Section 17: Powers of seed inspector

17. Powers of seed inspector (1) Subject to section 18, a seed inspector may, at any reasonable time, enter any place, premises, vehicle or container in which he believes on reasonable grounds that there is any seed. (2) A seed inspector may, pursuant to subsection (1)— (a) open any package found in that place which he believes on reasonable grounds to contain any seed; (b) examine the seed and take a sample from it; (c) inspect any operation or process carried out in or at such a place in connection with the production, processing, storage, packaging, labelling, transporting or selling of any seed and require from the person in charge of such an operation or process any information or explanation regarding such an operation or process; (d) require any person to produce, for inspection or for the purposes of obtaining copies or extracts, any book, shipping bill, bill of lading or other document relating to any seed; or (e) seize any seed, substance, article, book, record or other document which is or might be relevant to a prosecution under this Act and keep it in his custody. (3) Any sample of seed taken pursuant to subsection (2) (b) shall— (a) consist of the prescribed quantity or mass taken in the prescribed manner; [Issue 10] S8A – 10 Revised Laws of Mauritius (b) be taken in the presence of the person in charge of, or the owner or custodian of, the seed, or, if such person, owner or custodian is not available, in the presence of any other witness; (c) if necessary, be packed and identified; and (d) as soon as practicable, be tested in accordance with this Act. (S. 17 not in operation.)