Quality System Procedure (QSP) 152.1: Implementation of the OECD seed schemes and EU seed directives

Updated: July 23, 2025

On this page

• 0.0 Introduction
• 1.0 Scope
• 2.0 References
• 3.0 Definitions and acronyms
  • 3.1 Definitions
  • 3.2 Acronyms
• 4.0 OECD certification
  • 4.1 General
  • 4.2 Procedures
  • 4.3 Application for International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) Certificate (CFIA 1113)
  • 4.4 OECD tags
  • 4.5 Re-packaging and re-labelling OECD Seed with OECD Tags
  • 4.6 Certification documents
  • 4.7 Release of shipment
  • 4.8 Blends (as defined for OECD purposes)
  • 4.9 Mixtures (as defined for OECD purposes)
  • 4.10 Imports
• 5.0 EU certification
  • 5.1 General
  • 5.2 Maintenance of varieties
  • 5.3 Crop inspection
  • 5.4 Application for EU Seed Certification
  • 5.5 EU labelling
  • 5.6 Verification of EU eligibility
  • 5.7 Certification procedures
  • 5.8 EU Varietal Certification Document
  • 5.9 Release of shipment
  • 5.10 EU mixtures
• 6.0 Not Finally Certified seed lots
  • 6.1 General
  • 6.2 Import of NFC seed
• 7.0 Authorized Exporter Program (AEP)
  • 7.1 General
  • 7.2 Application for Export
  • 7.3 Sampling
  • 7.4 Seed testing by the AE Laboratory
  • 7.5 CFIA local office responsibilities
  • 7.6 NFC seed lots
• Appendix 1 - Differentiation between the Canadian and OECD definitions of mixture and blend
• Appendix 2 - Equivalency of Canadian Pedigreed Status and OECD Eligibility
• Amendment register

0.0 Introduction

The CFIA is the National Designated Authority (NDA) responsible for implementing and administering the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Seed Schemes and the Seed Directives of the European Union (EU) and Great Britain (GB) in Canada.

The OECD Seed Schemes facilitate the international trade of seed and aim to encourage the use of consistently high quality seed in participating countries. The schemes are open on a voluntary basis to all members of the OECD as well as to other States that are Member countries of the United Nations Organization or of its Specialized Agencies.

The schemes are intended to complement the national systems. There is an obligation when implementing the Schemes to use the higher standard of the 2 systems. Canada's seed crop production standards as established by the Canadian Seed Growers' Association (CSGA) are, in most cases, higher than the OECD standards. Hence, most domestically produced seed of pedigreed status is eligible for OECD certification.

Canada has participated in the Schemes since 1962 and currently participates in the Grass and Legume, Crucifer and other Oil or Fibre Species, Cereal, Fodder Beet and Sugar Beet, Maize, and Sorghum Seed Schemes.

The schemes are based on the following principles:

• they include only those varieties that are officially recognized as distinct
• all Certified seed must be produced directly from authentic Basic seed of the variety and
• post control tests are conducted to confirm that the Schemes are operating satisfactorily

Canada currently has EU equivalency based on participation in the Schemes and membership in the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). It is specific to crop kind and is for pedigreed seed only. Marketing of common seed of the major agricultural species is prohibited in the EU.

Export labelling requirements have changed for seed destined to GB, which includes the countries England, Scotland and Wales. GB Rules and Standards are equivalent to EU Rules and Standards. Seed exported to Great Britain shall now be labelled indicating the seed "Meets GB Rules and Standards" and shall continue to meet the standards provided in the EU Directives. Within this document EU Rules and Standards are referenced but are considered to be synonymous with GB Rules and Standards. The requirements for OECD certification and an ISTA Orange Certificate for export to Great Britain remain the same.

The current EU certification requirements will continue to apply to seed destined to Northern Ireland. Varieties marketed in Northern Ireland must appear in the EU's Common Catalogue and meet the standards in the EU Directives to be labelled with the "EU Rules and Standards" statement on the tag.

1.0 Scope

This Seed Program Quality System Procedure (QSP) outlines the regulatory and policy requirements for exporting seed from Canada, pursuant to the OECD Schemes and the EU Seed Directives. This document is not intended for use when exporting seed without the OECD Schemes (for example, common seed using an OIC or exports for AOSCA).

This QSP applies to seed destined for export from Canada for which OECD varietal certification and/or conformity verification for the EU Seed Directives are required. Sampling and testing of OECD seed lots may be carried out by the CFIA or by private persons authorized to do so by the CFIA under the Authorized Exporter Program.

This document is intended for use with SWI 132.1.1, QSP 132.4, and OP 14666.

2.0 References

• Seed Program Regulatory Authority Standard SPRA 101 -Definitions, acronyms and references for the seed program  
• QSP 132.4 Official Seed Sampler Certification
• SWI 132.1.1 Official Seed Sampling
• The International Rules for Seed Testing, Chapter 2: Sampling (ISTA Rules)
• The ISTA Handbook on Seed Sampling
• OP 14666 – Procedure for certifying seed lots under the OECD Seed Schemes and EU Seed Directives
• Authorized Exporter Program participants
• Form 1113: Application for International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) Certificate
• The OECD Seed Schemes – Rules and Regulations
• EU Directives
  • 66/401/EEC on the marketing of fodder seed
  • 66/402/EEC on the marketing of cereal seed
  • 2002/57/EC on the marketing of seed of oil and fibre plants
  • 2003/17/EC on the equivalency requirements

3.0 Definitions and acronyms

Relevant definitions in SPRA 101 Definitions for the Seed Program are applicable to this QSP. Below are some additional definitions and acronyms specific to this QSP.

3.1 Definitions

Authorized Exporter Program (AEP)

A voluntary program administered by the CFIA by which private persons are authorized to sample, tag and test export seed lots certified pursuant to the OECD Seed Schemes

Blend

A seed lot that contains 2 or more lots of OECD seed of the same or different pedigreed status of 1 variety. Note that the OECD has a different definition compared to the domestic definition given here, which is discussed further in Appendix I

Licensed Seed Crop Inspector (LSCI)

A private individual licensed under Subsection 4.2(1) of the Seeds Act to inspect pedigreed seed crops and complete Reports of Seed Crop Inspection

Mixture

A combination of seed of 2 or more varieties, crop kinds, or species. Note that the OECD has a different definition compared to the domestic definition given here, which is discussed further in Appendix I

Official Seed Crop Inspector

An individual employed by the CFIA who is certified to conduct inspection of pedigreed seed crops and complete Reports of Seed Crop Inspection

Official Seed Sampler

An employee of the CFIA who is trained, evaluated and certified as a domestic or ISTA seed sampler

Sealed

A container in which seed is held closed in such a way that it cannot be opened to gain access to the seed and closed again without either destroying the seal or leaving evidence of tampering. This definition refers to the sealing of seed lots, as well as of seed samples

3.2 Acronyms

AC

Approved Conditioner

AE

Authorized Exporter

AEP

Authorized Exporter Program

AOSA

Association of Official Seed Analysts

CFIA

Canadian Food Inspection Agency

CSGA

Canadian Seed Growers' Association

EU

European Union

GB

Great Britain

HVS

Higher Voluntary Standards

ISTA

International Seed Testing Association

LSTS

Lab Sample Tracking System

NDA

National Designated Authority

NFC

Not Finally Certified

OECD

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

OIC

Orange International Certificate

OP

Operational Procedures

OPL

Ottawa Plant Laboratory, Ottawa ON

P&G

Purity and Germination testing

QSP

Quality Systems Procedures

RSE

Registered Seed Establishment

SPRA

Seed Program Regulatory Authority

SSTS

Seed Science and Technology Section, Saskatoon SK

SWI

Specific Work Instructions

VC

Varietal Certificate

VV

Variety Verification

4.0 OECD certification

4.1 General

OECD certification standards only relate to varietal purity. In some rare instances, the OECD rules include some standards for weeds or weed seeds.

The OECD List of Varieties Eligible for Certification is an official list of varieties accepted as being eligible for certification by the NDAs of participating countries. These varieties move in international trade pursuant to the Schemes. The list is available in PDF format on the OECD web site and also in an electronic database.

All varieties that appear on the OECD List of Varieties Eligible for Certification in the Schemes must have a maintainer. The maintainer of a variety is a person or an organisation responsible for maintaining the variety and ensuring that it remains true to type throughout its full life-span and, in the case of hybrid varieties, that the formula for hybridisation is followed. Requirements for the control and production of seed are set out in Rules 5-7 of the Common Rules and Regulations of the Schemes. They are available on the OECD web site.

Due to lower varietal purity standards in the Schemes versus Canada's crop varietal purity standards, discussed in Section 0.0, there may be occasions where fields sown with OECD Basic seed are rejected for Canadian certification after crop inspection, as crop inspection may reveal that the varietal purity will not meet Canadian standards.

The requirements set out in the OECD sections of this document also apply to seed using the 'EU Rules and Standards' and "GB Rules and Standards" statement. However, there are additional requirements to seed bearing this statement, which are captured in Sections 5.0 to 5.9.

4.2 Procedures

In order to be certified under the Schemes seed must be inspected and sampled in a way that meets the requirements outlined in the Schemes. The domestic procedures that the CFIA have put in place meet these requirements, thus there are no changes in the inspection and sampling portions of seed certification for export.

