The Seed Potatoes (Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 2015

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations revoke the Seed Potatoes (Fees) (Scotland) Regulations 2009 (“the 2009 Regulations”) and the Seed Potatoes (Fees) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2011 (“the 2011 Regulations”) (regulation 7).

These Regulations prescribe the fees payable in respect of matters relating to the Seed Potatoes (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (regulations 3, 4 and 5 and the Schedule) as follows—

(a) for the carrying out of crop inspections in respect of seed potatoes where an application has been made for certification as test and trial seed potatoes or for certification and grading as pre-basic seed potatoes of the Union grade PBTC or PB or as basic seed potatoes of the Union grade S, SE or E;

(b) for the authorisation in respect of the production of scientific and selection seed potatoes (previously referred to as ‘Approved Stock’ in the 2009 Regulations as amended by the 2011 Regulations);

(c) for the carrying out of scientific testing on a sample taken from a crop where an application for a crop inspection and certification has been made;

(d) for the issue and provision of official labels and seals;

(e) for the carrying out of an official examination of tubers in respect of crops where an application for certification as test and trial seed potatoes or for certification and grading as pre-basic seed potatoes of the Union grade PBTC has been made;

(f) for the initiation, provision and maintenance of nuclear stock; and

(g) for the cancellation of an official examination of tubers.

The Regulations also provide that the fee is not chargeable where applications for crop inspections are withdrawn and that the fee paid will be refunded where official labels and seals have been returned unused, subject to the charging of an administration fee.

The Scottish Ministers may exempt any person, class of persons, or persons generally from compliance with any of the provisions of the Regulations subject to any conditions the Scottish Ministers think appropriate (regulation 6).

No business and regulatory impact assessment has been prepared in respect of these Regulations, as there is no impact on the cost of business.