t o  m a k e
provisions to assure that any seeds of agricultural plants andvegetables produced in Malta or placed on the market in Malta o r
intended to be marketed in another EU Member State meets specif ied
standards of quality.
S.L. 433.03(2) These regulations also apply to the production, with a
view to marketing and to the marketing of seeds of agricultural  plants
and vegetables of the genera, sp ecies and their hybrids listed in
Schedule I of these regulations, within the European Union and shall
apply without prejudice to the plant health rules laid down by Council
Directive 2000/29/EC and its amendments as transposed in the Pl ant
Quarantine (Harmful Organisms) Regulations.
(3) These regulations shall apply to seeds intended to be
used only for the production of c rops and shall not apply to se eds:
(a) marketed for deliver y to third countries;
( b ) u s e d  o r  t o  b e  u s e d  i n  t h e  c o u r s e  o f  a  p r o c e s s  o f
selection; or
(c) marketed with a view to processing, treatment or
cleaning, where their identity is stated by the person by whomthey are marketed.
(4) These regulations shall not a pply to seeds intended to be
exported to third countries provided that they are identified a s such
and kept sufficiently isolated.
(5) These regulations transpos e Council Directives 66/401/
EEC, 66/402/EEC, 2002/55/EC and 2002/56/EC on the marketing offodder plant seed, cereal seed, vegetable seed and seed potatoe s and
their amendments.
Definitions.
Amended by
L.N. 5 of 2019.3. (1) For the purpose of these regulations, the following
general definitions shall apply:
"agricultural plants" are plan ts that are subdivided into:
2[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
(a) cereals that are plants of the genera and species
listed in Table 1.1 of Schedule I, intended for agricultural orhorticultural production other than the production forornamental purposes;
(b) fodder plants that are plants of genera and species
listed in Tables 1.2 and 1.3 of S chedule I irrespective of the use
for which the seeds as grown is intended;
(c) seed potatoes that are tubers or propagation
material for planting other than true potato seed, of the genusand species stated in Ta ble 1.4 of Schedule I;
Cap. 433. "the Act" means the Plant Quarantine Act;
"the Directorate" means the  Directorate or Department
responsible for plant health and which is the national responsi ble
official body for the scope of these regulations;
"the Director" means the Director responsible for the
Directorate;
S.L. 549 60"genetically-modified seed" refers to seed that has its genetic
material altered in a way that does not exist naturally within the
meaning of Directive 2001/18/EC as transposed in the DeliberateRelease into the Environment of Genetically Modified OrganismsRegulations;
"marketing" refers to the sale, holding with a view to sale, of fer
for sale and any disposal, supply or transfer aimed at commerci al
exploitation of seed to third parties, whether or not for consi deration,
and "market" and "marketed" sha ll be construed accordingly:
Provided that trade in seed that is not aimed at
commercial exploitation of the variety, such as the followingoperations, shall not be regarded as marketing:
(a) the supply of seed to official testing and
inspection bodies;
(b) the supply of seed to providers of services for
processing or packaging, provided that the provider of servicesdoes not acquire title to seed thus supplied:
Provided further that the supply of seed, under certain
conditions to providers of services for the production of certa in
agricultural raw materials, inten ded for industrial purposes, o r seed
propagation for that purpose, sha ll not be regarded as marketin g,
provided that the provider of services does not acquire title t o either
the seed thus supplied or the product of the harvest. The suppl ier of
seed shall provide the Directorate with a copy of the relevant parts of
the contracts made with the provider of services and this shall  include
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 3
the standards and conditions curre ntly met by the seed provided ;
"mother plant" means an identifie d plant from which material is
taken for propagation;
"micro-propagation" means the practice of rapidly multiplying
plant material to produce a large number of plants using cultur e in
vitro of differentiated vegeta tive buds or meristem taken from a plant;
"non-professional final user" me ans any person that introduces
or imports seeds of the genera and species and their hybrids li sted in
Schedule I to these regula tions, for their own use;
"official examination" means:
(a) an examination carried out by or on behalf of the
Directorate, subject to an application for such examinationhaving been done to the Director  in such form and manner and
at such time as the Director may, at his discretion, require an d
to the payment of any fees;
(b) an examination carried out by or on behalf of the
said Directorate; or
(c) in relation to seed produced elsewhere other than
in Malta, an examination a pproved by the Directorate;
"official label" means a label issued or authorised by the
Directorate;
"official measures" are measures taken by:
(a) the Directorate;
(b) any legal person acting under the responsibility of
the Directorate; or
(c) any natural person duly designated for that
purpose, in the case of ancillary activities, which are alsosubject to the Directorate’s control:
Provided that the persons mentioned under paragraphs
(b) and (c) derive no privat e gain from such measures;
"professional operator" means any person involved
professionally in one or more of the following activities conce rning
seeds of the genera and species and their hybrids listed in Sch edule I of
these regulations:
(a) production including multiplying;
(b) introduction into and movement within the Union
4[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
territory; 
(c) making available on the market;
"seed lot" means an identifiable consignment of seed of a weigh t
not exceeding that specified in Schedule IV , bearing a unique
reference number, in which the seed shall have been mixed orblended so that, as far as is practicable, the seed lot shows n o
evidence of heterogeneity;
"seed as grown" means seed a s harvested, marketed for
processing, provided that the i dentity of the seed is ensured;
"small packages of fodder plants " refers to packages of seed
containing a net weight of not more than 10 kilograms of pre-ba sic
seed;
"small EC A packages of fodder pl ants" are packages containing
a mixture of seeds not intended for the production of fodder pl ants
w i t h  a  n e t  w e i g h t  o f  n o t  m o r e  t h a n  2  k i l o g r a m s ,  e x c l u d i n g ,  w h e r e
appropriate, granulated pesticides , pelleting substances or oth er solid
additives;
"small EC B packages of fodder plants" are packages which
may contain basic seed, certified seed, commercial seed or, if the
packages concerned are not small EC A packages, a mixture of se ed
with a net weight not exceeding 10 kilograms excluding, whereappropriate, granulated pesticides , pelleting substances or oth er solid
additives;
"small EC packages of vegetables" refers to packages with
certified seed or standard seed up to a maximum net weight as
specified hereunder:
(a) 5 kilograms for legumes;
(b) 500 grams for asparagus, red beet or beetroot,
carrots, gourd, marrows, onions, radish, spinach, spinach beet
or chard, turnips a nd watermelons; and
(c) 100 grams for all othe r species of vegetables;
"vegetables" are plants of the genera and species listed in Tab le
1.5 of Schedule I and intended for agricultural or horticultura l
production but not for ornamental uses.
(2) The following definitions shall apply in respect of
cereals:
"basic seed of hybrids of oats, b arley, rye, wheat, durum wheat ,
spelt wheat and self-pollinating x Triticosecale " means seed which -
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 5
(a) is intended for the production of hybrids;
(b) subject to the provisions of regulation 14, satisfies
the conditions laid down in Schedules II and III for basic seed ;
and
(c) has been found by official examination or in the
case of the conditions laid down  in Schedule III, either by
official examination or by examination carried out underofficial supervision to satisfy the conditions set out inparagraphs (a) and (b);
"basic seed of maize and sorghum  species" refers to seed that
can be-
(a) basic seed of open-pollinated varieties which
refers to seed that-
(i) has been produced under the responsibility
of the breeder according to  accepted practices for the
maintenance of the variety;
(ii) is intended for the production of certified
seed of the same varieties, top cross hybrids or of inter-varietal hybrids;
(iii) subject to the provisions of regulation 14,
satisfies the conditions laid down in Schedules II and IIIfor basic seed; and
(iv) has been found by official examination or
in the case of the conditions laid down in Schedule III,either by official examination or by examination carriedout under official supervision to satisfy the conditions setout in sub-paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii);
(b) basic seed of inbred lines refers to seed which-
(i) subject to the provisions of regulation 14,
satisfies the conditions laid down in Schedules II and IIIfor basic seed; and
(ii) has been found by official examination or
in the case of the conditions laid down in Schedule III,either by official examination or by examination carriedout under official supervision to satisfy the conditions setout in sub-paragraph (i);
(c) basic seed of simple hy brids means seed that -
(i) is intended for the production of double
hybrids, triple cross or  top cross hybrids;
6[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
(ii) subject to the provisions of regulation 14,
satisfies the conditions laid down in Schedules II and IIIfor basic seed; and
(iii) has been found by official examination or
in the case of the conditions laid down in Schedule III,either by official examination or by examination carriedout under official supervision to satisfy the conditions setout in sub-paragraphs (i) and (ii);
"basic seed of oats, barley, canary grass, rye, wheat, durum
wheat, spelt wheat and self-pollinating x Triticosecale , other than
hybrids in each case" refers to seed that -
(a) has been produced by or under the responsibility
of the breeder, according t o accepted practices for the
maintenance of the variety;
(b) is intended for the production of certified seed,
certified seed of the first generation or certified seed of thesecond generation;
(c) subject to the provisions of regulation 14, satisfies
the conditions laid down in Schedules II and III for basic seed ,
and
(d) has been found by official examination or in the
case of the conditions laid do wn in Schedule III, either by
official examination or by examination carried out underofficial supervision to satisfy the conditions set out inparagraphs (a) , (b) and (c);
"certified seed of canary grass, other than hybrids, rye,
sorghum, sudan grass, maize and hybrids of oats, barley, wheat,  durum
wheat, spelt wheat and self-pollinating x Triticosecale " refers to seed
which -
(a) has originated directly from basic seed or, if the
breeder so requests, from pre-basic seed which can satisfy andhas been found, by official e xamination, to satisfy the
conditions laid down in Schedules  II and III for basic seed;
(b) is intended for purposes other than the production
of cereal seed;
(c) subject to the provisions of regulation 14, satisfies
the conditions laid down in Schedules II and III for certifiedseed; and
(d) has been found by official examination or by
examination carried out under official supervision to satisfy t he
conditions set out in para graphs (a), (b) and (c);
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 7
"certified seed of the first gene ration of oats, barley, wheat,
durum wheat, spelt wheat and self-pollinating x Triticosecale , other
than hybrids" in each case  refers to seed which -
(a) has been produced directly from basic seed or, if
the breeder so requests, from pre-basic seed, which has beenfound by official examination, to satisfy the conditions laid i n
Schedules II and II I for basic seed;
(b) is intended either for the production of certified
seed of the second generation or for purposes other than theproduction of cereal seed;
(c) satisfies the conditions laid down in Schedules II
and III for certified seed o f the first generation; and
(d) has been found by official examination or by
examination carried out under official supervision to satisfy t he
conditions set out in parag raphs (a), (b) and (c);
"certified seed of the second ge neration of oats, barley, wheat ,
durum wheat, spelt wheat and self-pollinating x Triticosecale , other
than hybrids" in each case means seed that -
(a) has been produced directly from basic seed, from
certified seed of the first ge neration, or if the breeder so
requests, from seed of a generation prior to basic seed whichhas been found by official examination to satisfy conditions la id
down in Schedules II and III for basic seed;
(b) is intended for purposes other than the production
of cereal seed;
(c) satisfies the conditions laid down in Schedules II
and III for certified seed o f the second generation; and
(d) has been found by official examination or by
examination carried out under official supervision to satisfy t he
conditions set out in parag raphs (a), (b) and (c);
"pre-basic seed"  means seed -
(a) of a generation earlier than that of basic seed and
has been produced by or under the responsibility of the breeder ;
(b) which is intended for the production of basic seed
or, if the breeder so requests, certified seed, certified seed of the
first generation or cer tified seed of the second generation; an d
(c) which satisfies the re quirements for basic seed;
"varieties, hybrids and inbred lines of maize and sorghum
8[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
species" refer to -
(a) the open-pollinated variety which is a sufficiently
uniform and stable variety;
(b) the inbred line which is a sufficiently uniform and
stable line, obtained either by artificial self-fertilizationaccompanied with selection over several successive generationsor by equivalent operations;
(c) the simple hybrid which refers to the first
generation of a cross, defined by the breeder, between twoinbred lines;
(d) the double hybrid which is the first generation of a
cross, defined by the breeder, between two simple hybrids;
(e) the triple cross hybrid meaning the first generation
of a cross, defined by the breede r, between an inbred line and a
simple hybrid;
(f) the top cross hybrid being the first generation of a
cross, defined by the breeder, between either an inbred line or  a
simple hybrid and an open-pollinated variety;
(g) the inter-varietal hybrid which refers to the first
generation of a cross, defined by the breeder, between plantsgrown from basic seed of two open-pollinated varieties, definedby the breeder.
(3) The following definitions shall apply in respect of fodder
plants:
"basic seed of bred varietie s" refers to seed which -
(a) has been produced under the responsibility of the
breeder according to accepted practices for the maintenance ofthe variety;
(b) is intended for the prod uction of certified seed;
(c) subject to the provisions of regulation 16, satisfies
the conditions laid down in Schedules II and III for basic seed ;
and
(d) has been found by official examination or, in the
case of the conditions laid do wn in Schedule III, either by
official examination or by examination carried out underofficial supervision, to satisfy the conditions set out inparagraphs (a) , (b) and (c);
"basic seed of local varieties" refers to seed that -
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 9
(a) has been produced under official control from
material officially accepted as b eing of the local variety on o ne
or more holdings situated within a clearly demarcated region oforigin;
(b) is intended for the pr oduction of certified seed;
(c) subject to the provisions of regulation 14, satisfies
the conditions laid down in Schedules II and III for basic seed ;
and
(d) has been found by official examination or, in the
case of the conditions laid down  in Schedule III, either by
official examination or by examination carried out underofficial supervision, to satisfy the conditions set out inparagraphs (a), (b) and (c);
"certified seed of all the specie s listed in Tables 1.2 and 1.3  of
Schedule I other than Medicago sativa , Pisum sativum , Vicia faba  and
Vicia sativa " refers to seed which -
(a) has been produced directly from basic seed, or if
the breeder so requests, from se ed of a generation prior to bas ic
seed which has been found, by official examination, to satisfythe conditions laid in Schedules  II and III for basic seed;
(b) is intended for purposes other than the production
of seed;
(c) subject to the provisions of regulation 14, satisfies
the conditions laid down in Schedules II and III for certifiedseed; and
(d) has been found by official examination or by
examination carried out under official supervision to satisfy t he
conditions set out in parag raphs (a), (b) and (c);
"certified seed of the first generation of Medicago sativa , Pisum
sativum , Vicia faba  and Vicia sativa " means seed which -
(a) has been produced directly from basic seed, or if
the breeder so requests, from se ed of a generation prior to bas ic
seed which has been found by official examination to satisfyconditions laid in Schedules II and III for basic seed;
(b) is intended either for the production of certified
seed of the second generation or for purposes other than theproduction of fodder plant seeds;
(c) subject to the provisions of regulation 14, satisfies
the conditions laid down in Schedules II and III for certifiedseed; and
10[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
(d) has been found by official examination or by
examination carried out under official supervision, to satisfy the
conditions set out in para graphs (a), (b) and (c);
"certified seed of the second generation of Medicago sativa ,
Pisum sativum , Vicia faba  and Vicia sativa " refers to seed which -
(a) has been produced directly from basic seed, from
certified seed of the first generation or, if the breeder sorequests, from seed of a genera tion prior to basic seed which
can satisfy and has been found by  official examination to satis fy
conditions laid in Schedules  II and III for basic seed;
(b) is intended for purposes other than the production
of seeds of fodder plants;
(c) subject to the provisions of regulation 14
regarding seed as grown, satisfies the conditions laid down inSchedules II and III fo r certified seed; and
(d) has been found by official examination or by
examination carried out under official supervision, to satisfy the
conditions set out in para graphs (a), (b) and (c);
"commercial seed" refers to seed which -
(a) is identifiable as belonging to a species;(b) subject to the provisions of regulation 14, satisfies
the conditions laid down in Sche dule III for commercial seed;
and
(c) has been found by official examination or by
examination carried out under official supervision, to satisfy the
conditions set out in paragraph (a) and (b).
(4) The following definitions shall apply in respect of
potatoes:
"basic seed potatoes" refer s to potato tubers which -
(a) have been produced according to accepted
practices for the maintenance of  the variety and of health;
(b) are intended mainly for the production of certified
seed potatoes;
(c) satisfy the minimum conditions laid down in
Schedules II and III for ba sic seed potatoes; and
(d) have been found by official examination, to
satisfy the minimum conditions mentioned above;
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 11
"certified seed potatoes" m eans potato tubers that -
(a) are of direct descent from basic seed, certified
seed or from seed of a generation prior to basic seed which hav e
been found by official examination, to satisfy the conditionslaid down in Schedules II and III for basic seed;
(b) are intended mainly for the production of potatoes
other than seed potatoes;
(c) satisfy the minimum conditions laid down in
Schedules II and III for ce rtified seed potatoes; and
(d) have been found by official examination, to
satisfy the above minimum conditions;
"pre-basic seed potatoes" ref ers to potato tubers which -
(a) have been produced in accordance with accepted
practices for the maintenance of the variety and of health;
(b) are intended mainly for the production of basic
seed;
(c) satisfy the minimum conditions for pre-basic
seed; and
(d) have been found by official examination, to
satisfy the minimum conditions referred to in paragraph (c) of
this definition.
(5) The following definitions shall apply in respect of
vegetables:
"basic seed" refers to seed which -
(a) has been produced under the responsibility of the
breeder according to accepted pr actices for the maintenance of
the variety;
(b) is intended for the pr oduction of certified seed;
(c) subject to the provisions of regulation 14, satisfies
the conditions laid down in Schedules II and III for basic seed ;
and
(d) has been found by official examination or, in the
case of the conditions laid down  in Schedule III, either by
official examination or examination carried out under officialsupervision to satisfy the conditions set out in paragraphs (a) ,
(b) and (c);
12[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
"certified seed" means seed that -
(a) is produced directly from basic seed or, if the
breeder so requests, from pre-basic seed, which can satisfy andhas been found by official examination, to satisfy the conditio ns
laid down in Schedules II and III for basic seed;
(b) is intended mainly for the production of
vegetables;
(c) subject to the provisions of regulation 14, satisfies
the conditions in Schedules II and III for certified seed;
(d) has been found by official examination or by
examination carried out under official supervision to satisfy t he
conditions set out in paragr aphs (a), (b) and (c); and
(e) is subject to official post-control examination by
check inspection to verify its varietal identity and varietalpurity;
"standard seed" means seed  of vegetables which -
(a) has sufficient varietal identity and varietal purity;(b) is intended mainly for the production of
vegetables;
(c) satisfies the conditions laid down in Schedule III;
and
(d) is subject to official post-control by check
inspection to verify its varieta l identity and varietal purity.
Notification.
Substituted By:L.N. 5 of 2019.4. (1) Professional operators introducing seeds from
another EU Member State shall d eclare the introduction of seeds
forty-eight (48) hours prior to their arrival in Malta, through  the
Supplementary Declaration System of Malta (Intrastat), of each lot
received by them.
