(1)

Directive 2002/56/EC provides that, with effect from certain dates, Member States may no longer determine for themselves the equivalence of seed potatoes harvested in third countries with seed potatoes harvested within the Union and complying with that Directive.

(2)

However, as a Union equivalence for seed potatoes from third countries has not been determined, Directive 2002/56/EC authorised Member States to extend until 31 March 2024 the validity of equivalence decisions which they had already taken for seed potatoes from certain third countries.

(3)

Since Union equivalence for seed potatoes from third countries has still not been determined, the validity of those decisions should be further extended in order to prevent a disruption of trade patterns. Those trade patterns are in particular relevant to those territories where the prohibition of import of seed potatoes, as set out in point 15 of Annex VI to Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/2072 (2), does not apply, because they are not covered by the second subparagraph of Article 1(3) of Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 of the European Parliament of the Council (3).

(4)

Therefore, and considering the investments needed for the production of seed potatoes, it is appropriate to extend that period by 7 years.

(5)

Directive 2002/56/EC should therefore be amended accordingly.

(6)

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed,