Seed Law of the People's Republic of China (2021 Revision).

This Law is enacted for the purpose of protecting and making rational use of germ plasm resources, standardizing the variety selection and the production and management of seeds, strengthening seed industry scientific and technological research, encouraging breeding innovation, protecting the right of new plant varieties, safeguarding the lawful rights and interests of seed producers, traders and seed users, improving the quality of seeds, developing a modern seed industry, safeguarding national food security, and promoting the development of agriculture and the forestry industry. It consists of ten Chapters: General Provisions (I); Protection of Germ Plasm Resources (II); Variety Selection, Cultivation, Approval and Registration (III); Protection of New Varieties (IV); Seed Production and Business Operation (V); Supervision and Administration Related to Seeds (VI); Seed Import and Export and Cooperation with Foreign Countries(VII); Support Measures (VIII); Legal Liability (IX); Supplementary Provisions (X).
People's governments at or above the provincial level shall establish seed reserve rules mainly for purposes of satisfying production needs when disasters occur and regulating surplus and deficiency, so as to guarantee the safety of agriculture and forestry production. The Law sets out requirements and procedures to apply for seed production licences and seed operation licences. The administration departments of agriculture or forest shall set up standards for seed production, process, labelling, packaging, inspection and storage, it also gives the basic requirements and qualifications of inspectors. The Law further stipulates that any unit or individual that engages in the seed import-export business shall obtain an international trade licence according to the Law of Foreign Trade.
The variety selection, cultivation, experiments, approval and popularization of genetically modified plant varieties shall be subject to safety evaluation, and strict safety control measures shall be taken. Competent agriculture and forestry departments of the State Council shall strengthen track and supervision and in a timely manner, announce the information on the approval and popularization of genetically modified plant varieties. The specific measures shall be provided for by the State Council.
According to Article 11, the State has sovereignty over germ plasm resources. Any entity or individuals that wishes to provide germ plasm resources abroad or carry out joint research on utilizing germ plasm resources with any overseas enterprises or individuals shall apply for approvals to the administrative department for agriculture and rural affairs or for forestry and grass under the State Council and provide the plan on sharing benefits with the state simultaneously.