93/213/EEC: Commission Decision of 18 March 1993 on the organization of a temporary experiment with regard to the maximum content of inert matter in soya bean seed

COMMISSION DECISION of 18 March 1993 on the organization of a temporary experiment with regard to the maximum content of inert matter in soya bean seed
(93/213/EEC)THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community,
Having regard to Council Directive 69/208/EEC of 30 June 1969 on the marketing of seed of oil and fibre plants (1), as last amended by Commission Directive 92/107/EEC (2), and in particular Article 12a thereof,
Whereas Directive 69/208/EEC provides for standards in respect of the maximum content of inert matter, as defined in accordance with current international testing methods, to be satisfied by soya bean seed;
Whereas those standards have been laid down in order to reduce the risk of contamination by Phialophora gregata and Phytophthora megasperma f. spp. glycinea;
Whereas, in accordance with current international testing methods, the definition of inert matter includes 'pieces of broken or damaged seed units half or less than half the original size';
Whereas, according to present scientific knowledge, the abovementioned component of inert matter should not represent a risk of contamination by the said harmful organisms;
Whereas it is therefore useful to organize a temporary experiment under specified conditions with the aim of seeking improved alternatives to the present provisions in respect of the maximum content of inert matter in soya bean seed;
Whereas it is desirable to cover also seed harvested in third countries;
Whereas the measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Seeds and Propagating Material for Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry,