Explanatory Memorandum to COM(2020)137 - Amending decision 2003/17/EC on equivalence of field inspections carried out in Ukraine on cereal seed-producing crops and cereal seed produced in Ukraine

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dossier COM(2020)137 - Amending decision 2003/17/EC on equivalence of field inspections carried out in Ukraine on cereal seed-producing crops and ...
source COM(2020)137 EN
date 07-04-2020


1. CONTEXT OF THE PROPOSAL

• Reasons for and objectives of the proposal

Council Decision 2003/17/EC grants equivalence to certain non-EU countries as regards field inspections and production of seed of certain species that are carried out in accordance with Directives 66/401/EEC, 66/402/EEC, 2002/54/EC and 2002/57/EC. The national provisions governing seed harvested and controlled in those countries afford the same assurances as regards the seed's characteristics and the arrangements for its examination, for ensuring seed identification, for marking and for control as the provisions applicable to seed harvested and controlled within the European Union. Ukraine is not included in those non-EU countries, therefore import into the European Union of cereal seeds harvested in that country is currently not possible. 

Ukraine has submitted to the Commission a request that its cereal seed is covered by Council Decision 2003/17/EC as equivalent.

Following that request, the Commission has carried out an examination of the applicable legislation of Ukraine and conducted an audit of the field inspections and seed certification system for cereal seed in place in Ukraine. It was concluded that its requirements and system in place are equivalent to the ones of the Union and offer the same assurance as the Union’s system.

Therefore, it is appropriate to recognise the Ukrainian seed as equivalent to cereal seed harvested, produced and controlled in the European Union through a Decision to be adopted by the European Parliament and the Council.

• Consistency with existing policy provisions in the policy area

This is a technical implementation of existing requirements and thus consistent with existing policy provisions in the policy area or marketing of seeds.

• Consistency with other Union policies

This proposal is in line with the aims of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, because it will boost trade in seed that complies with the Union’s rules.

2. LEGAL BASIS, SUBSIDIARITY AND PROPORTIONALITY

• Legal basis

The legal basis of this act is Article 43(2) TFEU, which empowers the European Parliament and the Council to establish provisions necessary for the pursuit of the objectives of the common agricultural policy.

• Subsidiarity (for non-exclusive competence)

Requirements for seed are regulated at the Union level. In order to guarantee that imported seed can move freely in the Single Market, action at Union level is necessary.

• Proportionality

This is the only possible form of Union action to achieve the pursued objective.

• Choice of the instrument

The legal instrument is provided for by the legal base, Article 43(2) TFEU.

3. RESULTS OF EX-POST EVALUATIONS, STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS AND IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

• Ex-post evaluations/fitness checks of existing legislation

N/A

• Stakeholder consultations

The Member States have been informed and consulted in the Standing Committee on Plants, Animal, Food and Feed. No separate consultation has been required, as the initiative only concerns technical implementation of existing rules and no separate consultation has taken place under similar initiatives in the past. Ukraine itself has commented on the draft audit report, where no substantial controversies have been noted.

• Collection and use of expertise

The Commission has carried out a legislative analysis in exchange with Ukraine and its services have carried out an inspection in Ukraine. It has produced a report presenting necessary data justifying the initiative.

• Impact assessment

This is a Decision of purely technical nature, implementing existing rules, thus there is no requirement for an impact assessment.

• Regulatory fitness and simplification

This proposal is not linked to REFIT. The proposal will stimulate trade between Ukraine and the EU. By investing in seed production capacities in Ukraine, EU-based companies try to diversify their seed production areas all over Europe to reduce risks of producing only in one climate zone. Equivalence would therefore contribute to the maintenance of the continuous supply of high quality seed in the EU. Moreover, European seed companies seek new opportunities, which would be provided for by the EU equivalence. The proposal has no impact on compliance costs for operators. The “Digital Check” is not applicable to this proposal.

• Fundamental rights

N/A

4. BUDGETARY IMPLICATIONS

None

5. OTHER ELEMENTS

• Implementation plans and monitoring, evaluation and reporting arrangements

N/A

• Explanatory documents (for directives)

N/A

• Detailed explanation of the specific provisions of the proposal

The single substantive provision in the proposal adds Ukraine to the list of countries, for which equivalence of field inspections of seed-producing crops of cereal species and the equivalence of the produced seed has been recognised.