02002L0055 — EN — 01.07.2020 — 009.001

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This text is meant purely as a documentation tool and has no legal effect. The Union's institutions do not assume any liability for its contents. The authentic versions of the relevant acts, including their preambles, are those published in the Official Journal of the European Union and available in EUR-Lex. Those official texts are directly accessible through the links embedded in this document

►B	COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2002/55/EC of 13 June 2002 on the marketing of vegetable seed (OJ L 193 20.7.2002, p. 33)

Amended by:

		Official Journal
		No	page	date
►M1	COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2003/61/EC of 18 June 2003	L 165	23	3.7.2003
►M2	REGULATION (EC) No 1829/2003 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 22 September 2003	L 268	1	18.10.2003
►M3	COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2004/117/EC of 22 December 2004	L 14	18	18.1.2005
►M4	COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 2006/124/EC Text with EEA relevance of 5 December 2006	L 339	12	6.12.2006
►M5	COMMISSION DIRECTIVE 2009/74/EC Text with EEA relevance of 26 June 2009	L 166	40	27.6.2009
►M6	COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DIRECTIVE 2013/45/EU Text with EEA relevance of 7 August 2013	L 213	20	8.8.2013
►M7	COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DIRECTIVE (EU) 2016/317 Text with EEA relevance of 3 March 2016	L 60	72	5.3.2016
►M8	COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DIRECTIVE (EU) 2019/990 Text with EEA relevance of 17 June 2019	L 160	14	18.6.2019
►M9	COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DIRECTIVE (EU) 2020/177 Text with EEA relevance of 11 February 2020	L 41	1	13.2.2020
►M10	COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DIRECTIVE (EU) 2020/432 Text with EEA relevance of 23 March 2020	L 88	3	24.3.2020

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▼B

COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 2002/55/EC

of 13 June 2002

on the marketing of vegetable seed

Article 1

This Directive shall apply to the production with a view to marketing, and to the marketing, of vegetable seed within the Community.

It shall not apply to vegetable seed shown to be intended for export to third countries.

Article 2

1.  For the purpose of this Directive:

(a)

‘marketing’ : shall mean the sale, holding with a view to sale, offer for sale and any disposal, supply or transfer aimed at commercial exploitation of seed to third parties, whether or not for consideration. Trade in seed not aimed at commercial exploitation of the variety, such as the following operations, shall not be regarded as marketing: —  the supply of seed to official testing and inspection bodies, —  the supply of seed to providers of services for processing or packaging, provided the provider of services does not acquire title to seed thus supplied. The supply of seed under certain conditions to providers of services for the production of certain agricultural raw materials, intended for industrial purposes, or seed propagation for that purpose, shall no be regarded as marketing, provided the provider of services does not acquire title to either the seed thus supplied or the product of the harvest. The supplier of seed shall provide the certification authority with a copy of the relevant parts of the contract made with the provider of services and this shall include the standards and conditions currently met by the seed provided. The conditions for the application of this provision shall be determined in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2);

▼M10

(b)

‘vegetables’ : means plants of following species intended for agricultural or horticultural production, but not for ornamental uses. Allium cepa L. —  Cepa Group (Onion, Echalion) —  Aggregatum Group (Shallot) Allium fistulosum L. (Japanese bunching onion or Welsh onion) —  all varieties Allium porrum L. (Leek) —  all varieties Allium sativum L. (Garlic) —  all varieties Allium schoenoprasum L. (Chives) —  all varieties Anthriscus cerefolium (L.) Hoffm. (Chervil) —  all varieties Apium graveolens L. —  Celery Group —  Celeriac Group Asparagus officinalis L. (Asparagus) —  all varieties Beta vulgaris L. —  Garden Beet Group (Beetroot including Cheltenham beet) —  Leaf Beet Group (Spinach beet or Chard) Brassica oleracea L. —  Kale Group —  Cauliflower Group —  Capitata Group (Red cabbage and White cabbage) —  Brussel Sprouts Group —  Kohlrabi Group —  Savoy Cabbage Group —  Broccoli Group (calabrese type and sprouting type) —  Palm Kale Group —  Tronchuda Group (Portuguese cabbage) Brassica rapa L. —  Chinese Cabbage Group —  Vegetable Turnip Group Capsicum annuum L. (Chili or Pepper) —  all varieties Cichorium endivia L. (Endive) —  all varieties Cichorium intybus L. —  Witloof Chicory Group —  Leaf Chicory Group (Large-leaved chicory or Italian chicory) —  Industrial (Root) Chicory Group Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. et Nakai (Watermelon) —  all varieties Cucumis melo L. (Melon) —  all varieties Cucumis sativus L. —  Cucumber Group —  Gherkin Group Cucurbita maxima Duchesne (Gourd) —  all varieties Cucurbita pepo L. (Marrow, including mature pumpkin and scallop squash, or Courgette, including immature scallop squash) —  all varieties Cynara cardunculus L. —  Globe Artichoke Group —  Cardoon Group Daucus carota L. (Carrot and Fodder Carrot) —  all varieties Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (Fennel) —  Azoricum Group Lactuca sativa L. (Lettuce) —  all varieties Solanum lycopersicum L. (Tomato) —  all varieties Petroselinum crispum (Mill.) Nyman ex A. W. Hill —  Leaf Parsley Group —  Root Parsley Group Phaseolus coccineus L. (Runner bean) —  all varieties Phaseolus vulgaris L. —  Dwarf French Bean Group —  Climbing French Bean Group Pisum sativum L. —  Round Pea Group —  Wrinkled Pea Group —  Sugar Pea Group Raphanus sativus L. —  Radish Group —  Black Radish Group Rheum rhabarbarum L. (Rhubarb) —  all varieties Scorzonera hispanica L. (Scorzonera or Black salsify) —  all varieties Solanum melongena L. (Aubergine or Eggplant) —  all varieties Spinacia oleracea L. (Spinach) —  all varieties Valerianella locusta (L.) Laterr. (Corn salad or Lamb’s lettuce) —  all varieties Vicia faba L. (Broad bean) —  all varieties Zea mays L. —  Sweet Corn Group —  Popcorn Group All hybrids of the species and Groups listed above.

