Non-Tariff Barriers

Non-Tariff Measure

NTM classification

B82: Testing requirement 

Date when the measure came into force

29 June 2007 

Publication where the measure is specified

ACTS SUPPLEMENT No. 3 29th June, 2007. ACTS SUPPLEMENT to The Uganda Gazette No. 32 Volume C dated 29th June, 2007 

Regulation where the measure is specified

THE SEEDS AND PLANT ACT, 2006 

Country/Region applying the measure

Uganda 

Coded list of objectives

C: Protection of life and health of plants 

Description of the measure

9.Variety testing, release and registration.
(1)All imported and domestic varieties shall undergo testing in variety performance trials for at least two main growing seasons before their release.
(2)For imported varieties, data from advanced yield trials shall serve as supportive evidence regarding the performance of a variety.
(3)The certification service shall advise the breeder on the appropriate method and period of test for—
(a)agricultural value in an approved number of sites in their appropriate ecological zones;
(b)agricultural value for ratoons, forest and fruit trees, fibres, ornamentals, beverage crops and other plants and zones for which a system of evaluation is not practicable.
(4)The naming of new varieties shall be the responsibility of the relevant plant breeders and shall be subject to approval by the Variety Release Committee.
(5)The Board may grant breeders rights for a variety of seeds on the recommendation of the National Variety Release Committee.
(6)The certification service shall be responsible for undertaking variety testing as required for the granting of plant breeders rights in accordance with relevant law.
(7)All plant breeders, both local and foreign shall apply to the certification service for the release of their varieties.
(8)A variety released under subsection (7) shall be eligible for certification and shall be entered on the National Variety List and East African Common Catalogue.
(9)The maintenance and supply of breeders seed shall be the responsibility of the breeders concerned and a reference sample shall be deposited with the certification service on initial release.
(10)All plant breeders of public or private institutions and importers of varieties for seed production in Uganda shall be registered with the certification service on payment of the prescribed fee.
(11)The breeder or applicant shall provide data for advanced yield, multi-locational trials for at least one main growing season from relevant agro-ecological zones.
(12)The breeder or applicant shall conduct on farm trials for one main growing season concurrently with variety performance trials.
(13)The certification service shall be responsible for conducting variety performance trials in a number of representative locations, but may delegate suitable organisations to carry out this function.
(14)Vegetatively propagated materials shall be evaluated for their genetic and agricultural values.
10. Multiplication and licensing.
(1)Subject to the provisions of this Act, there shall be recognised classes of seeds as may be set out in regulations made under this Act.
(2)All seed merchants and dealers shall be licensed on application to the certification service and shall pay a prescribed annual fee.
(3)The Minister may, by statutory instrument, declare any area as a segregated area and may, by that instrument, prohibit the planting and movement of any type of seed or plant within that area either for a specific period or until the revocation of the instrument.
12.Seed marketing.
(1)All seed offered for sale shall be properly labelled and sealed in accordance with the specifications set out in regulations made under this Act.
(2)A person who intends to import or export seed shall apply to the certification service for a licence in the manner prescribed by regulations made under this Act.
(3) Only seed of approved varieties and which—
(a) meets the standards established by the National Seed Certification Services for domestic seed trade; and
(b) are accompanied by a declaration of minimum certification standards on an ISTA certificate or domestic certificates and a phytosanitary certificate as provided in the Plant Protection and Plant Health Act, shall be imported into Uganda.
(4)All seed intended for export shall comply with the requirements of the importing country.
(5)Genetically modified seeds will be regulated in accordance with the Uganda National Council of Science and Technology Act or any relevant law 

Reference of the measure

Part II para 9(1,2,12) 

Measure also domestic

Yes 

Products affected by the measure.

Description

Seeds 

Countries/Regions affected by the measure.

Description

All countries