Date: 2025-06-20Category: Not ApplicableState: Union GovernmentCountry: Europe
Decision (EU) 2025/1228 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2025 amending Council Decision 2003/17/EC as regards the equivalence of field inspections carried out in the Republic of Moldova on seed-producing fodder plant crops and on the equivalence of fodder plant seed produced in the Republic of Moldova, and as regards the equivalence of field inspections carried out in Ukraine on seed-producing beet crops and seed-producing oil plant crops and on the equivalence of beet seed and oil plant seed produced in Ukraine (Text with EEA relevance)
## Policy Analysis Report: Decision (EU) 2025/1228 - Amendment to Council Decision 2003/17/EC Regarding Seed Equivalence
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes Decision (EU) 2025/1228, an amendment to Council Decision 2003/17/EC. The amendment grants equivalence to field inspections carried out in the Republic of Moldova on seed-producing fodder plant crops and to fodder plant seed produced in the Republic of Moldova. It also grants equivalence to field inspections in Ukraine for beet, sunflower, swede rape, and soya bean seed-producing crops and to the seed of those plants produced in Ukraine. This means that seed certification processes in these countries are now recognized as equivalent to EU standards. The key finding is that this amendment facilitates trade in seeds between the EU and these countries by recognizing their certification systems.
**2. Introduction:**
The purpose of this report is to provide an informative overview of Decision (EU) 2025/1228, focusing on the changes it introduces to Council Decision 2003/17/EC regarding the equivalence of field inspections and seed production in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. This analysis is based solely on the provided policy text.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* This report analyzes an amendment to **Council Decision 2003/17/EC** of 16 December 2002 on the equivalence of field inspections carried out in third countries on seed-producing crops and on the equivalence of seed produced in third countries.
* **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the objective of the amendment is to **grant equivalence to the systems of field inspections and seed certification of the Republic of Moldova (for fodder plants) and Ukraine (for beet, sunflower, swede rape, and soya bean)**, thereby recognizing their compliance with Union law in these specific areas. This aims to facilitate trade and potentially broaden the sources of available seeds within the EU.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
This amendment addresses the evolving relationships and recognition of agricultural standards between the EU and third countries. Moldova and Ukraine requested the Commission to grant equivalence to their systems of field inspections and seed production. The Commission assessed their legislation, conducted audits, and concluded that their national authorities are competent and operate appropriately, and that their systems meet EU standards. This amendment formally recognizes this equivalence, allowing for easier import/export of seeds. The rationale is to acknowledge Moldova and Ukraine's adherence to EU standards regarding field inspections and seed production, enabling more seamless integration into the European seed market.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
This Decision amends Annex I to Council Decision 2003/17/EC. Specifically:
* **What specific part is being changed:** Annex I of Decision 2003/17/EC, which lists countries and relevant Directives for which equivalence is granted, is being amended.
* **What the new rule/provision is:** The amendment adds and replaces entries for Moldova and Ukraine in Annex I.
* The entry "MD" is replaced with a new entry listing the "National Agency for Food Safety (ANSA)" as the responsible authority and specifies the following Directives: 66/401/EEC, 66/402/EEC, 2002/55/EC and 2002/57/EC.
* The entry "UA" is replaced with a new entry listing the "Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine" as the responsible authority and specifies the following Directives: 66/402/EEC, 2002/54/EC and 2002/57/EC, but the latter one only in respect of Brassica napus, Glycine max and Helianthus annuus.
* **Explain the difference or the effect of this specific change:** The change formally recognizes the equivalence of Moldova's system for fodder plants (as covered by the specified Directives) and Ukraine's system for beet, sunflower, swede rape, and soya bean (as covered by the specified Directives). This allows seeds certified by these authorities in these countries to be treated as equivalent to EU-certified seeds for trade purposes. The limitation on Ukraine to *only* Brassica napus, Glycine max and Helianthus annuus under Directive 2002/57/EC suggests that equivalence is only granted for these oilseed and fibre plants under that specific directive.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The primary target audience includes:
* **Seed producers and suppliers** in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, who now have easier access to the EU market for their seeds.
* **EU seed importers and distributors**, who can now source seeds from these countries with greater confidence in their compliance with EU standards.
* **Farmers within the EU**, who may benefit from a wider variety of seed sources and potentially lower prices.
* **National authorities within EU member states** responsible for implementing seed certification and import regulations.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible agency/bodies mentioned:**
* In the Republic of Moldova: The **National Agency for Food Safety (ANSA)** is the responsible authority.
* In Ukraine: The **Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine** is the responsible authority.
* **Timelines or procedures specified in the text:** The Decision enters into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union (published 20.6.2025). The text doesn't specify detailed procedures, but it implies that national authorities in member states will need to update their import regulations to reflect the new equivalence status.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
* The intended outcome of these changes is to **facilitate increased trade of seeds between the EU and the Republic of Moldova (for fodder plants) and Ukraine (for beet, sunflower, swede rape, and soya bean).** This should lead to:
* **Reduced trade barriers:** By recognizing the equivalence of seed certification systems, the amendment eliminates the need for redundant testing and certification processes.