4.2.1 Procedures for crop inspection

For crops being certified under the OECD Seed Schemes, inspectors are to follow the Canadian Seed Growers' Association (CSGA) Circular 6, Canadian Regulations and Procedures for Pedigreed Seed Crop Production and QSP 142.1 Pedigreed Seed Crop Inspection Procedures and its related SWIs.

4.2.2 Procedures for seed sampling

• QSP 132.4 – Official Seed Sampler Certification
• SWI 132.1.1 – Official Seed Sampling
• OP 14666 Procedures for sampling and sealing lots of seed being exported or imported under the OECD Seed Schemes and EU Seed Directives

Note : Procedures may differ if the seed lot is a part of the Authorized Exporter Program; please refer to relevant sections in the above documents and to section 7.0 of this QSP for more information.

4.2.3 Post control procedures

Post control tests are outdoor plot grow-out tests in which plants from seed that was certified pursuant to the Schemes is compared to plants of the Official Reference Control sample. The plots are used to confirm that the seed's varietal purity is compliant with domestic (AOSCA) seed varietal purity standards and that the varietal identity of the seed has been preserved.

Post control tests (variety verification plot tests) are a requirement of the Schemes. Every Pre-Basic, Basic, as well as a proportion (normally 10%) of Certified seed lots of domestic varieties must be submitted for post control testing. Currently Canada requires a post-control sample for all lots exported under OECD.

For maize and sorghum, when Basic seed lots are certified, post-control tests can be made by the breeder's authorized representative under the supervision of the CFIA, or by the CFIA directly.

Variety verification results are used to report to the OECD and are not required for certification of the lot.

4.3 Application for International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) Certificate (CFIA 1113)

In order to have seed certified under the schemes, exporters must complete the CFIA 1113 form. The form:

• is the application for seed analysis for the export of seed under the Schemes or for issuing an OIC for ISTA purposes, and
• indicates the type of certification and the seed tests being requested and is submitted to CFIA operations staff.

Instructions to complete the form are included in with the form. The information on the form is verified prior to and during the sampling visit by the official seed sampler. The CFIA local office assigns a reference number to be used on the tags (a CDN number) to the seed lot. This can be done either individually on a lot by lot basis or by assigning a block of numbers issued to the exporter. This is often done ahead of the completion of the CFIA 1113 form.

There are maximum lot sizes that must be observed when exporting seed. The maximum lot size is based on the weight of the seed, regardless of any additives that might be present (fertilizer, soil etc.) Note that lots of seed that have 1 variety with an additive are not considered mixtures in the context of this document. The ISTA Rules have more detailed information on maximum lot sizes.

Additional standards may be required to be met depending on the country that the lot is being exported to. It is the exporter's responsibility to ensure that the laboratory is made aware of these additional standards. This information must be included on the CFIA 1113 form. An example of an additional standard is Higher Voluntary Standards (HVS), as required by the United Kingdom.

4.4 OECD tags

There are 6 different kinds of OECD tags:

• Pre-Basic (CFIA 0046) - white with a diagonal violet stripe
• Basic (CFIA 0030) – white
• Certified 1st Generation (CFIA 0035) – blue
  • Certified Adhesive tag (CFIA 0044/CFIA 0045) - blue
• Certified 2nd Generation, or subsequent generations (CFIA 0029) – red (for exceptional circumstances only)
• Not Finally Certified (CFIA 0048) - grey. This tag must not be used with the statement "EU rules and standards".
• Certified Mixture of Certified Seed (CFIA 5346) – green

Copies of these tags can be found in Appendix X of SWI 132.1.1.

The following information is required on the tag:

• Species - Scientific name (genus and species) of the crop kind.
• Variety (Cultivar) name as stated in the OECD List of Varieties.
  • A synonym of a variety name is acceptable for labelling under the Schemes, as long as the synonym appears on the OECD List.
  • If there is a slight discrepancy between the variety name on the OECD List and the crop certificate (for example, dash or comma difference), the OECD List shall be deemed correct. If a larger discrepancy is found, contact Seed Section at SeedSemence@inspection.gc.ca for further direction.
    • When requested to label a variety not on the OECD List, the official seed sampler shall request the Canadian exporter to provide evidence that an application has been made for the addition of the variety to the OECD List.
  • For corn, include after the variety name (or code name):
    • "hybrid" for Certified; or
    • "inbred line" or "cross" for Basic and Pre-Basic
• Category (pedigreed status) of the seed (for example, Pre-Basic, Basic or Certified, 1st generation).
  • Pre-Basic seed must state the number of generations prior to Certified, 1st generation
  • If the number of generations cannot be provided, contact Seed Section a SeedSemence@inspection.gc.ca for further direction
• OECD reference number (CDN number)
  • The local CFIA office issues this number to the exporter.
• Region of Production - State the country of production
  • This is the country where the seed was grown