▼B

(c)

‘basic seed’ : means seed (i)  which has been produced under the responsibility of the breeder according to accepted practices for the maintenance of the variety; (ii)  which is intended for the production of seed of the category ‘certified seed’; (iii)  which, subject to the provisions of Article 22, satisfies the conditions laid down in Annexes I and II for basic seed; and ▼M3 (iv)  which has been found by official examination or, in the case of the conditions laid down in Annex II, either by official examination or examination carried out under official supervision to satisfy the conditions set out in (i), (ii) and (iii); ▼B

(d)

‘certified seed’ : means seed (i)  which is produced directly from basic seed or, if the breeder so requests, from seed of a generation prior to basic seed which can satisfy and has been found by official examination to satisfy the conditions laid down in Annexes I and II for basic seed; (ii)  which is intended mainly for the production of vegetables; (iii)  which, subject to the provisions of point (b) of Article 22, satisfies the conditions laid down in Annexes I and II for certified seed; ▼M3 (iv)  which has been found by official examination or by examination carried out under official supervision to satisfy the conditions set out in (i), (ii) and (iii); ▼B (v)  which is subject to official post-control by check inspection to verify its varietal identity and varietal purity;

(e)

‘standard seed’ : means seed (i)  which has sufficient varietal identity and varietal purity; (ii)  which is intended mainly for the production of vegetables; (iii)  which satisfies the conditions laid down in Annex II; and (iv)  which is subject to official post-control by check inspection to verify its varietal identity and varietal purity;

(f)

‘official measures’ : means measures taken (i)  by State authorities; or (ii)  by any legal person whether governed by public or by private law, acting under the responsibility of the State; or (iii)  in the case of ancillary activities which are also under State control, by any natural person duly sworn for that purpose; provided that the persons mentioned under (ii) and (iii) derive no private gain from such measures;

(g)

‘EC small packages’ : means packages containing seed up to a maximum net weight of (i)  5 kg for legumes; (ii)  500 g for onions, chervil, asparagus, spinach beet or chard, red beet or beetrood, turnips, water melon, gourd, marrows, carrots, radishes, scorzonera or black salsify, spinach, corn-salad or lamb's lettuce; (iii)  100 g for all other species of vegetable.

2.  Amendments to be made to the list of species referred to in paragraph 1(b) shall be adopted in accordance with the procedures referred to in Article 46(2).

3.  The different types of varieties, including the components, may be specified and defined in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 46(2).

▼M3

4.  When the examinations under official supervision referred to in paragraph (1)(c)(iv) and (1)(d)(iv) are carried out, the following requirements shall be complied with:

▼B

Article 3

1.  Member States shall provide that vegetable seed may no be certified, verified as standard seed and marketed unless the variety is officially accepted in one or more Member States.

2.  Each Member State shall establish one or more catalogues of the varieties officially accepted for certification, verification as standard seed and marketing in its territory. The catalogues shall be subdivided according to varieties:

Any person may consult the catalogues.

3.  A common catalogue of varieties of vegetable species shall, in accordance with the provisions of Articles 16 and 17, be established on the basis of the national catalogues of the Member States.

4.  Member States may provide that the acceptance of a variety for inclusion in the common catalogue or in the catalogue of another Member State is equivalent to acceptance for inclusion in their own catalogues. Member States making such provision shall be released from the obligations provided for in Article 7, Article 9(4) and Article 10(2) to (5).

Article 4

1.  Member States shall ensure that a variety is accepted only if it is distinct, stable and sufficiently uniform.

In the case of industrial chicory, the variety must be of satisfactory value for cultivation and use.

2.  In the case of a genetically modified variety within the meaning of Article 2(1) and (2) of Council Directive 90/220/EEC the variety shall be accepted only if all appropriate measures have been taken to avoid adverse effects on human health and the environment.

▼M2

3.  Further, when material derived from a plant variety is intended to be used in food falling within the scope of Article 3, or in feed falling within the scope of Article 15 of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on genetically modified food and feed ( 1 ), the variety shall be accepted only if it has been approved in accordance with that Regulation.

▼B

4.  In the interest of conserving plant genetic resources as specified in Article 44(2), the Member States may depart from the acceptance criteria set out in the first subparagraph of paragraph 1 in so far as specific conditions are established in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46 considering the requirements of Article 44(3).

Article 5

1.  A variety shall be regarded as distinct if, whatever the origin, artificial or natural, of the initial variation from which it has resulted, it is clearly distinguishable in one or more important characteristics from any other variety known in the Community.

The characteristics must be capable of precise recognition and of precise definition.

A variety in the Community shall be any variety which, at the time when the application for the acceptance of the variety to be assessed is duly made, is:

unless the aforementioned conditions are no longer fulfilled in all the Member States concerned before the decision on the application for acceptance of the variety to be assessed is taken.

2.  A variety shall be regarded as stable if, after successive propagation or multiplications or at the end of each cycle (where the breeder has defined a particular cycle of propagation or multiplications) it remains true to the description of its essential characteristics.

3.  A variety shall be regarded as sufficiently uniform if, apart from a very few aberrations, the plants of which it is composed are, account being taken of the distinctive features of the reproductive systems of the plants, similar or genetically identical as regards the characteristics, taken as a whole, which are considered for this purpose.

Article 6

Member States shall ensure that varieties coming from other Member States are subject to the same requirements, in particular as regards the acceptance procedure, as those which apply to domestic varieties.

Article 7

1.  Member States shall provide that acceptance of varieties be based on the results of official examinations, particularly growing trials, covering a sufficient number of characteristics for the variety to be described. The methods used for determining characteristics must be accurate and reliable. In order to establish distinctness, the growing trials shall include at least the available comparable varieties which are varieties known in the Community within the meaning of Article 5(1). For the purpose of applying Article 9, other available comparable varieties shall be included. In the case of varieties whose seed may not be verified except as standard seed, the results of unofficial examinations and knowledge gained from practical experience during cultivation may be taken into consideration in relation to the results of an official examination.

