These Regulations amend the Plant Breeders’ Rights (Fees) Regulations 1990 by prescribing revised fees in respect of matters arising under the Plant Breeders’ Rights Regulations 1978 (as amended) (regulation 2(b)).

The matters in respect of which the revised fees are prescribed are listed in the Schedule to these Regulations, and the fees which were chargeable before these Regulations came into force are printed in italics beside the revised fees.

Application, test, grant and renewal fees have been increased by 3 per cent, rounded to the nearest £5, except for roses where the increase is £5. The fee for the purchase of a report from a testing authority in another country has been increased to accord with the international charge of 350 Swiss Francs. The remaining fees payable in respect of other matters are unchanged.

The Regulations also remove the provision for proportionate renewal fees to be paid during the period between the date the renewal fee becomes due and the date of termination of plant breeders’ rights for non-payment of the fee (regulation 2(a)).

A Compliance Cost Assessment has been prepared and placed in the libraries of both Houses of Parliament. Copies can be obtained from the Plant Variety Rights Office and Seeds Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, White House Lane, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0LF.