The CFIA 5346 (OECD Mixture of Certified Seed) tag requires:

• name of mixture – the name and brand of the mixture if applicable
• seed mixture purpose – for example, turf, lawn, grazing
• OECD Reference number
• month and year of sealing
• net weight of the seed
• when granulated pesticides, pelleting substances, or other solid additives are used, the nature of the additive and the % of the total weight that is seed.
• the Latin name for the species of each of the constituents
• the variety name of each of the constituents
• the percentage by weight of each of the constituents

In both the tagging scenarios above, there may be additional information required on the tag if the lot is going to the EU. Other information could be included on the unofficial part of the tag, at the exporter's discretion.

The seed lot reference numbers for each of the constituents are recorded on the VC instead of on the tag, unless the lot is in small packages (not to exceed 2kg), in which case the reference number of each constituent must appear on the bag or tag.

The required number of OECD tags are to be printed or it must be verified that the required number of OECD tags were printed. It must be verified that all containers have tags properly and securely attached.

Exporters must maintain an inventory of their tags, including numbers of tags used versus destroyed.

4.5 Re-packaging and re-labelling OECD Seed with OECD Tags

Re-packaging and re-labelling shall normally occur only in RSEs that are ACs. The re-packaging and re-labelling process must be carried out by methods which ensure there is no risk of contamination from any other seed.

The re-packaging and re-labelling of OECD seed lots must be conducted in the presence of an official seed sampler or AE ISTA sampler.

Re-packaging and re-labelling may occur when:

• seed in larger packages/containers is re-packaged into smaller ones
• errors in the original labelling need to be corrected
  • the re-packaging and re-labelling statement is not required in this instance
  • the EU re-packaging date is not required in this instance
• seed is re-packaged because it was damaged during transit
• certifying imported Not Finally Certified (NFC) seed as Pre-Basic, Basic or Certified seed

If the seed was produced in another country and is being relabelled for certification at a higher seed category, contact Seed Section at SeedSemence@inspection.gc.ca for further direction.

When re-labelling or re-packaging seed lots, the RSE must keep records of the:

• reference number of the original seed lot
• reference number of re-packaged or re-labelled seed lot
• weight of the original seed lot
• weight of the re-packaged or re-labelled seed lot
• date of final disposition of the lot

In cases where tag corrections are required, it is preferable to re-label. If it is not possible to re-label, contact the CFIA local office for guidance. Any changes made must be clear, legible, and verified by the official seed sampler or AE ISTA sampler. For corrections of errors on the original label, the re-packaging and re-labelling statement is not required on the official seed tag.

If the seed lot is being re-packaged or re-labelled for the EU, the most recent re-packaging date must be added to the back of the tag (re-packaged: month/year). The original date of sealing must remain on the tag and should not be removed.

4.5.1 Lot numbers for re-packaged or re-labelled lots

The new tags shall either state the original lot number or a new lot number (CDN number).

• If the lot is re-packaged or re-labeled under a new CDN number, a new sample must be taken. The original reference number must be included on the back of the tag, with the statement "re-packaged and re-labelled from (insert original reference number)"
• If the lot is re-packaged or re-labeled under the original CDN number, a new sample does not need to be taken, the statement "re-packaged and re-labelled on (insert date)" must be included on the back of the tag

The table below indicates the tagging/labelling options for OECD seed that is re-labelled.

Prior to sale, the imported seed must be graded by an accredited grader and labelled pursuant to the Seeds Regulations.

4.6 Certification documents

An OECD Varietal Certificate must be completed in order for the seed lot to be certified under the Schemes. A CFIA 0006, CFIA 0007 (EU Rules and Standards or GB Rules and Standards) or CFIA 5703 (Mixture of Certified Seed) varietal certificate is issued for each seed lot certified under the Schemes. For mixtures, the seed lot reference numbers for each of the constituents are recorded on the VC.

4.7 Release of shipment

The shipment is eligible for release prior to receiving the results of the ISTA OIC unless the OECD tags bear the statement "EU Rules and Standards". See section 5.8 when this statement appears on the tags.

4.8 Blends (as defined for OECD purposes)

Blending must be done in such a way that the new lot is homogeneous.

Two or more lots of seed of the same variety may be blended, inspected, and sealed under the OECD Seed Schemes. The seed lots that comprise the blend can be of the same or different pedigreed status as long as the components meet the standards of the varietal certification category of the blend.

If 2 or more different pedigreed status of the same variety are blended the lot must be labelled with the lowest status. For example, a blend of OECD Basic and OECD Certified 1st Generation seed must be labelled as OECD Certified 1st Generation.

