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The Oil and Fibre Plant Seeds Regulations 1993

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Regulation 4(10)

SCHEDULE 1KINDS OF SEEDS TO WHICH THE REGULATIONS APPLY

Latin NameCommon Name
Brassica juncea(L.) Czernj. et CossonBrown mustard
Brassica napusL. (partim)Swede rape (including fodder rapeand oilseed rape)
Brassica nigra(L.) KochBlack mustard
Brassica rapa(L.) var silvestris(Lam) BriggsTurnip rape
Glycine max(L.) Merr.Soya bean
Helianthus annuusL.Sunflower
Linum usitatissimumL.Flax, Linseed
Sinapis albaL.White mustard

Regulations 3(1)and (3), 5(3), (5) and (10) and 6(2)

SCHEDULE 2OFFICIAL CERTIFICATES

1.  On receipt of an application made in accordance with regulation 6(1) for the issue of an official certificate in respect of a seed lot of Breeder’s Seed, Pre-basic Seed, Basic Seed, Certified Seed, Certified Seed of the First Generation, Certified Seed of the Second Generation, Certified Seed of the Third Generation or Commercial Seed, the Minister shall, subject to paragraph 2 and 3 below and to the payment of any fees payable under seeds regulations, issue in respect of such a seed lot an official certificate containing the particulars specified in Schedule 3.

2.  The Minister shall refuse to issue an official certificate in respect of a seed lot unless—

(a)an application has been made to the Minister, in such form and manner and at such time as he may require, for registration by him of—

(i)the seed lot or seed lots to be used for the production of the crop or crops from which the seed lot is to be obtained, and

(ii)the crop or crops from which the seed lot is to be obtained;

(b)an official examination of the crop or crops from which the seed lot was obtained shall have shown that the crop or crops meet the standards appropriate to the category set out in Part I of Schedule 4; and

(c)an official examination of a sample of the seed lot shall have shown that the seeds meet the standards appropriate to the category set out in Part II of Schedule 4;

except that—

(i)paragraphs 2(a) and (b) above shall not apply in relation to an application for the issue of an official certificate in respect of Commercial Seed,

(ii)paragraphs 2(a), (b) and (c) above shall not apply in relation to an application for the issue of an official certificate in respect of Breeder’s Seed, where the seed has been officially sampled for the purposes of official examination of a plot in accordance with paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 4,

(iii)paragraph 2(c) above, in so far as it relates to standards of germination set out inPart II of Schedule 4, shall not apply in relation to an application for the issue of an official certificate in respect of seeds which are marketed in accordance with and subject to the requirements of regulation 5(5), and

(iv)the Minister shall issue an official certificate in respect of a seed lot marketed in accordance with, and subject to any conditions imposed by, a general licence granted by the Minister under regulation 5(3).

3.  The Minister may refuse to issue an official certificate in respect of a seed lot if it appears to him that—

(a)a sample of the seed lot taken for the purpose of an official examination in order to ascertain whether the seed lot meets the appropriate standards set out in Part II of Schedule 4 has not been taken in accordance with the requirements contained in Schedule 5;

(b)an official examination of a plot sown with a sample of the seed lot sown in the field shows that the crop does not meet the appropriate standards set out in Part I of Schedule 4;

(c)there has been any breach of seeds regulations in relation to the seed lot in respect of which application for an official certificate has been made.

Regulation 3(1)

SCHEDULE 3PARTICULARS TO BE SPECIFIED IN AN OFFICIAL CERTIFICATE

(i)Name and address of Certifying Authority

(ii)Applicant’s name, address and registered number

(iii)Seed lot reference number

(iv)Kind/variety/category*

(v)Net weight of seed lot and number of containers

(vi)Seed treatment (if applicable)

*as appropriate.

Regulations 3(1) and (3), (5), (6) and (7) and 9(2) and (3)

SCHEDULE 4REQUIREMENTS FOR BASIC SEED, CERTIFIED SEED, CERTIFIED SEED OF THE FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD GENERATIONSAND COMMERCIAL SEED

PART ICONDITIONS RELATING TO CROPS FROM WHICH SEEDS OTHER THAN COMMERCIAL SEED ARE OBTAINED

1.  So far as the Minister can ascertain them, by the use of methods which shall include official examination of the crop and which may include examination of a plot sown with a sample from the seed lot sown in the field and the consideration of any other relevant information, the requirements for the crop set out below shall be met.

Varietal identity and varietal purity

2.  The characteristics for the determination of varietal identity and varietal purity shall be those recognised as those of the variety for the purposes of the National List or the Common Catalogue.

Crop inspection

3.  The crop shall be officially examined in such manner and at such times (when the cultural condition of the field and the stage of development and condition of the crop are such as to permit suitable checks of varietal identity, varietal purity and species purity to be made) as the Minister may reasonably require.

4.  Unless the crop’s state of health is satisfactory so far as seed-borne disease and organisms affecting the seeds are concerned, the inspection shall not proceed.

Previous cropping

5.  The crop may be grown only on land which has not previously been cropped in a manner which might adversely affect the nature or quality of the seeds to be produced and which complies with the Minister’s requirements in that respect.

Isolation distances

6.  There shall be either a physical barrier or at least 2 metres of fallow between the seed crop and any crop likely to cause contamination in the seed.

7.  For turnip rape, swede rape, brown mustard, black mustard and white mustard the minimum distance from neighbouring crops or plants or other species or of other varieties of the same species liable to cross-pollinate with the crop shall be for—

(a)crops to produce Basic Seed, 400 metres,

(b)crops to produce Certified Seed, 200 metres,

(c)crops to produce—

(i)Basic Seed of hybrids of sunflower, 1500 metres;

(ii)Basic Seed of sunflower, other than hybrids, 750 metres;

(iii)Certified Seeds of sunflower, 500 metres,

with the approval of the Minister these distances may be modified if there is adequate protection against undesirable pollen.

Standards for varietal purity

8.  The crop shall have sufficient varietal identity and varietal purity. In particular—

(a)for crops of swede rape (other than varieties to be used solely for fodder purposes), turnip rape (other than varieties to be used solely for fodder purposes), soya bean, flax, linseed, sunflower (other than hybrid varieties including their components) and white mustard the minimum varietal purity standards shall be:—

Minimum varietal purity (percentage by number)Basic SeedCertified Seed or Certified Seed of the First GenerationCertified Seed of the Second or Third Generation
*

For swede rape and turnip rape of varieties to be used solely for fodder purposes the standards shall be 99.7 per cent for Basic Seed and 99 per cent for Certified Seed.

Swede rape and Turnip rape*99.999.7
Soya bean97.095.095.0
Flax and Linseed99.798.097.5
Sunflower and White mustard99.799.0

(b)In crops of brown mustard and black mustard the number of plants of the crop species which are recognisable as obviously not being true to the variety shall not exceed—

(i)one plant in 30 sq m for the production of Basic Seed, and

(ii)one plant in 10 sq m for the production of Certified Seed.

(c)A crop of an inbred line of sunflower shall have sufficient identity and purity as regards its characteristics. For the production of seed of hybrid varieties of sunflower the characteristics of sufficient identity and purity shall extend to its components, including male sterility or fertility restoration.

(d)In the case of hybrid of sunflower—

(i)the percentage by number of plants which are recognisable as obviously not being true to the inbred line or to the component shall not exceed—

(aa)for the production of Basic Seed

(A)inbred lines, 0.2

(B)simple hybrids—

  • male parents, plants which have shed pollen while 2% or more of the female plants have receptive flowers, 0.2

  • female parent, 0.5

(bb)for the production of Certified Seed—

  • male component, plants which have shed pollen while 5% or more of the female plants have receptive flowers, 0.5

  • female component, 1.0

(ii)for the production of seed hybrid varieties the following standards shall be satisfied—

(aa)sufficient pollen shall be shed by the plants of the male component while the plants of the female component are in flower;

(bb)where the female component plants have receptive stigmas, the percentage by number of female component plants which have shed pollen or are shedding pollen shall not exceed 0.5;

(cc)for the production of Basic Seed the total percentage by number of plants of the female component which are recognisable as obviously not being true to the component and which have shed pollen or are shedding pollen shall not exceed 0.5%;

(dd)where a male-sterile component has been used to produce Certified Seed by using a male component which contains a specific restorer line or lines, at least one-third of the plants grown from the resulting hybrid shall produce pollen which appears normal in all aspects.

