GRAIN Seed Laws Around the World
Country or
jurisdiction
Source/law
may keep may
exchange or
give as a gift
may sell may harvest
seeds and
sow again
on own farm
may harvest
seeds and
then
exchange or
give as a gift
may harvest
seeds and
then sell
them
contracts
other
restrictions
may be set
by contract
can only use
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
can only buy
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
seed can be
seized
crop can be
destroyed
harvest can
be seized
product
made from
harvested
material can
be seized
can be fined can go to
jail
all places -
including
homes- can
be searched
may be
done by
private
sector
may be
done with
police or
military
support
all species,
including
wild ones,
may be
privatised
privatised
varieties
may be
used to
breed new
ones
local seed
may be
privatised if
“discovered”
privatisation
extends to
similar pre-
existing
varieties
Argentina yes yes no yes no no no yes no no no yes yes yes yes yes yes Ley 20247
(http://infoleg.mecon.gov.ar/infolegIntern
et/anexos/30000-
34999/34822/norma.htm); Reglamento
Ley 20247
(http://www.asa.org.ar/pdf/ley2183-
91.pdf); Ley 10711
Barbados only if
exemption is
decreed
no no yes yes yes no yes yes yes yes yes Protection of New Plant Varieties Act
2001-17
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/bb/bb015en.pdf)
Belize yes no no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Protection of New Plant Varieties Act
and Regulations
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=125468)
Bolivia yes yes yes, if small,
except trees
and
ornamentals
no no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Decision 345 of the Andean Community
(http://www.comunidadandina.org/ingles/
normativa/D345e.htm); Regulation on
the Protection of Plant Varieties
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/bo/bo037en.pdf)
Brazil yes yes yes yes ? no yes yes yes yes yes Ley 9456
(http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/
L9456.htm); Reglamento Ley 9456
Canada no no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes no Plant Breeder's Rights Act (http://laws-
lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/P-
14.6/FullText.html); Seeds Act; Seed
Regulations
Chile yes no no yes no no no no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Law 19342
(http://www.leychile.cl/Navegar?idNorma
=30709)
Colombia yes no no yes, if farm
is under 5
ha, and only
every other
year
no no no ? yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes no yes Decision 345 of the Andean Community
(http://www.comunidadandina.org/ingles/
normativa/D345e.htm); Law 1032 of
2006
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/co/co057en.pdf); Resolution 970 by
ICA
(http://www.ica.gov.co/getattachment/03
750a73-db84-4f33-9568-
6e0bad0a507d/200R970.aspx)
Costa Rica yes yes yes no no no no no no yes yes yes yes not native
wild species
yes yes yes Law no. 8631 on the Protection of New
Varieties of Plants (as amended by Law
no. 8686 of November 21, 2008)
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/cr/cr027en.pdf)
Cuba yes yes no no yes yes yes yes no no Decreto-Ley 291
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
es/cu/cu081es.pdf); Decreto 175
(http://pflanzengesundheit.jki.bund.de/do
kumente/upload/893c3_cu3-act1992-
175.pdf)
Dominican
Republic
yes yes yes, except
trees and
ornamentals
no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Ley 450-06
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
es/do/do014es.pdf)
Ecuador yes no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Decision 345 of the Andean Community
(http://www.comunidadandina.org/ingles/
normativa/D345e.htm); Ley de la
Propiedad Intelectual
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
es/ec/ec031es.pdf)
SEED LAWS AROUND THE WORLD: WHAT IMPACT ON FARMERS AND THEIR SEEDS
What can you do with your own
seeds (local varieties)
What can you do with privatised seeds
(PVP-protected or patented varieties)
Under seed marketing
rules, farmers
If inspectors find “probable cause” of
infringement or you’re declared guilty of
infringement
in addition, infringement
means you
Inspection Scope of privatisation (PVP or patent)
Published February 2015 1
GRAIN Seed Laws Around the World
Country or
jurisdiction
Source/law
may keep may
exchange or
give as a gift
may sell may harvest
seeds and
sow again
on own farm
may harvest
seeds and
then
exchange or
give as a gift
may harvest
seeds and
then sell
them
contracts
other
restrictions
may be set
by contract
can only use
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
can only buy
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
seed can be
seized
crop can be
destroyed
harvest can
be seized
product
made from
harvested
material can
be seized
can be fined can go to
jail
all places -
including
homes- can
be searched
may be
done by
private
sector
may be
done with
police or
military
support
all species,
including
wild ones,
may be
privatised
privatised
varieties
may be
used to
breed new
ones
local seed
may be
privatised if
“discovered”
privatisation
extends to
similar pre-
existing
varieties
SEED LAWS AROUND THE WORLD: WHAT IMPACT ON FARMERS AND THEIR SEEDS
What can you do with your own
seeds (local varieties)
What can you do with privatised seeds
(PVP-protected or patented varieties)
Under seed marketing
rules, farmers
If inspectors find “probable cause” of
infringement or you’re declared guilty of
infringement
in addition, infringement
means you
Inspection Scope of privatisation (PVP or patent)
Ecuador yes yes yes no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no Constitución de la República del
Ecuador de 2008
(http://www.oas.org/juridico/PDFs/mesici
c4_ecu_const.pdf)
El Salvador yes yes ? yes yes Ley de Semillas
(http://www.asamblea.gob.sv/eparlament
o/indice-legislativo/buscador-de-
documentos-legislativos/ley-de-semillas)
Guatemala yes yes no no no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Acuerdo Ministerial no. 712 - 2002
(http://pflanzengesundheit.jki.bund.de/do
kumente/upload/b1c67_gt3-2002-
712.pdf)
Guyana
Honduras yes yes if packaged
and labeled
yes, except
trees and
ornamentals
no no yes yes yes yes yes no yes no yes Decreto 1046 de 1980
(http://www.senasa-sag.gob.hn/wp-
content/uploads/2014/08/Ley-de-
semillas-gaceta.pdf); Ley para la
Protección de Obtenciones Vegetales
(http://www.poderjudicial.gob.hn/CEDIJ/
Leyes/Documents/Ley%20para%20la%2
0Proteccion%20de%20Obtenciones%20
de%20Vegetales%20(3,1mb).pdf)
Jamaica
Mexico yes no no yes no no yes yes yes yes no Ley Federal de Variedades Vegetales
(http://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBibli
o/pdf/120.pdf); Ley Federal de
Producción, Certificación y Comercio de
Semillas
(http://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBibli
o/pdf/LFPCCS.pdf); Reglamento de la
Ley Federal de Producción, Certificación
y Comercio de Semillas
Nicaragua yes yes no yes no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Ley y Reglamento de Produccion y
Comercio de Semillas, Diciembre 1997
(http://www.farmersrights.org/pdf/americ
as/Nicaragua/Nicaragua-seed98.pdf);
Ley de Protección para las Obtenciones
Vegetales
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
es/ni/ni014es.pdf); Reglamento Ley de
Protección de Obtenciones Vegetales
(http://www.fao.org/forestry/12951-
0495fa6793369967811b95cf5a00a7f44.
