Seed Testing Standards Finalized

July 23, 2001

USDA has finalized standards to allow non-government facilities to become accredited to perform laboratory seed health testing and seed crop phytosanitary inspection services. The inspection or testing will serve as the basis for the issuance of a federal phytosanitary certificate, export certificate for processed plant products, or phytosanitary certificate for re-export. Federal phytosanitary certificates are frequently required by a country accepting U.S. agricultural commodities.

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of USDA developed the accreditation criteria for particular laboratory testing and phytosanitary inspection services in cooperation with other interested government, industry, academic, and research facilities. The intent was to provide the basis for non-government facilities to become accredited to perform these services.

In January 1999, APHIS published a final rule allowing non-government facilities to become accredited to perform specific laboratory testing and phytosanitary inspection services. Previously, only tests conducted by public laboratories or inspections carried out by federal, state, or county inspectors or agents could be used as the basis for the issuance of federal certificates.

More information is available from Narcy G. Klag, program manager, phytosanitary issues management, operational support, plant protection and quarantine, APHIS, 4700 River Road, Unit 140, Riverdale, Md., 20737-1236, (301) 734-8262.

Notice of this action was published the July 18 Federal Register and becomes effective Aug. 17. APHIS documents published in the Federal Register, and related information, including the names of organizations and individuals who have commented on APHIS dockets, are available on the Internet at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppd/rad/webrepor.html.