It may be prescribed, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2) that, as from specified dates, varieties of certain vegetable species will no longer be accepted except on the basis of official tests.

2.  The following shall be fixed in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2), account being taken of current scientific and technical knowledge:

3.  Where examination of the genealogical components is necessary in order to study hybrids and synthetic varieties, Member States shall ensure that the results of the examination and the description of the genealogical components are, if the breeder so requests, treated as confidential.

4.  

▼M2

5.  Member States shall ensure that a variety intended to be used in food or feed as defined in Articles 2 and 3 of Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority, and laying down procedures in matters of food safety ( 2 ) is accepted only if it has been authorised under the relevant legislation.

▼B

Article 8

Member States shall require that when lodging an application for the acceptance of a variety, the applicant indicates whether acceptance has already been applied for in another Member State, which Member State was concerned, and whether the application was granted.

Article 9

1.  Member States shall arrange for official publication of the catalogue of varieties accepted in their territory and, where maintenance breeding of the variety is required, the name of the person or persons responsible for this in their countries. When several persons are responsible for the maintenance of a variety, the names need not be published. If the names are not published, the catalogue shall indicate the authority holding the list of names of persons responsible for maintenance of the variety.

2.  Member States shall, as far as possible, ensure at the time of acceptance that the variety is known by the same name in all Member States.

If it is known that seed or propagating material of a given variety are marketed in another country under a different name, that name shall also be indicated in the catalogue.

In the case of varieties which are derived from varieties whose official acceptance has been determined pursuant to Article 12(3), second and third subparagraph, and which have been accepted in one or more Member States as a result of the official measures referred to in that provision, it may be decided, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2), that all Member States of acceptance shall ensure that the varieties bear names determined under the same procedure and complying with the above principles.

3.  In taking into account the information available, Member States shall also ensure that a variety which is not clearly distinguishable:

bears the name of that variety. This provision shall not apply if this name is likely to mislead or cause confusion concerning the variety in question, or if, pursuant to all the provisions of the Member State concerned governing the names of varieties, other facts prevent its utilisation, or if the rights of third parties impede the free use of that name in connection with the variety in question.

4.  Member States shall compile a special file on each variety accepted, containing a description of the variety and a clear summary of all the facts on which the acceptance was based. The description of the varieties shall relate to plants produced directly from seed of the category ‘certified seed’ or the category ‘standard seed’.

5.  Member States shall ensure that genetically modified varieties which have been accepted are clearly indicated as such in the catalogue of varieties. They shall further ensure that any person marketing such a variety clearly indicates in his sales catalogue that the variety is genetically modified.

6.  So far as the suitability of the denomination of a variety is concerned, Article 63 of Council Regulation (EC) No 2100/94 of 27 July 1994 on Community plant variety rights ( 3 ) shall apply.

Detailed implementing rules as to the suitability of denominations of varieties may be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2).

Article 10

1.  Any application or withdrawal of an application for acceptance of a variety, any entry in a catalogue of varieties as well as any amendment thereto shall be notified forthwith to the other Member States and the Commission.

2.  Member States shall, for each new variety accepted, send the other Member States and the Commission a brief description of its characteristics which have been noticed as a result of the acceptance procedure. They shall, on request, also communicate a description of the special characteristics which enable the variety to be distinguished from other similar varieties.

3.  Each Member State shall make available to the other Member States and the Commission the files referred to in Article 9(4) on the varieties which are accepted or which have ceased to be accepted. Information exchanged concerning these files shall be treated as confidential.

4.  Member States shall ensure that the acceptance files are made available for the personal and exclusive use of any person able to show a legitimate interest. These provisions shall not apply where the information must under Article 7(3) be treated as confidential.

5.  Where acceptance of a variety is refused or revoked, the results of the examinations shall be made available to persons affected by such decision.

Article 11

1.  Member States shall provide that the varieties accepted must be maintained according to accepted practices for the maintenance of the variety.

2.  It must at all times be possible to check maintenance from the records kept by the person or persons responsible for the variety. These records shall also cover the production of all generations prior to basic seed.

3.  Samples may be requested from the person responsible for the variety. Such samples may if necessary be taken officially.

4.  Where maintenance takes place in a Member State other than that in which the variety was accepted, the Member States concerned shall assist each other administratively as regards checks.

Article 12

1.  Acceptance shall be valid until the end of the tenth calendar year following acceptance.

Acceptance of the varieties by the authorities of the former German Democratic Republic prior to German unification shall be valid until the end of the tenth calendar year at the latest following their entry in the catalogue of varieties drawn up by the Federal Republic of Germany in accordance with Article 3(1).

2.  Acceptance of a variety may be renewed at given intervals if it is still cultivated on such a scale as to justify this, or should be retained in the interest of conserving plant genetic resources, and providing that the requirements as to distinctness, uniformity and stability, or the criteria determined under Article 44(2) and (3), are still satisfied. Except in the case of plant genetic resources within the meaning of Article 44, applications for renewal shall be submitted not later than two years before expiry of acceptance.

3.  The period of validity of acceptance shall be extended provisionally until a decision is taken on the application for renewal.

In the case of varieties for which acceptance has been granted before 1 July 1972 or, with regard to Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom, before 1 January 1973, the period mentioned in the first subparagraph of paragraph 1 may be extended, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2), until 30 June 1990 at the latest for individual varieties, where official measures organised on a Community basis have been taken before 1 July 1982 in order to ensure that the conditions for the renewal of their acceptance or for the acceptance of varieties derived from them are met.

With regard to Greece, Spain and Portugal, the expiry of the acceptance period for certain varieties for which acceptance has been granted in those Member States before 1 January 1986 may, at the request of those Member States, also be fixed for 30 June 1990, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2), and the varieties concerned may be included in the official measures referred to in the second subparagraph.

Article 13

1.  Member States shall ensure that any doubts which arise after the acceptance of a variety concerning the appraisal of its distinctness or of its name at the time of acceptance are removed.

2.  Where, after acceptance of a variety, it is established that the condition concerning distinctness within the meaning of Article 5 was not fulfilled at the time of acceptance, acceptance shall be replaced by another decision or, where appropriate, a revocation, which conforms with this Directive.

