These Regulations revoke and re-enact, with amendments, the Seeds (National Lists of Varieties) (Fees) Regulations 1990, as amended. They prescribe fees in respect of various matters arising under the Seeds (National Lists of Varieties) Regulations 1982, as amended (regulation 3 and Schedules 1 to 5).

Application and Renewal fees have bee reduced by approximately 10 per cent. Test fees have been reduced by approximately 20%. Other fees are unchanged except that trial fees have been reintroduced (Schedule 3).

The Regulations continue to make provision for the non-payment of fees by an applicant who has paid the fees prescribed by regulations made under the Plant Varieties and Seeds Act 1964 in respect of tests carried out on his behalf for the purposes of a grant of plant breeders' rights in respect of the same variety (regulation 3(2)). They also provide that, in relation to certain varieties, the payment of a fee in respect of trials for value for cultivation and use need only be made when the seeds used for such trials are sown on or before 31st May 1994 (regulation 3(3)).

A Compliance Cost Assessment has been prepared and a copy has been placed in the library of the House.