(2) The non-professional final users being supplied with
seeds from another EU Member State shall also inform theDirectorate by means of the EU Plant Notification Form (For Gen eral
Public) available on the Directorate’s website, forty-eight (48 ) hours
prior to the arrival of the seeds in Malta of each lot received  by them.
(3) The professional operators a nd the non-professional final
users being supplied with seeds shall also inform the Directora te by
means of the Third Countries Notification Form available on theDirectorate’s website forty eight hours (48) prior to the arriv al, of the
plant material in Malta of each lot received by them.
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 13
Listing of varieties. 5. For cereals, fodder plants, potatoes and vegetables, only
varieties officially accepted by the Directorate may be markete d.
National catalogues of such var ieties shall be established and such
catalogues may be cons ulted by any person.
Conditions for 
listing of varieties of agricultural 
plants and 
vegetable species.6. (1) A variety of seeds of agricultural plants and
vegetables cannot be certified a nd marketed unless it is offici ally
accepted according to the following provisions of this regulati on. One
or more catalogues of all varie ties that are officially accepte d for
certification, verification as s tandard seed (in the case of ve getable
seeds) and marketing in Malta, mu st be established. In the case  o f
vegetables, the cata logues shall be subdivided according to the
varieties:
(a) the seeds of which may be certified as either basic
seed or certified seed, or may be verified as standard seed; or
(b) the seeds of which may not be verified except as
standard seed.
(2) (a) A variety is accepted only if it is distinct, stable
and sufficiently uniform. In the case of a genetically modified  variety,
the deliberate release into the environment of the variety shal l be
accepted only if all appropriate m easures have been taken to av oid
adverse effects on human health and the environment. In the cas e of
agricultural plants and industrial chicory (vegetable), the var iety must
be of satisfactory value for cultivation and use.
(b) A variety shall be regarded as distinct if, whatever
the origin (artificial or natural) of the initial variation fro m which it
has resulted, is clearly disti nguishable in one or more importa nt
characteristics from any other variety known in the European Un ion.
The characteristics must lead to a precise recognition and prec ise
definition. A variety known in the European Union shall be any one
which, at the time when the application for its acceptance to b e
assessed is duly made, is either  listed in the EU Common Catalo gue of
varieties of agricultural plant species or the EU Common Catalo gue of
varieties of vegetable species, or if not listed in these Commo n
Catalogues, has been accepted o r has been submitted for accepta nce in
Malta or in another EU Member State, either for certification a nd
marketing, or for certification for other countries, or for ver ification as
standard seed in the case of vegetables, unless the afore menti oned
conditions are no longer fulfilled in all the EU Member States
concerned before the decision on the application for acceptance  of the
variety to be assessed, is taken.
(c) A variety shall be regarded as stable if, after
successive propagation or multiplications or at the end of each  cycle
( w h e r e  t h e  b r e e d e r  h a s  d e f i n e d  a  p a r t i c u l a r  c y c l e  o f  p r o p a g a t i o n or
multiplications), it remains true  to the description of its ess ential
characteristics.
14[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
(d) A variety shall be regarded as sufficiently uniform
if, apart from a very few aberrations, the plants of which it i s
composed are, taking into account  the distinctive features of t he
reproductive systems of the plants, similar or genetically iden tical as
regards the characteristics take n as a whole, which are conside red for
this purpose.
(3) (a) Examination of the value for cultivation and use
referred to in sub-regulation (2 )(a) shall not be required for the
acceptance of:
(i) varieties of grasses if the breeder declares that the
seeds of his variety are not intended for the production offodder plants. It may be decided to the extent that this isjustified in the interest of free circulation of seed that vari eties
have to be shown by appropriate examination to be suitable forthe purpose for which they are declared to be intended to beused. In such cases, the conditio ns for the examination shall b e
determined;
(ii) varieties the seeds of which are to be marketed in
another EU Member State which has already accepted thevarieties, taking into consideration their value for cultivatio n
and use;
(iii) for the acceptance of varieties (inbred lines and
hybrids) which are intended solely as components for hybridvarieties satisfying the requirements laid down in sub-regulation (2)(a);
Provided that where material derived from a plant
variety is intended to be used as a food or food ingredientfalling within the scope of Re gulation (EC) No. 258/97, these
must not present a danger for the consumer, mislead theconsumer and differ from foods or food ingredients which theyare intended to replace to such an extent that their normalconsumption would be nutritionally disadvantageous for theconsumer.
(b) The value of a variety of agricultural plants for
cultivation or use shall be regarded as satisfactory if, compar ed to
other varieties accepted in th e national catalogue, its qualiti es, taken as
a  w h o l e ,  o f f e r ,  a t  l e a s t  a s  f a r  a s  p r o d u c t i o n  i n  a n y  g i v e n  r e g i on is
concerned, a clear improvement either for cultivation or as reg ards the
uses which can be made of the crops or the products derived
therefrom. Where other superior characteristics are present, in dividual
inferior characteristic s may be disregarded.
(4) The acceptance of varieties shall be based on the results
of official examinations, particularly growing trials, covering  a
sufficient number of characteristics for the variety to be desc ribed. The
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 15
methods used for determining characteristics must be accurate a nd
reliable. It shall be ensured that varieties coming from other EU
Member States are subject to the  same requirements, in particul ar as
regards the acceptance procedure, as those that apply to local varieties.
(5) (a) In order to establish distinctness, the growing
trials shall include at least th e available comparable varietie s which are
known in the European Union within the meaning of sub-regulatio n
(2)(a).
(b) For the purpose of applying sub-regulation (6),
other available comparable varieties shall be included. In the case of
vegetable varieties w hose seed may not be verified except as st andard
seed, the results of unofficial examinations and knowledge gain ed
from practical experience during cultivation may be taken intoconsideration in relation to the  results of an official examina tion.
(c) It may be prescribed that, as from dates
established according to rules of the European Union, varieties  o f
certain vegetable species will no longer be accepted except on the
basis of official tests. Current scientific and technical knowl edge on
the following matters shall be taken into account:
(i) the characteristics to be covered as a minimum by
the examinations of the various species;
(ii) the minimum requirements for carrying out the
examinations;
(iii) the necessary arrangements for the growing trials
t o  b e  c a r r i e d  o u t  w i t h  a  v i e w  t o  a s s e s s i n g  t h e  v a l u e  f o rcultivation or use in the ca se of agricultural plants.
(6) Official publication of the national catalogues of
varieties accepted in Malta, sh all be arranged and, where maint enance
breeding of the variety is required, the name of the person or persons
responsible for this in Malta, should be noted. When several pe rsons
are responsible for the maintenance of a variety, the names nee d not be
published. Instead, the catalogue  shall indicate the authority holding
the list of names of persons responsible for the maintenance of  t h e
variety. At the time of acceptance , the variety shall be known by the
same name in all the EU Member States. If it is known that seed  or
propagation material of a variet y is marketed in another countr y under
a different name, that name shall also be indicated in the cata logue.
For each new variety accepted in Malta, the other EU Member Sta tes
and the European Commission have  to receive a brief description  of
the most important character for use.
(7) (a) A special file on each accepted variety, containing
a description of the variety and a clear summary of all the fac ts on
which acceptance was based, sha ll be compiled. The varietal
16[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
descriptions shall apply for pl ants produced directly from:
(i) seeds and young plants of the category certified
seed and propagation material, in the case of agricultural plan ts;
and
(ii) certified seed or from standard seed, in the case of
vegetables.
(b) Acceptance files shall be made available for the
personal and exclusive use of any person including those of oth er EU
Member States and the European Commission who are able to show a
legitimate interest. Information that is treated as confidentia l such as
results of examination studies of the genealogical components o f
hybrids and synthetic varieties sh all not be exchanged apart fr om
exceptional cases.
(c) If and when genetically modified varieties are
accepted, they should be clearly indicated as such in the catal ogue of
varieties. It shall be ensured t hat any person marketing such a  variety
clearly indicates in his sales catalogue that the variety is ge netically-
modified.
(d) in the case of varieties (inbred lines, hybrids) of
agricultural plants that are intended solely as components for final
varieties, the provisions of this sub-regulation apply only to the extent
that the seeds that belong to them are to be marketed under the ir
names. In the meantime, in the case of cereals other than maize , these
provisions may be applied to other component varieties in respe ct of
seed intended for certification in Malta. Component varieties s hall be
indicated as such.
(8) (a) Acceptance of a variety shall be valid until the end
of the tenth calendar year following acceptance. It may be rene wed at
given intervals if it still cultivated on such a scale as to ju stify this, or
should be retained in the interest of conserving plant genetic resources,
and providing that the requirements as to distinctness, uniform ity and
stability, are still satisfied.
(b) For both agricultural plants and vegetables,
applications for renewal shall be submitted not later than two years
before the expiry of acceptance except for plant genetic resour ces. The
period of validity of acceptance  shall be extended provisionall y until a
decision is taken on the application for renewal.
(c) Accepted varieties must be maintained according
to accepted practices for the maintenance of the variety. It mu st at all
times be possible to check maintenance from the records kept by  the
person or persons responsible for the variety. These records sh all also
cover the production of all genera tions prior to basic seed (of
agricultural plants and vegetables) or propagation material (of
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 17
agricultural plants). Samples may be requested from the person
responsible for the variety. Such  samples may if necessary be t aken
officially.
(d) Where maintenance takes place in another EU
Member State, Malta and the other country shall assist each oth er
administratively as regards verification.
(9) (a) Any doubts which arise after the acceptance of a
variety concerning the appraisal of its distinctness or of its name at the
time of acceptance are clarified.
(b) Where, after acceptance of a variety, it is
established that the condition c oncerning distinctness within t he
meaning of sub-regulation (2) was not fulfilled at the time ofacceptance, acceptance shall be replaced by another decision or , where
appropriate, a revocation, which conforms with these regulation s. By
this other decision, the variety shall, with effect from the da te of its
initial acceptance, no longer be regarded as a variety known in  t h e
European Union within the meaning of sub-regulation (2)(b). Whe re,
after acceptance of a variety, it is established that its name was not
acceptable when the variety was accepted, the name shall be ada pted
in such a way that it conforms with these regulations. It may b e
permitted that the previous name may be used temporarily as an
additional name. The detailed a rrangements in accordance with w hich
the previous name may be used as an additional name shall beestablished according to the r ules of the European Union.
(10) (a) Acceptance of a variety is surely revoked if it is
proved, on examination, that the variety is no longer distinct,  stable or
sufficiently uniform or, if the person or persons responsible f or the
variety so request, unless mainte nance of the variety is assure d.
(b) Acceptance of a variety may be revoked if the
laws, regulations and administrative provisions adopted in thisregulation are not complied with and, if, at the time of the ap plication
for acceptance or during examination, false or fraudulent parti culars
were supplied concerning the facts on the basis of which accept ance
was granted.
(c) Where acceptance is r efused or revoked, the
results of the examinations shall be made available to persons affected
by such a decision. It shall be ensured that a variety is delet ed from the
catalogues if its acceptance has been revoked or if the period of
validity of acceptance has expired.
(11) A period of certification, ver ification as standard seed (o f
vegetables) and marketing of s eed (of agricultural plants and
vegetables) and propagation mate rial (of agricultural plants), may be
allowed up to the 30th June of the third year at most after exp iry of the
acceptance.
18[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
(12) Any application or withdrawal of an application for
acceptance of a variety, any entr y in the catalogues of varieti es as well
as any amendments thereto shall be notified forthwith to the ot her EU
Member States and the European Commission.
Seed certification. 7. (1) Seed of the categories indicated below, may not be
placed on the market unless it has been officially certified as  such and
unless it satisfies the conditions  laid down in Schedule III:
(a) In the case of ag ricultural plants -
(i) cereals - basic o r certified seed;
(ii) fodder plants - as referred to in sub-
regulation (2);
(iii) potatoes - basic or certified seed 
and
(b) in the case of vegetables -
(i) other than in the case of industrial chicory -
basic, certified or standard seed;
(ii) industrial chicory - basic or certified seed.
(2) Seed of red top, brown top, creeping bent grass, velvet
bent, sheep’s fescue , Berseem/Egyptian clover, smooth-stalked
meadow grass, field bean and common vetch shall not be placed o n the
market unless it has been officially certified as basic or cert ified seed.
Fodder plant seed of the genera and species other than thosementioned above may not be placed on the market unless the seed  has
been officially certified as basic or certified seed or is comm ercial
seed.
(3) Basic and certified seed pot atoes may be subdivided into
grades satisfying different requirements.
Examination under 
official 
supervision.8. When examination of seeds of cereals, fodder plants and
vegetables is carried out under official supervision, the follo wing
requirements shall be complied:
(1) with respect to field inspections -
(a) the inspectors shall:
(i) have the necessary technical qualifications;(ii) derive no private gain in connection with
the carrying out of the inspections;
(iii) have been officially licensed by the
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 19
Directorate and this licensing shall include either the
oath of inspectors or the signature by inspectors of awritten statement of commitment to the rules governingofficial examinations;
(iv) carry out inspections under official
supervision in accordance with the rules applicable toofficial inspections.
(b) The seed crop that is going to be inspected shall
be grown from seed which has undergone official post-control,the results of which ha ve been satisfactory.
(c) A proportion of seed crops shall be checked by
official inspectors. That pr oportion shall be at least 5%.
(d) A proportion of samples from the seed lots
harvested from the seed crops sha ll be drawn for official post-
control and, where appropriate, for official laboratory seedtesting in respect of vari etal identity and purity.
(e) Infringements of the rules governing examination
under official supervision will be regulated under articles 29and 30 of the Act. The penalties must be effective,proportionate and dissuasive. The licence of officially license d
inspectors as referred to in paragraph (a)(iii) who are foundguilty of deliberately or negligently contravening the rulesgoverning official examinations, shall be withdrawn. Anycertification of seed that has been examined shall be annulled in
the event of such contravention unless it has been shown that
such seed still meets all relevant requirements.
(2) With respect to seed testing -
(a) Seed testing shall be carried out by seed-testing
laboratories which have been aut horised for that purpose by the
Directorate under the conditions set out in paragraphs (b) to ( d).
(b) The seed-testing laboratory shall have a seed
analyst-in-charge who has dir ect responsibility for the technic al
operations of the laboratory and has the necessaryqualifications for the technica l management of a seed-testing
laboratory. Its seed analysts shall have the necessary technica l
qualifications obtained through training courses organisedunder conditions applicable to official seed analysts andconfirmed by official examinations. The laboratory shall bemaintained in premises and with equipment officiallyconsidered by the Directorate to be satisfactory for the purpos e
of seed testing, within the scope of the authorisation. It shal l
carry out seed testing in accorda nce with current international
methods.
20[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
(c) The seed-testing laboratory shall be either an
independent laboratory or a laboratory belonging to a seedcompany. In case of the latter, the laboratory may carry out se ed
testing only on seed lots produced on behalf of the seedcompany to which it belongs, unless it has been otherwiseagreed between that company, the applicant for certificationand the Directorate.
(d) The seed-testing labora tory’s performance of seed
testing shall be subject to appropriate supervision by theDirectorate.
(e) For the purposes of the supervision referred to in
paragraph (d), a proportion of the seed lots submitted forofficial certification shall be  check-tested by official seed
testing.
That proportion shall in principle be as evenly spread as
possible over natural and legal persons submitting seed forcertification and the species submitted but may also be oriente d
to eliminate specific doubts. That proportion shall be at least5%.
(f) Infringements of the rules governing examination
under official supervision will be regulated under articles 29and 30 of the Act. The penalties must be effective,proportionate and dissuasive. The authorisation of officiallyauthorised seed-testing laborato ries as referred to in paragrap h
(a) hereof who are found guilty of deliberately or negligentlycontravening the rules governin g official examinations, shall b e
withdrawn. Any certification of seed that has been examinedshall be annulled in the event of such contravention unless ithas been shown that such seed still meets all relevantrequirements.
Seed examination. 9. Official seed examinations should be carried out in
accordance with current international methods, in so far as suc h
methods exist.
Sampling of seeds. 10. (1) Samples must be drawn officially or under official
supervision in accordance with a ppropriate methods. This applie s to
the following:
(a) checking of varieties (c ereals and fodder plants)
and inbred lines of maize (cereals);
(b) examination of seed for certification (cereals,
fodder plants, potatoes and vegetables); and
(c) post-control tests of s tandard seed (vegetables).
(2) Without prejudice to the free movement of seed within
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 21
the European Union, the Directo rate shall take all the necessar y
measures to ensure that it is supplied with the following parti culars
during the marketing of quantities exceeding 2 kilograms of see d
imported from third countries and sampling of such seed is carr ied out
officially:
(a) species;(b) variety;
(c) category;
(d) country of production and official inspection
authority;
(e) country of dispatch;
(f) importer; and
(g) quantity of seed.
The manner in which these particulars are to be presented may
be determined by the Directorate.
(3) When the seed sampling under official supervision
provided for in sub-regulation (1) is carried out, the followin g
requirements shall be complied with:
(a) seed sampling shall be carried out by seed
samplers who have been author ised for that purpose by the
Directorate under the conditions s et out in paragraphs (b), (c)
and (d);
(b) seed samplers shall have the necessary technical
qualifications obtained through training courses organisedunder conditions applicable to official seed samplers andconfirmed by official examina tions. They shall carry out seed
sampling in accordance with current international methods;
(c) seed samplers shall be:
(i) independent natural persons;
(ii) persons employed by natural or legal
persons whose activities do not involve seed production,seed growing, seed proces sing or seed trade; or
(iii) persons employed by natural or legal
persons whose activities involve seed production, seedgrowing, seed proces sing or seed trade.
In the case referred to in sub-paragraph (iii), a seed
22[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
sampler may carry out seed sampling only on seed lots produced on
behalf of his employer, unless it has been otherwise agreed bet ween
his employer, the applicant for certification and the Directora te;
(d) the performance of the seed samplers shall be
subject to proper supervisi on by the Directorate. When
automatic sampling is in operation, appropriate proceduresmust be adhered to and officially supervised;
(e) for the purposes of the supervision referred to in
paragraph (d), a proportion of the  seed lots entered for offici al
certification shall be check-sampled by official seed samplers.
That proportion shall in principle be as evenly spread as
possible over natural and legal persons submitting seed forcertification (cereals, fodder p lants and vegetables) and the
species submitted (cereals and fodder plants) but may also beoriented to eliminate specific doubts. That proportion shall be  at
least 5%. This check sampling does not apply to automaticsampling. The seed samples draw n officially shall be compared
w i t h  t h o s e  o f  t h e  s a m e  s e e d  l o t  b u t  d r a w n  u n d e r  o f f i c i a lsupervision;
(f) infringements of the rules governing examination
under official supervision will be regulated under articles 29and 30 of the Act. The penalties must be effective,proportionate and dissuasive. The authorisation of officiallyauthorised seed samplers as refe rred to in sub-regulation (3)(a )
who are found guilty of deliberately or negligentlycontravening the rules governin g official examinations, shall b e
withdrawn. Any certification of the seed sampled shall beannulled in the event of such contravention unless it has beenshown that such seed still meet s all relevant requirements;
(g) further measures applicable to the carrying out of
seed sampling under official supe rvision shall be established b y
the Directorate.
(4) For the examination of seed for certification,
examination of commercial seed and post-control tests, samples shall
be drawn from homogeneous lots. The maximum weight of a lot and
the minimum weight of a sample are given in Schedule IV .
Post-control tests. 11. (1) If it is repeatedly found, during post-control tests
carried out in the field, that ve getable seed of any one variet y does not
adequately satisfy the conditions laid down in respect of varie tal
identity and purity, the Directorate shall ensure that the pers on
marketing it, is wholly or partially forbidden to market such s eed
where appropriate, for a specified period. Any measures taken s hall be
withdrawn as soon as it has been established with adequate cert ainty,
that the seed intended for marketing will in the future satisfy  t h e
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 23
conditions as to varietal id entity and varietal purity.
(2) Seed of the categories certified seed and standard seed is
subject to official post-control in the field by inspection to compare
their varietal identity and pur ity against standard controls.
Packaging of 
seeds.12. (1) Packages or containers containing basic and
certified seed of cereals, fodder plants, potatoes and vegetabl es, and
commercial seed of fodder plants, except small packages of basi c and
certified vegetable seeds and, i n the case of fodder plants sma ll EC B
packages of certified and commercial seed, shall be sealed offi cially or
under official supervision in s uch a manner that they cannot be  opened
without damaging the sealing system or leaving evidence of tamp ering
on either the official label or on the package. In order to ens ure
closure, the sealing system shall comprise at least either the official
label or the affixing of an official seal. This measure will no t be
necessary if a non-reus able sealing system is used. The Directo rate
may establish exceptions to this  sub-regulation as it may deem fit in
the case of small packages sealed in Malta of cereal and potato  seeds
and EC B packages of fodder plant seeds. In the case of vegetab le
seeds, there may be determined exceptions to this sub-regulatio n and
sub-regulation (2) for small pack ages of basic vegetable seed.
(2) Packages containing seeds of agricultural plants and
vegetables, except small EC B packages of fodder plant seeds, s hall
not be resealed on one or more occasions unless this is carried  o u t
officially or under official supe rvision. If packages are resea led, the
fact of resealing and the most recent date of re-sealing and th e
authority responsible for reseali ng, shall be stated on the lab el required
under regulation 13.
(3) Packages of standard vegetable seed, small packages of
certified vegetable seed and small EC B packages of fodder plan t
seeds, shall be sealed (not nec essarily officially or under off icial
supervision) in such a manner that they cannot be opened withou t
damaging the sealing system or wi thout leaving evidence of tamp ering
on the label or the package. Pack ages of standard vegetable see d shall
also bear a lead or an equivalent sealing device attached by th e person
responsible for attaching labels.
(4) In the case of small packages of certified seed of fodder
plants and vegetables, packages shall not be sealed on one or m ore
occasions under official supervis ion. All necessary measures sh all be
taken to ensure that in the case of small packages of certified  vegetable
seed and small packages of fodder plant seeds, the identity of the seed
can be verified in particular at the time when seed lots are di vided. At
this stage, it may be required that small packages divided or p roduced
in Malta, be sealed officially o r under official supervision.
Labelling of 
packages.13. (1) The packages of all seed categories referred to in
regulation 7, excluding standard vegetable seed, small packages  o f
24[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
basic and certified vegetable seed and small EC B packages of
certified and commercial seed of f odder plants, shall have affi xed on
the outside, an official label that has not been previously use d, and as
appropriate to the seed, with the  particulars as specified in S chedule V ,
in Maltese or in English. The information should be printed ind elibly
on the label. Delible printing is not authorised. The dimension s and
colour of the label are specified in the same Schedule. The lab els on
packages containing vegetable seeds may be placed inside transp arent
packages provided it can be read. The labels must be adhesive a nd
made from tear-resistant material. When a label with a string-h ole is
used, its attachment to the package shall be ensured in all cas es with an
official seal. The use of official adhesive labels shall be aut horised.
The indelible printing of the prescribed particulars on the pac kage in
accordance with the label models may be authorised under offici al
supervision. If in cases under r egulation 14, the seeds of the categories
listed below do not satisfy the conditions laid down in Schedul e III in
respect of germination, this f act shall be stated on the label:
(a) for agricultural plants -
- cereals - basic or maize seed;
- fodder plants - basic and certified seed; and
(b) for vegetables - basic seed.
The Directorate may establish exceptions to the provisions of
sub-regulation (1) in the case of  small packages of cereals, po tatoes
and vegetables s ealed in Malta.
(2) When a non-adhesive label is used, the package shall
contain an official document in the same colour as the official  label
giving at least the information mentioned below:
(a) for agricultural plants -
(i) Cereals (basic and certified seed) -
- reference number of lot,
- species and variety.
(ii) Fodder plants (basic, certified and
commercial seed except small EC B packages of certifiedand commercial seed) -
- reference number of lot,
- species and variety,
In the case of commercial seed, reference
number of lot, species and the words "Commercial seed"
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 25
should be written down.
(iii) Potatoes (basic and certified seed)
- producer’s identification number or
reference number of lot,
- month and year of sealing,
- country of production.
(b) for vegetables (basic and certified seed except
small packages)
- reference number of lot,
- species and variety,- category.
This document shall be drawn up in such a
manner that it cannot be confused with the official labelreferred to under sub-regulation (1). This document is notnecessary if the information is p rinted indelibly on the packag e
or if, in accordance with the provisions under sub-regulation(1), an adhesive label, a label of tear-resistant material or a  label
inside a transparent package, is used. Packages should also
include the producer’s identification particulars.
(3) (a) In cases other than those provided for in these
regulations, packages or containers of basic and certified seed  o f
agricultural plants and vegetabl es, commercial seed of fodder p lant
and standard vegetable seed sha ll bear a supplier’s label which  may be
either a label separate from the official label or take the for m of the
supplier’s information as stated in Schedule V printed on the p ackage
or container itself. In the case of cereals, seed lots have to comply with
the provisions referred to in regulation 27 concerning the pres ence of
Avena fatua and an official certificate attesting compliance with these
conditions has to be issued.
(b) Small EC B packages of fodder plant seeds,
packages of standard vegetable seed and small packets of certif ied
vegetable seed shall bear on th e outside a supplier’s label or a printed
or stamped notice in Maltese or English, except for small packa ges of
standard seed in which case the information stated under this p rovision
shall be clearly separate from any information given on the lab el or the
package. In the case of transpare nt packages, this label may be  placed
inside, provided it can be read through the package.
(c) In the case of small EC B packages of fodder plant
seeds,  the packages can also bear an officially assigned serialnumber on the outside or on the supplier’s label. Should an off icial,
26[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
adhesive label be used, the par ticulars to be written on the la bel are
indicated in Schedule V . This serial number shall not be requir ed for
small EC A packages of fodder plant seeds.
(4) It shall be ensured that persons responsible for affixing
the labels on packages containing standard vegetable seed inten ded for
marketing:
(a) inform the Directorate of the dates when their
activities begin and end;
(b) keep records of all lots of standard seed and make
them available to the country for  not less than three years;
(c) make available for not less than two years, a
control sample of seed of vari eties for which maintenance is
required; and
(d) draw samples from each lot intended for
marketing and make them availabl e for not less than two years.
The operations referred to in sub-regulations (2)
and (4) shall be subject to official checks carried out on arandom basis. The obligation stated in sub-regulation (3) shallapply only to producers.
Provisional 
certification.14. (1) For the purpose of making seeds of cereals, fodder
plants and vegetables rapidly available, notwithstanding the fa ct that
the official examination to check compliance with the condition s laid
down in Schedule III in respect  of germination has not been
concluded, the official certific ation or approval (the latter a pplying for
fodder plants only) and marketing as far as the first purchaser  by way
of trade of the categories basic seed or certified seed of cere als, fodder
plants and vegetables or commercial seed in the case of fodder plants,
may be authorised.
(2) Certification or approval shall be granted only on
prescription of a provisional analytical report on the seeds an d
provided that the name and address of the first recipient are g iven. All
necessary measures shall be take n to ensure that the supplier
guarantees the germination ascertained at the provisional analy sis.
This germination shall be stated for marketing purposes on a sp ecial
label bearing the name and addres s of the supplier and the refe rence
number of the lot. The above provisions shall not apply to seed s
imported from third countries.
Marketing of 
seeds.15. (1) Seeds of the categories indicated in regulation 7
shall be marketed in sufficiently homogeneous lots and in seale d
packages or containers with appropriate labelling as described in
regulation 13. The packages must be new and the containers must  be
clean.
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 27
(2) Seed as grown of cereals, fodder plants and vegetables
may be marketed for processing, provided that the identity of t he seed
is ensured.
(3) Bred seed of generations prior to basic seed of
agricultural plants and vegetables, may also be placed on the m arket.
The conditions under which bred seed of generations prior to ba sic
seed may be placed on the market, shall be as follows:
(a) it shall have been officially inspected by the
Directorate in accordance with t he provisions applicable to the
certification of basic seed;
(b) it shall be packed in packages or containers as
described in these  regulations; and
(c) the packages shall bear a n official label giving the
particulars as shown in Sched ule V for pre-basic seed.
Seed mixtures. 16. (1) Mixtures of seeds of various species of cereals can
be marketed, provided that the components of which complied, be fore
mixing, with the marketing rules applicable to them. Specific c ereal
mixtures of seeds of various var ieties but belonging to the sam e
species can be marketed, provided that scientific or technicalknowledge indicates that these mi xtures are such as to be parti cularly
effective against the propagation of certain harmful organisms and
provided also that the components of the mixtures comply, befor e
mixing, with the marketing ru les applicable to them.
(2) Producers may be authorised to place on the market
small packages of mixtures of standard vegetable seed of differ ent
varieties of the same species. In cases when this provision app lies, the
species, the rules for the maximum size of the small packages a nd the
requirements for labelli ng shall be established.
(3) Mixtures of various genera, s pecies or varieties of fodder
plants may be placed on the mark et if they are intended for use :
(a) not as fodder plants, in which case the mixtures
may contain seeds of fodder plants listed in Tables 1.2 and 1.3of Schedule I and so cove red by these regulations;
(b) as fodder plants, in which case the mixture may
contain seeds of plant species listed in Tables 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 o r 1.5
of Schedule I, with the exception of varieties of grasses liste d in
Table 1.2 of the same Schedule which are not intended for theproduction as fodder plants; or
(c) in the preservation of the natural environment in
the context of the conservation of genetic resources in which
case the mixtures may contain seeds of fodder plant species ands e e d s  o f  o t h e r  p l a n t  s p e c i e s  w i t h i n  t h e  m e a n i n g  o f  t h e s e
28[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
regulations.
Regulations 12, 13, 15 (1) and (4) and 18 shall apply for
the above seed mixtures. For this purpose, small EC A packagesof fodder plant seeds shall be considered as small EC Bpackages.
Genetically 
modified seeds.17. In the case of seeds of a variety that have been
genetically modified, any label or document, official or otherw ise,
which is affixed to or accompanies the seed lot, shall clearly indicate
that the variety has been genetically modified.
Chemically-treated 
seeds.18. (1) If any seeds of the categories mentioned in
regulation 7 have been subjected to any chemical treatment, thi s fact
and the nature of the treatment or the proprietary name of the chemical
substance used in the treatment, shall be stated either on the official or
supplier’s label, or on the pack age or container, or in a state ment
enclosed in the package or container.
(2) In the case of small packages of vegetables, this
information may be printed direc tly on the package or inside it .
Seed for scientific 
purposes.
S.L. 549.6019. The Director may authorise local producers or breeders
to place on the market small but  appropriate quantities of seed s for
scientific purposes or selection work and, for other test or tr ial
purposes, provided that the seeds  belong to varieties for which  a n
application for entry in the national catalogues has been submi tted and,
in the case of vegetable seeds, specific technical information has been
submitted. In case of genetically -modified seeds, such authoris ation
should be granted only if all appr opriate measures have been ta ken to
avoid adverse effects on human health and the environment inaccordance with the Deliberate Release into the Environment ofGenetically Modified Organisms Regulations.
Less stringent 
requirements.20. (1) In order to remove any temporary difficulties,
which cannot be overcome in the general supply of seed of thecategories mentioned in regulation 7, the Directorate may beauthorised to permit for a specified period, the marketing in q uantities
necessary to resolve the supply difficulties of seed of a categ ory
subject to less stringent require ments, or of seed of a variety  n o t
included in the EU Common Catalogues of varieties of agricultur al
plant and vegetable species or in the national catalogues of va rieties.
For a category of seed of any given variety, the official or su pplier’s
label shall be that provided for the corresponding category. Fo r seeds
of varieties not included in the above mentioned catalogues, th e colour
of the official label shall be b rown. The label shall always st ate that the
seed in question, is of a categ ory satisfying less stringent
requirements.
(2) The Directorate may authorise the official certification
and marketing of basic seed of cereals, fodder plants and veget ables
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 29
except seed potatoes, which does not satisfy the conditions lai d down
in Schedule III in respect of germination. A similar authorisat ion may
be granted in respect of certifie d seed of red clover where suc h seed is
intended for the further production of other certified seed. In  s u c h
cases, all necessary measures shall be taken to ensure that the  supplier
guarantees a specific germination that he/she shall state for m arketing
purposes on a special label beari ng his/her name and address an d the
reference number of the seed lot.
Additional or more 
stringent requirements.21. (1) The Directorate may as regards the conditions laid
down in Schedules II and III, impose additional or more stringe nt
requirements for the certificati on of seeds of agricultural pla nts and
vegetables produced in Malta and also for the examination ofcommercial seed of fodder plants produced in Malta.
(2) The certification of seeds of the following species may
be restricted to certified s eed of the first generation:
(i) cereals - oats, barley and wheat;
(ii) fodder plants - field p ea, field bean and lucerne.
Marketing 
restrictions.22. Seeds placed on the market under the provisions of the
European Union legislation, wheth er mandatory or discretionary,  shall
not be subject to any marketing restrictions as regards theircharacteristics, examination requ irements, marking and sealing,  other
than those laid down in the directives.
Seeds harvested in 
another country.23. (1) Seeds harvested in another country may upon
request be certified in Malta on the condition that the crop ha s been
inspected by the competent authorities in that country and have  been
found to comply with the provi sions of these regulations.
(2) Seeds of fodder plants and cereals harvested in a third
country shall, upon request, be  officially certified if:
(a) it has been produced directly from:
(i) basic seed or certified seed (in the case of
cereals, seeds of the first generation are considered)officially certified either in one or more Member Statesor in a third country which has been granted equivalenceunder regulation 24; or
(ii) the crossing of basic seed officially
certified in a Member State with basic seed officiallycertified in a third country referred to in sub-paragraph(i);
(b) it has undergone field inspection satisfying the
conditions laid down in an equivalence decision made underregulation 24 for the relevant category;
30[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
(c) official examination has shown that the conditions
laid down in Schedule III for the same category are satisfied.
Equivalence. 24. Seeds harvested in a third country must afford the same
assurances as seeds harvested w ithin the European Union with re spect
to their characteristics and the arrangements for its examinati on, for
ensuring identity, for marking and for control. In such case, t he seeds
shall be equivalent in these resp ects to seeds harvested within  t h e
European Union and complying with the provisions of theseregulations.
Moisture content 
of cereals.25. For purposes of certification, the maximum moisture
content for basic and certified seed of cereals, except maize, shall be
13% by weight. That for maize shall be 14%. The Director may al ter
the maximum moisture content as the need be.
Conditions 
applicable to hybrids of cereals.26. Unless otherwise specified, seed of the hybrids listed in
Table 1.1 of Schedule I shall be subject to the standards or ot her
conditions applicable to seed of each of the species from which  they
are derived.
Presence of Avena 
fatua  in cereals.27. The official certificate referred to in regulation 13(3)(a)
shall be issued in the following case: the crop shall be free f rom Avena
fatua  at the time of field inspection officially carried out in conf ormity
with the provisions of Schedule II and if a sample of at least 1
kilogram is drawn in accordance with established procedures, no  seeds
of Avena fatua should be found at the time of official examination.
Seed potatoes 
produced by micro-propagation.28. For seed potatoes produced by micro-propagation
techniques and which do not meet the size requirements of theseregulations, rules on the following may be determined in accord ance to
the procedure referred to in Article 25(2) of Council Directive  2002/
56/EC:
(a) derogation from specific provisions of these
regulations;
(b) the conditions and designations applicable to such
seed potatoes; and
(c) the designations applicab le to such seed potatoes.
Separation of seed 
potatoes from other 
potatoes.29. For plant health reasons, seed potatoes produced in Malta
may be separated during production from other potatoes. Thisrequirement may include measures for the separation of the prod uction
of seed potatoes and other potatoes, and the separation of the grading,
storage, transportation and hand ling of seed potatoes and other
potatoes.
Size requirements 
of seed potatoes and tubers.30. (1) Seed potatoes may not be marketed unless they
are of a minimum size such that they do not pass through a squa re
mesh of 25mm x 25mm. In the case of potato tubers which are too
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 31
large to pass through a square mesh of 35mm x 35mm, the upper a nd
lower size limits shall be expressed in multiples of 5. The max imum
variation in size between tubers  in a lot shall be such that th e
difference between the dimensions of the two square meshes used  does
not exceed 25mm. These sizing standards may be modified inaccordance with the rules of the European Union. A lot shall no t
contain more than 3% by weight of tubers smaller than the minim um
size indicated or more than 3% by weight of tubers larger than the
maximum size indicated.
( 2 ) T h e  D i r e c t o r a t e  m a y ,  i n  r e s p e c t  o f  s e e d  p o t a t o e s
produced in the Maltese territory, further reduce the permittedvariation in size betw een tubers in a lot.
Treatment of seed 
potatoes with sprout inhibitors.31. Seed potatoes may not be placed on the market if they
have been treated with  sprout inhibitors.
Sorting of seed 
potatoes.32. Seed potatoes that do not, during marketing, satisfy the
minimum conditions laid down in Schedule III, may be sorted. Th e
tubers that are not rejected shall then undergo a further offic ial
examination.
Official 
inspections and 
testing.33. The Directorate shall ensure that official inspections and
testing of seeds are carried out. These shall be performed in r elation to
the marketing of seeds of cereals, fodder plants, potatoes andvegetables, at least by random checks to verify compliance with  the
requirements and conditions  of these regulations.
Conservation of 
plant genetic 
resources.
S.L. 433.25.
S.L. 433.27.
