Article 22
Member States may, however, by way of derogation from the provisions of Article 20:
- (a)
authorise the official certification and marketing of basic seed which does not satisfy the conditions laid down in Annex II in respect of germination. In this case, all necessary measures shall be taken to ensure that the supplier guarantees a specific germination which he shall state for marketing purposes on a particular label bearing his name and address and the reference number of the seed lot;
- (b)
in order to make seed rapidly available, notwithstanding the fact that the official examination to control compliance with the conditions laid down in Annex II in respect of germination has not been concluded, authorise the official certification and marketing as far as the first buyer by way of trade of seed of the categories ‘basic seed’ or ‘certified seed’. Certification shall be granted only on presentation of a provisional analytical report on the seed and provided that the name and address of the first consignee are given; all necessary measures shall be taken to ensure that the supplier guarantees the germination ascertained at the provisional analysis; this germination shall be stated for marketing purposes on a special label bearing the name and address of the supplier and reference number of the lot.
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.