The Technical Regulation for the Control and Certification of Seeds of Fodder Plants, approved by Order of 1 July 1986, provides in paragraph VIII.1 that the seeds of the species subject to it may be presented only the official seal contained in packages to be adjusted to certain standard weights. For its part, paragraph VIII.2 of that Regulation also lays down certain weights for packages of fodder plant seed to be used after an authorised repackaging. The current rules on the weights of fodder plant seed packages do not meet the needs of producers, who need greater flexibility in this respect in order to meet the requirements of the market. On the other hand, the authorized weights for the containers vary according to the species, which adds confusion to the system and increases the costs of the producers and the selling prices of the seeds. It is therefore appropriate to amend the Technical Regulations for the Control and Certification of Seeds and Fodder Plants to allow the use of containers of a wider range of weights. The Autonomous Communities and the representative bodies of the sectors concerned have been consulted in the preparation of this provision. In its virtue, I have:

Single item. Amendment of the Technical Regulations for the Control and Certification of Seeds of Fodder Plants, approved by Order of 1 July 1986.

The Technical Regulations for the Control and Certification of Fodder Plant Seeds, approved by Order of 1 July 1986, are amended in the following terms:

1. Paragraph VIII.1 is deleted.

2. Paragraph VIII.2 is replaced by the following:

" VIII. 2. Repackaging of seeds. The repackaging of the seeds of zulla, alfalfa, lunch, lupin, sparcette, pea, fenugreek, vetch, yero, haba and carob, whatever their category and the type of packaging used, shall not be permitted without the need for a new official seal.

Producers may repackage fodder plant seed of species other than those listed in the preceding paragraph, for the different seed categories, without a new official seal being made. The weights per package to be allowed for placing on the market after an authorised repackaging, including mixtures of seed, shall be a maximum of 10 kilograms. Fodder plant seed for the exclusive use of grass may be repackaged by producers in packages of any size up to a maximum weight of two kilograms. The producers, under their responsibility, must place on the back of the labels of the producer accompanying each package, a numbered bulletin provided by the official control services. The number of bulletins used in the repackages will be justified by the producer through the delivery of the official labels of the original seal, which must remain in their possession until they are requested by the inspection staff. the official control service concerned. The system for closing the packages shall be such that, once opened, they cannot be used again. For containers of transparent material, only an internal label placed in such a way that it can be read externally may be used if the producer so wishes. In the latter case, and where the text of the producer's label is printed on the packaging, the bulletin shall be placed directly on the package. "

Single end disposition. Entry into force.

This provision shall enter into force on the day following that of its publication in the Official Gazette of the State.

Madrid, 30 December 2004.

ESPINOSA MANGANA