By this other decision, the variety shall, with effect from the date of its initial acceptance, no longer be regarded as a variety known in the Community within the meaning of Article 5(1).

3.  Where, after acceptance of a variety, it is established that its name within the meaning of Article 9 was not acceptable when the variety was accepted, the name shall be adapted in such a way that it conforms with this Directive. Member States may permit the previous name to be used temporarily as an additional name. The detailed arrangements in accordance with which the previous name may be used as an additional name may be laid down in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2).

4.  In accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2) rules may be established for the application of paragraphs 1, 2 and 3.

Article 14

1.  Member States shall ensure that acceptance of a variety is revoked:

2.  Member States may revoke the acceptance of a variety:

Article 15

1.  Member States shall ensure that a variety is deleted from their catalogues if acceptance of the variety has been revoked or if the period of validity of the acceptance has expired.

2.  Member States may, in respect of their own territory, allow a period for the certification, verification as standard seed and marketing of seed up to 30 June of the third year at the most after expiry of the acceptance.

In the case of varieties that were listed pursuant to Article 17(1) in the common catalogue of varieties referred to in Article 18 the period which expires last among those granted by the various Member States of acceptance under the first subparagraph shall apply to marketing in all the Member States, provided that the seed of the variety concerned has not been subject to any marketing restriction as regards the variety.

3.  In the case of varieties the acceptance of which has been renewed pursuant to Article 12(3), Member States may allow the names used before such renewal to be used until 30 June 1994.

Article 16

1.  Member States shall ensure that, with effect from the publication referred to in Article 17, seed of varieties accepted in accordance with the provisions of this Directive or in accordance with principles corresponding to those of this Directive are subject to no marketing restrictions relating to variety.

2.  Member States may, upon application which shall be dealt with as provided for in Article 46(2) or in Article 46(3) in the case of genetically modified varieties, be authorised to prohibit the use of the variety in all or in part of its territory or to lay down appropriate conditions for cultivating the variety in accordance, in cases provided for in paragraph (b), with the conditions for using the products resulting from such cultivation:

Article 17

The Commission shall, on the basis of the information supplied by the Member States and as this is received, publish in the C Series of the Official Journal of the European Communities under the title ‘Common Catalogue of Varieties of Agricultural Plant Species’ a list of all varieties whose seed is subject under Article 16 to no marketing restrictions as regards variety, and also the information required under Article 9(1) concerning the person or persons responsible for maintenance of the variety. The published notice shall indicate the Member States which have received an authorisation under Article 16(2) or Article 18.

The published notice shall list those varieties for which a period has been applied in accordance with the second subparagraph of Article 15(2). This list shall indicate the length of the period and, where appropriate, the Member States to which the period does not apply.

The published notice shall clearly indicate those varieties which have been genetically modified.

Article 18

If it is established that the cultivation of a variety included in the common catalogue of varieties could in any Member State be harmful from the point of view of plant health to the cultivation of other varieties or species, or present a risk for the environment or for human health, that Member State may upon application, be authorised in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2) or in Article 46(3) in the case of a genetically modified variety to prohibit the marketing of the seed or propagating material of that variety in all or part of its territory. Where there is imminent danger of the spread of harmful organisms or imminent danger for human health or for the environment, that prohibition may be imposed by the Member State concerned as soon as its application has been lodged until such time as a final decision has been taken. That decision shall be taken within a period of three months in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 46(2) or in Article 46(3) in the case of genetically modified variety.

Article 19

Where a variety ceases to be accepted in the Member State which initially accepted it, one or more other Member States may continue to accept that variety provided that the requirements for acceptance continue to be met in their territory. If the variety in question is one whose maintenance is required, this must remain assured.

Article 20

1.  Member States shall provide that seed of industrial chicory may not be placed on the market unless it has been officially certified as ‘basic seed’ or ‘certified seed’.

2.  Member States shall provided that seed of other vegetable species may not be placed on the market unless it has been officially certified as ‘basic seed’ or ‘certified seed’, or is standard seed.

3.  It may, however, under the procedure referred to in Article 46(2) be provided that after specified dates seed of certain vegetable species may not be placed on the market unless it has been officially certified as ‘basic seed’ or ‘certified seed’.

4.  Member States shall ensure that official examinations of seeds are carried out in accordance with current international methods, in so far as such methods exist.

Article 21

Notwithstanding Article 20(1) and (2), Member States shall provide that:

may be placed on the market.

Article 22

Member States may, however, by way of derogation from the provisions of Article 20:

These provisions shall not apply to seed imported from third countries, save as otherwise provided in Article 36 in respect of multiplication outside the Community.

Member States making use of the derogation provided for in either subparagraph (a) or (b) shall assist each other administratively as regards inspection.

Article 23

1.  Notwithstanding Article 20(1) and (2), Member States may:

2.  The conditions under which Member States may grant the authorisations referred to in paragraph (b) above shall be determined in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2), particularly as regards the acquisition of data, the type of data, the storage and name of the variety and the labelling of packages.

3.  Authorisations granted before 14 December 1998 by Member States to producers in their own territory for the purposes set out in paragraph 1 shall remain in force pending determination of the provisions referred to in paragraph 2. Thereafter, all such authorisations shall respect the provisions established in accordance with paragraph 2.

Article 24

Member States may, as regards the conditions laid down in Annexes I and II, impose additional or more stringent requirements for the certification of seed produced in their own territory.

Article 25

▼M3

1.  Member States shall require that, for the examination of seed for certification, samples are drawn officially or under official supervision in accordance with appropriate methods. However seed sampling with a view to controls pursuant to Article 39 shall be carried out officially.

These provisions shall also apply where samples of standard seed are drawn for post-control tests.

▼M3

1a.  When the seed sampling under official supervision provided for in paragraph 1 is carried out, the following requirements shall be complied with:

1b.  Further measures applicable to the carrying out of seed sampling under official supervision may be adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 46(2).

▼B

2.  For the examination of seed for certification and for post-control tests, samples shall be drawn from homogeneous lots; the maximum weight of a lot and the minimum weight of a sample are given in Annex III.