pdf)
Panama yes yes no no yes yes yes yes yes yes Law no. 23 of July 15, 1997 on Industrial
Property, Title V
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/pa/pa006en.pdf)
Paraguay yes no no yes yes yes yes Decree no. 7797/00 of March 7, 2000
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/py/py011en.pdf)
Peru yes yes yes yes yes yes no yes yes yes Supreme Decree no. 035-2011-PCM
Approving the Regulations for the
Protection of the Rights of Breeders of
the New Plant Varieties (2011)
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/pe/pe063en.pdf)
Suriname
Published February 2015 2
GRAIN Seed Laws Around the World
Country or
jurisdiction
Source/law
may keep may
exchange or
give as a gift
may sell may harvest
seeds and
sow again
on own farm
may harvest
seeds and
then
exchange or
give as a gift
may harvest
seeds and
then sell
them
contracts
other
restrictions
may be set
by contract
can only use
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
can only buy
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
seed can be
seized
crop can be
destroyed
harvest can
be seized
product
made from
harvested
material can
be seized
can be fined can go to
jail
all places -
including
homes- can
be searched
may be
done by
private
sector
may be
done with
police or
military
support
all species,
including
wild ones,
may be
privatised
privatised
varieties
may be
used to
breed new
ones
local seed
may be
privatised if
“discovered”
privatisation
extends to
similar pre-
existing
varieties
SEED LAWS AROUND THE WORLD: WHAT IMPACT ON FARMERS AND THEIR SEEDS
What can you do with your own
seeds (local varieties)
What can you do with privatised seeds
(PVP-protected or patented varieties)
Under seed marketing
rules, farmers
If inspectors find “probable cause” of
infringement or you’re declared guilty of
infringement
in addition, infringement
means you
Inspection Scope of privatisation (PVP or patent)
Trinidad &
Tobago
no no no yes yes yes no yes yes Protection of New Plant Varieties Act
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/tt/tt045en.pdf); Protection of New
Plant Varieties Regulations
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/tt/tt052en.pdf)
United States with
restrictions
no no yes yes yes yes yes yes Yes? yes yes yes yes Consolidated Patent Laws
(http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/m
pep/consolidated_laws.pdf); Plant
Variety Protection Act
(http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfi
le?dDocName=STELDEV3002796)
Uruguay yes no yes, if small no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Ley 16811
(http://uruguay.justia.com/nacionales/ley
es/ley-16811-feb-21-1997/gdoc/); Ley
16580
(http://uruguay.justia.com/nacionales/ley
es/ley-16580-sep-21-1994/gdoc/); Ley
18467
(http://uruguay.justia.com/nacionales/ley
es/ley-18467-feb-27-2009/gdoc/)
Venezuela yes no no yes no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Ley de Semillas, Material para la
Reproduccion Animal e Insumos
Biologicos
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
es/ve/ve047es.pdf); Decisión 345 de la
Comunidad Andina
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
es/can/can008es.pdf)
African Union yes yes yes yes yes no no no no yes yes African Model Legislation for the
Protection of the Rights of Local
Communities, Farmers and Breeders,
and for the Regulation of Access to
Biological Resources
(http://www.farmersrights.org/pdf/africa/
AU/AU-model%20law00.pdf)
Algeria no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Loi no. 05-03 relative aux semences, aux
plants et à la protection de l'obtention
végétale
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/f
r/dz/dz043fr.pdf)
Angola no yes yes yes Lei no. 3/92 (Lei da Propiedade
Industrial)
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
pt/ao/ao003pt.pdf)
ARIPO (draft) after
payment,
and not for
trees and
ornamentals
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Draft ARIPO Legal Framework for the
Protection of New Varieties of Plants
(http://www.upov.int/edocs/mdocs/upov/
en/c_extr_31/c_extr_31_2.pdf)
Burkina Faso yes no yes no no yes yes yes yes yes yes no yes yes yes Loi no. 010-2006/an
(http://www.farmersrights.org/pdf/Africa/
Burkina%20Faso/Burkina%20Faso-
seedpvp06.pdf)
Cameroon yes yes yes no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Loi no. 2001/014 du 23 juillet 2001
relative à l’activité semencière
(http://www.spm.gov.cm/fr/documentatio
n/textes-legislatifs-et-
reglementaires/article/loi-n-2001014-du-
23-juillet-2001-relative-a-lactivite-
semenciere.html)
Africa
Published February 2015 3
GRAIN Seed Laws Around the World
Country or
jurisdiction
Source/law
may keep may
exchange or
give as a gift
may sell may harvest
seeds and
sow again
on own farm
may harvest
seeds and
then
exchange or
give as a gift
may harvest
seeds and
then sell
them
contracts
other
restrictions
may be set
by contract
can only use
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
can only buy
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
seed can be
seized
crop can be
destroyed
harvest can
be seized
product
made from
harvested
material can
be seized
can be fined can go to
jail
all places -
including
homes- can
be searched
may be
done by
private
sector
may be
done with
police or
military
support
all species,
including
wild ones,
may be
privatised
privatised
varieties
may be
used to
breed new
ones
local seed
may be
privatised if
“discovered”
privatisation
extends to
similar pre-
existing
varieties
SEED LAWS AROUND THE WORLD: WHAT IMPACT ON FARMERS AND THEIR SEEDS
What can you do with your own
seeds (local varieties)
What can you do with privatised seeds
(PVP-protected or patented varieties)
Under seed marketing
rules, farmers
If inspectors find “probable cause” of
infringement or you’re declared guilty of
