The European Union is working on a major revision of the rules for seeds, seedlings, and other plant reproductive material. The current legislation consists of several outdated directives that no longer reflect today’s practices. With the new PRM Regulation, the EU aims to introduce a modern, clear, and uniform system for all Member States.
This change affects everyone who works with seeds: from small seed companies and webshops to large breeders, professional growers, and active hobby gardeners.
Why is new EU legislation being introduced?
The EU wants to make the system simpler, more future‑proof, and better aligned with the needs of the sector. There are several reasons for this:
- the current rules are fragmented
- registration procedures are heavy and costly
- biodiversity and climate adaptation require more attention
- the legislation does not align well with modern breeding techniques and digitalisation
The PRM Regulation is intended to address these issues while creating a clearer and more efficient system.
What will change in practice?
The proposal introduces a clearer classification of plant reproductive material. Although the exact terms may still change, the direction is clear: different levels of requirements will apply depending on the type of material and its intended use.
Certified material will remain available for professional use. Standard material will also continue to exist for less regulated applications. In addition, it will become easier to market varieties with lower uniformity requirements, such as traditional or regional varieties. Material with greater genetic diversity will also be given a place within the system, offering more opportunities for companies working with robust or climate‑adaptive populations.
One digital EU catalogue
A major change is the digitalisation of the registration system. The EU intends to create a single central catalogue listing all authorised varieties. This will replace national registers and make cross‑border trade easier.
DUS testing will remain mandatory, but modern techniques such as DNA analysis may be used to support the process. Requirements for varieties intended for biodiversity or hobby use will be relaxed, making registration faster and more affordable.
Clearer rules for seed exchange
The proposal makes a clear distinction between commercial trade and non‑commercial exchange. The EU intends to allow individuals to exchange small quantities of seeds with one another, as long as this is not done commercially. For businesses, this provides greater clarity: exchanging is allowed, selling without registration is not.
Greater focus on biodiversity
The EU is giving biodiversity a more prominent role in the new system. Traditional and regional varieties are important for natural resistance, local adaptation, and flavour. For this reason, varieties with lower uniformity requirements will be easier to authorise. This creates new opportunities for anyone working with heirloom varieties, local landraces, niche crops, or robust populations.
What does this mean for the sector?
The new rules will affect all actors working with plant reproductive material. In broad terms, the PRM Regulation means that:
- it will become easier to legally market less uniform or traditional varieties
- registration procedures will become faster and more accessible
- a single EU catalogue will make trade within Europe more transparent
- administrative burdens will decrease thanks to digitalisation
- quality standards will become clearer and more consistent
- rules for non‑commercial seed exchange will be clearly defined
- the system will better reflect modern cultivation, climate challenges, and new breeding techniques
Whether you run a small seed company, work as a large‑scale breeder, manage a webshop, or are active as a grower or hobby gardener, the new regulation will bring more transparency, less fragmentation, and greater room for diversity.
When will this take effect?
The exact date has not yet been determined. The proposal was published in 2023, the European Parliament has adopted its position, and negotiations with the Council are ongoing. The final text is expected in the coming years, followed by a transition period. Nothing will change immediately, but it is wise to keep an eye on further developments.
More information can be found on the official website of the European Commission and EUR‑Lex document COM(2023) 414 final.
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