Article 12
1
Member States shall require that packages of basic seed, certified seed of all categories and commercial seed:
a
be labelled on the outside with an official label which has not previously been used, which satisfies the conditions laid down in Annex IV and on which the information is given in one of the official languages of the Community. The colour of the label shall be white for basic seed, blue for certified seed of the first generation after basic seed, red for certified seed of subsequent generations and brown for commercial seed.In the case of certified seed of a varietal association, the label shall be blue with a diagonal green line. When a label with a string-hole is used, its attachment shall be ensured in all cases with an official seal. If, in cases under Article 5(a), the basic seed does not satisfy the conditions laid down in Annex II in respect of germination, this fact shall be stated on the label. The use of official adhesive labels shall be authorised. In accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 25(2) the indelible printing under official supervision of the information on the package according to the label's model may be authorised;
b
contain an official document, in the same colour as the label, giving at least the information required under Annex IV(A)(a)(4), (5) and (6) and in the case of commercial seed, under (b) (2), (5) and (6). This document shall be drawn up in such a manner that it cannot be confused with the official label referred to under (a). This document is not necessary if the information is printed indelibly on the package or if, in accordance with the provisions under (a), an adhesive label or a label of non-tear material is used.
2
Member States may provide for exceptions to paragraph 1 in the case of small packages sealed on their own territory. Conditions relating to these exceptions may be determined in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 25(2).
3
This Directive shall not affect the right of Member States to require that seed of oil and fibre plants which is shown to be intended for purposes other than agricultural production may not be placed on the market unless this fact is stated on the label.
Inserted by Council Directive 2002/68/EC of 19 July 2002 amending Directive 2002/57/EC on the marketing of seed of oil and fibre plants.