Article 26

1.  Member States shall require that basic seed, certified seed and standard seed be marketed only in sufficiently homogeneous lots and in sealed packages bearing, as prescribed in Articles 27 and 28, a sealing device and markings.

2.  Member States may, for the marketing of small quantities to the final consumer, provide for derogations from the provisions of paragraph 1 in respect of packaging, sealing and marking.

3.  Notwithstanding paragraph 1, Member States may authorise their own producers to place on the market small packages of mixtures of standard seed of different varieties of the same species. The species, where this provision applies, the rules for the maximum size of the small packages and the requirements for labelling shall be established in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2).

Article 27

1.  Member States shall require that packages of basic and certified seed, not made up in the form of EC small packages, be sealed officially or under official supervision in such a manner that they cannot be opened without damaging the sealing system or leaving evidence of tampering on either the official label provided for in Article 28(1) or the package.

In order to ensure sealing, the sealing system shall comprise at least either the official label or the affixing of an official seal.

The measures provided for in the second subparagraph shall not be necessary where a non-reusable sealing system is used.

In accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2) it may be established whether a particular sealing system complies with the provisions of this paragraph.

2.  Packages which have been officially sealed shall not be resealed, whether one or more times, except officially or under official supervision. If packages are resealed, the fact of resealing, the most recent date of resealing and the authority responsible therefor shall be stated on the label required under Article 28(1).

3.  Member States shall require that packages of standard seed and small packages of seeds of the category certified seed be sealed in such a manner that they cannot be opened without damaging the sealing system or without leaving evidence of tampering on the label provided for in Article 28(3) or the package. Except in the case of small packages, they shall also bear a lead or an equivalent sealing device attached by the person responsible for attaching labels. In accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2), it may be established whether a particular sealing system complies with the provisions of this paragraph. In the case of small packages of the category certified seed, packages shall not be sealed on one or more occasions except under official supervision.

4.  Member States may provide for exceptions to paragraphs 1 and 2 in the case of small packages of basic seed closed on their own territory. Conditions relating to these exceptions may be determined in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2).

Article 28

1.  Member States shall require that packages of basic seed and certified seed, except where seed of the latter category takes the form of small packages:

2.  Member States may provide for exceptions to paragraph 1 in the case of small packages sealed in their own territory. Conditions relating to these exceptions may be determined in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2).

3.  Packages of standard seed and small packages of seed of the category ‘certified seed’ shall, as required under Annex IV(B), bear a supplier's label or a printed or stamped notice in one of the official languages of the Community. The colour of the label shall be blue for certified seed and dark yellow for standard seed.

Save in the case of small packages of standard seed, the information prescribed or authorised under this provision shall be kept clearly separate from any other information given on the label or the package, including that provided for in Article 30.

After 30 June 1992 it may be decided, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2), that small packages of standard seed of all species or of some species should be subjected to this requirement or that the information prescribed or authorised be distinct in some other way from any other information if the distinctive feature is expressly declared as such on the label or package.

4.  In the case of varieties which are widely known on 1 July 1970, reference may also be made on the label to any maintenance of the variety which has been or will be declared in accordance with the provisions of Article 41(2). It shall be prohibited to refer to any special properties which might be connected with such maintenance.

The date shall be:

This reference shall follow the varietal name, from which it shall be clearly separated, preferably by means of a dash. It shall not be given greater prominence than the varietal name.

Article 29

Member States shall take all measures necessary to ensure that in the case of small packages of certified seed the identity of the seed can be verified, in particular at the time when seed lots are divided up. To this den, they may require that small packages made up in their territory be sealed officially or under official supervision.

Article 30

1.  In accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2), it may be provided that in cases other than those already provided for in this Directive, packages of basic seed, certified seed of any kind or standard seed shall bear a supplier's label (which may either be a label separate from the official label or take the form of supplier's information printed on the package itself).

The particulars to be provided on any such label shall also be established in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2).

2.  In the case of basic and certified seed the label or the printing referred to under paragraph 1 shall be drawn up in such a manner that it cannot be confused with the official label referred to in Article 28(1).

Article 31

In the case of seed of a variety which has been genetically modified, any label or document, official or otherwise, which is affixed to or accompanies the seed lot, under the provisions of this Directive, shall clearly indicate that the variety has been genetically modified.

Article 32

Member States shall require that any chemical treatment of basic seed, certified seed or standard seed be noted either on the official label or on the supplier's label and on the package or inside it. For small packages, this information may be printed directly on the package or inside it.

Article 33

For the purpose of seeking improved alternatives to certain provisions set out in this Directive, it may be decided to organise temporary experiments under specified conditions at Community level in accordance with the provisions referred to in Article 46(2).

In the framework of such experiments, Member States may be released from certain obligations laid down in this Directive. The extent of that release shall be defined with reference to the provisions to which it applies. The duration of an experiment shall not exceed seven years.

Article 34

1.  Member States shall ensure that seed which is placed on the market under the provisions of this Directive, whether mandatory or discretionary, is not subject to any marketing restrictions as regards its characteristics, examination requirements, marking and sealing other than those laid down in this or any other Community Directive.

2.  Until such time as a decision has been taken under Article 20(3) any Member State may upon application, which will be dealt with under the procedure referred to in Article 46(2), be authorised to provide that after specified dates seed of certain species of vegetable may not be placed on the market unless it has been officially certified as ‘basic seed’ or ‘certified seed’.

Article 35

The conditions under which bred seed of generations prior to basic seed may be placed on the market under the first indent of Article 21, shall be as follows:

Article 36

1.  Member States shall provide that vegetable seed:

shall, on request and without prejudice to other provisions of this Directive, be officially certified seed in any Member State if that seed has undergone field inspection satisfying the conditions laid down in Annex I for the relevant category and if official examination has shown that the conditions laid down in Annex II for the same category are satisfied.

Where in such cases the seed has been produced directly from officially certified seed of generations prior to basic seed, Member States may also authorise official certification as basic seed, if the conditions laid down for that category are satisfied.