infringement
in addition, infringement
means you
Inspection Scope of privatisation (PVP or patent)
Cote d’Ivoire no no yes Décret no. 92-392 du 01/7/92
(http://www.farmersrights.org/pdf/Africa/
Cote%20d'Ivoire/Cote%20d'Ivoire-
seedpvp92.pdf); arreté 28915
(http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/ivc28915.p
df)
Ethiopia yes yes only directly
to
neighbourin
g farmers
no yes yes yes yes yes, but not
homes
yes Proclamation 206/2000
(http://www.fsc.gov.et/resources/Negarit
%20Gazeta/Gazeta-
1992/Proc%20No.%20206-
2000%20Seed.pdf)
Kenya no yes yes yes yes yes, but not
homes
no yes yes Seeds and Plant Variety Act
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/ke/ke005en.pdf); Seeds and Plant
Varieties Regulations, 1994
(http://www.upov.int/export/sites/upov/m
embers/en/npvlaws/kenya/regulations19
94.pdf)
Liberia no no no yes yes yes yes yes yes Industrial Property Act
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/lr/lr001en.pdf)
Madagascar no no no yes yes yes yes yes yes Ordonnance no. 89-019 instituant un
régime pour la protection de la propriété
industrielle à Madagascar
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/f
r/mg/mg001fr.pdf)
Malawi yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Seed Act (no. 9 1996)
(http://www.malawilii.org/files/mw/legisla
tion/act/1996/9/sa200550_pdf_52782.pdf
)
Mauritius no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Plant Breeder’s Right Bill
(http://www.farmersrights.org/pdf/Africa/
Mauritius/Mauritius-pvpdraft03.pdf)
Morocco yes, except
for fruit trees
yes yes yes yes yes yes no yes yes yes Obtentions végétales, loi 21/01/1997-
1417, no. 9-94
(http://www.farmersrights.org/pdf/Africa/
Morocco/Morocco-pvp97.PDF)
Mozambique yes yes yes Decree no. 58/2006 of December 26
(http://www.aatf-africa.org/userfiles/MZ-
Decree-58-2006.pdf)
OAPI yes, except
trees and
ornamentals
no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Accord portant révision de l’accord de
Bangui du 02 mars 1977 instituant une
Organisation africaine de la propriété
intellectuelle
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/cg/cg003en.pdf)
SADC (draft) with
restriction
with
restrictions
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Model Seed Act for Southern Africa
Countries
(http://www.seeds.iastate.edu/images/m
odelseedact.pdf)
Tunisia no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes no yes yes yes Law no. 99-42 of May 10, 1999, on
Seeds, Seedlings and New Plant
Varieties
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/tn/tn005en.pdf)
Uganda yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Agricultural Seeds and Plant Act (1994)
(http://www.ulii.org/ug/legislation/consoli
dated-act/28)
Published February 2015 4
GRAIN Seed Laws Around the World
Country or
jurisdiction
Source/law
may keep may
exchange or
give as a gift
may sell may harvest
seeds and
sow again
on own farm
may harvest
seeds and
then
exchange or
give as a gift
may harvest
seeds and
then sell
them
contracts
other
restrictions
may be set
by contract
can only use
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
can only buy
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
seed can be
seized
crop can be
destroyed
harvest can
be seized
product
made from
harvested
material can
be seized
can be fined can go to
jail
all places -
including
homes- can
be searched
may be
done by
private
sector
may be
done with
police or
military
support
all species,
including
wild ones,
may be
privatised
privatised
varieties
may be
used to
breed new
ones
local seed
may be
privatised if
“discovered”
privatisation
extends to
similar pre-
existing
varieties
SEED LAWS AROUND THE WORLD: WHAT IMPACT ON FARMERS AND THEIR SEEDS
What can you do with your own
seeds (local varieties)
What can you do with privatised seeds
(PVP-protected or patented varieties)
Under seed marketing
rules, farmers
If inspectors find “probable cause” of
infringement or you’re declared guilty of
infringement
in addition, infringement
means you
Inspection Scope of privatisation (PVP or patent)
Zambia yes on his/her
own farm
on his/her
own farm
yes yes on his/her
own farm
yes yes yes yes no yes yes yes Plant Breeder's Rights Act, 2007
(http://www.zambialii.org/files/zm/legislat
ion/act/2007/18/pbra2007222.pdf); Plant
Variety and Seeds Act
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/zm/zm037en.pdf); Plant Variety and
Seeds Regulations
(http://www.farmersrights.org/pdf/Africa/
Zambia/Zambia-seedregulations97.pdf)
Zimbabwe yes yes yes with
restrictions
with
restrictions
yes yes yes yes yes no Plant Breeders Rights Act
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/zw/zw026en.pdf)
Afghanistan yes yes yes yes yes yes Seed Law
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/af/af006en.pdf)
Australia every
second
year, with
restrictions
no no yes yes yes no yes yes Plant Breeder’s Rights Act 1994, as
amended on 6 October 2006
(http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C200
6C00584); Plant Breeder's Rights
Regulations 1994, as in force 5 July
1999
(http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F200
4C00318)
Azerbaijan no no no yes yes yes yes Law on Selection Achievements
(http://www.upov.int/export/sites/upov/m
embers/en/npvlaws/azerbaijan/Azerbaija
n_Law.pdf)
Bangladesh yes yes yes yes yes no no no Plant Varieties Act of Bangladesh
(http://www.farmersrights.org/pdf/asia/B
angladesh/Bangladesh-pvpdraft98.pdf)
Bhutan no if exemption
is granted
if exemption
is granted
if exemption
is granted
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Biodiversity Act of Bhutan
(http://www.nationalcouncil.bt/wp-
content/uploads/2011/02/Biodiversity_En
_03.pdf); Seeds Act of Bhutan
(http://www.nationalcouncil.bt/wp-
content/uploads/2011/02/Seeds_En_00.
