CHAPTER 7

CONTROL MEASURES

Community monitoring
Article 14
1
Trials, or, where appropriate, tests shall be carried out in the Member States on samples to check that propagating material or fruit plants comply with the requirements and conditions of this Directive, including those relating to plant health. The Commission may organise inspections of the trials by representatives of the Member States and of the Commission.
2
Community comparative tests and trials may be carried out within the Community for the post-control of samples of propagating material or fruit plants placed on the market under the provisions of this Directive whether mandatory or discretionary, including those relating to plant health. The comparative tests and trials may include the following:
- propagating material or fruit plants produced in third countries,
- propagating material or fruit plants suitable for organic farming,
- propagating material or fruit plants marketed in relation to measures for the conservation of genetic diversity.
3
The comparative tests and trials referred to in paragraph 2 shall be used to harmonise the technical methods of examination of propagating material and fruit plants and to check satisfaction of the conditions with which the material must comply.
4
The Commission, acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 19(2), shall make the necessary arrangements for the comparative tests and trials to be carried out. The Commission shall inform the Committee referred to in Article 19(2) about the technical arrangements for holding the tests and trials and the results thereof. When plant health problems occur, the Commission shall notify the Standing Committee on Plant Health.
5
The Community may make a financial contribution to the performance of the tests and trials foreseen in paragraphs 2 and 3.
The financial contribution shall not exceed the annual appropriations decided by the budgetary authority.
6
The tests and trials which may benefit from a Community financial contribution, and detailed rules for the provision of the financial contribution, shall be established in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 19(2).
7
The tests and trials foreseen in paragraphs 2 and 3 may be performed only by State authorities or legal persons acting under the responsibility of the State.