Imported OECD certified seed may be blended and a new CDN number issued. No statement of relabelling is required in this circumstance.

In all cases, records must be kept showing the reference number of the lots making up the blend and the proportion of each lot in the blend. A reference number is required for all blends. If the components of the blend have been previously OECD certified (for example, each component has its own reference number), a new reference number is assigned for the blend.

Note that stacking of lots (the combining of lots without mixing them) is not allowed as the final product is not homogeneous.

4.9 Mixtures (as defined for OECD purposes)

Mixtures are permitted under all OECD Seed Schemes that Canada participates in.

The following apply to all mixtures under the Schemes:

• Mixtures can only be Certified status under the Schemes. An OECD reference number must be issued for each component of the mixture
• Only seed lots previously certified under the rules of the Schemes shall be eligible to be a component for inclusion in a mixture of certified seed
• An official seed sampler does not have to be present during mixing and labelling, but will need to take a representative sample after sealing
• The maximum lot size is based on the species which is the greatest part of the mixture
• Any combination of varieties of an individual species or of several species included in the list of varieties from these Schemes may be included in an OECD mixture
• The weight of the seed in a single container, which contains a mixture of both small seed species and species of which the seed is larger than the size of wheat, shall not exceed 40kg
• All mixtures must be labelled with a CFIA 5346 tag
• There are additional restrictions for mixtures moving to the EU (section 5.9)

For more information, refer to Common Appendix 7 of the Schemes.

4.10 Imports

In some cases, seed produced in another country is imported into Canada solely for the purpose of multiplication. This seed, once multiplied, is exported back to the country that it originated from. Often, the CFIA will be notified by the originating country of such multiplications via a multiplication agreement.

If imported seed is sold in Canada it must be graded by an accredited grader and labelled pursuant to the Seeds Regulations. The pedigreed status must be determined as per section 4.2 of this QSP.

5.0 EU certification

5.1 General

For sale of OECD certified seed in the EU, the following requirements must be met in addition to the OECD requirements outlined above.

5.1.1 EU equivalency

In order to export seed to the EU, countries that are not EU member states (third countries) must have control systems in place that provide the same assurances for seed quality as seed that is produced in the EU. The required control systems include:

• being officially certified
• being officially closed in packages as per the Schemes
• being sampled and tested using ISTA or AOSA seed testing methods
• seed sampling, packaging and labelling of containers being carried out under official supervision of the competent authorities based on the Schemes.

If it is deemed that these assurances can be made, the third country is granted "equivalence" for a specified period of time. Canada currently has this equivalency. If at any time the EU considers that such assurances can no longer be made, the equivalence may be withdrawn, subsequently barring access to the EU marketplace.

5.2 Maintenance of varieties

As described in Section 4.1, all varieties on the OECD List of Varieties Eligible for Certification in the Schemes must have a maintainer. The maintainer of a variety is a person or an organization responsible for re-selecting and maintaining the breeder stock.

For varieties maintained outside of the EU to be acceptable for sale in the EU, the third country must have been granted equivalence for the official oversight of practices for the maintenance of varieties. Canada has been granted equivalence for all major crop kinds.

5.3 Crop inspection

Crop inspection procedures must adhere to the Schemes.

For seed being exported to the EU, fields producing Pre-Basic and Basic seed need to be officially inspected by a CFIA inspector. Fields producing Certified seed can be inspected by an LSCI.

5.4 Application for EU Seed Certification

To have the seed ready for marketing in the EU, exporters must request on the CFIA 1113 form both OECD certification and EU certification. An exporter can only select EU or GB rules and standards not both. Seed certification for seed destined to the EU is initiated upon receipt of a completed CFIA 1113 form. For EU seed certification, the statement 'EU Rules and Standards' and the country of destination must be indicated on the CFIA 1113. The statement 'EU Rules and Standards' means that the seed lot meets the standards for purity, germination, disease, and any other requirements needed for certification in the EU. See section 5.9 for release requirements.

5.5 EU labelling

The requirements discussed here are in addition to the OECD requirements set out in section 4.5.

Seed lots certified in Canada destined for the EU must contain an OECD inner tag with at least the variety name, species name, and reference number. The inner tag is not necessary if the information is printed indelibly on the package or if an adhesive tag is used.