PART IIA. CONDITIONS RELATING TO BASIC SEED, CERTIFIED SEED AND CERTIFIED SEED OF THE FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD GENERATIONS

1.  The seeds shall possess the varietal identity and varietal purity, as appropriate to the kind of seed, specified in Part I. Where a female male-sterile component and a male component which does not restore male fertility have been used for the production of Certified Seed of hybrids of sunflower, the seed produced by the male-sterile parent shall be blended with seed produced by the fully fertile seed parent. The ratio of male-sterile parent seed to male-fertile parent shall not exceed two to one.

2.  The seeds shall comply with the following standards:—

Analytical purityMaximum content by number of seeds of other plant species in a sample of the weight specified in Part II of Schedule 5
KindMinimum Germination (% of pure seed)Minimum analytical purity (% by weight)Maximum content of seed of other plant species (% by weight)Other plant species(*)Wild Oat (Avena fatua, A. ludoviciana, A. sterilis)Dodder (Cuscuta spp.)Wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum)Dock (Rumex spp. excl. R. acetosella)Blackgrass (Alopecurus myosuroides)Lolium remotum
(*)

The maximum content of seeds laid down in Column 5 includes also the seeds of the kinds in Columns 6 to 11.

The presence of one seed of dodder (Cuscutaspp.) in a sample of the prescribed weight shall not be regarded as an impurity where a second sample of the same weight is free from any seeds of dodder.

(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)
Brassica species
—Basic Seed85980.300102
—Certified Seed85980.300105
Sunflower8598500
Flax9299150042
Linseed8599150042
Soya bean8098500
White mustard
—Basic Seed85980.300102
—Certified Seed85980.300105

3.—(1) The seeds shall be of a satisfactory state of health as far as seed-borne organisms and diseases affecting the seeds are concerned. In particular the seeds shall not exceed the following standards:

Harmful organisms
Maximum percentage by number of seeds contaminated by harmful organisms (total per column)
KindBotrytis spp.Alternaria spp., Phoma exiqua var.linicola, Colletotrichum lini, Fusarium spp.Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (maximum number of sclerotia or fragments of sclerotia in a sample of the weight specified on Column 4 of Part II of Schedule 5)
1234
(*)

In flax the maximum percentage by number of seeds contaminated by Phoma exiqua var. linicola shall not exceed 1%.

Turnip rape5
Swede rape10
Sunflower510
Flax and Linseed55(*)
White mustard5

(2) In soya bean,

(a)the maximum number of sub-samples within a sample of 5,000 seeds minimum per lot subdivided into 5 sub-samples which have been found to be contaminated by Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea shall not exceed 4;

(b)the maximum number of seeds contaminated by Diaporthe phaseolorum shall not exceed 15%, and

(c)the percentage by weight of inert matter shall not exceed 0.3%.

Regulations 3(1), 7(1) and (2) and 10(5)

SCHEDULE 5

PART ISAMPLING OF SEED LOTS

1.  A sample shall be obtained from the seed lot by taking primary samples at random from different positions in the lot and combining them to form a composite sample. The composite sample may be submitted for testing intact but if the composite sample is too large it may be reduced in weight by using an approved seed sample divider, to give the submitted sample.

Primary sample size

2.  At each position of sampling of a seed lot, primary samples of approximately equal size shall be taken.

Condition of the Seed Lot

3.  The seed lot to be sampled shall have been subject to appropriate mixing and blending techniques so that it is as uniform as practicable. There shall be no documentary or other evidence of heterogeneity. If a seed lot is presented for sampling in more than one container, the containers shall be of the same size and type and contain approximately the same weight of seed.

Sampling from sacks

4.  When the seed lot is in sacks or similar sized containers each containing more than 15 kg of seed and not more than 100 kg of seed, the minimum number of containers to be sampled shall be in accordance with the following table:—

Number of containers in the lotMinimum number of containers to be sampled
1—5Sample each container and always take at least five primary samples
6—30Sample five containers or at least one in every three containers, whichever is the greater
31—400Sample 10 containers or at least one in every 5 containers, whichever is the greater
401 or moreSample 80 containers or at least one in every seven containers, whichever is the greater

5.  The containers to be sampled shall be selected at random and primary samples drawn from the top, middle and the bottom of containers, but not necessarily from more than one position in any container. The position from which the seed is taken shall be varied from container to container.