2.  Vegetable seed which has been harvested in the Community and which is intended for certification in accordance with paragraph 1 shall:

The provisions in the first indent on packaging and labelling may be waived if the authorities responsible for field inspections, those drawing up the documents for the certification of seeds which have not been definitively certified and those responsible for certification are the same, or if they agree on exemption.

3.  Member States shall also provide that vegetable seed

shall, on request, be officially certified as certified seed in any of those Member States where the basic seed was either produced or officially certified, if the seed has undergone field inspection satisfying the conditions laid down in an equivalence decision made under Article 37(1)(a) for the relevant category, and if official examination has shown that the conditions laid down in Annex II for the same category are satisfied. Other Member States may also authorise official certification of such seed.

Article 37

1.  The Council, acting by a qualified majority on a proposal from the Commission, shall determine whether:

2.  Paragraph 1 shall also apply in respect of any new Member State from the date of its accession to the date on which it is to bring into force the laws, regulations or administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive.

Article 38

1.  In order to remove any temporary difficulties in the general supply of basic certified or standard seed that occur in the Community and cannot be otherwise overcome, it may be decided in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2) that Member States shall permit, for a specified period, the marketing throughout the Community in quantities necessary to resolve the supply difficulties of seed of a category subject to less stringent requirements, or of seed of a variety not included in the Common Catalogue of Varieties of Vegetable Species or in the national catalogues of varieties of the Member States.

2.  For a category of seed of any given variety, the official label or suppliers' label shall be that provided for the corresponding category; for seed of varieties not included in the abovementioned catalogues the colour of the label shall be brown. The label shall always state that the seed in question is of a category satisfying less stringent requirements.

3.  Rules for the application of paragraph 1 may be adopted in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2).

Article 39

1.  Member States shall ensure that official inspections are carried out in relation to the marketing of vegetable seed, at least by random checks, to verify compliance with the requirements and conditions of this Directive.

2.  Without prejudice to the free movement of seed within the Community, Member States shall take all necessary measures to ensure that they are supplied with the following particulars during the marketing of quantities exceeding two kilograms of seed imported from third countries:

The manner in which these particulars are to be presented may be determined in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2).

Article 40

Member States shall ensure that seed of the categories ‘certified seed’ and ‘standard seed’ is subject to official post-control in the field by inspection to compare their varietal identity and varietal purity against standard controls.

Article 41

1.  Member States shall ensure that the persons responsible for affixing the labels for standard seed intended for marketing:

The operations referred to in points (b) and (d) shall be subject to official checks carried out on a random basis. The obligation laid down in point (c) shall apply only to producers.

2.  Member States shall ensure that any person intending in accordance with Article 28(4) to make reference to a given maintenance of a variety state this intention in advance.

Article 42

1.  If it is repeatedly found, during post-control tests carried out in the field, that seed of any one variety does not adequately satisfy the conditions laid down in respect of varietal identity or varietal purity, Member States shall ensure that the person marketing it is wholly or partially forbidden to market such seed (where appropriate, for a specified period).

2.  Any measures taken under paragraph 1 shall be withdrawn as soon as it has been established with adequate certainty that the seed intended for marketing will in future satisfy the conditions as to varietal identity and varietal purity.

▼M1

Article 43

1.  Community comparative tests and trials shall be carried out within the Community for the post-control examination of samples of vegetable seed placed on the market under the provisions of this Directive, whether mandatory or discretionary, and taken during sampling. The comparative tests and trials may include the following:

2.  These comparative tests and trials shall be used to harmonise the technical methods of certification and to check satisfaction of the conditions with which the seed must comply.

3.  The Commission, acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(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 46(1) about the technical arrangements for holding the tests and trials and the results thereof.

4.  The Community may make a financial contribution to the performance of the tests and trials foreseen in paragraphs 1 and 2.

The financial contribution shall not exceed the annual appropriations decided by the budgetary authority.

5.  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 laid down in Article 46(2).

6.  The tests and trials foreseen in paragraphs 1 and 2 may be performed only by State authorities or legal persons acting under the responsibility of the State.

▼B

Article 44

1.  Specific conditions may be established in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2) to take account of developments in relation to the conditions under which chemically treated seed may be marketed.

2.  Specific conditions shall be established in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2) to take account of developments in relation to the conservation in situ and the sustainable use of plant genetic resources through growing and marketing of seed of:

3.  The specific conditions referred to in paragraph 2 shall include in particular the following points:

Article 45

Amendments to be made to the content of the Annexes in the light of the development of scientific or technical knowledge shall be adopted according to the procedure referred to in Article 46(2).

Article 46

1.  The Commission shall be assisted by the Standing Committee on Seeds and Propagating Material for Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry set up by Article 1 of Council Decision 66/399/EEC ( 5 ).

2.  Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 4 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply.

The period provided for in Article 4(3) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at one month.

3.  Where reference is made to this paragraph, Articles 5 and 7 of Decision 1999/468/EC shall apply.

The period laid down in Article 5(6) of Decision 1999/468/EC shall be set at three months.

4.  The Committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.

Article 47

Save as otherwise provided in Article 18 and in Annexes I and II, this Directive shall be without prejudice to the provisions of national laws justified on grounds of the protection of health and life of humans, animals or plants or the protection of industrial or commercial property.

Article 48

1.  Specific conditions may be established in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2) to take account of developments in the areas of:

2.  The specific conditions referred to in paragraph 1(b) shall include in particular the following points:

Article 49

Upon application by a Member State, which will be dealt with under the procedure referred to in Article 46(2), that State may be wholly or partially released from the obligation to apply this Directive, to certain species which are not normally reproduced or marketed in its territory, save where this would run counter to Articles 16(1) and 34(1).

Article 50

The Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the main provisions of domestic law they adopt in the field covered by this Directive.

The Commission shall inform the other Member States thereof.

Article 51

1.  Directive 70/458/EEC, as amended by the Directives listed in Annex VI part A, is hereby repealed without prejudice to the obligations of the Member States concerning the deadlines for transposition of the said Directives set out in Annex VI part B.

2.  References to the repealed Directive shall be construed as references to this Directive and shall be read in accordance with the correlation table in Annex VII.