In addition to the information required by the Schemes, the following must appear (usually on the back of the OECD tag):

• The statement 'EU Rules and Standards'
• Any chemical treatment of the seed, as well as the active substance, shall be noted either on the official tag or on a special tag plus on the container or inside it
• The statement 'Sampled and analysed according to the ISTA Rules for the issuance of the orange certificate by … (name of the ISTA seed testing station)'
• Date of official closing (sealing) - month/year
  • Seed sampling may only take place if the date on the tag is the same month/year as the date of sampling or a month/year prior to the date of sampling. If the OECD tag bears a future date, the official seed sampler must defer sampling until that future time or require that the OECD tags be corrected. Tags may be corrected manually or by applying a sticker over the incorrect date with the correct date. Corrections are to be made by the establishment and witnessed by the official seed sampler.
• Declared net or gross weight or declared number of pure seeds or, in the case of beet seeds, number of clusters
• Where granulated pesticides, pelleting substances or other solid additives are used, the nature of the additive and the approximate ratio between the weight of pure seed and the total weight
• For varieties of grasses that are not identified as suitable for fodder production in the EU Common Catalogue, the statement 'Not intended for the production of fodder plants'
• For a genetically modified variety, the words "genetically modified variety" together with any other information relating to the genetic modification itself as may be required by its authorization for the EU
• In the case of cereal mixtures, the words "mixture of" followed by the species and varieties and a qualifying statement that the mixture is effective against the propagation of a harmful organism

Note : Seed labelled with only the OECD information outlined in section 4.5, including Not Finally Certified seed, is permitted to be exported to the EU. However, the seed will have to be relabelled with the above information before it can be marketed within the EU.

5.6 Verification of EU eligibility

Varieties to be marketed in the EU must appear in the EU's Common Catalogue of Varieties of Agricultural Plant Species (EU Common Catalogue). It is the responsibility of the exporter to verify that the variety appears in the EU Common Catalogue.

For a lot to be labelled with the "Meets EU Rules and Standards" statement, it must meet the standards outlined in the EU Directives. In addition, the phytosanitary requirements of the importing country must be met.

5.7 Certification procedures

In addition to varietal purity, the EU has established mechanical purity, germination, and disease standards for seed marketed in the EU. To determine if the EU standards are met, seed tests are conducted pursuant to the ISTA Rules. The seed laboratory will notify the official seed sampler and the company if the seed lot does not meet the EU standard for mechanical purity, germination, and disease standards (if applicable). Pedigreed seed that meets the EU standards and has been produced, packaged, and labelled according to the Directives can bear the statement 'EU Rules and Standards'.

Crop inspection for Pre-Basic and Basic seed must be carried out by a CFIA inspector. If the crop inspection is not carried out by a CFIA inspector, the crop will not be eligible for export as Pre-Basic or Basic seed with the statement 'EU Rules and Standards'.

Specific requirements for seed quality, packaging and labelling are set out in EU Seed Directives.

5.8 EU Varietal Certification Document

The CFIA 0007 (EU Rules and Standards or GB Rules and Standards) varietal certificate includes the statement 'EU Rules and Standards'. This varietal certificate can only be used in those instances where the tag bears the same statement and the seed has met the requirements of the relevant EU Seed Directive.

The CFIA 0007 (EU Rules and Standards or GB Rules and Standards) is to be used for certification of single species; the CFIA 5703 (Mixture of Certified Seed) is to be used for mixtures of certified seed.

5.9 Release of shipment

The 'EU Rules and Standards' statement means that the seed conforms to the mechanical purity, germination, and disease standards. This must be confirmed by the analysis results for the ISTA OIC. Seed labelled with the 'EU Rules and Standards' statement cannot be officially released for shipment until the test results confirm that the seed meets the standards. Exporters who ship seed prior to completion of the tests and confirmation that the EU standards have been met are fully responsible for any seed lots that are found to not be in compliance.

If the test results show that the seed does not meet the EU standards but it has been labelled as meeting the EU standards, one of the following options may be followed:

1. The seed lot can be re-conditioned, re-tested, and packaged and labelled with the appropriate OECD tags
2. The tags can be removed followed by regular OECD labelling with the same CDN number, which must be supervised by an official seed sampler or
3. The statement can be stroked out

The statement of re-packaging and re-labelling is not required in these circumstances.

If seed labelled 'EU Rules and Standards' has been shipped, and the test results indicate that the seed does not meet the EU standards, the CFIA must contact officials in the destination country to notify them of this error. In these cases, the exporter must provide the official seed sampler with the following information to provide to officials in the destination country:

• Species, variety, quantity and reference number
• Company name
• Date of shipping
• Final destination
• Estimated date of arrival and port of entry
• Consignee's name
• Container number (if applicable)
• A compliance assistance fee shall be assessed against the exporting company ($90 minimum)

5.10 EU mixtures

There are additional restrictions for mixtures moving to the EU. Additional information is found in the EU directives, listed in the references, section 2.0.

5.10.1 Cereal mixtures in the EU

In the EU, cereal mixtures are only allowed for a mixture of varieties of 1 species, and only if that mixture is effective against the propagation against a harmful organism. An example of this would be 'refuge in a bag' corn blends.