Sampling from small containers

6.  For sampling seed lots in containers holding 15 kg of seed or less, a 100 kg weight of seed shall be taken as the basic unit and the small containers shall be combined to form sampling units not exceeding this weight (eg 6 packages of 15 kg, 20 packages of 5 kg). For sampling purposes each unit shall be regarded as one container and the sampling procedures prescribed in paragraphs 4 and 5 above shall be used.

7.  When seed is in moisture-proof containers the opened or pierced containers shall be adequately closed or the residues from sampling transferred to new containers. When seeds are in very small packets (100 g or less) each packet may be considered as a primary sample and sufficient shall be taken at random to obtain a submitted sample of the minimum size prescribed in Part II of this Schedule.

Sampling from large containers or seed in bulk

8.  For the sampling of containers holding more than 100 kg of seed, and for the sampling of seed in bulk, primary samples shall be taken from different horizontal and vertical positions selected at random and the following shall be regarded as the minimum requirement:—

Lot weightNumber of primary samples to be taken
up to 500 kgat least five primary samples
501—3000 kgone primary sample for each 300 kg but not less than five
3001—20,000 kgone primary sample for each 500 kg but not less than 10

Sampling from a seed stream

9.  Samples may be drawn from a seed stream during processing using an automatic sampling device, which shall uniformly sample the entire cross-section of the seed stream when a sample is taken. Portions of seed shall be taken at regular intervals throughout the processing of the lot using the same sampling intensity as for seed in bulk (see paragraph 8 above).

Sampling instruments

10.  Sampling instruments shall be capable of sampling all parts of the seed lot. Where it is not practicable to use one of the instruments or methods described in this Schedule other instruments or methods may be used at the discretion of the Minister.

11.  The instrument used for drawing primary samples shall be one of those described below as appropriate to the location of the seeds, or any other suitable instrument for the time being approved by the Minister.

(a) Dynamic spear sampler

This instrument may be used, in accordance with the methods described in paragraph 12(a) below, for sampling seeds in sacks or small containers. It shall be a hollow, cylindrical, solid-pointed metal spear or trier which shall be long enough to reach beyond the middle of the sack from the side and shall have an aperture so positioned that portions of seed of equal volume are removed from each part of the sack through which it travels.

Dimensions (mm)

PointShoulderBossAperture LengthAperture WidthBoreOutside Diameter
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)(g)
For sampling:
All kinds other than soyabean, sunflower, flax or linseed42782081012
All kinds other than soyabean and sunflower85121033111315
All kinds82121340151719
(b) Stick samplers

These instruments shall have an aperture or apertures which shall be of sufficient size to allow the unrestricted entry of seeds or other particles and which shall be capable of being opened and closed during the sampling procedure as appropriate to the method of use described in paragraph 12(b).

(i)Single chamber type

This instrument may be used for sampling seeds in open sacks, in large containers or in bulk.

Dimensions (mm)

PointShoulderSliding SleeveAperture LengthAperture WidthBore
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)
For sampling:
Seeds in sacks552575502225
Seeds in large containers or in bulk10039063502230

(ii)Multi-chamber type

This instrument may be used to sample seeds in sacks or, subject to the requirements of paragraph 10 above, any other containers. The apertures shall open into chambers that shall be separated from one another by transverse partitions. The contents of each chamber shall be regarded as a primary sample.

Dimensions (mm)

PointShoulderAperture LengthAperture WidthAperture SeparationBore
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)
For sampling:
All kinds60501001511025
(c) Cargo sampler

This instrument shall only be used, in accordance with the method described inparagraph 12(c) below, for sampling seed in large containers or bulk and shall only be used in the vertical position.

(d) Seed stream samplers

Seed stream samplers shall uniformly sample the cross section of the seed stream without any loss of the seeds that enter the sampler, in accordance with the method described in paragraph 12(d) below. Timing devices shall be attached so that the frequency and duration of sampling can be adjusted to meet the requirements of paragraph 9.

Methods of Use

12.  All instruments shall be clean before use. The methods of using these instruments shall be as follows:—

(a)Dynamic spear sampler

These samplers may be used in two ways as appropriate to their length.

