These rules apply to you if your business sells, supplies, packs or processes seed.
Who must use certified seed
You are marketing seed if you hold or keep it before sale, offer it for sale, for example by advertising, or give it to someone else. Seed of beet, cereals, fodder plants, oil and fibre plants, and fruit and vegetables must be certified before you market it.
Get a licence and certification
Once you are licensed, APHA officials will visit to check your records, inspect your premises and crops, and sample your seed.
Check the variety is listed
You can apply to add a new variety to the lists. APHA can authorise marketing small amounts of uncertified seed of unlisted varieties for tests, trials or scientific work, but only if you apply before you market any seed.
How certification works
Tell NIAB which crops you are growing for seed, which is called entering your crops, online or by post. The crops are then inspected in the field, either by an official inspector arranged by NIAB or, for some categories, by a licensed crop inspector you arrange yourself. If you disagree with the result of an official inspection, you can ask NIAB for a second inspection.
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Apply to APHA for a seed licence
Complete the application form and send it to APHA before you market, pack or process seed.
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Check each variety is listed
Confirm the variety is on the Great Britain or Northern Ireland variety lists, or apply to add it.
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Enter your seed crops with NIAB
Enter each crop online or by post, using a separate sheet for each crop, and pay the crop entry fee.
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Arrange the crop inspection
NIAB arranges official inspections. For categories that allow it, book a licensed crop inspector yourself.
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Keep records for APHA visits
APHA officials check your records, inspect your premises and crops, and sample your seed.
Legal basis
Primary legislation and key regulations