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:

• seed harvested in third countries,

• seed suitable for organic farming,

• seed marketed in relation to the conservation in situ and the sustainable use of plant genetic resources.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.