  • Method 1(For instruments in which the aperture reaches only to the centre of the sack or small container).

    The instrument shall be inserted into the sack in an upward direction at an angle of approximately 30° to the horizontal with its aperture downwards until the aperture reaches the centre of the sack or container. The instrument shall be lightly tapped to remove any seed taken in and then rotated to bring the aperture uppermost. It shall be withdrawn immediately with a vibratory or oscillatory motion and at a decreasing speed so that the quantity of seed obtained from successive locations increases progressively from the centre to the side of the sack. Seed passing through the instrument shall be collected in a clean container.

  • Method 2 (For instruments in which the aperture reaches to the far side of a sack or small container).

    A longer instrument shall be inserted in the manner described in method 1 above until its aperture reaches almost to the far side of the sack or container. It shall be tapped and rotated in the manner described above and then withdrawn at a uniform speed. Seed passing through the instrument shall be collected in a clean container.

(b)Stick sampler

(i)Single chamber type

a.The sleeve shall move freely.

b.The instrument shall be inserted vertically downwards till the aperture reaches the appropriate primary sampling position ensuring that the sleeve covers the aperture as it enters the seed.

c.The instrument shall be withdrawn sufficiently to uncover the aperture.

d.The instrument shall be left in position until the primary sample has been collected.

e.The instrument shall be withdrawn and the contents emptied into a clean container.

(ii)Multi-chamber type

a.The apertures shall be closed before insertion.

b.The instrument shall be inserted diagonally into sacks or vertically into large containers so that all apertures are fully covered.

c.The apertures shall be opened.

d.The instrument shall be agitated so that seed enters.

e.The apertures shall be closed gently to ensure that trapped seed is not broken or damaged.

f.The instrument shall be withdrawn and if the chambers are full the contents shall be emptied onto a clean surface or into a clean container.

g.If all the chambers are not full, the contents shall be discarded and procedures a—f shall be repeated.

(c)Cargo sampler

a.The lid shall open and close easily.

b.The instrument shall be inserted with the lid closed to the appropriate primary sampling position which shall be at least 300mm below the surface of the seed.

c.The handle shall be raised sufficiently to open the lid.

d.The instrument shall be left in position until the primary sample has been collected.

e.The instrument shall be withdrawn and the contents shall be emptied into a clean container.

(d)Seed stream samplers

Such instruments shall be required to take the number of primary samples necessary for the weight of lot being sampled, the primary samples being taken from the lot at regular intervals and the resultant composite sample being of a weight not less than that prescribed in Part II below and not greater than can conveniently be reduced by means of one of the methods of sample reduction described in paragraph 14 below. They shall be installed in such a way that the composite sample shall be readily identifiable with the seed lot from which it was taken.

Obtaining submitted sample—composite sample division instruments

13.  Provided the composite sample is of at least the minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample for a particular kind of seed, it may be used as the submitted sample. Where the composite sample exceeds the weight prescribed for the submitted sample, any of the following instruments may be used to obtain the submitted sample. Other instruments and methods may be used at the discretion of the Minister.

(a)Riffle Divider

The riffle divider shall consist of a rectangular hopper leading to a series of evenly spaced chutes, arranged so that seed is distributed equally on two sides. There shall be a minimum of 18 chutes, each discharging in the opposite direction to its immediate neighbour.

Three (or more) metal collecting vessels (pans) of sufficient depth to prevent seed bouncing out shall be used.

(b)Centrifugal Divider

The centrifugal divider shall consist of a hopper from which seed flows on to a shallow cup which is then rotated by an electric motor. The seed shall be distributed by centrifugal force onto a stationary baffle which divides it into two equal parts which are then discharged through separate spouts.

Four metal collecting vessels (pans) of sufficient depth to prevent seed bouncing out shall be used.

Methods of use

14.  The methods of using these instruments shall be as follows:—

(a)Riffle Divider

a.The divider shall be placed on a firm level surface.

b.The divider and pans shall be clean.

Sample Mixing

c.

An empty pan shall be placed on each side of the divider to receive the discharge from the chutes.

d.

The entire composite sample shall be poured evenly into the other pan(s).

e.