Article 52

This Directive shall enter into force the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Communities.

Article 53

This Directive is addressed to the Member States.

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ANNEX I

CONDITIONS FOR CROP CERTIFICATION

1.	The crop shall have sufficient varietal identity and varietal purity.

2.	In the case of basic seed, at least one official field inspection shall be carried out. In the case of certified seed, at least one field inspection shall be carried out, officially controlled by means of check inspection of at least 20 % of the crop of each species.

3.	The cultural condition of the field and the stage of development of the crop shall be such as to permit varietal identity and varietal purity and health status to be adequately checked.

4.

The minimum distances from neighbouring plants which might result in undesirable foreign pollination shall be: A.  Beta vulgaris 1. from any pollen sources of the genus Beta not included below. 1 000 metres; 2. from pollen sources of varieties of the same subspecies belonging to a different group of varieties:   (a) for basic seed 1 000 metres; (b) for certified seed 600 metres; 3. from pollen sources of varieties of the same subspecies belonging to the same group of varieties:   (a) for basic seed 600 metres; (b) for certified seed 300 metres. The groups of varieties referred to in 2 and 3 shall be determined in accordance with the procedure laid down in article 46(2). B.  Brassica species 1. from sources of foreign pollen liable to cause serious deterioration of varieties of Brassica species:   (a) for basic seed 1 000 metres; (b) for certified seed 600 metres; 2. from other sources of foreign pollen liable to cross with varieties of Brassica species:   (a) for basic seed 500 metres; (b) for certified seed 300 metres. C.  Industrial chicory 1. from other species of the same genera or subspecies 1 000 metres; 2. from another variety of industrial chicory:   (a) for basic seed 600 metres; (b) for certified seed 300 metres. D.  Other species 1. from sources of foreign pollen liable to cause serious deterioration of varieties of other species as a result of cross-fertilisation:   (a) for basic seed 500 metres; (b) for certified seed 300 metres; 2. from other sources of foreign pollen liable to cross with varieties of other species as a result of cross-fertilisation:   (a) for basic seed 300 metres; (b) for certified seed 100 metres. These distances can be disregarded if there is sufficient protection from any undesirable foreign pollination.

▼M9

5.

The crop shall be practically free from any pests which reduce the usefulness and quality of the seed. The crop shall also comply with the requirements concerning Union quarantine pests, protected zone quarantine pests and regulated non-quarantine pests (‘RNQPs’) provided for in implementing acts adopted pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 ( 7 ) as well as the measures adopted pursuant to Article 30(1) of that Regulation.

▼B

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ANNEX II

CONDITIONS TO BE SATISFIED BY THE SEED

1.	The seeds shall have sufficient varietal identity and vavietal purity.

▼M9

2.

Seed shall be practically free from any pests which reduce the usefulness and quality of the propagation material. The seed shall also comply with the requirements concerning Union quarantine pests, protected zone quarantine pests and RNQPs provided for in implementing acts adopted pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2016/2031, as well as with the measures adopted pursuant to Article 30(1) of that Regulation.

▼B

3.

The seeds shall also satisfy the following conditions: (a)  Standards Species Minimum analytical purity (% by weight) Maximum content of seeds of other plant species (% by weight) Minimum germination (% clusters or pure seed) Allium cepa 97 0,5 70 ▼M4 Allium fistulosum 97 0,5 65 ▼B Allium porrum 97 0,5 65 ▼M4 Allium sativum 97 0,5 65 Allium schoenoprasum 97 0,5 65 ▼B Anthriscus cerefolium 96 1 70 Apium graveolens 97 1 70 Asparagus officinalis 96 0,5 70 ►M8  Beta vulgaris (Garden Beet Group ◄ 97 0,5 50 (clusters) ►M8  Beta vulgaris (other than Garden Beet Group) ◄ 97 0,5 70 (clusters) ►M8  Brassica oleracea (Cauliflower Group) ◄ 97 1 70 ►M8  Brassica oleracea (other than Cauliflower Group) ◄ 97 1 75 ►M8  Brassica rapa (Chinese Cabbage Group) ◄ 97 1 75 ►M8  Brassica rapa (Vegetable Turnip Group) ◄ 97 1 80 ►M8  Capsicum annuum  ◄ 97 0,5 65 ►M8  Cichorium intybus (Witloof Chicory Group, Leaf Chicory Group) ◄ 95 1,5 65 ►M8  Cichorium intybus (Industrial (Root) Chicory Group) ◄ 97 1 80 Cichorium endivia 95 1 65 Citrullus lanatus 98 0,1 75 Cucumis melo 98 0,1 75 Cucumis sativus 98 0,1 80 Cucurbita maxima 98 0,1 80 Cucurbita pepo 98 0,1 75 Cynara cardunculus 96 0,5 65 Daucus carota 95 1 65 Foeniculum vulgare 96 1 70 Lactuca sativa 95 0,5 75 ►M6  Solanum lycopersicum L. ◄ 97 0,5 75 Petroselinum crispum 97 1 65 Phaseolus coccineus 98 0,1 80 Phaseolus vulgaris 98 0,1 75 Pisum sativum 98 0,1 80 Raphanus sativus 97 1 70 ▼M4 Rheum rhabarbarum 97 0,5 70 ▼B Scorzonera hispanica 95 1 70 Solanum melongena 96 0,5 65 Spinacia oleracea 97 1 75 Valerianella locusta 95 1 65 Vicia faba 98 0,1 80 ▼M4 Zea mays 98 0,1 85 ▼M9 (b)  The presence of regulated non-quarantine pests (RNQPs) on vegetable seed shall, at least upon visual inspection, not exceed the respective thresholds set out in the following table: Bacteria RNQPs or symptoms caused by RNQPs Genus or species of vegetable seed Threshold for the presence of RNQPs on the vegetable seed Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. michiganensis (Smith) Davis et al. [CORBMI] Solanum lycopersicum L. 0 % Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Smith) Vauterin et al. [XANTPH] Phaseolus vulgaris L. 0 % Xanthomonas euvesicatoria Jones et al. [XANTEU] Capsicum annuum L., Solanum lycopersicum L. 0 % Xanthomonas fuscans subsp. fuscans Schaad et al. [XANTFF] Phaseolus vulgaris L. 0 % Xanthomonas gardneri (ex Šutič 1957) Jones et al [XANTGA] Capsicum annuum L., Solanum lycopersicum L. 0 % Xanthomonas perforans Jones et al. [XANTPF] Capsicum annuum L., Solanum lycopersicum L. 0 % Xanthomonas vesicatoria (ex Doidge) Vauterin et al. [XANTVE] Capsicum annuum L., Solanum lycopersicum L. 0 % Insects and mites RNQPs or symptoms caused by RNQPs Genus or species of vegetable seed Threshold for the presence of RNQPs on the vegetable seed Acanthoscelides obtectus (Say) [ACANOB] Phaseolus coccineus L., Phaseolus vulgaris L. 0 % Bruchus pisorum (Linnaeus) [BRCHPI] Pisum sativum L. 0 % Bruchus rufimanus Boheman [BRCHRU] Vicia faba L. 0 % Nematodes RNQPs or symptoms caused by RNQPs Genus or species of vegetable seed Threshold for the presence of RNQPs on the vegetable seed Ditylenchus dipsaci (Kuehn) Filipjev [DITYDI] Allium cepa L., Allium porrum L. 0 % Viruses, viroids, virus-like diseases and phytoplasmas RNQPs or symptoms caused by the RNQPs Genus or species of the vegetable seed Threshold for the presence of the RNQPs on the vegetable seed Pepino mosaic virus [PEPMV0] Solanum lycopersicum L. 0 % Potato spindle tuber viroid [PSTVD0] Capsicum annuum L., Solanum lycopersicum L. 0 % ▼M5 (c)  Other standards or conditions applicable where reference is made to them in the table under point (a): In the case of varieties of Zea mays (Sweet corn – super-sweet types) the required minimum germination capacity is reduced to 80 % of pure seed. The official label or the supplier’s label, where appropriate, shall include the words ‘Minimum germination capacity 80 %’. ▼B