pdf)
Cambodia no if exemption
is granted
no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Law on Seed Management and Plant
Breeder's Right
(http://eapvp.org/library/member/pdf/Kh
mer_UPOV_Act-Eng-Final.pdf)
China yes yes yes no yes yes no Seed Law of the People's Republic of
China
(http://english1.english.gov.cn/laws/2005-
09/08/content_30273.htm); Regulations
of the People’s Republic of China on the
Protection of New Varieties of Plants
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=125966); Implementing Rules for
the Regulations of the People’s Republic
of China on the Protection of New
Varieties of Plants (Agriculture Part)
(http://www.upov.int/export/sites/upov/m
embers/en/npvlaws/china/Decree13.pdf)
Asia and the Pacific
Published February 2015 5
GRAIN Seed Laws Around the World
Country or
jurisdiction
Source/law
may keep may
exchange or
give as a gift
may sell may harvest
seeds and
sow again
on own farm
may harvest
seeds and
then
exchange or
give as a gift
may harvest
seeds and
then sell
them
contracts
other
restrictions
may be set
by contract
can only use
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
can only buy
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
seed can be
seized
crop can be
destroyed
harvest can
be seized
product
made from
harvested
material can
be seized
can be fined can go to
jail
all places -
including
homes- can
be searched
may be
done by
private
sector
may be
done with
police or
military
support
all species,
including
wild ones,
may be
privatised
privatised
varieties
may be
used to
breed new
ones
local seed
may be
privatised if
“discovered”
privatisation
extends to
similar pre-
existing
varieties
SEED LAWS AROUND THE WORLD: WHAT IMPACT ON FARMERS AND THEIR SEEDS
What can you do with your own
seeds (local varieties)
What can you do with privatised seeds
(PVP-protected or patented varieties)
Under seed marketing
rules, farmers
If inspectors find “probable cause” of
infringement or you’re declared guilty of
infringement
in addition, infringement
means you
Inspection Scope of privatisation (PVP or patent)
India yes yes yes yes if not
labeled
yes no no yes yes no yes Protection of Plant Varieties and
Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=128109); Protection of Plant
Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Rules,
2003
(http://www.farmersrights.org/pdf/asia/In
dia/India-pvpandfrrules01.pdf)
Indonesia yes yes no no yes yes yes no yes yes Plant Variety Protection Law (no. 29 of
2000)
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=181116)
Iraq no no no yes yes yes no Coalition Provisional Authority Order
Number 81: Patent, Industrial Design,
Undisclosed Information, Integrated
Circuits and Plant Variety Law
(http://www.mindfully.org/Farm/2004/Ira
q-Plant-Variety-Law26apr04.htm)
Iran yes yes no Act of Plant Varieties Registration,
Control and Certification of Seeds and
Seedlings
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/ir/ir002en.pdf)
Israel no no no yes yes yes Plant Breeders' Rights Law 5733-1973
as amended in December 1983 and
February 1996
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=224260)
Japan yes, if
propagated
by seed
no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Plant Variety Protection and Seed Act
(Act no. 83 of May 29, 1998) as
amended by Act no. 49/2007
(http://www.upov.org/export/sites/upov/e
n/publications/npvlaws/japan/japan_act_
49_2007.pdf)
Jordan yes no no yes yes yes no yes yes yes yes Law for the Protectionof New Varieties of
Plants of the year 2000
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=128330)
Kazakhstan no no no yes yes yes yes yes yes Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan on
the Protection of Selection Achievements
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=189339)
Kyrgyztan only for
home
consumptio
n
no no yes yes yes yes no yes Law of the Kyrgyz Republic on the
Protection of Breeding Achievements
(http://www.farmersrights.org/pdf/asia/Ky
rgyzistan/Kyrgyz-pvp98.pdf)
Laos every
second
year, with
restrictions
no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Law on Intellectual Property (amended)
(http://www.ecap-
project.org/sites/default/files/IP_Legislati
on/Lao%20IP%20Law%202011.pdf)
Malaysia yes yes yes, with
restrictions
yes ? yes yes yes yes yes yes, if
breeder has
prior
informed
consent of
community
yes Protection of New Plant Varieties Act
2004, Act 634
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=128881)
Nepal applies to
certain
varieties
yes The Seeds Act, 2045 (1988)
(http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/nep21975.
pdf); The Seeds Regulation 2054 (1997)
(http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/nep80461.
pdf)
Published February 2015 6
GRAIN Seed Laws Around the World
Country or
jurisdiction
Source/law
may keep may
exchange or
give as a gift
may sell may harvest
seeds and
sow again
on own farm
may harvest
seeds and
then
exchange or
give as a gift
may harvest
seeds and
then sell
them
contracts
other
restrictions
may be set
by contract
can only use
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
can only buy
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
seed can be
seized
crop can be
destroyed
harvest can
be seized
product
made from
harvested
material can
be seized
can be fined can go to
jail
all places -
including
homes- can
be searched
may be
done by
private
sector
may be
done with
police or
military
support
all species,
including
wild ones,
may be
privatised
privatised
varieties
may be
used to
breed new
ones
local seed
may be
privatised if
“discovered”
privatisation
extends to
similar pre-
existing
varieties
SEED LAWS AROUND THE WORLD: WHAT IMPACT ON FARMERS AND THEIR SEEDS
What can you do with your own
seeds (local varieties)
What can you do with privatised seeds
(PVP-protected or patented varieties)
Under seed marketing
rules, farmers
If inspectors find “probable cause” of
infringement or you’re declared guilty of
infringement
in addition, infringement
means you
Inspection Scope of privatisation (PVP or patent)
New Zealand no no no yes yes yes Act to Consolidate and Amend the Law
relating to the Granting of Proprietary
Rights in Respect of Plant Varieties
1987, no. 5
(http://www.austlii.edu.au/nz/legis/hist_a
ct/pvra19871987n5274.pdf); Act to
amend the Plant Variety Rights Act 1987
1994, no. 52
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/es/text.jsp?fi
le_id=129117)
Oman ? ? no yes yes yes yes yes Royal Decree no. 92/2000 Promulgating
the Law on the Protection of New Plant
Varieties
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=129250)
Pakistan yes yes yes yes yes yes applies to
certain
varieties
yes yes yes yes Plant Breeders’ Rights Ordinance, 2000
(http://www.farmersrights.org/pdf/asia/P
akistan/Pakistan-pvpdraft00.pdf); Seed
Act 1976
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=189181)
Philippines yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Republic Act no. 9168 (An Act to Provide
Protection to New Plant Varieties,
Establishing a National Plant Variety
Protection Board and for Other
Purposes)
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/es/text.jsp?fi
le_id=225014); Republic Act 8371
(http://www.gov.ph/1997/10/29/republic-
act-no-8371/); Republic Act 7308
(http://www.nseedcouncil.bpinsicpvpo.co
m.ph/downloadables/ra7308.pdf);
Implementing Rules and Regulations of
Republic Act no. 7308
(http://pflanzengesundheit.jki.bund.de/do
kumente/upload/fefd5_ph3-
seed_reg.pdf)
Saudi Arabia ? no no yes yes yes yes Law of Patents, Layout Designs of
Integrated Circuits, Plant Varieties and
Industrial Designs
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=129519)
Singapore yes yes yes with
restrictions
with
restrictions
no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Plant Varieties Protection Act (Chapter
232a). Revised edition 2006
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/sg/sg060en.pdf)
South Korea only for
home
consumptio
n
no no ? yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Seed Industry Law
(https://www.law.ou.edu/sites/default/file
s/files/FACULTY/2005okjoltrev26.pdf)
Sri Lanka with
restriction
no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Protection of New Plant Varieties
(Breeder's Rights) Sri Lanka 2001
(http://www.farmersrights.org/pdf/asia/Sr
i_Lanka/Sri%20Lanka-pvpdraft01.pdf);
Seed Act 22 of 2003
(http://www.agridept.gov.lk/images/storie
s/site/PDF/Acts/seed%20act.pdf)
Taiwan with
restriction
no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Plant Variety and Plant Seed Act
(http://www.farmersrights.org/pdf/asia/Ta
iwan/Taiwan-pvpseed04.pdf)
Published February 2015 7
GRAIN Seed Laws Around the World
Country or
jurisdiction
Source/law
may keep may
exchange or
give as a gift
may sell may harvest
seeds and
sow again
on own farm
may harvest
seeds and
then
exchange or
give as a gift
may harvest
seeds and
then sell
them
contracts
other
restrictions
may be set
by contract
can only use
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
can only buy
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
seed can be
seized
crop can be
destroyed
harvest can
be seized
product
made from
harvested
material can
be seized
can be fined can go to
jail
all places -
including
homes- can
be searched
may be
done by
private
sector
may be
done with
police or
military
support
all species,
including
wild ones,
may be
privatised
privatised
varieties
may be
used to
breed new
ones
local seed
may be
privatised if
“discovered”
privatisation
extends to
similar pre-
existing
varieties
SEED LAWS AROUND THE WORLD: WHAT IMPACT ON FARMERS AND THEIR SEEDS
What can you do with your own
seeds (local varieties)
What can you do with privatised seeds
(PVP-protected or patented varieties)
Under seed marketing
rules, farmers
If inspectors find “probable cause” of
infringement or you’re declared guilty of
infringement
in addition, infringement
means you
Inspection Scope of privatisation (PVP or patent)
Tajikistan no no no no yes yes yrd yes yes yes yes Law of the Republic of Tajikistan on
Selection Achievements of Agricultural
Crops
(http://www.farmersrights.org/pdf/asia/Ta
jikistan/Tajikistan-pvp95.pdf); Seed
Sector Law of Republic of Tajikistan
(http://faolex.fao.org/docs/pdf/taj73132E.