The seed shall then be poured from the pan(s) evenly along the entire length of the hopper.

f.

The two pans into which the seed has passed shall then be replaced with empty pans.

g.

Procedures e. and f. shall then be repeated twice to mix the sample thoroughly.

Sample Reduction

h.

Before reduction, the composite sample shall have been thoroughly mixed using procedures c.—g. The contents of one of the two receiving pans shall then be set aside. If the seed in the second pan is of at least the minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample of a particular kind of seed, it may be used as the submitted sample. If the weight of seed in the second pan is greater than the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample, it may be reduced using the following procedures (i.—k.).

i.

An empty pan shall be placed on each side of the divider to receive the discharge from the chutes.

j.

The contents of the second pan shall be poured evenly along the entire length of the hopper.

k.

The contents of one of the two pans into which the seed has passed shall then be set aside. If the weight of seed in the other pan is still greater than the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for the submitted sample, it may be submitted intact or it may be reduced further using procedures i.—k.

l.

If the weight of seed in either of the two pans at either h. or k. is less than the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample, the following procedures (m.—q.) shall be used.

m.

An empty pan shall be placed on each side of the divider to receive the discharge from the chutes.

n.

The contents of one of the pans shall be set aside. The contents of the other pan shall be poured evenly along the entire length of the hopper.

o.

One receiving pan and its contents shall then be removed and replaced with an empty pan. The other pan, with its contents, shall be left in place.

p.

The contents of the pan removed at o. shall be poured evenly along the entire length of the hopper so that two subsamples of different weight shall be produced.

q.

Procedures o. and p. above, when repeated, constitute the process of continuous halving, and shall be repeated using whichever subsample is appropriate until sufficient seed is obtained in one pan, which when added to the seed set aside at n. produces a submitted sample of at least the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below.

Obtaining more than one submitted sample

r.

Two submitted samples shall be obtained from a composite sample by first obtaining a sample of at least twice the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample, using procedures c.—g., and h.—q. as appropriate, and then dividing it into two parts by passing it once through the divider.

s.

When three submitted samples are required from one composite sample, one sample of at least the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample, shall be extracted using procedures c.—g. and h.—q. as appropriate. All portions of seed which have been set aside shall then be recombined and the residue of the composite sample so obtained shall be subject to the procedure at r. above.

b.

Centrifugal Divider

u.

The divider shall be levelled prior to use.

v.

The divider and pans shall be clean.

Sample Mixing

c.

An empty pan shall be placed under each spout of the divider.

d.

The entire composite sample shall be poured into the centre of the hopper.

e.

The motor shall be operated so that the seed passes into the pans.

f.

The motor shall be switched off.

g.

The two pans containing seed shall be removed and replaced by empty ones.

h.

The contents of both pans removed at g. shall be poured together into the centre of the hopper, the seed being allowed to blend as it flows in. Procedures e., f. and g. shall be repeated.

i.

Procedure h. shall be repeated to mix the sample thoroughly.

Sample Reduction

j.

Before reduction, the composite sample shall have been thoroughly mixed using procedures c.—i. The contents of one of the two receiving pans shall then be set aside. If the seed in the second pan is of least the minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample of a particular kind of seed, it may be used as the submitted sample. If the weight of seed in the second pan is greater than the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample, it may be reduced using the following procedures (k.—m.).

k.

Empty pans shall be placed under the spouts.

l.

The contents of the second pan shall be poured into the hopper and procedures e. and f. shall be repeated.

m.

The contents of one of the two pans into which the seed has passed shall then be set aside. If the weight of seed in the other pan is still greater than the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample, it may be submitted intact or it may be reduced further using procedures k.—m.

n.

If the weight of seed in either of the two pans at either j. or m. is less than the appropriate minimum weight prescribed for a submitted sample in Part II below, the following procedures (o.—s.) shall be used.

o.

Empty pans shall be placed under the spouts.

p.

The contents of one of the pans shall be set aside. The contents of the other pan shall be poured into the centre of the hopper and procedures e. and f. shall be repeated.

q.

One receiving pan and its contents shall then be removed and replaced with an empty pan. The other pan, with its contents, shall be left in place.

r.

The contents of the pan removed at q. shall be poured into the centre of the hopper and procedures e. and f. shall be repeated so that two subsamples of different weight shall be produced.

s.

Procedures q. and r. above, when repeated, constitute the process of continuous halving, and shall be repeated using whichever subsample is appropriate until sufficient seed is obtained in one pan, which when added to the seed set aside at p., produces a submitted sample of at least the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below.

Obtaining more than one submitted sample

t.

Two submitted samples shall be obtained from a composite sample by first obtaining a sample of at least twice the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample, using procedures c.—i., and j.—s. as appropriate, and then dividing it into two parts by passing it once through the divider.

u.

When three submitted samples are required from one composite sample, one sample, of at least the appropriate minimum weight prescribed in Part II below for a submitted sample, shall be extracted using procedures c.—i. and j.—s. as appropriate. All portions of seed which have been set aside shall then be recombined and the residue of the composite sample so obtained shall be subject to procedure t. above.

PART IIMAXIMUM WEIGHT OF A SEED LOT AND MINIMUM WEIGHT OF A SUBMITTED SAMPLE

The maximum weight of a seed lot shall be as indicated below (or a weight which does not exceed that indicated below by more than 5%) and the minimum weight of a submitted sample shall be as indicated below:—

KindMaximum weight of a lot (tonnes)Minimum weight of a submitted sample to be drawn from alot (g)Weight of the samplefor determination by number provided for in columns 5—11 of paragraph 2, and column 4 of paragraph 3, of Part II of Schedule 4(g)
1234
Turnip rape1020070
Brown mustard1010040
Swede rape10200100
Black mustard1010040
Sunflower201,0001,000
Flax and Linseed10300150
White Mustard10400200
Soya bean201,0001,000

Regulations 5(3) and (12) and 9(2), (3), (4), (5) and (8)

SCHEDULE 6FOR THE PURPOSES OF THESE REGULATIONS THE PARTICULARS PRESCRIBED IN THE SCHEDULE AS TO THE KIND AND VARIETY OF SEED SHALL BE INDICATED ON THE LABEL IN ROMAN CHARACTERS. THE KIND OF SEED SHALL BE DESIGNATED BY ITS LATIN NAME, AS PRESCRIBED IN SCHEDULE 1

PART I

Official Label for a Package of Breeder’s Seed

A.—(a) Prescribed contents

1.  Certifying Authority

2.  Reference number

3.  Month and year when officially sealed

4.  Kind

5.  Variety

6.  “Breeder’s Seed”

7.  Declared net or gross weight or declared number of seeds

8.  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 weight of pure seed and the total weight

(b)Minimum size of label—110mm×67mm

(c)The label shall be coloured violet.

Official Label for a Package of Pre-Basic Seed

B.—(a) Prescribed contents

1.  Certifying Authority and Member State or their mark

2.  Month and year when officially sealed

3.  Reference number of the lot

4.  Kind

5.  Variety

6.  “Pre-Basic Seed”

7.  Country of production

8.  Declared net or gross weight or declared number of seeds

9.  Where weight is indicated and granulated pesticides, pelleting substances or other solid additives are used, the nature of the additives and also the approximate ratio between the weight of seed and the total weight

10.  Number of generations preceding seed of the categories “Certified Seed” or “Certified First Generation Seed”.

(b)Minimum size of the label—110mm×67mm

(c)The label shall be coloured white with a diagonal violet line.

Official Label for a Package of Basic Seed, Certified Seed or Certified Seed of the First, Second and Third Generations

C.—(a) Prescribed contents

1.  “EEC rules and standards”

2.  Certifying Authority and Member State or their mark

3.  Month and year when officially sealed

4.  Reference number of the lot

5.  Kind

6.  Variety

7.  Category

8.  Country of production

9.  Declared net or gross weight or declared number of seeds

10.  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 weight of seeds and the total weight

11.  In the case of varieties which are hybrids or inbred lines—

(a)for Basic Seed where the hybrid or inbred line to which the seed belongs has been officially accepted on a National List or the Common Catalogue—

the name of this component, under which it has been officially accepted, with or without reference to the final variety, accompanied, in the case of hybrids or inbred lines which are intended solely as components for final varieties, by the word “component”;

(b)for Basic Seed in other cases—

the name of the component to which the Basic Seed belongs, which may be given in code form, accompanied by a reference to the final variety, with or without reference to its function (male or female), and accompanied by the word “components”;

(c)for Certified Seed—

the name of the variety to which the seed belongs, accompanied by the word “hybrid”.

