Council Directive 2002/55/ECShow full title

Article 28 U.K.

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:

(a) be labelled on the outside with an official label which has not previously been used, which satisfies the conditions laid down in Annex IV(A) and on which the information is given in one of the official languages of the Community. The label may be placed inside transparent packages provided it can be read. The colour of the label shall be white for basic seed and blue for certified seed. When a label with a string-hole is used, its attachment shall be ensured in all cases with an official seal. If in cases under Article 22, the basic seed does not satisfy the conditions laid down in Annex II in respect of germination, this fact shall be stated on the label. The use of official adhesive labels shall be authorised. In accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 46(2) the indelible printing under official control of the prescribed information on the package according to the label's model may be authorised;

(b) contain an official document, in the same colour as the label, giving at least the information required under Annex IV(A)(a)(4) to (7). This document shall be drawn up in such a manner that it cannot be confused with the official label referred to under (a). This document is most necessary if the information is printed indelibly on the package or if, in accordance with the provisions under (a), the label is inside a transparent package or an adhesive label or a label of non-tear material is used.

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:

• 1 January 1973 with regard to Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom,

• 1 March 1986 with regard to Spain.

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.