6. For regulation 18, substitute—
(1) The Department may authorise a registered supplier by licence to—
(a)market forest reproductive material in Northern Ireland which would otherwise be prohibited under regulation 17(1); or
(b)import into Northern Ireland forest reproductive material which would otherwise be prohibited under regulation 25.
(2) The licence shall be in writing and may be granted—
(a)subject to conditions;
(b)for a definite or an indefinite period.
(3) The Department may only give an authorisation under paragraph (1)(a) or (1)(b)—
(a)if the forest reproductive material is to be marketed for use in tests, for scientific purposes or for genetic conservation purposes;
(b)if the forest reproductive material consists of seed units which are clearly shown not to be intended for forestry purposes; or
(c)in exercise of a derogation permitted by the Directive.
(4) The Department may also give an authorisation under paragraph (1)(a) if the forest reproductive material is to be marketed for use in selection work.
(5) If the Department decline to give an authorisation under paragraph (1), it shall give the applicant its reasons for doing so in writing.”.