pdf)
Thailand Yes, with
restrictions
with
restrictions
yes yes yes yes yes yes Plant Varieties Protection Act, B.E. 2542
(1999)
(http://www.seed.or.th/english/document
s_eng/plant_varieties_protection_act_be
_2542.pdf)
Turkey yes, with
restrictions
no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Law no. 5042 on the Protection of
Breeder's Rights for New Plant Varieties
(January 8, 2004)
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/tr/tr044en.pdf)
Uzbekistan for two
years
no no yes yes yes yes Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on
Selection Achievements of 2002
(http://www.upov.int/export/sites/upov/m
embers/en/npvlaws/uzbekistan/Uzbekist
an_law_2002.pdf)
Vietnam only once yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Law no. 50/2005/qh11 (Intellectual
Property Law)
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=131515); Ordinance on Plant
Varieties (April 2004)
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=184251)
Albania yes yes yes Law 880 on Plant Breeder's Rights
(http://www.upov.org/export/sites/upov/e
n/publications/npvlaws/Albania/albania_l
aw_8880_2002.pdf)
Andorra
Armenia no no no yes yes Law of the Republic of Armenia adopted
by the National Assembly on November
23, 1999 on the Protection of Selection
Achievements
(http://www.parliament.am/law_docs/221
299HO23eng.pdf?lang=eng)
Austria with
restrictions
no no yes no yes yes Federal Law on the Protection of Plant
Varieties (2001) (there is a later version
not available in English)
(http://www.upov.int/upovlex/en/text.jsp?f
ile_id=224251)
Belgium ? no no yes yes yes yes yes yes Loi sur la protection des obtentions
végétales
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=262037)
Belarus no no no yes yes no yes yes Law on Patents for Plant Varieties
(http://www.upov.int/export/sites/upov/m
embers/en/npvlaws/belarus/belarus.pdf)
Europe
Published February 2015 8
GRAIN Seed Laws Around the World
Country or
jurisdiction
Source/law
may keep may
exchange or
give as a gift
may sell may harvest
seeds and
sow again
on own farm
may harvest
seeds and
then
exchange or
give as a gift
may harvest
seeds and
then sell
them
contracts
other
restrictions
may be set
by contract
can only use
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
can only buy
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
seed can be
seized
crop can be
destroyed
harvest can
be seized
product
made from
harvested
material can
be seized
can be fined can go to
jail
all places -
including
homes- can
be searched
may be
done by
private
sector
may be
done with
police or
military
support
all species,
including
wild ones,
may be
privatised
privatised
varieties
may be
used to
breed new
ones
local seed
may be
privatised if
“discovered”
privatisation
extends to
similar pre-
existing
varieties
SEED LAWS AROUND THE WORLD: WHAT IMPACT ON FARMERS AND THEIR SEEDS
What can you do with your own
seeds (local varieties)
What can you do with privatised seeds
(PVP-protected or patented varieties)
Under seed marketing
rules, farmers
If inspectors find “probable cause” of
infringement or you’re declared guilty of
infringement
in addition, infringement
means you
Inspection Scope of privatisation (PVP or patent)
Croatia no no no yes yes yes yes no no yes Plant Variety Protection Law (1997)
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=243696); Amendments of 2000
(http://www.upov.org/export/sites/upov/e
n/publications/npvlaws/croatia/law_amen
dments.pdf); Amendments 2008
(http://www.upov.int/upovlex/es/text.jsp?f
ile_id=268135) ; Amendments 2011
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=268005)
Czech
Republic
with
restrictions
yes no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Act on the Protection of Plant Variety
Rights as published in the UPOV
Gazette no. 93, June 2002
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/cz/cz031en.pdf); Act Amending Act
on the Protection of Plant Variety Rights
no. 184/2008 coll
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/es/text.jsp?fi
le_id=224271)
Denmark no no no yes yes yes yes Danish Plant Variety Protection Act
(http://www.upov.int/export/sites/upov/m
embers/en/npvlaws/denmark/denmark96
.pdf)
Estonia no no no yes yes yes yes Plant Variety Rights Act
(http://www.upov.org/export/sites/upov/e
n/publications/npvlaws/estonia/Law1998.
pdf)
European
Union
yes with
restrictions
no Yes for 21
species,
with
royalties
no no yes Farmers can
buy and use
what they
want, except
GMOs or
seeds
prohibited
due to plant
health
regulations
Farmers can
buy and use
seeds that
are sold for
non-
professional
use
Depends on
national
laws.
Depends on
national
laws.
Depends on
national
laws.
Depends on
national
laws.
Depends on
national
laws.
Depends on
national
laws.
PVP law:
cultivated
species.
Patent law:
if a genetic
characteristi
c is
patented, all
plants
containing
that gene,
including
wild species.
Yes if the
varieties are
under PVP.
No for
patented
plants.
Yes under
PVP, if the
variety has
not been
sold or
officially
described
before. Yes
when patent
is granted
on genetic
characteristi
c.
yes Council Regulation (EC) no. 2100/94 of
27 July 1994 on Community Plant
Variety Rights
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/es/text.jsp?fi
le_id=126825); Council Directive
2002/53/EC of 13 June 2002 on the
Common Catalogue of Varieties of
Agricultural Plant Species (http://eur-
lex.europa.eu/legal-
content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32002
L0053&from=en); Commission
Regulation (EC) no. 1768/95 (of 24 July
1995) Implementing Rules on the
Agricultural Exemption Provided for in
Article 14(3) of Council Regulation (EC)
no. 2100/94 on Community Plant Variety
Rights
(http://www.cpvo.europa.eu/documents/l
ex/395R1768/EN395R1768.pdf);
Directive 2004/48/EC of the European
Parliament and of the Council of 29 April
2004 on the Enforcement of Intellectual
Property Rights
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/es/text.jsp?fi
le_id=126986)
Finland with
restrictions
no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Act on Plant Breeder’s Right (no.
789/1992, 21.8.1992) as Amended
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/fi/fi103en.pdf); Amendments to the
Act on Plant Breeder’s Right (no.