S.L. 433.28.34. Specific conditions have been established in the interest
of conserving plant genetic resources that take into account
developments in relation to the conservation in situ  and the sustainable
use of plant genetic resources through growing and marketing of  seed
of landraces and varie ties which are naturally adapted to the l ocal and
regional conditions and threatened by genetic erosion as in See ds of
Agricultural Landraces and Varie ties Regulations, Seeds of Vege table
Landraces and Varieties Regul ations and Fodder Plant Seed
Preservation Mixtures Regulati ons. These conditions include in
particular the following:
(a) landraces and varieties shall be accepted in
accordance with the provisions of these regulations. In the cas e
of agricultural plants, the proc edure of official acceptance sh all
take into account specific quality characteristics andrequirements. In particular, the results of unofficial tests an d
knowledge gained from practical experience during cultivation,reproduction and use and the detailed descriptions of thevarieties and their relevant den ominations shall be taken into
account and, if sufficient, shall result in exemption from therequirement of official examination. Upon acceptance of alandrace or variety, it shall be indicated as a conservationvariety in the Common Catalogues; and
32[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
(b) appropriate quantitative restrictions.
Union grades of 
pre-basic seed potatoes.35. Pre-basic seed potatoes may be marketed as "Union
grades PBTC" and "Union grade PB" in accordance with theconditions set out in Schedule III.
Union grades of 
basic seed 
potatoes.36. (1) Basic seed potatoes may be marketed as "Union
grade S" if they fulfil the following conditions:
(a) the potatoes have been found by official
inspection to fulfil the conditions as set out in point (1)(a) of
Schedule III; and
(b) their lots have been found by official inspection to
fulfil the conditions, as set out  in point (1)(b) of that Sched ule.
(2) Basic seed potatoes may be  marketed as "Union grade
SE" if they fulfil the following conditions:
(a) the potatoes have been found by official
inspection to fulfil the conditions, as set out in point (2)(a)  of
Schedule III; and
(b) their lots have been found by official inspection to
fulfil the conditions, as set out  in point (2)(b) of that Sched ule.
(3) Basic seed potatoes may be  marketed as "Union grade E"
if they fulfil the following conditions:
(a) the potatoes have been found by official
inspection to fulfil the conditions, as set out in point 3(a) o f
Schedule III; and
(b) their lots have been found by official inspection to
fulfil the conditions, as set out  in point (3)(b) of that Sched ule.
Union grades of 
certified seed 
potatoes.37. (1) Certified seed potatoes may be marketed as
"Union grade A" if they ful fil the following conditions:
(a) the potatoes have been found by official
inspection to fulfil the conditions, as set out in point (1)(a)  of
Schedule III; and
(b) their lots have been found by official inspection to
fulfil the conditions, as set out  in point (1)(b) of that Sched ule.
(2) Certified seed potatoes may be marketed as "Union grade
B" if they fulfil the following conditions:
(a) the potatoes have been found by official
inspection to fulfil the conditions, as set out in point (2)(a)  of
Schedule III; and
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 33
(b) their lots have been found by official inspection to
fulfil the conditions, as set out  in point (2)(b) of that Sched ule.
34[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
SCHEDULE I
Lists of genera and species
The following tables list the gene ra and species to which these  regulations apply:
1. Agricultural plants 
I. Cereals Table 1.1:
II. Fodder Plants
Table 1.2:Latin Name Common Name
Avena nuda  L. Small naked oat, Hulless oat
Avena sativa  L. (includes A. byzantina  K.
Koch) Oat and Red oat
Avena strigosa  Schreb. Black oat, Bristle oat
Hordeum vulgare  L. Barley
Phalaris canariensis  L. Canary grass
Secale cereale  L. Rye
Sorghum bicolor  (L.) Moench Sorghum
Sorghum sudanense  (Piper) Stapf Sudan grass
x Triticosecale  Wittm.ex A. Camus Hybrids resulting from the crossing of a
species of the genus Triticum  and a species
of the genus Secale
Triticum aestivum  L. Wheat
Triticum durum  Desf. Durum wheat
Triticum spelta  L. Spelt wheat
Zea mays  L. (partim) except Zea mays
convar. microsperma  Koern. and Zea
mays  convar. saccharata  Koern.Maize (except popcor n and sweet corn)
Sorghum bicolor  ( L . )  M o e n c h  x S.
sudanense (Piper) StapfHybrid resulting from crossing of
Sorghum bicolor  and Sorghum sudanase
Latin Name Common Name
Poaceae (Gramineae)
Agrostis canina  L. Velvet bent 
Agrostis capillaris  L. (ex tenuis )B r o w n  t o p
Agrostis gigantea  Roth. Redtop
Agrostis stolonifera  L. Creeping bent
Cynodon dactylon  (L.) Pers. Bermuda grass
Festuca filiformis  Pourr. Fine-leaved sheep’s fescue
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 35
Festuca ovina  L. Sheep’s fescue
Festuca pratensis  Huds. Meadow fescue
Festuca rubra  L. Red fescue
Festuca trachyphylla  (Hack.) Krajina Hard fescue
Lolium multiflorum  Lam. Italian ryegrass (incl.
Westerworld ryegrass)
Lolium perenne  L. Perennial ryegrass
Poa pratensis  L. Smooth-stalked meadow grass
Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Biserrula pelecinus L. Biserrula 
Galega orientalis Lam. Fodder galega
Hedysarum coronarium  L. Sulla
Lathyrus cicera L. Chickling vetch/Dwarf chickling
vetch 
Medicago doliata Carmign. Straight-spined medic 
Medicago italica (Mill.) Fiori  Disc medic 
Medicago littoralis Rohde ex Loisel.  Shore medic/Strand medic 
Medicago murex Willd.  Sphere medic 
Medicago polymorpha L. Bur medic 
Medicago rugosa Desr.  Wrinkled medic/Gama medic 
Medicago sativa  L. Lucerne
Medicago scutellata (L.) Mill.  Snail medic/Shield medic 
Medicago truncatula Gaertn. Barrel medic 
Ornithopus compressus L. Yellow serradella 
Ornithopus sativus Brot. Serradella 
Pisum sativum  L. (partim) Field pea
Trifolium alexandrinum  L. Berseem, Egyptian clover
Trifolium fragiferum L. Strawberry clover 
Trifolium glanduliferum Boiss. Glandular clover 
Trifolium hirtum All. Rose clover 
Trifolium isthmocarpum Brot. Moroccan clover 
Trifolium michelianum Savi Balansa clover 
Trifolium pratense  L. Red clover
Trifolium squarrosum L. Squarrose clover 
Trifolium subterraneum L. Subterranean clover 
Trifolium vesiculosum Savi Arrow-leaf clover 
Vicia benghalensis L. Purple vetch 
Vicia faba  L. Field bean
Vicia sativa  L. Common vetch
36[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
Other species of fodder plants 
Table 1.3
III. Potatoes 
Table 1.4:
2. Vegetables 
Table 1.5:Latin Name Common Name
Brassica oleracea L. convar. acephala  (DC) Alef.
var. medullosa  Thell. + var varidis  L.Fodder kale
Plantago lanceolata L. Ribwort plantain
Latin Name Common Name
Solanum tuberosum L. Potato
Latin name Common name
Allium cepa L.
- Cepa Group
- Aggregatum GroupOnion
EchalionShallot
Allium fistulosum L. Japanese bunching onion or Welsh onion
Allium porrum L. Leek
Allium sativum L. Garlic
Allium schoenoprasum L. Chives
Anthriscus cerefolium (L.) Hoffm. Chervil
Apium graveolens L. Celery
Celeriac
Asparagus officinalis L. Asparagus
Beta vulgaris L. Beetroot including Cheltenham beet
Spinach beet or Chard
Brassica oleracea L. Curly kale
CauliflowerSprouting broccoli or Calabrese
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 37
Brussels sprouts
Savoy cabbage
White cabbageRed cabbage
Kohlrabi
Brassica rapa L. Chinese cabbage
Turnip
Capsicum annuum L. Chilli or Pepper
Cichorium endivia L. Curled-leaved endive
Plain-leaved endive
Cichorium intybus L. Witloof chicory
Large-leaved chicory or Italian chicoryIndustrial chicory
Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. et
NakaiWatermelon
Cucumis melo L. Melon
Cucumis sativus L. Cucumber
Gherkin
Cucurbita maxima Duchesne Gourd
Cucurbita pepo L. Marrow or Courgette
Cynara cardunculus L. Globe artichoke 
Cardoon
Daucus carota L. Carrot
Fodder carrot
Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Fennel
Lactuca sativa L. Lettuce
Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nyman
ex A. W. HillParsley
Phaseolus coccineus L. Runner bean
Phaseolus vulgaris L. Dwarf French bean
Climbing French bean
Pisum sativum L. (partim) Wrinkled pea
Round peaSugar pea
38[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
Conditions to be satisfied by the crop
1. Agricultural plants
I. Cereals
Basic seed and certified seed o f cereals and their hybrids
1. Varietal identity and varietal purity
The crop shall possess sufficien t varietal identity and purity.
2. Crop health
Harmful organisms that reduce the usefulness of the seeds, in p articular
Ustilaginaceae, shall be present a t the lowest possible level.
3. Previous cropping
The previous cropping of the field shall not have been incompat ible with the
production of seeds of the species and variety of the crop and the field shall be
sufficiently free from such plant s that are volunteers from pre vious cropping.
4. Field and crop inspectionsRaphanus sativus L. Radish
Black radish
Rheum rhabarbarum L. Rhubarb
Scorzonera hispanica L. Scorzonera or Black salsify
Solanum lycopersicum L. Tomato
Solanum melongena L. Aubergine or Egg plant
Spinacia oleracea L. Spinach
Valerianella locusta (L.) Laterr. Corn salad or Lamb’s lettuce
Vicia faba L. (partim) Broad bean
Zea mays L. (partim) Sweet corn 
Popcorn
Amended by:
L.N. 5 of 2019.SCHEDULE II
Regulation 3(2)
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 39
The satisfaction of all the standards or other conditions menti oned in this
Schedule, shall, in the case of basic seed, be examined in offi cial field
inspections and, in the case of certified seed, be examined eit her in official
field inspections or in inspectio ns carried out under official supervision.
These field inspections shall be carried out in accordance with  the following
conditions:
(a) The condition and the stage of development of the crop shall  permit
an adequate examination;
(b) The number of field ins pections shall be at least:
When the crop follows a Sorghum  s p p .  a n d  Zea mays  c r o p  i n  e i t h e r  t h e
preceding year or current year, at least one special field insp ection shall be
carried out to check the satisfaction of the provisions laid do wn in point 3
mentioned previously in this Schedule.
The size, the number and the distribution of the portions of th e field to be
inspected in order to examine the satisfaction of the provision s of this
Schedule, shall be determined in  accordance with appropriate me thods.
A. Basic seed and certified seed
1. Varietal identity and varietal purity
As indicated in point 1 previously , the crop shall possess suff icient varietal
identity and purity. In the case of a crop of an inbred line, s ufficient identity
and purity as regards its chara cteristics must be present.
For the production of seed of hybrid varieties, the above menti oned provisions
shall also apply to the characte ristics of the components, incl uding male
sterility or fertility restoration. In particular, crops of Phalaris canariensis  and
Secale cereale  excluding hybrids, Sorghum  spp. and Zea mays  shall conform
to the following standards or other conditions:
Phalaris canariensis  and Secale cereale  other than hybrids:
The number of plants of the crop species, which are recognizabl e as obviously
not being true to the va riety shall not exceed:
- one per 30m2 for the production of basic seed, and for Avena nuda , Avena sativa , Avena strigosa ,
Hordeum vulgare , Phalaris canariensis , Triticum
aestivum , Triticum durum , Triticum spelta , x
Triticosecale  and Secale cereale :1
 for Sorghum  spp. and Zea mays  during the flowering
season:- open-pollinated varieties 1
- inbred lines or hybrids 3
40[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
- one per 10m2 for the production of certified seed.
Zea mays:(a) The percentage by number of p lants, which are recognisable a s obviously not
being true to the variety, to the inbred line, or to the compon ent shall not
exceed:
(aa) for the produc tion of basic seed:
(i) inbred lines 0.1%(ii) simple hybrids, each component 0.1%
(iii) open-pollinated varieties 0.5%
(bb) for the producti on of certified seed:
(i) components of hybrid varieties
- inbred lines 0.2%
- simple hybrid 0.2%- open-pollinated variety 1.0%
(ii) open-pollinated varieties 1.0%
(b) The following standards or conditions shall be satisfied for  the production of
seed of hybrid varieties:
(aa) sufficient pollen shall be s hed by the plants of the male c omponent
while the plants of the femal e component are in flower;
(bb) where appropriate, emascul ation shall be carried out;
(cc) where 5% or more of the fema le component plants have recept ive
stigmas, the percentage of the f emale component, which have she d
pollen or are shedding po llen, shall not exceed:
- 1% at any official f ield inspection, and
- 2% at the total of the official field inspections.
Plants are considered as having shed pollen or are shedding pol len where, on
5 0 mm  o r  mo r e  o f  t h e  c e n t r a l  a x i s  o r  l a t e r a l s  o f  a  p a n i c l e ,  t h e  anthers have
emerged from their glumes and h ave shed or are shedding pollen.
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 41
Sorghum  spp.:
(a) The percentage by num ber of plants of a Sorghum  spp.  other  than the cr op
species or plants which are recognisable as obviously not being  t r u e  t o  t h e
inbred line or to the component shall not exceed:
(aa) for the production of basic seed:
(i) at flowering 0.1%
(ii) at maturity 0.1%
(bb) for the production of certified seed:
(i) plants of the male component which have shed pollen when the
plants of the female component  have receptive stigmas 0.1%
(ii) plants of the female component
- at flowering 0.3%
- at maturity 0.1%
(b) The following standards or o ther conditions shall be satisfi e d  f o r  t h e
production of certified s eed of hybrid varieties:
(aa) sufficient pollen shall be shed by the plants of the male c omponent
while the plants of the female co mponent have receptive stigmas ;
(bb) where plants of the female component have receptive stigmas , the
percentage of plants of that component which have shed pollen o r are
shedding pollen shall not exceed 0.1%.
(c) Crops of open-pollinated varieties or synthetic varieties of  Sorghum  spp. shall
conform to the following standards:
the number of plants of the crop which are recognisable as obvi ously not being
true to the variety shall not exceed:
- one per 30m2 for the production of basic seed, and
- one per 10m2 for the production of certified seed.
2. Isolation distances
The crop shall conform to the following standards as regards di stances from
neighbouring sources of pollen wh ich may result in undesirable foreign
pollination:
42[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
Table 1.6:
(*) In the areas where the presence of S. halepense  or S. sudanense  is a particular cross-
pollination issue, the following shall apply: 
(a) crops to produce basic seed of Sorghum bicolor  o r  i t s  h y b r i d s  m u s t  b e
isolated not less than 800m from any source of such contaminati ng pollen; 
(b) crops to produce certified seed of Sorghum bicolor  or its hybrids must be
isolated not less than 400m from any source of such contaminati ng pollen.
The minimum distances listed in the table above may be disregar ded if there is
sufficient protection from any undesirable foreign pollination.
These distances can be disregarded if there is sufficient prote ction from any
undesirable foreign pollination.
B. Hybrids of Secale cereale :
1. Varietal identity and varietal purity
The crop shall have sufficient identity and purity as regards t he characteristics
of the components, including male sterility.
In particular, the crop shall conf orm to the following standard s or conditions:
(i) the number of plants of the crop species, which are recognis able as
obviously not being true to the component shall not exceed:
- one per 30m2 for the production of basic seed; and
- one per 10m2 for the production of certified seed (this standard
applies for official field inspections to the female componentonly);
(ii) in the case of basic seed, where male sterility is used, th e level of
sterility of the male-sterile com ponent shall be at least 98%.CropMinimum 
distance
12
Phalaris canariensis,  and Secale cereale  other than hybrids:
- for the production of basic seed 300m- for the production of certified seed 250m
Sorghum  spp.
- for the production of basic seed (*) 400m- for the production of certified seed (*) 200mx Triticosecale , self-pollinating varieties:
- for the production of basic seed 50m
- for the production of certified seed 20mZea mays 200m
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 43
Where appropriate, certified seed  shall be produced in mixed cu ltivation of a
female male-sterile component with a male component which resto res male
fertility.
2. Isolation distances
The crop shall conform to the following standards shown in Tabl e 1.7, as
regards the minimum distances from neighbouring sources of poll en that may
result in undesirable foreign pollination.
Table 1.7:
C. Crops to produce certified seed of hybrids of Avena nuda , Avena sativa , Avena
strigosa , Triticum aestivum , Triticum durum , Triticum spelta  a n d  s e l f -
pollinating xTriticosecale  and crops to produce certified seed of hybrids of
Hordeum vulgare  by means of a technique other than Cytoplasmic Male
Sterility (CMS):
1. Varietal identity and varietal purity
The crop shall have sufficient identity and purity as regards t he characteristics
of the components.
Where seed is produced by use of a chemical hybridisation agent , the crop
shall conform to the followi ng standards or conditions:
(i) the minimum varietal purity  of each component shall be:
- 99.7% for Avena nuda , Avena sativa , Avena strigosa , Hordeum
vulgare , Triticum aestivum , Triticum durum , Triticum spelta ; and
- 99% for self-pollinating x Triticosecale . 
(ii) the minimum hybridity must be 95%. The percentage hybridity  shall be
assessed in accordance with cu rrent international methods, in s o far as
such methods exist. In cases where the hybridity is determined during
seed testing prior to certification, the determination of hybri dity during
field inspection need not be done.
2. Isolation distances
The minimum distance of the female component of the cereal crop  shall be
25m away from any other variety of the same species except from  a crop ofCropMinimum 
distance
12
For the production of basic seed
- where the male sterility is used 1000m- where male sterility is not used 600m
For the production of  certified seed 500m
44[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
the male component. This will prevent undesirable foreign polli nation from
occurring.
With the approval of the Directora te, this distance can be disr egarded if there
is sufficient protection from a ny undesirable foreign pollinati on.
3. Crops to produce basic and certified seed of hybrids of Hordeum vulgare  by
means of the technique of CMS:
(a) The crop shall conform to the following standards as regards  distances from
neighbouring sources of pollen wh ich may result in undesirable foreign
pollination:
(b) The crop shall have sufficient varietal identity and purity as regards the
characteristics of the components.
In particular, the crop shall conf orm to the following standard s:
(i) The percentage by number of plants which are obviously not b eing true
to type shall not exceed:
- for the crops used to produce ba sic seed, 0.1% for the maintai ner
and the restorer line and 0.2% for the CMS female component,and
- for the crops used to produ ce certified seed, 0.3% for the
restorer and the CMS female component and 0.5% in case theCMS female component i s a single hybrid.
(ii) The level of male sterility o f the female component shall b e at least:
- 99.7% for crops used to  produce basic seed, and
- 99.5% for crops used to  produce certified seed.
(iii) The requirements of points (i) and (ii) shall be examined in official
post-control test.
