S.L. 433.30 Art. 13Labelling of packages.

(1) The packages of all seed categories referred to in regulation 7, excluding standard vegetable seed, small packages of basic and certified vegetable seed and small EC B packages of certified and commercial seed of fodder plants, shall have affixed on the outside, an official label that has not been previously used, and as appropriate to the seed, with the particulars as specified in Schedule V, in Maltese or in English. The information should be printed indelibly on the label. Delible printing is not authorised. The dimensions and colour of the label are specified in the same Schedule. The labels on packages containing vegetable seeds may be placed inside transparent packages provided it can be read. The labels must be adhesive and made from tear-resistant material. When a label with a string-hole is used, its attachment to the package shall be ensured in all cases with an official seal. The use of official adhesive labels shall be authorised. The indelible printing of the prescribed particulars on the package in accordance with the label models may be authorised under official supervision. If in cases under regulation 14, the seeds of the categories listed below do not satisfy the conditions laid down in Schedule III in respect of germination, this fact shall be stated on the label:

(a) for agricultural plants -

- cereals - basic or maize seed;

- fodder plants - basic and certified seed; and

(b) for vegetables - basic seed.

The Directorate may establish exceptions to the provisions of sub-regulation (1) in the case of small packages of cereals, potatoes and vegetables sealed in Malta.

(2) When a non-adhesive label is used, the package shall contain an official document in the same colour as the official label giving at least the information mentioned below:

(a) for agricultural plants -

(i) Cereals (basic and certified seed) -

- reference number of lot,

- species and variety.

(ii) Fodder plants (basic, certified and commercial seed except small EC B packages of certified and commercial seed) -

- reference number of lot,

- species and variety,

In the case of commercial seed, reference number of lot, species and the words "Commercial seed" should be written down.

(iii) Potatoes (basic and certified seed)

- producer’s identification number or reference number of lot,

- month and year of sealing,

- country of production.

(b) for vegetables (basic and certified seed except small packages)

- reference number of lot,

- species and variety,

- category.

This document shall be drawn up in such a manner that it cannot be confused with the official label referred to under sub-regulation (1). This document is not necessary if the information is printed indelibly on the package or if, in accordance with the provisions under sub-regulation (1), an adhesive label, a label of tear-resistant material or a label inside a transparent package, is used. Packages should also include the producer’s identification particulars.

(3) (a) In cases other than those provided for in these regulations, packages or containers of basic and certified seed of agricultural plants and vegetables, commercial seed of fodder plant and standard vegetable seed shall bear a supplier’s label which may be either a label separate from the official label or take the form of the supplier’s information as stated in Schedule V printed on the package or container itself. In the case of cereals, seed lots have to comply with the provisions referred to in regulation 27 concerning the presence of and an official certificate attesting compliance with these Avena fatua conditions has to be issued.

(b) Small EC B packages of fodder plant seeds, packages of standard vegetable seed and small packets of certified vegetable seed shall bear on the outside a supplier’s label or a printed or stamped notice in Maltese or English, except for small packages of standard seed in which case the information stated under this provision shall be clearly separate from any information given on the label or the package. In the case of transparent packages, this label may be placed inside, provided it can be read through the package.

(c) In the case of small EC B packages of fodder plant seeds, the packages can also bear an officially assigned serial number on the outside or on the supplier’s label. Should an official, adhesive label be used, the particulars to be written on the label are indicated in Schedule V. This serial number shall not be required for small EC A packages of fodder plant seeds.

(4) It shall be ensured that persons responsible for affixing the labels on packages containing standard vegetable seed intended for marketing:

(a) inform the Directorate of the dates when their activities begin and end;

(b) keep records of all lots of standard seed and make them available to the country for not less than three years;

(c) make available for not less than two years, a control sample of seed of varieties for which maintenance is required; and

(d) draw samples from each lot intended for marketing and make them available for not less than two years.

The operations referred to in sub-regulations (2) and (4) shall be subject to official checks carried out on a random basis. The obligation stated in sub-regulation (3) shall apply only to producers.