238/1999, 5.3.1999)
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/fi/fi103en.pdf); Plant Breeder's Right
Act (1279/2009)
(https://www.finlex.fi/en/laki/kaannokset/
2009/en20091279.pdf)
Published February 2015 9
GRAIN Seed Laws Around the World
Country or
jurisdiction
Source/law
may keep may
exchange or
give as a gift
may sell may harvest
seeds and
sow again
on own farm
may harvest
seeds and
then
exchange or
give as a gift
may harvest
seeds and
then sell
them
contracts
other
restrictions
may be set
by contract
can only use
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
can only buy
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
seed can be
seized
crop can be
destroyed
harvest can
be seized
product
made from
harvested
material can
be seized
can be fined can go to
jail
all places -
including
homes- can
be searched
may be
done by
private
sector
may be
done with
police or
military
support
all species,
including
wild ones,
may be
privatised
privatised
varieties
may be
used to
breed new
ones
local seed
may be
privatised if
“discovered”
privatisation
extends to
similar pre-
existing
varieties
SEED LAWS AROUND THE WORLD: WHAT IMPACT ON FARMERS AND THEIR SEEDS
What can you do with your own
seeds (local varieties)
What can you do with privatised seeds
(PVP-protected or patented varieties)
Under seed marketing
rules, farmers
If inspectors find “probable cause” of
infringement or you’re declared guilty of
infringement
in addition, infringement
means you
Inspection Scope of privatisation (PVP or patent)
France yes with
restrictions
no Yes for 34
species,
with
royalties
no no Farmers can
buy and use
what they
want, except
GMOs or
seeds
prohibited
due to plant
health
regulations
Farmers can
buy and use
seeds that
are sold for
non-
professional
use
Yes, at the
level of a
seed seller.
Not at the
level of a
farmer,
unless
he/she is
using an
unauthorise
d GMO
No, except
in the case
of an
unauthorise
d GM crop
No, except
in the case
of an
unauthorise
d GM crop
No, except
in the case
of an
unauthorise
d GM crop
Yes, at the
level of the
seed seller.
Yes, at the
level of a
farmer using
farm-saved
seeds of a
PVP-
protected
varieties
without
paying
royalites.
No, at the
level of a
farmer using
unregistered
varieties.
Yes, at the
level of the
seed seller.
Yes, at the
level of a
farmer using
farm-saved
seeds of a
PVP-
protected
varieties
without
paying
royalites.
No, at the
level of a
farmer using
unregistered
varieties.
Yes, can
enter private
home but
only with a
court order
Only if there
if sufficient
suspicion of
counterfeit
Yes, if there
is a court
order
Under PVP:
cultivated
species.
Under
patent law: if
a genetic
characteristi
c is
patented, all
plants
containing
that gene,
including
wild species.
Yes if the
varieties are
privatised
under PVP
law.
Patented
plants: can
be used for
research but
not for
breeding
new
varieties
Yes under
PVP, if the
variety has
not been
sold or
officially
described
before. Yes
when patent
is granted
on genetic
characteristi
c.
yes Loi du 08 nonvembre 2011 sur les
certificats d’obtention végétale officiel du
8 décembre 2011
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/f
r/fr/fr208fr.pdf). Brevets : Loi n°2004-
1338 du 8 décembre 2004, LOI n°2008-
776 du 4 août 2008. Contrefaçon : Loi n°
2014-315 du 11 mars 2014 renforçant la
lutte contre la contrefaçon
Georgia no no no yes yes yes yes yes Law of Georgia on New Breeds of
Animals and Varieties of Plants (2010)
(http://www.upov.int/upovlex/en/text.jsp?f
ile_id=247756)
Germany with
restrictions
no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Plant Variety Protection Law
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=126209)
Greece no yes Law no 1564. “Organization of
Production and Marketing of Propagating
Material of Plant Species” (only Article 8
available in English)
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=127597)
Hungary with
restrictions
no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Act XXXIII of 1995 on the Protection of
Inventions by Patents, consolidated in
March 2011
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=190654)
Iceland with
restrictions
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Breeder's Right Act 2000, amended
2003
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=215020); Act on Collection of
Evidence Relating to Alleged Violations
of Intellectual Property Rights, 2006, No.
53, 13 June
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/es/text.jsp?fi
le_id=190462)
Ireland with
restrictions
no no yes yes yes yes yes yes Plant Varieties (Proprietary Rights) 1980
and Amendment Act, 1998
(http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/pdf/1998/
en.act.1998.0041.pdf); Plant Varieties
(Proprietary Rights) Regulations 2000
(http://www.upov.org/upovlex/en/text.jsp
?file_id=268006); S.I. No. 493/2000,
Plant Varieties (Farm-Saved Seed)
Regulations
(http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2000/en/s
i/0493.html)
Italy no no no yes yes yes yes yes Legislative Decree no. 455 of November
1988
(http://www.upov.org/upovlex/en/text.jsp
?file_id=224329)
Published February 2015 10
GRAIN Seed Laws Around the World
Country or
jurisdiction
Source/law
may keep may
exchange or
give as a gift
may sell may harvest
seeds and
sow again
on own farm
may harvest
seeds and
then
exchange or
give as a gift
may harvest
seeds and
then sell
them
contracts
other
restrictions
may be set
by contract
can only use
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
can only buy
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
seed can be
seized
crop can be
destroyed
harvest can
be seized
product
made from
harvested
material can
be seized
can be fined can go to
jail
all places -
including
homes- can
be searched
may be
done by
private
sector
may be
done with
police or
military
support
all species,
including
wild ones,
may be
privatised
privatised
varieties
may be
used to
breed new
ones
local seed
may be
privatised if
“discovered”
privatisation
extends to
similar pre-
existing
varieties
SEED LAWS AROUND THE WORLD: WHAT IMPACT ON FARMERS AND THEIR SEEDS
What can you do with your own
seeds (local varieties)
What can you do with privatised seeds
(PVP-protected or patented varieties)
Under seed marketing
rules, farmers
If inspectors find “probable cause” of
infringement or you’re declared guilty of
infringement
in addition, infringement
means you
Inspection Scope of privatisation (PVP or patent)
Latvia with
restrictions
no no yes yes yes yes yes Plant Variety Protection Law 2005
(http://webcache.googleusercontent.com
/search?q=cache:8R-
9tuVa5YwJ:www.vvc.gov.lv/export/sites/
default/docs/LRTA/Likumi/Plant_Varietie
s_Protection_Law.doc)
Liechtenstein
Lithuania with
restrictions
no no yes yes yes yes all cultivated
ones
yes yes yes Law on the Protection of Plant Varieties
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=188793)
Macedonia no no no yes yes yes yes yes yes all, as of
2017
yes yes yes Law of the Breeder's Rights
(http://www.upov.int/upovlex/en/text.jsp?f
ile_id=244364)
Malta no yes yes yes Plant Quarantine Act (cap 433)
(http://www.agric.gov.mt/government-
notices)
Moldova no no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Moldova Law on the Protection of Plant
Varieties, no. 39-XVI of February 29,
2008
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=224334)
Monaco
Montenegro no no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Law on Protection of Plant Varieties
(http://webcache.googleusercontent.com
/search?q=cache:bKz8lNNl71UJ:www.po
reskauprava.gov.me/ResourceManager/
FileDownload.aspx%3Frid%3D181150%
26rType%3D2%26file%3DLaw%2520on
%2520Protection%2520of%2520Plant%
2520Varieties.pdf)
Netherlands no no no yes yes yes for some
species
yes yes yes yes yes yes Seeds and Planting Material Act.