* **Increased market access:** Seed producers in Moldova and Ukraine gain easier access to the EU market, potentially increasing their export volumes.
* **Greater choice for EU farmers:** EU farmers have access to a wider range of seed varieties and potentially more competitive prices.
* **Strengthened cooperation:** The amendment demonstrates a commitment to cooperation and harmonization of standards between the EU and these countries.
**9. Conclusion:**
Decision (EU) 2025/1228 represents a significant step in recognizing the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine's agricultural standards, specifically in the seed production sector. By granting equivalence to their field inspection and seed certification systems, this amendment fosters trade and cooperation, benefiting seed producers, importers, and ultimately, farmers across the EU and in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine. The amendment's impact lies in simplifying trade procedures and broadening the sources of seeds available within the EU market.
Key Entities Referenced
European Parliament: One of the legislative bodies of the European Union.
Council of the European Union: One of the legislative bodies of the European Union.
European Commission: The executive branch of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding the EU treaties and managing the day-to-day business of the EU.
Republic of Moldova: A country which requested the Commission for the granting of equivalence to its system of field inspections of seedproducing fodder plant crops and to fodder plant seed produced and certified in the Republic of Moldova.
Ukraine: A country which submitted a request to the Commission for the granting of equivalence to its system of field inspections of seedproducing beet, sunflower, swede rape and soya bean crops and to the beet, sunflower and swede rape seed produced and certified in Ukraine.
Council Decision 2003/17/EC: A Council Decision on the equivalence of field inspections carried out in third countries on seed-producing crops and on the equivalence of seed produced in third countries.
European Economic and Social Committee: An EU advisory body that gives representatives of workers' and employers' organisations and other interest groups a formal platform to express their points of view on EU issues.
OECD Seed Schemes: Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Schemes for the Varietal Certification or the Control of Seed Moving in International Trade
International Seed Testing Association: An association which accredits seed laboratories in the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine.
Council Directive 66/401/EEC: Council Directive on the marketing of fodder plant seed
Council Directive 2002/54/EC: Council Directive on the marketing of beet seed
Council Directive 2002/57/EC: Council Directive on the marketing of seed of oil and fibre plants
National Agency for Food Safety (ANSA): The agency in Republic of Moldova responsible for food safety.
Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine: The ministry in Ukraine responsible for agrarian policy and food.
Strasbourg: The location where the decision was adopted.
R. Metsola: The President for the European Parliament.
A. Szapka: The President for the Council.
Official Journal EN
of the European Union L series
2025/1228 20.6.2025
DECISION (EU) 2025/1228 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL
of 17 June 2025
amending Council Decision 2003/17/EC as regards the equivalence of field inspections carried out in
the Republic of Moldova on seed-producing fodder plant crops and on the equivalence of fodder
plant seed produced in the Republic of Moldova, and as regards the equivalence of field inspections
carried out in Ukraine on seed-producing beet crops and seed-producing oil plant crops and on the
equivalence of beet seed and oil plant seed produced in Ukraine
(Text with EEA relevance)
THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 43(2) thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,
After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,
Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee(1),
Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure(2),
Whereas:
(1) Council Decision 2003/17/EC(3) provides that, under certain conditions, field inspections carried out on certain
seed-producing crops in the third countries listed in Annex I to that Decision are to be considered equivalent to field
inspections carried out in accordance with Union law and that, under certain conditions, seed of certain species
produced in those third countries is to be considered equivalent to seed complying with Union law.
(2) In 2022, the Republic of Moldova submitted a request to the Commission for the granting of equivalence to its
system of field inspections of seed-producing fodder plant crops and to fodder plant seed produced and certified in
the Republic of Moldova.
(3) The Commission examined the relevant legislation of the Republic of Moldova. It also carried out, in 2016, an audit
of the system of official controls and of certification of cereal, vegetable and oil and fibre plant seed in the Republic
of Moldova and published its findings in a report. Following the receipt of additional documentation from the
Republic of Moldova, the Commission considered that all recommendations made in the audit report had been
addressed in a satisfactory manner. On the basis of the audit and the additional documentation, the Commission has
concluded that the national authorities responsible for the implementation of seed certification in the Republic of
Moldova are competent, have adequate facilities in place and operate appropriately. Those authorities are also
responsible for field inspections of seed-producing fodder plant crops and for the certification of fodder plant seed.
(1) OJ C, C/2024/3386, 31.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/3386/oj.
(2) Position of the European Parliament of 22 May 2025 (not yet published in the Official Journal) and decision of the Council of
12 June 2025.
(3) Council Decision 2003/17/EC of 16 December 2002 on the equivalence of field inspections carried out in third countries on
seed-producing crops and on the equivalence of seed produced in third countries (OJ L 8, 14.1.2003, p. 10, ELI: http://data.europa.
eu/eli/dec/2003/17(1)/oj).
ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/1228/oj 1/4EN
OJ L, 20.6.2025
(4) On the basis of the examination of the legislation of the Republic of Moldova and of the audit, the Commission has
concluded that the field inspections of seed-producing fodder plant crops and the sampling, testing and official
post-control of fodder plant seed in the Republic of Moldova are carried out appropriately and satisfy the
requirements set out in Annex II to Decision 2003/17/EC and in Council Directive 66/401/EEC(4).
(5) In 2022, Ukraine submitted a request to the Commission for the granting of equivalence to its system of field
inspections of seed-producing beet (Beta vulgaris), sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and swede rape (Brassica napus) crops
and to the beet, sunflower and swede rape seed produced and certified in Ukraine.
(6) In 2023, Ukraine submitted a request to the Commission for the granting of equivalence to its system of field
inspections of seed-producing soya bean (Glycine max) crops, and to the soya bean seed produced and certified in
Ukraine.
(7) The Commission examined the relevant legislation of Ukraine. It also carried out, in 2015, an audit of the system of
official controls and of certification of cereal seed in Ukraine and published its findings in a report. Following the
receipt of additional documentation from Ukraine, the Commission considered that all recommendations made in
the audit report had been addressed in a satisfactory manner. On the basis of the audit and the additional
documentation, the Commission has concluded that the national authorities responsible for the implementation of
seed certification in Ukraine are competent, have adequate facilities in place and operate appropriately. Those
authorities are also responsible for the field inspections of seed-producing beet, sunflower, swede rape and soya bean
crops, and for the certification of beet, sunflower, swede rape and soya bean seed.
(8) On the basis of the examination of the legislation of Ukraine and of the audit, the Commission has concluded that
the field inspections of seed-producing beet, sunflower, swede rape and soya bean crops and the sampling, testing
and official post-control of beet, sunflower, swede rape and soya bean seed in Ukraine are carried out appropriately
and satisfy the requirements set out in Annex II to Decision 2003/17/EC and in Council Directives 2002/54/EC(5)
and 2002/57/EC(6).
(9) The Republic of Moldova has been admitted, as regards fodder plants, to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation
and Development Schemes for the Varietal Certification or the Control of Seed Moving in International Trade
(‘OECD Seed Schemes’).
(10) Ukraine has been admitted, as regards beet, sunflower, swede rape and soya bean, to the OECD Seed Schemes.
(11) The Republic of Moldova and Ukraine have seed laboratories accredited by the International Seed Testing
Association. That fact provides additional assurance as to the quality of the inspections and of the seed produced in
those countries and their compliance with Union law.
(12) It is therefore appropriate to grant equivalence as regards field inspections carried out in respect of seed-producing
fodder plant crops in the Republic of Moldova, and as regards the fodder plant seed produced in the Republic of
Moldova and officially certified by its authorities.
(13) It is also appropriate to grant equivalence as regards field inspections carried out in respect of seed-producing beet,
sunflower, swede rape and soya bean crops in Ukraine, and as regards the seed of beet, sunflower, swede rape and
soya bean produced in Ukraine and officially certified by its authorities.
(14) Decision 2003/17/EC should be therefore amended accordingly,
HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION:
(4) Council Directive 66/401/EEC of 14 June 1966 on the marketing of fodder plant seed (OJ 125, 11.7.1966, p. 2298/66, ELI: http://
data.europa.eu/eli/dir/1966/401/oj).
(5) Council Directive 2002/54/EC of 13 June 2002 on the marketing of beet seed (OJ L 193, 20.7.2002, p. 12, ELI: http://data.europa.
eu/eli/dir/2002/54/oj).
(6) Council Directive 2002/57/EC of 13 June 2002 on the marketing of seed of oil and fibre plants (OJ L 193, 20.7.2002, p. 74, ELI:
http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2002/57/oj).
2/4 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/1228/ojEN
OJ L, 20.6.2025
Article 1
Amendments to Decision 2003/17/EC
Annex I to Decision 2003/17/EC is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Decision.
Article 2
Entry into force
This Decision shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the
European Union.
Article 3
Addressees
This Decision is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Strasbourg, 17 June 2025.
For the European Parliament For the Council
The President The President
R. METSOLA A. SZŁAPKA
ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/1228/oj 3/4EN
OJ L, 20.6.2025
ANNEX
In Annex I to Decision 2003/17/EC, the table is amended as follows:
(1) the entry ‘MD’ is replaced by the following:
66/401/EEC
National Agency for Food Safety (ANSA)
66/402/EEC
‘MD str. Mihail Kogălniceanu 63,
2002/55/EC
MD-2009, CHIŞINĂU
2002/57/EC’
(2) the entry ‘UA’ is replaced by the following:
66/402/EEC
Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine 2002/54/EC
‘UA
Khreshchatyk str. 24, 01001 KYIV 2002/57/EC – only in respect of
Brassica napus, Glycine max and
Helianthus annuus’
4/4 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2025/1228/oj