(b)Minimum size of label—110mm×67mm

(c)The label shall be coloured white for Basic Seed, blue for Certified Seed and Certified Seed of the First Generation and red for Certified Seed of the Second and Third Generations.

Official Label for a Package of Commercial Seed

D.—(a) Prescribed contents

1.  “EEC rules and standards”

2.  Service responsible for sealing and Member State or their mark

3.  Month and year when officially sealed

4.  Reference number of the lot

5.  Kind

6.  “Commercial Seed (not certified as to variety)”

7.  Country of production or region of production within a country

8.  Declared net or gross weight or declared number of seeds

9.  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 weight of seed and the total weight

(b)Minimum size of the label—110mm×67mm

(c)The label shall be coloured brown.

Official Label for a Package of Seed not Finally Certified

E.—(a) Prescribed contents of the label

1.  Certifying authority

2.  Kind

3.  Variety. (In the case of varieties (inbred lines, hybrids), which are intended solely as components for hybrid varieties, the word “component” shall be added.)

4.  Category. (In the case of hybrid varieties the word “hybrid” shall be added.)

5.  Crop Identity Number

6.  Declared net or gross weight (Tonnes)

7.  The words “seed not finally certified”

  • The label shall be coloured grey.

    (b)

    Information required for the document

1.  Certifying authority

2.  Kind

3.  Variety

4.  Category

5.  Seed Lot Reference Number (United Kingdom) or Reference Number (other than United Kingdom) of the seed used to sow the field and name of the country or countries which certified that seed

6.  Crop Identity Number

7.  Area cultivated for the production of the lot covered by the document (Hectares)

8.  Quantity of seed harvested and number of packages

9.  Number of generations after basic seed, in the case of certified seed

10.  Attestation that the conditions to be satisfied by the crop from which the seed comes have been fulfilled

11.  Where appropriate, results of a preliminary seed analysis.

PART IISMALL PACKAGES

Supplier’s Label for a Small Package of Pre-basic Seed, Basic Seed, Certified Seed, Certified Seed of the First, Second or Third Generations or Commercial Seed.

(a)

Prescribed contents

1.  “EEC rules and standards”

2.  Name and address of the supplier responsible for fixing the label or his identification mark

3.  Reference number of the lot

4.  Kind

5.  Variety (if appropriate)

6.  Category

7.  Declared net weight or declared number of seeds except in the case of packages not exceeding 15 grams net weight

8.  “Passed for marketing in the United Kingdom only”.

(b)The label shall be coloured white with a diagonal violet line for Pre-basic Seed, white for Basic Seed, blue for Certified Seed and Certified Seed of the First Generation, red for Certified Seed of the Second and Third Generations and brown for Commercial Seed.

PART IIIPARTICULARS TO BE MARKED OR DISPLAYED ON THE SALE OF UNPACKETED SEEDS

1.  “Complies with legal standards”

2.  Kind

3.  Variety (if appropriate).

Regulation 10(2)

SCHEDULE 7LIMITS OF VARIATION

GERMINATION

Minimum percentage of germinationLimit of variation
per centper cent
99—1002
97—983
94—964
91—935
87—906
82—867
76—818
70—759

ANALYTICAL PURITY

Minimum percentage of analytical purityLimit of variation
per centper cent
99.9—1000.2
99.80.3
99.6—99.70.4
99.3—99.50.5
99.0—99.20.6
98.5—98.90.7
98.3—98.40.8
97.5—98.20.9
97.0—97.41.0
96.5—96.91.1
95.5—96.41.2
95.0—95.41.3

CONTENT OF SEEDS OF OTHER SPECIES

Maximum seedsLimit of variation
per centper cent
0.00.1
0.1—0.20.3
0.3—0.40.4
0.50.5

NUMBER OF SEEDS OF OTHER SPECIES

Maximum number of seedsLimit of variation
NumberNumber
01
13
24
3—45
5—66
7—87
9—118
12—149
15—1710
18—2111
22—2512
26—2913
30—3414
35—4015
41—4516
46—5017

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