COMESA Seed Trade Harmonization Regulations, 2014. Country/Territory Document type Regulation Date 2014 Source FAO, FAOLEX Original source ANNEX VII to COMESA Gazette Volume 19 No. 1. Subject Cultivated plants Keyword Capacity building Certification Data collection/reporting Pests/diseases Genetic resources Genetically modified organism (GMO) Institution Internal trade International trade Packaging/labelling Plant production Plant variety Planting material/seeds Quarantine Registration Royalties/fees Standards Biotechnology Plant protection Entry into force notes These Regulations enter into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette of the Common Market in accordance with Article 12 of the Treaty. Abstract These Regulations consisting of 31 articles aim at (i) harmonizing phytosanitary measures for seed in the region in order to facilitate the safe movement of seed within Member States, in a transparent manner and without dissemination of any pest of quarantine importance; (ii) ensuring that varieties listed in the COMESA Variety Catalogue and traded among Member States are of high and known quality and that movement of seed is more efficient; (iii) encouraging investment in seed business in the Member States; (iv) increasing access to existing varieties in the Member States; and (v) stimulating the breeding and availability of improved seed varieties resulting in increased variety choices for all farmers. Full text English Website varietycatalogue.comesa.int