Seed Proclamation No. 206 of 2000.

This Proclamation, consisting of 37 sections divided into five Parts, introduces rules and measures to ensure production and availability of high quality seeds for agricultural and horticultural purposes in Ethiopia. It creates a legal framework for the protection and control of the interests of users of seed, originators, processors and traders of seed. The Proclamation shall apply to any seed prescribed by the National Seed Industry Agency (sect. 3). Section 5 requires any person engaging in seed production or trade to obtain a Competence Assurance Certificate from the Agency. The holder of such certificate shall keep records and samples of seed in accordance with section 13. Sections 14 to 24 concern the control of quality of seed production and marketing and provide for seed quality control according to appropriate standards by the Agency, labelling of seed, certification of seed by the Agency or another delegated body, recognition of foreign certification bodies, testing of seed and inspection of seeds. Section 25 contains rules relative to the importation and exportation of seeds. Sections 29 to 31 define the role of the Agency and the National Variety Release Committee in the control of the production and marketing of seeds. Section 34 defines offences and prescribes penalties.