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ANNEX III

WEIGHT REFERRED TO BY ARTICLE 25(2)

1.

Maximum weight of a seed lot: ▼M5 (a) seeds of Phaseolus coccineus, Phaseolus vulgaris, Pisum sativum and Vicia faba 30 tonnes (b) seeds of a size not less than a grain of wheat, other than Phaseolus coccineus, Phaseolus vulgaris, Pisum sativum and Vicia faba 20 tonnes ▼B (c) seeds of a size smaller than a grain of wheat 10 tonnes The maximum lot weight shall not be exceeded by more than 5 %.

2.

Minimum weight of a sample Species Weight (in g) Allium cepa 25 ▼M4 Allium fistulosum 15 ▼B Allium porrum 20 ▼M4 Allium sativum 20 Allium schoenoprasum 15 ▼B Anthricus cerefolium 20 Apium graveolens 5 Asparagus officinalis 100 Beta vulgaris 100 Brassica oleracea 25 ▼M4 ————— ▼B Brassica rapa 20 Capsicum annuum 40 ►M8  Cichorium intybus (Witloof Chicory Group, Leaf Chicory Gro ◄ 15 ►M8  Cichorium intybus (Industrial (Root) Chicory Group) ◄ 50 Cichorium endivia 15 Citrullus lanatus 250 Cucumis melo 100 Cucumis sativus 25 Cucurbita maxima 250 Cucurbita pepo 150 Cynara cardunculus 50 Daucus carota 10 Foeniculum vulgare 25 Lactuca sativa 10 ►M6  Solanum lycopersicum L. ◄ 20 Petroselinum crispum 10 Phaseolus coccineus 1 000 Phaseolus vulgaris 700 Pisum sativum 500 Raphanus sativus 50 ▼M4 Rheum rhabarbarum 135 ▼B Scorzonera hispanica 30 Solanum melongena 20 Spinacia oleracea 75 Valerianella locusta 20 Vicia faba 1 000 ▼M4 Zea mays 1 000 ▼B In the case of F-1 hybrid varieties of the above species, the minimum weight of the sample may be decreased to a quarter of the specified weight. However the sample must have a weight of at least 5 g and consist of at least 400 seeds.

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ANNEX IV

LABEL

A.   Official label (basic seed and certified seed, excluding small packages)

I.   Required information

▼M7

▼B

II.   Minimum dimensions

110 × 67 mm

B.   Supplier's label or inscription on the packages (standard seed and small packages of the category ‘certified seed’)

I.   Required information

II.   Minimum dimensions of the label (excluding small packages)

110 × 67 mm.

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ANNEX V

LABEL AND DOCUMENT PROVIDED IN THE CASE OF SEED NOT FINALLY CERTIFIED, HARVESTED IN ANOTHER MEMBER STATE

A.   Information required for the label

▼M7

▼B

B.   Colour of the label

The label shall be grey.

C.   Information required for the document

▼M7

▼B

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ANNEX VI

PART A

REPEALED DIRECTIVE AND ITS SUCCESSIVE AMENDMENTS

(referred to by Article 51)

PART B

DEADLINES FOR TRANSPOSITION INTO NATIONAL LAW

(referred to by Article 51)

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ANNEX VII

CORRELATION TABLE

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( 1 ) OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 1.

( 2 ) OJ L 31, 1.2.2002, p. 1.

( 3 ) OJ L 227, 1.9.1994, p. 1. Regulation as amended by Regulation (EC) No 2506/95 (OJ L 258, 28.10.1995, p. 3).

( 4 ) OJ L 159, 28.6.1994, p. 1.

( 5 ) OJ 125, 11.7.1966, p. 2289/66.

( 6 ) See page 1 of this Official Journal.

( 7 ) Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament of the Council of 26 October 2016 on protective measures against pests of plants, amending Regulations (EU) No 228/2013, (EU) No 652/2014 and (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Council Directives 69/464/EEC, 74/647/EEC, 93/85/EEC, 98/57/EC, 2000/29/EC, 2006/91/EC and 2007/33/EC (OJ L 317, 23.11.2016, p. 4).