(c) Certified seed may be produced in mixed cultivation of femal e male-sterile
component with a male compone nt which restores fertility.Crop Minimum distance
12
For the production of basic seed 100m
For the production of  certified seed 50m
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 45
II. Fodder Plants
Basic seed, certified seed, certif ied seed of the first and sec ond generations
1. Varietal identity and varietal purity
The crop shall have sufficient varietal identity and purity. In  particular, crops
other than those of the species Pisum sativum , Vicia faba , Brassica oleracea
convar. acephala  or Poa pratensis  shall conform to the following standards:
the number of plants of the crop species which are recognisable  as obviously
not being true to the va riety shall not exceed:
- one per 30m2 for the production of basic seed; and
- one per 10m2 for the production of certified seed.
In the case of Poa pratensis , the number of plants of the crop species which
are recognisable as obv iously not being true to the variety sha ll not exceed:
- one per 20m2 for the production of basic seed; and
- four per 10m2 for the production of certified seed.
However, in the case of varieties which are officially classifi ed as apomictic
uniclonal varieties under agreed procedures, a number of plants  recognisable
as not being true to the variety, which does not exceed six per  10m2, may be
regarded as satisfying the before  mentioned standards for the p roduction of
certified seed.
Seeds of other plant species which are difficult to distinguish  from the crop
seeds in a laboratory test  shall be at a low level.
In particular, the number of plants of Lolium  species other than the crop
species shall not exceed:
- one per 50m2 for the production of basic seed; and
- one per 10m2 for the production of certified seed.
2. Crop health
Harmful organisms that reduce th e usefulness of the seed shall be present at
the lowest possible level.
3. Previous cropping and contamination
The previous cropping of the field shall have not been incompat ible with the
production of seeds of the specie s and variety of the crop, and  the field shall
be sufficiently free from such plants that are volunteers from previous
cropping.
46[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
4. Field and crop inspections
The satisfaction of the standard s or other conditions mentioned  in this
Schedule shall, in the case of basic seed, be examined in offic ial field
inspections and, in the case of ce rtified seed, be examined eit her in official
field inspections or in inspectio ns carried out under official supervision.
These field inspections shall be carried out in accordance with  the following
conditions:
 The cultural condition of the field and the stage of
development and condition of the crop shall permit anadequate examination; and
 There shall be at least one field inspection.
The size, the number and the distribution of the portions of th e field to be
inspected in order to examine th e satisfaction of the provision s of this
Schedule, shall be determined in accordance with appropriate me thods.
5. Isolation distances
The crop shall conform to the following standards shown in Tabl e 1.8 as
regards distances from neighbouring sources of pollen which may  result in
undesirable foreign pollination.
Table 1.8:
With the approval of the Directorate, these distances can be di sregarded if
there is adequate protecti on against undesirable pollen.Crop Minimum distance
12
Brassica  spp.
- for the production of basic seed
- for the production of certified seed400m
200m
Species or varieties other than Brassica  spp., Pisum
sativum  and varieties of Poa pratensis  referred to in the second
part of the third sentence of point 1 regarding varietal identi ty and
purity
- for the production of seed intended for
multiplication, fields up to two hectares
- for the production of seed intended for
multiplication, fields over two hectares
- for the production of seed intended for the
production of fodder plants, fields up to twohectares
- for the production of seed intended for the
production of fodder plants, fields over twohectares200m
100m
100m
50m
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 47
III. Seed Potatoes
Pre-basic seed potatoesMinimum conditions for p re-basic seed potatoes
1. Pre-basic seed potatoes sha ll satisfy the following minimum c onditions:
(a) they derive from mother plants which are free from the follo wing
harmful organisms: Pectobacterium  s p p . ,  Dickeya  spp., Potato leaf
roll virus, Potato virus A, Potato virus M, Potato virus S, Pot ato virus
X, and Potato virus Y;
(b) they are free from symptoms of blackleg;
(c) the number of growing plants not breeding true to the variet y and the
number of plants of a different variety together shall not exce ed
0.01%;
(d) in the direct progeny, the number of plants showing symptoms  o f
virus infection shall not exceed 0.5%;
(e) the number of growing plants with mosaic symptoms or symptom s
caused by leaf roll viru s shall not exceed 0.1%;
(f) the maximum number of field generations shall be four.
2. Compliance with the requirement s of paragraph 1(b),(c) and (e ) shall be
established through official field  inspections. In case of doub t, those
inspections shall be s upplemented by official tests on leaves.
Where methods of micro-propagati on are used, compliance with po int 1(a)
shall be established by official testing or testing under offic ial supervision, of
the mother plant.
Where methods of clonal selecti on are used, compliance with poi nt 1(a) shall
be established by official testing or testing under official su pervision, of the
clonal stock.
Basic and certifie d seed potatoes
Minimum conditions to be satisfied  by basic and certified seed potatoes
1. Basic seed potatoes shall satisfy the following minimum condi tions:
(a) on official inspection of the growing plants, the number aff ected by
blackleg shall not exceed 1.0%;
(b) the number of growing plants not breeding true to the variet y and the
number of plants of a different variety shall, together, not ex ceed
0.1% and in the direct progeny, s hall, together, not exceed 0.2 5%;
(c) in the direct progeny the number of plants with symptoms of virus
48[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
infection shall not exceed 4.0%;
(d) on official inspections of the growing plants, the number of  p l a n t s
with mosaic symptoms and the number of plants with symptomscaused by leaf roll virus shal l, together, not  exceed 0.8%.
2. Certified seed potatoes shall satisfy the following minimum c onditions:
(a) on official inspection of the growing plants, the number aff ected by
blackleg shall not exceed 4.0%;
(b) the number of plants not breeding true to the variety and th e number
of plants of a different variety, shall, together, not exceed 0 .5% and in
the direct progeny, shall , together, not exceed 0.5%;
(c) in the direct progeny the numbe r of plants with symptoms of virus
infection shall not exceed 10.0%;
(d) on official inspections of the growing plants, the number of  p l a n t s
with mosaic symptoms and the number of plants with symptomscaused by leaf roll virus shal l, together, not  exceed 6.0%.
3. The tolerances allowed under pa ragraphs 1(c) and (d), and par agraph 2(c) and
(d) shall only be applicable where the viral diseases are cause d by viruses that
are prevalent in Europe.
4. The maximum number of generations of basic potatoes shall be four and the
combined generations of pre-basic potatoes in the field and bas ic potatoes
shall be seven.
The maximum number of generations  of certified seed potatoes sh all be two.
If the generation is not indicated on the official label, the p otatoes concerned
shall be considered as belonging to the maximum generation that  is permitted
within the respective category.
2. Vegetables
Basic and certified seed
Varietal identity and varietal purityThe crop shall possess adequate v arietal identity and varietal purity.
Crop health
Harmful organisms and diseases t hat reduce the usefulness of th e seeds shall
be present at the lo west possible level.
Previous cropping and contaminationThe crop may be grown only on land that has not previously been  cropped in a
manner that might adversely affect the nature or quality of the  s e e d  t o  b e
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 49
produced. The field shall be sufficiently free from such plants  t h a t  a r e
volunteers from previous cropping.
Field and crop inspectionsIn the case of basic seed, at le ast one official field inspecti on shall be carried
out. For certified seed, at least one field inspection shall be  c a r r i e d  o u t ,
officially controlled by means of check inspection of at least 20% of the crop
of each species. 
The cultural condition of the field and the stage of developmen t of the crop
shall be such as to permit suitable checks of varietal identity  and purity and
health status of the crop.
Isolated distancesThe minimum distances from neighbouring plants which might resu lt in
undesirable foreign pollinati on shall be the following:
(a) Beta vulgaris  
(i) From any pollen sources of the genus Beta  not included in sub-
paragraphs (ii) or (iii) 1000m
(ii) From pollen sources of vari eties of the same subspecies
belonging to a different group of varieties:
- crops to produce basic seed
1000m
- crops to produce certified seed 
600m
(iii) From pollen sources of varieties of the same subspecies
belonging to the same group of varieties:
- crops to produce basic seed 
600m
- crops to produce certified seed
300m
The groups of varieties referred to in points (ii) and (iii) sh all be determined
by the Directorate.
(b) Brassica  species 
(i) From sources of foreign pollen liable to cause serious
deterioration of varieties of Brassica  species:
- crops to produce basic seed 
1000m
50[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
- crops to produce certified seed 
600m
(ii) From other sources of foreign pollen liable to cross with varieties of
  Brassica  species:
- crops to produce basic seed
500m
- crops to produce certified seed 
300m
(c) Industrial chicory
(i) From other species of the s ame genera or subspecies  1000m
(ii) From another variety of industrial chicory:
- crops to produce basic seed 
600m
- crops to produce certified seed 
300m
(d) Other species
(i) From sources of foreign pollen liable to cause serious
deterioration of  varieties of other species as a result of cro ss-
fertilisation:
- crops to produce basic seed 
500m
- crops to produce certified seed 
300m
(ii) From other sources of foreign pollen liable to cross with
varieties of  other species as  a result of cross-fertilisation:
- crops to produce basic seed 
300m
- crops to produce certified seed 
100m
With the approval of the Directorate, these distances can be di sregarded if
there is adequate protection fro m any undesirable, foreign poll ination.
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 51
SCHEDULE III
Conditions to be satisfied by the seeds
1. Agricultural plants 
I. Cereals 
Basic seed, certified seed and certified seed of the first and second generations
1. Varietal identity and varietal purity 
The seeds shall have sufficient varietal identity and varietal purity or, in the
case of seeds of an inbred line, sufficient identity and purity  as regards its
characteristics. For seeds of hybrid varieties, the above menti oned provisions
shall also apply to the charac teristics of the components.
In particular, seeds of the species listed below shall conform to the following
standards or other conditions:
A. Avena nuda, Avena sativa, Avena strigosa, Hordeum vulgare, Triticum
aestivum, Triticum durum  and Triticum spelta , other than hybrids in each case
(Table 1.9): 
Table 1.9:
The minimum varietal purity shall be examined mainly in field i nspections
carried out in accordance with the conditions laid down in Sche dule II Section
I. 
B. Self-pollinating varieties of x Triticosecale other than hybrids (Table 1.10):
Table 1.10:Category Minimum varietal purity (%)
12
Basic seed
Certified seed, 1st generation
Certified seed, 2nd generation99.9
99.7
99.0
Category Minimum varietal purity (%)
12
Basic seed
Certified seed, 1st generation
Certified seed, 2nd generation99.7
99.0
98.0
52[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
The minimum varietal purity shall be examined mainly in field i nspections
carried out in accordance with the conditions laid down in Sche dule II Section
I. 
C. Hybrids of Avena nuda, Avena sativa, Avena strigosa, Hordeum vulgare,
Triticum aestivum, Triticum durum, Triticum spelta  and self-pollinating x
Triticosecale :
The minimum varietal purity of the seed of the category certifi ed seed shall be
90%.
In case of Hordeum vulgare  p r o d u c e d  b y  m e a n s  o f  C y t o p l a s m i c  M a l e
Sterility (CMS), it shall be 85%. Impurities other than the res torer shall not
exceed 2%.
The minimum varietal purity shall be examined in official post- control test on
an appropriate proportion of samples.
D. Sorghum  spp. and Zea mays : 
Where for the production of certified seed of hybrid varieties,  a female male-
sterile component and a male component which does not restore m ale fertility
have been used, the see d shall be produced: 
(a) either by blending seed lots in a proportion appropriate to the variety
where, on one hand, a female male-sterile component has been us ed
and, on the other, a female male -fertile component has been use d, or
(b) by growing the female male-sterile component and the female male-
fertile component in a proportion appropriate to the variety. T he
proportion of these components shall be examined in field inspe ctions
carried out in accordance with the conditions laid down in Sche dule
II. 
E. Hybrids of Secale cereale  and CMS-hybrids of Hordeum vulgare : 
Seeds shall not be certified as certified seed unless due accou nt has been taken
of the results of an official post-control test, on samples of basic seed taken
officially and carried out during the growing season of the see d entered for
certification as certified seed, to ascertain whether the basic  seed met the
requirements for basic seed laid down in these regulations in r espect of
identity and purity as regards th e characters of the components  including male
sterility. 
2. Seed health 
Harmful organisms which reduce th e usefulness of the seed shall  be at the
lowest possible level. In particular, the seeds shall conform t o the following
standards in respect of Claviceps purpurea  (maximum number of sclerotia or
fragments of sclerotia in a sample  of the weight classified in column 3 of
Table 1.17 of Schedule IV Section I). 
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 53
Table 1.11:
where (a) = the presence of five sclerotia or fragments of sclerotia in  a sample
of the prescribed weight shall be deemed to be in conformity wi th the
standards where a second sample of the same weight contains not  more than
four sclerotia or fragments of sclerotia.
3. Standards or other conditio ns to be met by the seeds 
The seeds shall conform to the following standards or other con ditions with
regards to germination, analytical purity and content of seeds of other plant
species, as shown in Table 1.12:
Table 1.12:Category Claviceps purpurea
12
Cereals other than hybrids of Secale cereale
- basic seed
- certified seed 1
3
Hybrids of Secale cereale
- basic seed
- certified seed1
4(a)
Species and 
categoryMinimu
m 
germina
tion (% 
of pure 
seed)Minimu
m 
analytical 
purity
(% by 
weight)Maximum content by numb er of seeds of other plant 
species in a sample of the weight specified in column 4 
of Table 1.16 of Schedul e IV (total per column)
Other 
plant 
species
(a)Other 
cereal 
speciesPlant 
species 
other 
than 
cerealsAvena 
fatua , 
Avena 
sterilis  & 
Lolium 
temulentu
mRaphanus 
raphanistru
m & 
Agrostemma 
githago
1 234 5 6 7 8
Avena sativa,
Avena strigosa
Hordeumvulgare
Triticum
aestivum
Triticum durum
Triticum spelta.
- basic seed 85 99 4 1 (b) 3 0 (c) 1
- certified seed
1st and 2nd
generations85 (d) 98 10 7 7 0 (c) 3
Avena nuda
- basic seed 75 99 4 1 (b) 3 0 (c) 1
54[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
where (reference to Table 1.12) 
(a) refers to the maximum content of seeds laid down in column 4  w h i c h
includes also seeds of the sp ecies in columns 5 to 8; 
(b) states that a second seed shall not be regarded as an impuri ty if a second
sample of the same weight is free from any seeds of other cerea l species; 
(c) states that the presence of one seed of Avena fatua, Avena sterilis , or
Lolium temulentum  in a sample of the prescribed weight shall not be
regarded as an impurity where a second sample of the same weigh t is free
from any seeds of these species; 
(d) is the required minimum germination capacity, which is reduc ed to 75%
of pure seed in the case of Hordeum vulgare (naked barley). The official
label shall include the  words "Minimum germination capacity 75% ". 
II. Fodder Plants 
Basic seed, certified seed, certif ied seed of the first and sec ond generations
and commercial seed 
1. Varietal identity and varietal purity 
The seeds shall possess adequat e varietal identity and purity. 
2. Seed health 
Harmful organisms that reduce the usefulness of the seed shall be present at
the lowest possible level. 
A. Basic seed - certified seed
1st and 2nd
generations75 (d) 98 10 7 7 0 (c) 3
Phalaris
canariensis
- basic seed 75 98 4 1 (b) - 0 (c) -
- certified seed 75 98 10 5 - 0 (c) -
Secale cereale- basic seed 85 98 4 1 (b) 3 0 (c) 1
- certified seed 85 98 10 7 7 0 (c) 3
Sorghum  spp. 80 98 0 - - - -
x Triticosecale- basic seed 80 98 4 1 (b) 3 0 (c) 1
- certified seed
1st and 2nd
generations80 (d) 98 10 7 7 0 (c) 3
Zea mays 90 98 0 - - - -
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 55
1. Varietal identity and varietal purity 
The minimum varietal purity of seeds of Pisum sativum, Brassica oleracea
convar. acephala, Vicia faba  and of varieties of Poa pratensis referred to in
the second part of the third sentence of point 1 of Schedule II  Section II
(Fodder plants), s hall be 99.7%. 
In the case of Trifolium subterraneum  and Medicago  spp. except M. sativa , the
minimum varietal purit y of seeds shall be: 
99.5% for the produc tion of basic seed;
98% for the production of certifie d seed for further multiplica tion; and 
95% for the production of certified seed.
The minimum varietal purity shall be examined mainly in field i nspections
carried out in accordance with the conditions laid down in Sche dule II Section
II. 
2. Standards or other conditio ns to be met by the seed 
The seeds shall satisfy the stand ards or other conditions set o ut in Table 1.13: 
Table 1.13:
Species Maximum content of seeds of other plant species Other 
standards 
or 
conditionsContent by number in a sampl e of the weight specified 
in column 4 of Table 1.18 of Schedule IV Section II
(total per column)
Total 
(% by 
weight)A single 
speciesRumex  
spp. other 
than 
Rumex  
acetosella  
& Rumex  
maritimus Elytrigia 
repensAlopecurus 
myosuroide
sMelilotus  
spp.
12 3 4 5 67 8
Poaceae (Gramineae)
Agrostis
canina0.3 20 1 1 1 (f)
Agrostis
capillaris0.3 20 1 1 1 (f)
Agrostis
gigantea0.3 20 1 1 1 (f)
Agrostis
stolonifera0.3 20 1 1 1 (f)
Cynodon
dactylon0.3 20(a) 1 1 1 (f)
Festuca
filiformis0.3 20(a) 2 5 5 (f)
56[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
Festuca
ovina0.3 20(a) 2 5 5 (f)
Festuca
pratensis0.3 20(a) 2 5 5 (f)
Festuca
rubra0.3 20(a) 2 5 5 (f)
Festuca
trachyphylla0.3 20(a) 2 5 5 (f)
Lolium
multiflorum0.3 20(a) 2 5 5 (f)
Lolium
perenne0.3 20(a) 2 5 5 (f)
Poa pratensis 0.3 20(b) 1 1 1 (e) (f)
Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Biserrula
pelecinus0.3 20 5
Galega
orientalis0.3 20 2 0(d) (f)
Hedysarum
coronarium0.3 20 2 0(d) (f)
Lathyrus
cicera0.3 20 5 - - 0(c)
Medicago
doliata0.3 20 5 - - 0(d)
Medicago
italica0.3 20 5 - - 0(d)
Medicago
littoralis0.3 20 5 - - 0(d)
Medicago
murex0.3 20 5 - - 0(d)
Medicago
polymorpha0.3 20 5 - - -
Medicago
rugosa0.3 20 5 - - -
Medicago
sativa0.3 20 3 0(d) (f)
Medicago
scutellata0.3 20 5
Medicago
truncatula0.3 20 5
Ornithopus
compressus0.3 20 5
Ornithopus
sativus 0.3 20 5
Pisum
sativum0.3 20 2 0(c)
Trifolium
alexandrinum0.3 20 3 0(d) (f)
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 57
where (reference to Table 1.13) 
(a) a maximum total of 80 seeds of Poa spp. shall not be regarded as an
impurity; 
(b) refers to the condition laid down in column 3 which is not a pplicable to
the seeds of Poa spp.. The maximum total content of seeds of Poa spp.
other than the species to be e xamined shall not exceed one in a  sample of
500 seeds; 
(c) states that the determination of seeds of Melilotus  spp. by number need
not be carried out unless there is doubt whether the conditions  laid down
in column 7 have been satisfied; 
(d) states that the presence of one seed of Melilotus spp. in a sample of the
prescribed weight, shall not be regarded as an impurity where a  second
sample of twice the prescribed w eight is free from any seeds of  Melilotus
spp.; Trifolium
fragiferum 0.3 20 5
Trifolium
glanduliferum 0.3 20 5
Trifolium
hirtum0.3 20 5
Trifolium
isthmocarpu
m0.3 20 5 - - - (f)
Trifolium
michelianum0.3 20 5 - - - -
Trifolium
pratense0.3 20 5 0(d) (f)
Trifolium
squarrosum0.3 20 5 - - - -
Trifolium
subterraneum0.3 20 5 - - - (f)
Trifolium
vesiculosum 0.3 20 5 - - - (f)
Vicia
benghalensis0.3 20 5 - - 0(c) -
Vicia faba 0.3 20 2 0(c)
Vicia sativa 0.3 20 2 0(c) (g)
Other species
Brassica
oleraceaconvar .
acephala0.3 20 3 (f)
Plantago
lanceolata0.3 20 3
58[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
(e) states that the condition (c) laid down in Table 1.14 of thi s Schedule is not
applicable; 
(f) states that the conditions (e) and (g) laid down in Table 1. 15 of this
Schedule are not applicable; 
(g) states that the condition (i) laid down in Table 1.14 of thi s Schedule is not
applicable. 