Consolidated Text of the Act of October
6, 1966, as last amended by the Act of
January 28, 1999
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/nl/nl051en.pdf)
Norway yes no no yes yes Regulations Concerning Plant Breeder's
Right
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=224262)
Poland with
restrictions
no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Act of 26 June 2003 on the Legal
Protection of Plant Varieties
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/pl/pl053en.pdf)
Portugal yes no yes Decree-law no. 213/90
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/es/text.jsp?fi
le_id=129425)
Romania with
restrictions
no no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Law on the Protection of the New Plant
Varieties no. 255/1998
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/ro/ro040en.pdf) ; Implementing
Regulations of the Law on the Protection
of the New Plant Varieties no. 255/1998
(http://www.osim.ro/index3_files/laws/pla
nts/romania-regs-2001.pdf)
Russia for just two
seasons
no no yes yes yes Law on the Protection of Selection
Achievements (of August 6, 1993)
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/ru/ru068en.pdf)
Published February 2015 11
GRAIN Seed Laws Around the World
Country or
jurisdiction
Source/law
may keep may
exchange or
give as a gift
may sell may harvest
seeds and
sow again
on own farm
may harvest
seeds and
then
exchange or
give as a gift
may harvest
seeds and
then sell
them
contracts
other
restrictions
may be set
by contract
can only use
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
can only buy
certified,
registered or
catalogued
seeds
seed can be
seized
crop can be
destroyed
harvest can
be seized
product
made from
harvested
material can
be seized
can be fined can go to
jail
all places -
including
homes- can
be searched
may be
done by
private
sector
may be
done with
police or
military
support
all species,
including
wild ones,
may be
privatised
privatised
varieties
may be
used to
breed new
ones
local seed
may be
privatised if
“discovered”
privatisation
extends to
similar pre-
existing
varieties
SEED LAWS AROUND THE WORLD: WHAT IMPACT ON FARMERS AND THEIR SEEDS
What can you do with your own
seeds (local varieties)
What can you do with privatised seeds
(PVP-protected or patented varieties)
Under seed marketing
rules, farmers
If inspectors find “probable cause” of
infringement or you’re declared guilty of
infringement
in addition, infringement
means you
Inspection Scope of privatisation (PVP or patent)
Serbia with
restrictions
and if not
patented
no no yes yes yes yes yes yes Law on Protection of Plant Breeders'
Rights
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/rs/rs046en.pdf); Patent Law
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/rs/rs044en.pdf)
Slovakia with
restrictions
no no yes yes yes no yes yes yes Slovakia Act no. 132/1989 coll. Laws
dated 15 November 1989 on the
Protection of Rights of New Varieties
and Animal Breeds; amended: 22/1996
coll. Laws
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/sk/sk045en.pdf)
Slovenia with
restrictions
no no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Law on Plant Variety Protection 1999
(http://www.upov.int/upovlex/en/text.jsp?f
ile_id=224265); Act Amending the
Protection of New Varieties of Plants Act
(Official Gazette RS, no. 61/2006)
(http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/
en/si/si074en.pdf)
Spain with
restrictions
no no yes yes yes yes yes yes ? yes yes yes yes Law 3/2000 Governing the Protection of
Plant Varieties
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=185347)
Sweden no no no yes yes yes yes yes yes Act on the Protection of Plant Breeders'
Rights
(http://www.upov.org/export/sites/upov/e
n/publications/npvlaws/sweden/Sweden-
Law1997.pdf)
Switzerland with
restrictions
no no yes yes yes yes yes Federal Law on the Protection of Plant
Varieties no. 232.16 (as of September
2008)
(http://www.upov.org/export/sites/upov/e
n/publications/npvlaws/switzerland/ch_2
32_16_2008.pdf)
Ukraine with
restrictions
yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes Law of Ukraine on Amendments to the
Law of Ukraine on the Protection of Plant
Variety Rights
(http://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/text.jsp?fi
le_id=224317)
United
Kingdom
with
restrictions
no no yes yes yes Plant Varieties Act
1997(http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpg
a/1997/66/enacted); Seed Marketing
Regulations 2011
(http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2011/
463/made)
Published February 2015 12