5.10.2 Herbage mixtures in the EU

In the EU, herbage mixtures are called fodder mixtures, and may be a mixture of any species and/or varieties as long as 1 species within the mixture is on the list of species found in the Fodder Directive. Beet seeds are not permitted to be included in a fodder mixture.

6.0 Not Finally Certified seed lots

6.1 General

Not Finally Certified (NFC) seed is seed that has met the crop varietal purity standards and associated requirements (for example, it has a crop certificate from the CSGA), but is different from Pre-Basic, Basic, or Certified Seed in the following ways:

• No laboratory testing for mechanical purity, germination, and diseases has been carried out on NFC seed (No ISTA OIC required)
• There are no maximum lot size requirements for NFC seed
• NFC seed can be of any status (for example, Pre-Basic, Basic, or Certified) and is acceptable for use as seed for further multiplication accordingly
• The tag for OECD NFC seed is grey in colour (CFIA 0048)
• The 'EU Rules and Standards' statement cannot appear on the tag and
• The CFIA 1113 form should be completed by the exporter, and clearly indicate that the seed is NFC and no testing is required
• An exporter may request NFC certification for breeder status seed (for example, Pre-Basic) for the purposes of multiplication

With the exception of seed analysis and verification of maximum lot size, all other operations (for example, crop inspection, printing of tags, the sealing and labelling of seed lots) are carried out according to the Schemes, in the same manner as Pre-Basic, Basic, or Certified Seed.

6.2 Import of NFC seed

Imported NFC seed can be planted without further testing in Canada or re-labelling, provided it is of the proper status for multiplication. When NFC seed is used as parent seed for multiplication, regular crop inspection procedures as per Circular 6 and QSP 142.1 and its related SWIs apply.

If the imported NFC seed is to be sold in Canada (for example, prior to multiplication), it must be sampled, tested, and graded (if applicable). Specific sampling instructions for NFC seed are included in SWI 132.1.1. If the seed is to be sold in Canada, it may need to be re-tagged and/or re-labelled. Refer to the re-labelling section 4.6.

7.0 Authorized Exporter Program (AEP)

7.1 General

The AEP is consistent with the Schemes and with the EU rules. The basic requirements for OECD certification of a seed lot are the same for exporters participating in the AEP as for exporters not participating in the AEP. However, the persons and facilities involved, and the applicable procedures differ somewhat as indicated in the sections below.

The CFIA launched the AEP in August 2008. This program authorizes private persons to sample seed lots certified pursuant to the Schemes, affix all OECD tags, and test these seed lots (purity and germination) and issue internationally recognized reports of seed analysis according to the ISTA Rules or the AOSA Rules. These activities were previously the sole responsibility of the CFIA; with the implementation of the AEP, however, exporters can choose whether to use private persons or CFIA officials for those activities.

As of September 1, 2017, the option for CFIA sampling in combination with private seed testing was added to the AEP on a regular and ongoing basis. The CFIA's authority to inspect, detain or investigate any OECD seed lot applies to activities and seed lots certified under the AEP.

The CFIA conducts an initial evaluation of candidate participants in the program to ensure they are competent to carry out the activities required for the AEP. Furthermore, the CFIA carries out monitoring and evaluation of AE facilities (AE Establishments and AE Laboratories) and their personnel to maintain confidence that the standards of the OECD and EU continue to be met and that the procedures prescribed by the AEP are being followed. The CFIA's official oversight of the AEP also includes a review of documentation and issuance of a Varietal Certificate for every seed lot certified under the AEP.

7.2 Application for Export

The exporter must contact the CFIA local office to indicate that they require OECD certification of a seed lot. The exporter must indicate whether the seed lot will be sampled by an AE sampler (on site at the AE establishment) or by an official seed sampler.

The CFIA local office assigns a CDN number to the seed lot either individually on a lot by lot basis or by assigning a block of numbers issued to the AE Establishment.

The AE sampler/AE establishment provides copies of the OECD tags, sample submission forms, and other relevant documents (crop certificates, blend records, etc.) to the CFIA local office.

7.3 Sampling

The seed lot is sampled by the AE sampler employed by the AE establishment or by an official seed sampler. In either case, when under the AEP, the sample is sent to an AE laboratory for seed testing.

7.3.1 Sampling by an AE sampler at an AE establishment

The AE sampler verifies that the lot is eligible for certification pursuant to the Schemes. The seed lot is sampled by the AE sampler accordingly to ISTA Rules.

The sample submitted to the AE laboratory must be accompanied by the following:

• sample submission form for the AE laboratory to which the sample will be submitted (the AE sampler completes the sample submission form)
• copies of the OECD tags.

The samples for VV and disease testing requires separate sample submission forms as this testing will be carried out by the CFIA, not the AE laboratory. The samples for VV and disease testing are sent either directly to the CFIA or via the AE laboratory.