B. Certified seed 
The seeds shall have sufficient varietal identity and purity. I n particular, the
seeds of the species listed belo w shall conform to the followin g standards or
other conditions. 
The minimum varietal purity shall be:
 Poa pratensis varieties referred to in the second part of the third
sentence of point 1 of Schedule II and Brassica oleracea  convar.
acephala98%
 Pisum sativum  and Vicia faba  
- certified seed, first generation
99%
- certified seed, second a nd subsequent generations
98% 
The minimum varietal purity shall be examined mainly in field i nspections
carried out in accordance with the conditions laid down in Sche dule II Section
II. 
2. Standards or other conditi ons to be met by the seeds 
The seeds shall conform to the following standards or other con ditions as
regards germination, analytical purity and content of seeds of other plant
species, as shown in T ables 1.14 and 1.15:
Table 1.14:
SpeciesGermin-
ationAnalytica
l purity
Minimu
m 
germina
tion (% 
of pure 
seed)Maximu
m content 
of hard 
seed (% 
of pure 
seed)Minimu
m 
analytic
al purity 
(% by 
weight)Maximum content of seeds of other plant 
species
(% of weight)
TotalA single 
speciesElytrigia 
repensRaphanu
s 
raphanist
rumSinapis 
arvensis
1 234 5 6 7 8 9
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 59
Poaceae (Gramineae)
Agrostis
canina75(a) 90 2.0 1.0 0.3
Agrostis
capillaris75(a) 90 2.0 1.0 0.3
Agrostis
gigantea80(a) 90 2.0 1.0 0.3
Agrostis
stolonifera75(a) 90 2.0 1.0 0.3
Cynodon
dactylon70(a) 90 2.0 1.0 0.3
Festuca
filiformis75(a) 85 2.0 1.0 0.5
Festuca ovina 75(a) 85 2.0 1.0 0.5
Festuca
pratensis80(a) 95 1.5 1.0 0.5
Festuca rubra 75(a) 90 1.5 1.0 0.5
Festuca
trachyphylla75(a) 85 2.0 1.0 0.5
Lolium
multiflorum7 (a) 96 1.5 1.0 0.5
Lolium
perenne80(a) 96 1.5 1.0 0.5
Poa pratensis 75(a) 85 2.0 (c) 1.0 (c) 0.3
Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Biserrula
pelecinus70 98 0.5
Galega
orientalis60 (a) (b) 40 97 2.0 1.5 0 0
Hedysarum
coronarium75 (a) (b) 30 95 2.5 1.0
Lathyrus
cicera 80 95 1 0.5
Medicago
doliata70 98 2
Medicago
italica70(b) 20 98 2
Medicago
littoralis 70 98 2
Medicago
murex 70(b) 30 98 2
Medicago
polymorpha 70(b) 30 98 2
Medicago
rugosa 70(b) 20 98 2
Medicago
sativa80 (a) (b) 40 97 1.5 1.0
60[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
Medicago
scutellata 70 98 2
Medicago
truncatula70 (b) 20 98 2
Ornithopus
compressus75 90 1
Ornithopus
sativus 75 90 1
Pisum
sativum80 (a) 98 0.5 0.3
Trifolium
alexandrinum80 (a) (b) 20 97 1.5 1.0
Trifolium
fragiferum70 98 1
Trifolium
glanduliferum70 (b) 30 98 1
Trifolium
hirtum70 98 1
Trifolium
isthmocar-pum 70 98 1
Trifolium
michelianum75 (b) 30 98 1
Trifolium
pratense80 (a) (b) 20 97 1.5 1.0
Trifolium
squarrosum75 (b) 20 97 1.5
Trifolium
subterraneum80 (b) 40 97 0.5
Trifolium
vesiculosum70 98 1
Vicia
benghalensis80 (b) 20 97 (i) 1
Vicia faba 80 (a) (b) 5 98 0.5 0.3
Vicia sativa 85 (a) (b) 20 98 1.0 (i) 0.5 (i)
Other species
Brassica
oleracea
convar .
acephala
(acephala var.
medullosa +
var. viridis) 75 (a) 98 1.0 0.5 0.3
Plantago
lanceolata75 85 1.5
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 61
Table 1.15:
Species Analytical 
purityMaximum 
content of 
seed of other 
plant species 
in a sample of 
the weight 
specified in 
column 4 of 
Table 1.18 of 
Schedule IV
(total per 
column)
Maximum content of seeds of 
other plant species 
(% by weight) Avena fatua & 
Avena sterilisCuscuta  spp.Rumex  spp. 
other than 
Rumex 
acetosella  & 
Rumex 
maritimusAlopecurus 
myosuroidesMelilotus  spp.
1 1 01 11 21 31 4
Poaceae (Gramineae)
Agrostis
canina0.3 0 0 (d) (e) 2 (h)
Agrostis
capillaris0.3 0 0 (d) (e) 2 (h)
Agrostis
gigantea0.3 0 0 (d) (e) 2 (h)
Agrostis
stolonifera0.3 0 0 (d) (e) 2 (h)
Cynodon
dactylon0.3 0 0 (d) (e) 2
Festuca
filiformis0.3 0 0 (d) (e) 5 (h)
Festuca ovina 0.3 0 0 (d) (e) 5 (h)
Festuca
pratensis0.3 0 0 (d) (e) 5 (h)
Festuca rubra 0.3 0 0 (d) (e) 5 (h)
Festuca
trachyphylla0.3 0 0 (d) (e) 5 (h)
Lolium
multiflorum0.3 0 0 (d) (e) 5 (h)
Lolium
perenne0.3 0 0 (d) (e) 5 (h)
Poa pratensis 0.3 0 0 (d) (e) 2 (h)
Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Biserrula
pelecinus 0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 10
62[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
Galega
orientalis0.3 0 0 (f) (g) 10 (i)
Hedysarum
coronarium0.3 0 0 (e) 5
Lathyrus
cicera0.3 0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 20
Medicago
doliata0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 10
Medicago
italica0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 10
Medicago
littoralis0 (j) 0 (d )(e) 10
Medicago
murex 0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 10
Medicago
polmorpha0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 10
Medicago
rugosa0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 10
Medicago
sativa0.3 0 0 (f) (g) 10
Medicago
scutellata0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 10
Medicago
truncatula0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 10
Ornithopus
compressus0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 10
Ornithopus
sativus0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 10
Pisum sativum 0.3 0 0 (d) 5 (h)
Trifolium
alexandrinum0.3 0 0 (f) (g) 10
Trifolium
fragiferum0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 10
Trifolium
glanduliferum0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 10
Trifolium
hirtum0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 10
Trifolium
isthmocarpum0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 10
Trifolium
michelianum0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 10
Trifolium
pratense0.3 0 0 (f) (g) 10
Trifolium
squarrosum0.3 0 0 (f) (g) 10
Trifolium
subterraneum 0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 10
Trifolium
vesiculosum0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 10
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 63
where (reference to T ables 1.14 and 1.15) 
(a) states that all fresh and healthy seeds which do not germina te after
pre-treatment shall be regarded as seeds which have germinated;  
(b) refers to hard seeds present which shall be regarded as seed  capable of
germination up to the maximum quantity indicated; 
(c) states that a maximum total of 0.8% by weight of seeds of ot her Poa
species shall not be re garded as an impurity; 
(d) refers to the determination of seeds of Cuscuta  spp. by number that
need not be carried out unless there is doubt whether the condi tions
laid down in column 13 have been satisfied; 
(e) states that 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 seed of Cuscuta  spp.; 
(f) refers to the weight of the sample for the determination of seeds of
Cuscuta spp. by number which shall be twice the weight specified in
column 4 of Table 1.18 of Schedu le IV for the relevant species;  
(g) states that the presence of one seed of Cuscuta  spp. in a sample of the
prescribed weight, shall not be regarded as an impurity where asecond sample of twice the prescribed weigh t is free from any s eed of
Cuscuta  spp.; 
(h) states that the determination of seeds of Rumex  spp. other than Rumex
maritimus  by number need not be carried out unless there is doubt
whether the conditions laid down in column 14 have been satisfi ed; 
(i) states that the maximum total of 0.5% by weight of seeds of Lupinus
albus, Lupinus angustifolius, Lupinus luteus, Pisum sativum, Viciafaba and Vicia  spp. in another relevant species shall not be regarded as
an impurity; Vicia
benghalensis0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 10
Vicia faba 0.3 0 0 (d) 5 (h)
Vicia sativa 0.3 0 (j) 0 (d) 5 (h)
Other species
Brassica
oleracea
convar .
acephala(acephala var.
medullosa +
var. viridis )0 0 (d) (e) 10
Plantago
lanceolata0 (j) 0 (d) (e) 10
64[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
(j) states that the determination of seeds of Avena fatua  and Avena sterilis
by number need not be carried out unless there is doubt whether  the
conditions laid down in column 12 of Table 1.15 have been satis fied. 
C. Commercial Seed 
Subject to the provisions below, the conditions laid down in Ta bles 1.14 and
1.15 and point 2 (regarding harmful organisms affecting all see d categories as
described in Section II of this Schedule) shall apply to commer cial seed:
 The percentages by weight laid down in columns 5 and 6 of Table
1.14 of this Schedule are increased by 1%.
 For Poa pratensis , a maximum total of 3% by weight of seeds of
other Poa species  shall not be regarded as an impurity;
 For Hedysarum coronarium , a maximum total of 1% by weight of
seeds of Melilotus  spp. shall not be rega rded as an impurity;
 In Vicia  spp., a maximum total of 6% by weight of seeds of Vicia
pannonica , Vicia villosa, Vicia benghalensis  or related cultivated
species in another relevant species shall not be regarded as animpurity. 
 In Vicia sativa  a n d  Vicia benghalensis  t h e  m i n i m u m  a n a l y t i c a l
purity shall be 97% by weight.
For Lathyrus cicera , the minimum analytical purity shall be 90% by the
weight. A maximum total of 5% by weight of seeds of similar cul tivated
species shall not be re garded as an impurity.
III. Seed Potatoes
Pre-basic seed potatoesMinimum conditions for lots of pre-basic seed potatoes
Pre-basic seed potatoes shall sa tisfy the following minimum con ditions:
(a) presence of earth and extraneous matter shall not exceed 1.0 % by
mass;
(b) the number of potatoes affected by rots, other than ring rot  or brown
rot, shall not be present in a quantity exceeding 0.2% by mass;
(c) the number of potatoes with external blemishes, including mi sshapen
or damaged tubers, shall not exceed 3.0% by mass;
(d) the number of potatoes affected by common scab over more tha n one
third of their surface, sh all not exceed 5.0% by mass;
(e) the number of potatoes affected by black scurf over more tha n 10.0%
of their surface, shall not  exceed 1.0% by mass;
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 65
(f) the number of potatoes affected by powdery scab over more th an
10.0% of their surface, sha ll not exceed 1.0% by mass;
(g) shrivelled tubers due to excessive dehydration or dehydratio n caused
by silver scurf, shall not  exceed 0.5% by mass;
(h) the total number of potatoes, as referred to in paragraphs ( b) to (g)
shall not exceed 6.0% by mass. 
Basic and certified seed
Minimum quality conditions for lot s of basic and certified seed  potatoes
The tolerances allowed for the following impurities, blemishes and diseases
allowed for seed potat oes are the following:
(a) presence of earth and extraneous matter: 1.0% by mass for ba sic seed
potatoes and 2.0% by mass f or certified seed potatoes;
(b) dry and wet rot combined, except if caused by Synchytrium
endobioticum, Clavibacter michiganensis  s u b s p .  sepedonicus  o r
Ralstonia solanacearum : 0.5% by mass of which wet rot 0.2% by
mass;
(c) external blemishes, e.g. missh apen or damaged tubers: 3.0% b y mass;
(d) common scab affecting tubers over more than one third of the ir
surface: 5.0% by mass;
(e) black scurf affecting tubers over more than 10.0% of their s urface:
5.0% by mass;
(f) powdery scab affecting tubers over more than 10.0% of their surface:
3.0% by mass;
(g) shrivelled tubers due to excessive dehydration or dehydratio n caused
by silver scurf: 1.0% by mass.
Total tolerance for paragraphs ( b) to (g): 6.0% by mass for bas ic seed potatoes
and 8.0% by mass for c ertified seed potatoes.
Conditions for placing on the market of pre-basic seed potatoes  as "Union
grades PBTC and PB"  
1. The conditions for pre-basic s eed potatoes of "Union grade PB TC" shall be as
follows:
(a) Conditions concerning seed potatoes:
(i) plants not breeding true to the variety, or plants of a diff erent
variety, shall not be p resent in the crop;
(ii) plants affected by blackleg  shall not be present in the cro p;
66[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
(iii) in the direct progeny, virus infection shall not be presen t in the
crop;
(iv) plants with mosaic symptoms or symptoms caused by leaf roll
virus shall not be present in the crop;
(v) the plants, including tubers, are produced through micro-
propagation;
(vi) the plants, including tubers, are produced in a protected f acility
and in a growing medium whic h is free from pests; and
(vii) tubers shall not be multiplie d beyond the first generation .
(b) Lots shall be free from seed potatoes falling under any of t he
following points:
(i) they are affected by rots;
(ii) they are affected by black scurf;(iii) they are affected by common scab;
(iv) they are affected by powdery scab;
(v) they have become excessively shrivelled due to dehydration;
and
(vi) they have external blemishes, including misshapen or damage d
tubers.
2. The conditions for pre-basic seed potatoes of "Union grade PB " shall be as
follows:
(a) Conditions concer ning seed potatoes:
(i) the number of plants not breeding true to the variety and th e
number of plants of a different variety together, shall not exc eed
0.01%;
(ii) plants shall be free fro m symptoms of blackleg;
(iii) the number of growing plants with mosaic symptoms or
symptoms caused by leaf roll vi rus shall not exceed 0.1%; and
(iv) in the direct progeny, the number of plants with symptoms
caused by any virus, s hall not exceed 0.5%.
(b) Tolerances applicable to lots, as regards the following impu rities, blemishes
and diseases:
(i) seed potatoes affected by rots, other than ring rot or brown  rot,
shall not exceed 0.2% by mass;
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 67
(ii) seed potatoes affected by black scurf over more than 10.0% of
their surface, shall not e xceed 1.0% by mass;
(iii) seed potatoes affected by common scab over more than one t hird
of their surface, shall not exceed 5.0% by mass;
(iv) seed potatoes affected by po wdery scab over more than 10.0%
of their surface, shall not exceed 1.0% by mass;
(v) shrivelled tubers due to excessive dehydration or dehydratio n
caused by silver scurf, shall not exceed 0.5% by mass;
(vi) seed potatoes with external blemishes, including misshapen or
damaged tubers, shall no t exceed 3.0% by mass;
(vii) the presence of earth and extraneous matter shall not exce ed
1.0% by mass; and
(viii)  the total percentage of seed potatoes covered by toleran ces, as
referred to in points (i) to (vi ), shall not exceed 6.0% by mas s.
Conditions for placing on the ma rket of basic seed potatoes as "Union
grades S, SE and E"
1. The conditions for basic seed potatoes of "Union grade S" sha ll be as follows:
(a) Conditions concerning seed potatoes:
(i) the number of plants not breeding true to the variety and th e
number of plants of a different variety shall, together, not ex ceed
0.1%;
(ii) the number of growing plants affected by blackleg shall not
exceed 0.1%;
(iii) in the direct progeny, the number of plants with symptoms of
virus infection shall not exceed 1.0%;
(iv) the number of growing plants with mosaic symptoms and the
number of plants with symptoms caused by leaf roll virus shall,together, not exceed 0.2%;
(v) the number of generations, including pre-basic in the field and
basic generations, shall be  restricted to five; and
(vi) if the generation is not indicated on the official label, t he
potatoes concerned shall be considered as belonging to the fift h
generation.
(b) Tolerances applicable to lots ,  a s  r e g a r d s  t h e  f o l l o w i n g  i m p u rities,
blemishes and diseases:
(i) seed potatoes affected by rots, other than ring rot or brown  rot,
68[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
shall not exceed 0.5% by mass, of which seed potatoes affected
by wet rot shall not exceed 0.2% by mass;
(ii) seed potatoes affected by black scurf over more than 10% of
their surface shall not exceed 5.0% by mass; 
(iii) seed potatoes affected by common scab over more than one t hird
of their surface shall not  exceed 5.0% by mass;
(iv) seed potatoes affected by powdery scab over more than 10% o f
their surface shall not exceed 3.0% by mass;
(v) shrivelled tubers due to exce ssive dehydration or dehydratio n
caused by silver scurf sha ll not exceed 1.0% by mass;
(vi) seed potatoes with external blemishes, including misshapen or
damaged tubers, shall not exceed 3.0% by mass;
(vii) presence of earth and extraneous matter shall not exceed 1 .0%
by mass; and
(viii) the total percentage of seed potatoes covered by toleranc es, as
referred to in points (i) to (vi) , shall not exceed 6.0% by mas s.
2. The conditions for basic seed potatoes of "Union grade SE" sh all be as
follows:
(a) Conditions concer ning seed potatoes:
(i) the number of plants not breeding true to the variety and th e
number of plants of a different variety shall, together, not ex ceed
0.1%;
(ii) the number of growing plants affected by blackleg shall not
exceed 0.5%;
(iii) in the direct progeny the number of plants with symptoms o f
virus infection shall not exceed 2.0%;
(iv) the number of growing plants with mosaic symptoms or
symptoms caused by leaf roll virus shall not exceed 0.5%;
(v) the number of generations, including pre-basic in the field and
basic generations, shall be  restricted to six; and
(vi) if the generation is not indicated on the official label, t he
potatoes concerned shall be consi dered as belonging to the sixt h
generation.
