Section 24: Certification of seed

24. Certification of seed (1) Where it is shown to the satisfaction of NPVSO that a seed is— (a) of a specified variety; (b) of known derivation; (c) produced by a seed producer; (d) produced on land approved by NPVSO; (e) sown, cultivated and produced in such manner as NPVSO has approved; (f) inspected during cultivation in such manner as NPVSO has approved; and (g) found to conform, after being tested, with the standards of germination, varietal and physical purity and seed health, and any other requirements as NPVSO has determined, NPVSO shall certify the seed under such seed certification scheme as it may set up. (2) (a) For the purposes of this Act, different schemes may be set up for seed of same or different kinds of plants, and the requirements for different kinds and varieties of seed in a scheme may differ. (b) NPVSO may recognise certification schemes from other States or other inter-governmental organisations as being equal or of higher standard than the certification schemes set up under this section and may recognise seed produced under such schemes as imported certified seed. (c) NPVSO may, subject to paragraph (d), recognise other organisations which fulfil eligibility criteria, as being qualified to carry out certification of seed. S8A – 13 [Issue 10] Seeds Act (d) Any organisation referred to in paragraph (c) shall be subject to inspection and control by NPVSO. (e) NPVSO may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, withdraw any recognition granted under paragraph (c), after giving to the organisation a reasonable opportunity of being heard. (f) Where a certification scheme is set up or recognised, NPVSO shall specify— (i) the manner in which and the control subject to which seed intended for certification under a scheme shall be produced; (ii) the manner in which and the times at which any inspection of land or seed crops under a scheme shall be carried out; (iii) the requirements and standards of quality with which the seed shall comply for certification; (iv) the manner in which certified seed shall be packed, marked, labelled, sealed, stored or distributed, and the specifications of the labels and seals to be used; (v) the information which shall appear on containers in which certified seeds are packed, or on labels affixed to the containers; (vi) the records to be kept and the information to be furnished by a seed producer; (vii) the fee payable to NPVSO for certification of seed under a scheme; and (viii) such other requirements as it may determine. (3) Where a seed is certified, NPVSO shall issue to the seed producer a certificate in respect of the seed and enter the particulars of the certification in the register of seed producers. (4) A seed producer shall, at the time of the sale of a seed certified under this section— (a) produce, for inspection by the buyer, the certificate issued under this section in respect of the seed; and (b) furnish to the buyer a true copy of the certificate countersigned by him as the producer of the seed. (S. 24 not in operation.) PART VIII – IMPORT, EXPORT AND TRADE OF SEED