International Seed Links

Egypt

Important Procedures

Egyptian regulations state that seeds cannot be imported without a pre-approval license from the Ministry of agriculture.  The license is issued after the Central Administration for Seed Registration (CASR) approves the seed variety for importation and cultivation.  Seeds are subject to agricultural quarantine provisions. Each new variety that is imported must be registered.  Imported seeds must also conform to Phytosanitary requirements.

The import license application must indicate:
• Name and address of applicant
• Origin of the imported seeds (company and country)
• Type and variety seeds
• Quantity
• The number of the shipping invoice

When a consignment arrives at the port, the importer must provide the following documents to the Agricultural Directorate at the Customs Authority:
• Country of origin
• Type an variety of seeds
• Quantity
• Type and size of packages
• Number and date of the pre-approval license issued by the Ministry of Agriculture
• Date of arrival of consignment at customs

The Customs authority requires the following certificates:
• Certificate of origin
• Phytosanitary certificate
• International analysis certificate (ISTA) and the certificate issued by OECD countries indicating:
...– Type of seed and its characteristics
...– Percentage of seeds cleanliness (i.e. Cleanliness in weight)
...– Germination arte
...– Weed seed content
...– Propagation rate
•Pre-approval license

The application should be accompanied with the above-mentioned documents in addition to the following documents:
• Copy of the power of attorney for the representative of the company who will conduct all the paper work regarding the withdrawal and the release procedures
• Valid license for seed trading
• Copy of the final approval of the committee
• Copy of the initial invoice or the telex approved by the committee
• Copy of the shipping invoice
• Copy of the weighing list
• A confession that the importer will not trade or handle the seeds in the markets unless it is released, and the seeds will be stored in licensed places after the final approval of the shipment, and that the importer keep track of the local lot numbers, and finally the seed will be registered at his registration books.
• Copy of the final invoice

Registration

Seed registration is done by means of registration form.  There is a committee in the ministry of Agriculture, which is responsible for registering all seed varieties.  The committee examines all registration applications for new varieties and also approves the name of the variety for use in Egypt. Registration applications are submitted to the chairman of the committee.  The committee conducts tests and experiments on samples.  It normally takes one year (two seasons) to register a new seed variety.  A new variety may be registered only if it excels in performance (agricultural and economical) over other existing varieties.  Once the committee approves the variety; a ministerial decree is issued by the ministry of agriculture stating the acceptance for use in Egypt. No new variety can be cultivated before it has been registered.  Exemptions made only for varieties used for scientific research, and then only if the site and amount of acreage used in the research are known.

If seed variety is deemed unsuitable for cultivation, the importer may request a re-analysis within 15 days from the date of rejection. Appeals are submitted to the Arbitration Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture.  The importer will be required to pay all costs related to his appeal.  If the committee’s decision is in his favor, the costs of the appeal will be refunded.  The ministry of Agriculture will convene the committee within 15 days from the date of appeal application.  The importer has the right to appoint one expert to sit with the committee.  The committee will issue a final decision within one month from the date of meeting.  It takes from 20 to 35 days to obtain test results.

Samples

Samples are drawn by representatives from the ministry of Agriculture (the agricultural directorate) and forwarded to the concerned analysis station.  A report on sample taken is required to withdraw samples.  The original copy of the report is sent to the Seed Analysis Station. Copies also are sent to other related authorities.  One copy remains with the importer.  All samples are given a confidential number.

Samples are to be maintained for reference in the condition in which they are received until all tests are completed.  Other samples are used for analysis and examination.

The quantity of each sample differs from one crop to another.  Following are some examples:
• 10 gram for tomatoes, pepper, and eggplant,
• 100 grams for spinach, okra, cauliflower, and cabbage
• 250 grams for cucumber, cantaloupe, squash, sweet melon, watermelon
• 500 grams for strawberries 
• 5 kilograms for garlic
• 60 kilograms for potatoes.

These quantities are usually doubled when planted in the second season.

Labeling

All labeling must be in Arabic.  Information in English only ( or other language) is not allowed. Each package should have internal label and external label. Both labels must include the following information:

• Name and address of importer
• District
• Provincial town (Markaz)
• Governorate
• No. of consignments
• Quantity
• Number of Packages
• Net weight
• Type and variety
• Strain
• Storage location
• Method of packaging
• Date sample taken
• Name and position of sample forwarder
• Expiration date

Fees

• LE 20: for each withdrawn sample
• LE 25: germination and purity test for each sample
• LE 10: insects test for each ample.
• LE 150: phytosanitary test and approval of the containers

Other Information

The Ministry of Agriculture has a list showing weeds, pests, and insects that are not allowed to enter the country.

There is a table shows the period during which applications for analysis of seeds may be submitted in accordance with the provision of law 53 of the year 1966.

The ministry has a table shows the maximum weight limit for each crop of consignment.

Tables are also existed to determine:

1. The level of seeds acceptance with regard to analysis of cleanness for each variety (minimum percentage of cleanness (in weight)).
2. Germination rate: Minimum percentage of germination (in number).  The range is 55% as minimum for vegetable seeds and 85% for leguments. 
3. Maximum percentage of seeds of useful crops (in weight)
4. Maximum percentage of grass seeds (in weight)
5. Maximum percentage of extraneous seeds in the variety (in weight).  It differ between bases, registered, approved, and ordinary seeds.