(b) Tolerances applicable to lots, as regards the following impu rities,
blemishes and diseases:
(i) seed potatoes affected by rots, other than ring rot or brown  rot,
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 69
shall not exceed 0.5% by mass, of  which seed potatoes affected
by wet rot shall not exceed 0.2% by mass;
(ii) seed potatoes affected by black scurf over more than 10% of
their surface shall not e xceed 5.0% by mass;
(iii) seed potatoes affected by common scab over more than one t hird
of their surface shall not exceed 5.0% by mass;
(iv) seed potatoes affected by po wdery scab over more than 10% o f
their surface shall not e xceed 3.0% by mass;
(v) shrivelled tubers due to excessive dehydration or dehydratio n
caused by silver scurf sha ll not exceed 1.0% by mass;
(vi) seed potatoes with external blemishes, including misshapen or
damaged tubers, shall no t exceed 3.0% by mass;
(vii) presence of earth and extraneous matter shall not exceed 1 .0%
by mass; and
(viii)  the total percentage of seed potatoes covered by toleran ces, as
referred to in points (i) to (vi ), shall not exceed 6.0% by mas s.
3. The conditions for basic seed potatoes of "Union grade E" sha ll be as follows: 
(a) Conditions concerning seed potatoes:
(i) the number of growing plants not breeding true to the variet y
and the number of plants of a different variety shall, together ,
not exceed 0.1%;
(ii) the number of growing plants affected by blackleg shall not
exceed 1.0%;
(iii) in the direct progeny the number of plants with symptoms o f
virus infection shall not exceed 4.0%;
(iv) the number of growing plants with mosaic symptoms or
symptoms caused by leaf roll virus shall not exceed 0.8%;
(v) the number of generations, including pre-basic in the field and
basic generations, shall be  restricted to seven; and
(vi) if the generation is not indicated on the official label, t he
potatoes concerned shall be considered as belonging to theseventh generation.
(b) Tolerances applicable to lots ,  a s  r e g a r d s  t h e  f o l l o w i n g  i m p u rities,
blemishes and diseases:
(i) seed potatoes affected by rots, other than ring rot or brown  rot,
shall not exceed 0.5% by mass, of  which seed potatoes affected
70[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
by wet rot shall not exceed 0.2% by mass;
(ii) seed potatoes affected by black scurf over more than 10% of
their surface shall not exceed 5.0% by mass;
(iii) seed potatoes affected by common scab over more than one t hird
of their surface shall not  exceed 5.0% by mass;
(iv) seed potatoes affected by powdery scab over more than 10% o f
their surface shall not exceed 3.0% by mass;
(v) shrivelled tubers due to exce ssive dehydration or dehydratio n
caused by silver scurf sha ll not exceed 1.0% by mass;
(vi) seed potatoes with external blemishes, including misshapen or
damaged tubers, shall not exceed 3.0% by mass;
(vii) presence of earth and extraneous matter shall not exceed 1 .0%
by mass; and
(viii) the total percentage of seed potatoes covered by toleranc es, as
referred to in points (i) to (vi) , shall not exceed 6.0% by mas s.
Conditions for placing on the market of certified seed potatoes  as "Union
grades A and B"
1. The conditions for certified seed potatoes of "Union grade A"  s h a l l  b e  a s
follows:
(a) Conditions concer ning seed potatoes:
(i) the number of plants not breeding true to the variety and th e
number of plants of a different variety shall, together, not ex ceed
0.2%;
(ii) the number of growing plants affected by blackleg shall not
exceed 2.0%;
(iii) in the direct progeny the number of plants with symptoms o f
virus infection shall not exceed 8.0%; and
(iv) the number of growing plants with mosaic symptoms or
symptoms caused by leaf roll virus shall not exceed 2.0%.
(b) Tolerances applicable to lots, as regards the following impu rities,
blemishes and diseases:
(i) seed potatoes affected by rots, other than ring rot or brown  rot,
shall not exceed 0.5% by mass, of which seed potatoes affectedby wet rot shall not exceed 0.2% by mass;
(ii) seed potatoes affected by black scurf over more than 10% of
their surface shall not exceed 5.0% by mass;
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 71
(iii) seed potatoes affected by common scab over more than one t hird
of their surface shall not exceed 5.0% by mass;
(iv) seed potatoes affected by po wdery scab over more than 10% o f
their surface shall not e xceed 3.0% by mass;
(v) shrivelled tubers due to excessive dehydration or dehydratio n
caused by silver scurf sha ll not exceed 1.0% by mass;
(vi) seed potatoes with external blemishes, including misshapen or
damaged tubers, shall no t exceed 3.0% by mass;
(vii) presence of earth and extraneous matter shall not exceed 2 .0%
by mass; and
(viii)  the total percentage of seed potatoes covered by toleran ces, as
referred to in points (i) to (vi ), shall not exceed 8.0% by mas s.
2. The conditions for certified seed potatoes of "Union grade B"  s h a l l  b e  a s
follows:
(a) Conditions concerning seed potatoes:
(i) the number of plants not breeding true to the variety and th e
number of plants of a different variety shall, together, not ex ceed
0.5%;
(ii) the number of growing plants affected by blackleg shall not
exceed 4.0%;
(iii) in the direct progeny the number of plants with symptoms o f
virus infection shall not exceed 10.0%; and
(iv) the number of growing plants with mosaic symptoms or
symptoms caused by leaf roll virus shall not exceed 6.0%.
(b) Tolerances applicable to lots ,  a s  r e g a r d s  t h e  f o l l o w i n g  i m p u rities,
blemishes and diseases:
(i) seed potatoes affected by rots, other than ring rot or brown  rot,
shall not exceed 0.5% by mass, of  which seed potatoes affected
by wet rot shall not exceed 0.2% by mass;
(ii) seed potatoes affected by black scurf over more than 10% of
their surface shall not e xceed 5.0% by mass;
(iii) seed potatoes affected by common scab over more than one t hird
of their surface shall not exceed 5.0% by mass;
(iv) seed potatoes affected by po wdery scab over more than 10% o f
their surface shall not e xceed 3.0% by mass;
(v) shrivelled tubers due to excessive dehydration or dehydratio n
72[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
caused by silver scurf sha ll not exceed 1.0% by mass;
(vi) seed potatoes with external blemishes, including misshapen or
damaged tubers, shall not exceed 3.0% by mass;
(vii) presence of earth and extraneous matter shall not exceed 2 .0%
by mass; and
(viii)  the total percentage of seed potatoes covered by toleran ces, as
referred to in points (i) to (vi) , shall not exceed 8.0% by mas s.
2. Vegetables
Basic seed, certified seed and standard seed
1. Varietal identity and varietal purity
The seeds shall posse ss sufficient varietal identity and purity .
2. Seed health
Diseases and harmful organisms th at reduce the usefulness of th e seeds shall
be at the lowest possible level.
Additional requirements:(i) Legume seeds shall not be c ontaminated by the following liv e insects:
 Acanthoscelides obtectus  Sag.
 Bruchus affinis Froel.
 Bruchus atomarius L.
 Bruchus pisorum L.
 Bruchus rufimanus Boh..
(ii) Seeds must not be contaminated with live Acarina .
3. Standards or conditions t o be met by the seeds
The seeds shall satisfy the sta ndards or conditions shown in Ta ble 1.16.
Table 1.16:
 SpeciesMinimum 
analytical purity 
(% by weight)Maximum content 
of seeds of other 
plant species (% 
by weight)Minimum 
germination (% 
clusters of pure 
seed)
Allium cepa 97 0.5 70
Allium fistulosum 97 0.5 65
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 73
Allium porrum 97 0.5 65
Allium sativum 97 0.5 65
Allium schoenoprasum 97 0.5 65
Anthriscus cerefolium 96 1.0 70
Apium graveolens 97 1.0 70
Asparagus officinalis 96 0.5 70
Beta vulgaris 
(Cheltenham beet) 97 0.5 50 (clusters)
Beta vulgaris (others) 97 0.5 70 (clusters)
Brassica oleracea 
(cauliflower) 97 1.0 70
Brassica oleracea (other 
than cauliflower) 97 1.0 75
Brassica rapa (Chinese 
cabbage) 97 1.0 75
Brassica rapa (turnip) 97 1.0 80
Capsicum annuum 97 0.5 65
Cichorium endivia 95 1.0 65
Cichorium intybus  
(Witloof & large-leaved 
chicory [Italian 
chicory]) 95 1.5 65
Cichorium intybus 
(Industrial chicory) 97 1.0 80
Citrullus lanatus 98 0.1 75
Cucumis melo 98 0.1 75
Cucumis sativus 98 0.1 80
Cucurbita maxima 98 0.1 80
Cucurbita pepo 98 0.1 75
Cynara cardunculus 96 0.5 65
Daucus carota 95 1.0 65
Foeniculum vulgare 96 1.0 70
Lactuca sativa 95 0.5 75
Lycopersicon 
lycopersicum 97 0.5 75
Petroselinum crispum 97 1.0 65
Phaseolus coccineus 98 0.1 80
Phaseolus vulgaris 98 0.1 75
Pisum sativum 98 0.1 80
Raphanus sativus 97 1.0 70
Rheum rhabarbarum 97 1.0 70
74[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
I n  t h e  c a s e  o f  v a r i e t i e s  o f  Zea mays (sweetcorn – super-sweet types), the
required minimum germination capacity is reduced to 80% of pure  seed. The
official label or the supplier’s label, where appropriate, shal l include the words
"Minimum germination capacity 80%.
SCHEDULE IV
[Regulation 10(4)]
(Sampling of seed lots
1. Agricultural plants 
I. Cereals 
The maximum weight of a seed lot and the minimum weight of a su bmitted
sample shall be as indicated in Table 1.17. The maximum lot wei ght shall not exceed that
indicated by more than 5%. 
Table 1.17: Scorzonera hispanica 95 0.5 70
Solanum melongena 96 0.5 65
Spinacia oleracea 97 1.0 75
Valerianella locusta 95 1.0 65
Vicia faba 98 0.1 80
Zea mays 98 0.1 85
Species Maximum 
weight of a lot 
(tonnes)Minimum 
weight of a 
sample to be 
drawn from a 
lot (grams)Weight of a 
sample for 
determination 
by number 
provided for in 
Table 1.11 & 
columns 4 to 8 
of Table 1.12 
(Schedule III) 
(grams)
1 234
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 75
II. Fodder Plants 
The table below (Table 1.18) shows the maximum weight of a seed  lot and
the minimum submitted sample weight. The maximum lot weight sha ll not be exceeded
by more than 5%. 
Table 1.18:Avena nuda
30 1000 500Avena sativa
Avena strigosaHordeum vulgare
Triticum aestivum
Triticum durumTriticum spelta
x Triticosecale
Secale cerealePhalaris canariensis 10 400 200
Sorghum  bicolor  (L.) Moench 30 900 900
Sorghum  sudanense (Piper) Stapf 10 250 250
Hybrids of Sorghum bicolor (L.)
Moench x S. sudanense (Piper) Stapf30 300 300
Zea mays , basic seed of inbred lines 40 250 250
Zea mays , basic seed other than inbred
lines; certified seed40 1000 1000
Species Maximum 
weight of a 
seed lot 
(tonnes)Minimum 
weight of a 
sample to be 
drawn from a 
lot (grams)Weight of the 
sample for the 
determination 
by number 
provided for in 
columns 3 to 7 
of Table 1.13 & 
columns 12 to 
14 of Table 
1.15 (Schedule 
III) (grams)
12 3 4
Poaceae (Gramineae)(*)
Agrostis canina 10 50 5
Agrostis capillaris 10 50 5
Agrostis gigantea 10 50 5
Agrostis stolonifera 10 50 5
Cynodon dactylon 10 50 5
Festuca filiformis 10 100 30
Festuca ovina 10 100 30
Festuca pratensis 10 100 50
Festuca rubra 10 100 30
76[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
2. Vegetables 
A. Maximum weight of a seed lot Festuca trachyphylla 10 100 30
Lolium multiflorum 10 200 60
Lolium perenne 10 200 60
Poa pratensis 10 50 5
Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Biserrula pelecinus 10 30 3
Galega orientalis 10 250 200
Hedysarum coronarium
- fruit 10 1000 300
- seed 10 400 120Lathyrus cicera 25 1000 140
Medicago doliata 10 100 10
Medicago italica 10 100 10
Medicago littoralis 10 70 7
Medicago murex 10 50 5 
Medicago polymorpha 10 70 7
Medicago rugosa 10 180 18
Medicago sativa 10 300 50
Medicago scutellata 10 400 40
Medicago truncatula 10 100 10
Ornithopus compressus 10 120 12
Ornithopus sativus 10 90 9
Pisum sativum 30 1000 1000
Trifolium alexandrinum 10 400 60
Trifolium fargiferum 10 40 4
Trifolium glanduliferum 10 20 2
Trifolium hirtum 10 70 7
Trifolium isthmocarpum 10 100 3
Trifolium michelianum 10 25 2
Trifolium pratense 10 300 50
Trifolium squarrosum 10 150 15
Trifolium subterraneum 10 250 25
Trifolium vesiculosum 10 100 3
Vicia benghalensis 20 1000 120
Vicia faba 30 1000 1000
Vicia sativa 30 1000 1000
Other species
Brassica oleracea  convar. acephala 10 200 100
Plantago lanceolata 52 0 2
(*) the maximum lot weight may  be increased to 25 tonnes if the  supplier has been
authorised for this purpose by the competent authority. 
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 77
Table 1.19 indicates the maximum weight of a seed lot that must  not be
exceeded by more than 5%:
Table 1.19:
B. Sample weight of vegetable seeds
The minimum submitted sample weight of vegetable seed is indica ted
below (Table 1.20):
Table 1.20:Category Maximum lot weight 
(tonnes)
12Seeds of Phaseolus coccineus, Phaseolus vulgaris ,
Pisum sativum  and Vicia faba30
S e e d s  o f  a  s i z e  n o t  l e s s  t h a n  t h a t  o f  a  g r a i n  o f  w h e a t ,
other than Phaseolus coccineus, Phaseolus vulgaris , Pisum
sativum  and Vicia faba20
Seeds of a size smaller than a grain of wheat 10
Species Weight (grams)
12
Allium cepa 25
Allium fistulosum 15
Allium porrum 20
Allium sativum 20
Allium schoenoprasum 15
Anthriscus cerefolium 20
Apium graveolens 5
Asparagus officinalis 100
Beta vulgaris 100
Brassica oleracea (all kinds) 25
Brassica rapa 20
Capsicum annuum 40
Cichorium endivia 15
Cichorium intybus  (Witloof & large-leaved chicory [Italian
chicory])15
Cichorium intybus (Industrial chicory) 50
78[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
I n  t h e  c a s e  o f  F1 hybrid varieties of the species mentioned in Table 1.20, the
minimum weight of the submitted sample may be reduced to a quar t e r  o f  t h e  w e i g h t
specified for the variety. However, the sample must have a weig ht of at least 5g and
consists of at least 400 seeds. Citrullus lanatus 250
Cucumis melo 100
Cucumis sativus 25
Cucurbita maxima 250
Cucurbita pepo 150
Cynara cardunculus 50
Daucus carota 10
Foeniculum vulgare 25
Lactuca sativa 10
Petroselinum crispum 10
Phaseolus coccineus 1000
Phaseolus vulgaris 700
Pisum sativum 500
Raphanus sativus 50
Rheum rhabarbarum 135
Scorzonera hispanica 30
Solanum lycopersicum 20
Solanum melongena 20
Spinacia oleracea 75
Valerianella locusta 20
Vicia faba 1000
Zea mays 1000
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 79
SCHEDULE V
[Regulation 13(1)]
Official labelling of seed packages
1. Agricultural plants 
I. Cereals A. Pre-basic seed 
(a) Required information for the label
 Certification authority and Member State or their distinguishin g
abbreviations,
 Reference number of lot,
 Month and year of sealing expressed thus: "sealed …. (month and
year)" or month and year of the last official sampling for the purposes of
certification expresse d thus: "sampled …. (month and year)",
 Species, indicated at least unde r its botanical name, which may  be given
in an abridged form and without th e authors’ name,  in Latin cha racters,
 Variety, indicated at l east in Latin characters,
 "Pre-basic seed",
 Declared net or gross weight , or declared n umber of seeds,
 Number of generations preceding seed of the categories certifie d seed
or certified seed of t he first generation,
 Where weight is indicated and granulated pesticides, pelleting
substances or other solid additives are used, the nature of the  additive and the
approximate ratio between the wei ght of pure seeds and the tota l weight. 
(b) Minimum size of the label is 110mm x 67mm. 
(c) The label shall be coloured wh ite with a diagonal violet line.  
B. Basic and certified seed 
(a) Required information for the label
 "EC rules and standards",
 Certification authority and Member State or their distinguishin g
abbreviations,
Officially assigned serial number,
80[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
 Reference number of lot,
 Month and year of sealing expressed thus: "sealed …. (month and
year)" or month and year of the last official sampling for the purposes of
certification expresse d thus: "sampled …. (month and year)",
 Species, indicated at least unde r its botanical name, which may  be given
in abridged form and without the authors’ names, in Latin chara cters,
 Variety, indicated at l east in Latin characters,
 Category,
 Country of production,
 Declared net or gro ss weight, or declar ed number of seeds,
 Where weight is indicated and gr anulated pesticides, pelleting
substances or other solid additives are used, the nature of the  additive and also the
approximate ratio bet ween the weight of pur e seeds and the tota l weight,
 In the case of varieties which are hybrids or inbred lines: 
(i) for basic seed where the hybrid or inbred line to which the seeds belongs
has been officially accepted under these regulations: the name of this component, under
which it has been officially accep ted with or without reference  to the final variety,
accompanied, in the case of hybr ids or inbred lines which are i ntended solely as
components for final varietie s, by the word "component"; 
(ii) for basic seed in other case s: the name of the component to  which the basic
seed belongs, which may be given i n code form, accompanied by a  reference to the final
variety, with or without reference to its function (male or fem ale), and accompanied by
the word "component"; 
(iii) for certified seed: the name of the variety to which the s eeds belongs,
accompanied by the word "hybrid", 
 Where at least germination has b een r eteste d,  the  wor ds "r etest ed ….
(month and year)" and the service responsible for such retestin g may be indicated.
Such information may be given on an official sticker attached t o the official label. 
In certain circumstances, the requirement to indicate the botan ical name in respect
of individual species may be disregarded and, where appropriate , for limited periods
where it has been established that the disadvantages of its imp lementation outweigh the
advantages expected for the marketing of seed. 
(b) Minimum size of the label is 110mm x 67mm. 
(c) The label shall be coloured wh ite for basic seed, blue for cer tified seed and
certified seed of the first gene ration and red fo r certified se ed of the second generation. 