7.3.2 Sampling by an Official Seed Sampler

Seed lots are sampled as per SWI 132.1.1. Subsequently, samples are packaged and submitted to the AE laboratory as per the standard procedures outlined in SWI 132.1.1 and with the use of CFIA 1113 and LSTS forms.

The sample for VV testing requires a separate LSTS form as this testing will be carried out by the CFIA, not the AE laboratory. The sample for VV testing is sent either directly to the CFIA or via the AE laboratory.

The official seed sampler is not required to submit copies of the OECD tags to the AE laboratory.

7.4 Seed testing by the AE Laboratory

The AE laboratory carries out the requested testing and issues the ISTA/AOSA report of analysis, as well as the EU grading report (if requested).

The original ISTA/AOSA report of analysis and the EU grading report (if applicable) are provided by the AE Laboratory to the AE establishment. Copies of the ISTA/AOSA report of analysis, EU grader report (if applicable), and the sample submission form are provided by the AE laboratory to the CFIA's SSTS.

The CFIA's SSTS reviews the documentation from the AE laboratory to verify if all requirements are met and forwards the documents and confirmation of the EU grading decision (if applicable) to the CFIA local office.

For seed that meets EU Rules and Standards, the statement 'Sampled and analysed according to ISTA Rules for orange certificates by 'name of AE Laboratory' must appear on the back of the OECD tag. Note that the AE laboratory is only carrying out the testing mentioned in the statement. An ISTA laboratory can accept samples for testing from ISTA samplers authorized by any other ISTA Lab and thus it is not necessary to be specific about the authority of the sampler. Further, there are space limitations on the OECD tag.

7.5 CFIA local office responsibilities

The CFIA local office reviews all the documentation provided by the AE establishment and CFIA's SSTS in the same manner as if the certification was not under the AEP.

The CFIA local office issues a Varietal Certificate (CFIA 0006, or CFIA 0007 for EU Rules and Standards or GB Rules and Standards) if all the requirements for certification have been met.

7.6 NFC seed lots

Seed testing (purity, germination, disease, moisture) is not required for OECD certification of an NFC seed lot under the AEP. Therefore, the applicable steps above for sampling, testing, and document review related to seed testing are not relevant for certification of an NFC seed lot. A sample for VV testing is required for NFC seed lot certification.

The CFIA local office issues the CFIA 0006 Varietal Certificate for OECD NFC lots.

Appendix 1 - Differentiation between the Canadian and OECD definitions of mixture and blend

Appendix 2 - Equivalency of Canadian Pedigreed Status and OECD Eligibility

Equivalency of Canadian pedigreed status with OECD eligibility for self-pollinated crop kinds (cereals, pulses, etc.)

Canadian Pedigreed Status on Crop Certificate	OECD Eligibility
Certified	Certified 1st Generation Table Note 1
Registered	Basic
Foundation	Pre-Basic - 2 Generations prior to Cert 1st Gen
Select to produce Foundation	Pre-Basic - 3 Generations prior to Cert 1st Gen
Select to produce Select	Pre-Basic - 4 Generations prior to Cert 1st Gen
Breeder seed	Pre-Basic – Number of generations prior to Cert 1st determined by the Breeder

Equivalency of Canadian pedigreed status with OECD eligibility for cross-pollinated crop kinds (forages, canola, etc.):

Canadian Pedigreed Status on Crop Certificate	OECD Eligibility
Certified	Certified 1st Generation Table Note 2
Foundation	Basic
Breeder Seed	Pre-Basic – Number of generations prior to Cert 1st determined by the Breeder

Amendment register

List of amendments: July 11, 2025

• Scope – Updated to include Great Britain Rules and Standards & EU Rules and Standards as a result of Brexit changes. Added information to background on exporting seed to Northern Ireland.
• Section 3.1 – Update blend and mixture definitions to reflect OECD rule change.
• Section 4.5 – Added in information RSE's are required to keep when re-labelling and/or re-packaging seed lots.
• Section 4.5.1 – Reviewed and updated tag numbers in the table. Added additional options for labelling Pre-basic seed when being offered for sale in Canada as Breeder seed.
• Section 4.8 – Added and removed information to permit the blending of seed lots of different pedigreed status.
• Section 4.9 – Added and removed information to permit mixtures under all OECD Seed Schemes that Canada participates in.
• Section 4.9.1 and 4.9.2 – Deleted. Relevant information was moved to Section 4.9.
• Section 5.6 – Amended to remove a sentence to add clarity on whose responsibility it is to check the EU common catalogue of varieties.
• Appendix I – Updated blend and mixture definitions to reflect OECD rule change.
• Throughout the document – Made editorial changes and updated titles of forms and tags for consistency.