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 81
C. Seed mixtures 
(a) Required information for the label
 "Mixture of …. (speci es or varieties)",
 Authority responsible for sealing and Member State or their
distinguishing abbreviations,
 Officially assigned serial number,
 Reference number of the lot,
 Month and year of sealing expressed thus: "sealed …. (month and
year)",
 Species, category, variety and country of production and propor tion by
weight of each of the components; the names of the species and varieties shall be
indicated at least in Latin characters,
 Declared net or gross weight , or declared n umber of seeds,
 Where weight is indicated and granulated pesticides, pelleting
substances or other solid additives are used, the nature of the  additive and also the
approximate ratio between the wei ght of pure seeds and the tota l weight,
 Where at least germination of all  the components of the mixture  h a s
been retested, the words "retested .… (month and year)" and the  service responsible
for such retesting may be indicated. Such information may be gi ven on an official
sticker attached to the official label,
 "Marketing permitted exclusively in .…". 
(b) Minimum dimensions of th e label is 110mm x 67mm. 
(c) The label shall be coloured green. 
D. Seed not finally cer tified or harvested in another Member St ate
(1) ( a) Required information for the label
 Authority responsible for field inspection and Member State or their
distinguishing abbreviations,
 Officially assigned  serial number,
 Species, indicated at least unde r its botanical name, which may  be given
in an abridged form and without the authors’ names, in Latin ch aracters,
 Variety, indicated at least in L atin characters (in the case of  inbred lines
and hybrids which are intended solely as components for hybrid varieties, the word
"component" shall be added),
82[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
 Category,
 In the case of hybrid varieties, the word "hybrid" shall be add ed,
 Declared net or gross weight,
 The words "seed not f inally certified".
In certain circumstances, the requirement to indicate the botan ical name in
respect of individual species may be disregarded and, where app ropriate, for limited
periods where it has been establis hed that the disadvantages of  its implementation
outweigh the advantages expecte d for the marketing of seed.
(b) The label shall be coloured grey.
(2) Required information for the document
 Authority issuing the document,
 Officially assigned serial number,
 Species, indicated at least unde r its botanical name, which may  be given
in an abridged form and without the authors’ names, in Latin ch aracters,
 Variety, indicated at l east in Latin 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 t he production of the lot covered by the do cument,
 Quantity of seed harvested  and number of packages,
 Number of generations after basi c seed, in the c ase of certifie d seed,
 Attestation that the conditions to be satisfied by the crop fro m which
the seed comes hav e been fulfilled,
 Where appropriate, results of a preliminary seed analysis. 
II. Fodder Plants A. Pre-basic seed (a) Required informa tion for the label
 Certifying authority and country  and their distinguishing abbre viations,
 Reference number of lot,
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 83
 Month and year of sealing expressed thus: "sealed …. (month and
year)" or month and year of the last official sampling for the purposes of
certification expresse d thus: "sampled …. (month and year)", 
 Species, indicated at least unde r its botanical name, which may  be given
in an abridged form and without th e authors’ name,  in Latin cha racters, 
 Variety, indicated at leas t in Latin characters, 
 "Pre-basic seed", 
 Country of production, 
 Declared net or gross weight , or declared n umber of seeds,
 Number of generations preceding seeds of the category certified  seed or
certified seed of the first generation,
 Where weight is indicated and granulated pesticides, pelleting
substances or other solid additives are used, the nature of the  additive and the
approximate ratio between the wei ght of pure seeds and the tota l weight. 
(b) Minimum size of the label is 110mm x 67mm. 
(c) The label shall be coloured wh ite with a diagonal violet line.  
B. Basic seed, certified seed, certified seed of the first and s econd generations 
(a) Required information for the label
 "EC rules and standards",
 Certifying authority and Member State and their distinguishing
abbreviations,
Officially assigned serial number, Reference number of the lot,
 Month and year of sealing expressed thus: "sealed …. (month and
year)", or month and year of the last official sampling for the  purposes of
certification expresse d thus: "sampled .… (month and year)",
 Species, indicated at least unde r its botanical name, which may  be given
in abridged form and without the authors’ names, in Latin chara cters,
 Variety indicated at leas t in Latin characters,
 Category,
 Country of production,
 Declared net or gross weight, or declared number of pure seeds,
84[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
 Where weight is indicated and gr anulated pesticides, pelleting
substances or other solid additives are used, the nature of the  additive and also the
approximate ratio bet ween the weight of pur e seeds and the tota l weight,
 For certified seed of the second generation and subsequent gene rations
after basic seed: number of g enerations after basic seed, 
 For seed of grass varieties [Poaceae (Gramineae)], in respect o f which
no official examination of their value for cultivation and use has been carried out
(regulation 8 of these regulations): "Not intended for the prod uction of fodder
plants", 
 Where at least germination has b een r eteste d,  the  wor ds "r etest ed ….
(month and year)" and the service responsible for such retestin g may be indicated.
Such information may be given on an official sticker attached t o the official label. 
In certain circumstances, the requirement to indicate the botan ical name in respect
of individual species may be disregarded and, where appropriate , for limited periods
where it has been established that the disadvantages of its imp lementation outweigh the
advantages expected for the marketing of seed. 
(b) Minimum size of the label is 110mm x 67mm. 
(c) The label shall be coloured wh ite for basic seed, blue for cer tified seed and
certified seed of the first gene ration and red fo r certified se ed of the second generation. 
C. Commercial seed (a) Required informa tion for the label
 "EC rules and standards",
 "Commercial seed (not cer tified as to variety)",
 Supervising authority and Member State or their distinguishing
abbreviations,
 Officially assigned serial number,
 Reference number of lot,
 Month and year of sealing expressed thus: "sealed …. (month and
year)" or month and year of the last official sampling for the purposes of
certification expresse d thus: "sampled .… (month and year)",
 Species, indicated at least unde r its botanical name, which may  be given
in abridged form and without the authors’ names, in Latin chara cters,
 Area of production,
 Declared net or gross weight, or decl ared number of pure seeds,
 Where weight is indicated and gr anulated pesticides, pelleting
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 85
substances or other solid additives are used, the nature of the  additive and also the
approximate ratio between the wei ght of pure seed and the total  weight, 
 Where at least germination has been retested, the words "retest ed .…
(month and year)" and the service responsible for such retestin g may be indicated.
Such information may be given on an official sticker attached t o the official label. 
In certain circumstances, the requirement to indicate the botan ical name in respect
of individual species may be disregarded and, where appropriate , for limited periods
where it has been established that the disadvantages of its imp lementation outweigh the
advantages expected for  the marketing of seed. 
(b) Minimum size of the label is 110mm x 67mm. 
(c) The label shall be coloured brown. 
D. Seed mixtures 
(a) Required information for the label
 "Seed mixture for …. (intended use)",
 Authority responsible for sealing and Member State or their
distinguishing abbreviations,
 Officially assigned serial number,
 Reference number of lot,
 Month and year of sealing expressed thus: "sealed …. (month and
year)",
 Percentage by weight of the various components shown by species  and,
where appropriate, by variety, b oth indicated at least in Latin  characters; it is
sufficient to give the name of the mixture if the percentage by  weight has been
notified in writing to the purchaser and officially recorded,
 Declared net or gross weight , or declared n umber of seeds,
 Where weight is indicated and granulated pesticides, pelleting
substances or other solid additives are used, the nature of the  additive and the
approximate ratio between the wei ght of pure seeds and the tota l weight, 
 Where at least germination of all  the components of the mixture  h a s
been retested, the words "retested …. (month and year)" and the  service responsible
for such retesting may be indicated. Such information may be gi ven on an official
sticker attached to the official label. 
(b) Minimum size of the label is 110mm x 67mm. 
(c) The label shall be coloured green. 
"E. Seed not finally certified or  harvested in another Member S tate
86[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
(1) (a) Required informa tion for the label
 Authority responsible for field inspection and Member State or their
distinguishing abbreviations,
 Officially assigned serial number,
 Species, indicated at least unde r its botanical name, which may  be given
in an abridged form and without the authors’ names, in Latin ch aracters,
 Variety, indicated at l east in Latin characters,
 Category,
 Field or lot reference number,
 Declared net or gross weight,
 The words "seed not f inally certified".
          In certain circumstances, the requirement to indicate  the botanical name in
respect of individual species may be disregarded and, where app ropriate, for limited
periods where it has been establis hed that the disadvantages of  its implementation
outweigh the advantages expecte d for the marketing of seed.
(b) The label shall be coloured grey.
(2) Information required for the document:
 Authority issuing the document,
 Officially assigned serial number,
 Species, indicated at least unde r its botanical name, which may  be given
in an abridged form and without the authors’ nam e, in Latin cha racters,
 Variety, indicated at l east in Latin characters,
 Category,
 Reference number of the seed used to sow the field and name of the
country or countries which certified the seed,
 Field or lot reference number,
 Area cultivated for t he production of the lot covered by the do cument,
 Quantity of seed harvested  and number of packages,
 Number of generations after basi c seed, in the c ase of certifie d seed,
 Attestation that the conditions to be satisfied by the crop fro m which
the seed comes hav e been fulfilled,
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 87
 Where appropriate results of a preliminary seed analysis.
F. Supplier’s label for small EC B packages of certified or comm ercial seed
other than a mixture 
(a) Required information for the label
 "Small EC B package",
 Name and address of supplier responsible for marking or his
identification mark,
 Service which assigned the serial number and Member State or th eir
distinguishing abbreviations,
 Reference number if the official  serial number does not enable the
admitted seed lot to be identified,
 Species, indicated at leas t in Latin characters, 
 Variety, indicated at least in L atin characters (for certified seed only),
 "Category" (in the case of certi fied seed) or "Commercial seed" ,
 Net or gross weight, or number of pure seeds,
 Where weight is indicated and granulated pesticides, pelleting
substances or other solid additives are used, the nature of the  additive and the
approximate ratio between the wei ght of pure seeds and the tota l weight,
 In the case of certified seed o f grass varieties [Poaceae (Gram ineae)], in
respect of which no official examination of their value for cul tivation and use has
been carried out (regulation 2 of these regulations): "Not inte nded for the production
of fodder plants". 
(b) Minimum size of the label is 110mm x 67mm. 
(c) The label shall be coloured blue for certified seed and cert ified seed of the
first generation and re d for certified seed of the second gener ation. 
G. Supplier’s label for sma ll packages of seed mixtures 
(a) Required information for the label 
 "Small EC A package" or "Small EC B package",
 Name and address of supplier responsible for marking or his
identification mark,
 Small EC B package: officia lly assigned serial number,
 Small EC B package: service whic h assigned the serial number an d
Member State or their distinguishing abbreviations,
88[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
 Small EC B package: reference numb er if the official serial num ber
does not enable the used seed  lots to be identified,
 Small EC A package: reference number enabling the used seed lot s to
be identified,
 Small EC A package: cou ntry or its distinguishing abbreviation,
 "Seed-mixture for …. (intended use)",
 Net weight or gross weight, or number of pure seeds, 
 Where weight is indicated and gr anulated pesticides, pelleting
substances, or other solid additives are used, the nature of th e additives and the
approximate ratio bet ween the weight of pur e seeds and the tota l weight, 
 Percentage by weight of the various components shown by species  and,
where appropriate, by variety bot h indicated at least in Latin characters; it is
sufficient to give part of this information, as Malta may presc ribe for small packages
produced in its territory, and a reference to the kind of mixtu re if the proportion by
weight can be communicated to the purchaser on request and has been officially
recorded. 
(b) Minimum size of the label is 110mm x 67mm. 
(c) The label shall be coloured green. 
III. Seed Potatoes 
A. Pre-basic seed (a) Required informa tion for the label
 Certification authority and Member State or their distinguishin g
abbreviations,
 Officially assigned serial number,
 Producer’s identification numbe r or reference number of lot,
 Month and year of sealing,
 Species, indicated at least unde r its botanical name, which may  be given
in an abridged form and without the authors’ names, or its comm on name, or both, in
Latin characters,
 Variety, indicated at l east in Latin characters,
 "Pre-basic seed",
 Declared net weight.
(b) Minimum size of the label is 110mm x 67mm. 
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 89
(c) The label shall be coloured wh ite with a diagonal violet line . 
B. Basic and certified seed (a) Required information for the label
 "EC rules and standards",
 Certification authority and Member State or their distinguishin g
abbreviations,
 Officially assigned serial number,
 Producer’s identification numb er or reference number of lot,
 Month and year of sealing,
 Species, indicated at least unde r its botanical name, which may  be given
in an abridged form and without the author’s names, or its comm on name, or both, in
Latin characters,
 Variety, indicated at l east in Latin characters,
 Country of production,
 Category, and if desirable, grade,
 Size, 
 Declared net weight.
(b) Minimum size of the label is 110mm x 67mm. 
(c) The label shall be coloured white for basic seed and blue for  certified seed. 
C. Supplier’s label for basic and certified seed 
(a) Required information for the label 
 "EC rules and standards",
 Name and address of the person responsible for af fixing the lab els or
his identification mark,
 Month and year of sealing,
 Species, indicated at least unde r its botanical name, which may  be given
in an abridged form and without the authors’ names, or its comm on name, or both, in
Latin characters,
 Variety, indicated at l east in Latin characters,
 Country of production,
90[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
 Category, and if desirable, grade,
 Size,
 Reference number enabling the lot to be identified,
 Declared net weight.
(b) Minimum size of the label is 110mm x 67mm. 
(c) The label shall be coloured white for basic seed and blue for  certified seed. 
2. Vegetables 
A. Pre-basic seed (a) Required informa tion for the label 
 Certification authority and Member State or their distinguishin g
abbreviations,
 Reference number of lot,
 Month and year of sealing expressed thus: "sealed …. (month and
year)", or month and year of the last official sampling for the  purposes of
certification expresse d thus: "sampled …. (month and year)",
 Species, indicated at least unde r its botanical name, which may  be given
in an abridged form and without the authors’ names, or its comm on name, or both, in
Latin characters, 
 Variety, indicated at l east in Latin characters,
 "Pre-basic seed",
 Declared net or gro ss weight, or declar ed number of seeds,
 Number of generations preceding seed of the category certified seed,
 Where weight is indicated and gr anulated pesticides, pelleting
substances or other solid additives are used, the nature of the  additive and the
approximate ratio bet ween the weight of pur e seeds and the tota l weight. 
(b) Minimum size of the label is 110mm x 67mm. 
(c) The label shall be coloured wh ite with a diagonal violet line.  
B. Basic and certified seed (excluding small packages) (a) Required informa tion for the label
 "EC rules and standards",
 Certification authority and Member State or their distinguishin g
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 91
abbreviations,
Officially assigned serial number, Month and year of sealing expressed thus: "sealed …. (month and
year)", or month and year of the last official sampling for the  purposes of
certification expresse d thus: "sampled …. (month and year)",
 Reference number of lot,
 Species, indicated at least in Lat in characters, under its bota nical name,
which may be given in an abridged form and without the authors’  names, or its
common name, or both, 
 Variety, indicated at l east in Latin characters,
 Category,
 Country of production,
 Declared net or gross weight , or declared n umber of seeds,
 Where weight is indicated and granulated pesticides, pelleting
substances or other solid additives are used, the nature of the  additive and also the
approximate ratio between the wei ght of clusters of pure seeds and total weight,
 In the case of varieties which are hybrids or inbred lines: 
(i) for basic seed where the hybrid or inbred line to which the seed belongs has
been officially accepted under th ese regulations: the name of t his component, under
which it has been officially acc epted, with or without referenc e to the final variety,
accompanied, in the case of hybrids or inbred lines which are i ntended solely as
components for final varietie s, by the word "component", 
(ii) 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 fem ale), and accompanied by
the word "component",
(iii) for certified seed: the name of the variety to which the s eed belongs
accompanied by the word "hybrid";
 Where at least germination has b een re-tested, the words "retes ted ….
(month and year)" m ay be indicated. 
(b) Minimum dimensions of the label are 110mm x 67mm. 
(c) The label shall be coloured white for basic seed and blue for certified seed. 
92[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
C. Seeds not finally certified or  harvested in another Member S tate
(1) (a)  Required information for the label
 Authority responsible for field inspection and Member State or their
distinguishing abbreviations,
 Officially assigned serial number,
 Species, indicated at least unde r its botanical name, which may  be given
in an abridged form and without the authors’ names, or under it s common name, or
both, in Latin characters,
 Variety, indicated at l east in Latin characters,
 Category,
 Field or lot reference number,
 Declared net or gross weight,
 The words "seed not f inally certified".
(b) The label shall be coloured grey.
(2)  Required information for the document 
 Authority issuing the document,
 Officially assigned serial number,
 Species, indicated at least unde r its botanical name, which may  be given
in an abridged form and without the authors’ names, or under it s common name, or
both, in Latin characters,
 Variety, indicated at l east in Latin characters,
 Category,
 Reference number of the seed used to sow the field and name of the
country or countries which certified the seed,
 Field or lot reference number,
 Area cultivated for t he production of the lot covered by the do cument,
 Quantity of seed harvested  and number of packages,
 Attestation that the conditions to be satisfied by the crop fro m which
the seed comes hav e been fulfilled,
 Where appropriate, results of a preliminary seed analysis. 
D. Supplier’s label or inscription on packages of standard seed (excluding
SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES [S.L. 433.30 93
small packages) 
(a) Required information for the label
 "EC rules and standards",
 Name and address of the person responsible for af fixing the lab els or
his identification mark,
 Marketing year of the sealing or of the last examination of ger mination
(the end of the marketin g year may be indicated),
 Species, indicated at leas t in Latin characters,
 Variety, indicated at l east in Latin characters,
 Category: indicated with the letters "ST",
 Reference number given by the person responsible for affixing t he
labels,
 Declared net or gross weight , or declared n umber of seeds,
 Where weight is indicated and granulated pesticides, pelleting
substances or other solid additives are used, the nature of the  additive and also the
approximate ratio between the wei ght of clusters of pure seed a nd the total weight. 
(b) Minimum size of the label is 110mm x 67mm. 
(c) The label shall be coloured dark yellow. 
E. Supplier’s label for small packages of certified seed 
(a) Required information for the label
 "EC rules and standards",
 Name and address of the person re sponsible for affixing the lab el or his
identification mark,
 Marketing year of the sealing or of the last examination of ger mination
(the end of the marketin g year may be indicated),
 Species, indicated at leas t in Latin characters,
 Variety, indicated at l east in Latin characters,
 Category, indicated with t he letters "C" or "Z", 
 Reference number enabling the cer tified lot to be identified, 
 Declared net or gross weight or declared number of seeds, excep t for
small packages not e xceeding 500 grams, 
94[S.L. 433.30 SEEDS OF AGRICULTURAL PLANTS AND VEGETABLES
 Where weight is indicated and gr anulated pesticides, pelleting
substances or other solid additives are used, the nature of the  additive and also the
approximate ratio bet ween the weight of cl usters of pure seeds and the total weight. 
(b) The label shall be coloured blue.