Commission Directive 2003/91/EC of 6 October 2003 setting out implementing measures for the purposes of Article 7 of Council Directive 2002/55/EC as regards the characteristics to be covered as a minimum by the examination and the minimum conditions for examining certain varieties of vegetable species (Text with EEA relevance)
Commission Directive 2003/91/EC of 6 October 2003 setting out implementing measures for the purposes of Article 7 of Council Directive 2002/55/EC as regards the characteristics to be covered as a minimum by the examination and the minimum conditions for examining certain varieties of vegetable species (Text with EEA relevance)
Directive 2003/91/EC · Directive · 9 articles
Data as of 2026-07-04 · Compiled from an official source version. Later amendments or repeals may not be reflected; the official text prevails. · Read the official text ↗
1. Member States shall provide for the inclusion in a national catalogue within the meaning of Article 3(2) of Directive 2002/55/EC of varieties of vegetable species which fulfil the requirements set out in paragraph 2.
2. As regards distinctness, stability and uniformity:
(a) the species listed in Annex I shall comply with the conditions laid down in the "Protocols for distinctness, uniformity and stability tests" of the Administrative Council of the Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) listed in that Annex;
(b) the species listed in Annex II shall comply with the test guidelines for the conduct of tests for distinctness, uniformity and stability of the International Union for the Protection of new Varieties of Plants (UPOV) listed in that Annex.
All the varietal characteristics within the meaning of Article 1(2)(a), and any characteristics which are marked by an asterisk (*) in the test guidelines referred to in Article 1(2)(b) shall be used, providing that observation of a characteristic is not rendered impossible by the expression of any other characteristics, and providing that the expression of a characteristic is not prevented by the environmental conditions under which the test is conducted.
Member States shall ensure that in respect of the species listed in Annexes I and II, the minimum requirements for carrying out the examinations in respect of trial design and growing conditions, as laid down in the test guidelines referred to in those Annexes are fulfilled at the time of the examinations.
1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations or administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by 31 March 2004 at the latest. They shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof.
When Member States adopt these measures, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such a reference on the occasion of their official publication. Member States shall determine how such reference is to be made.
2. Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the main provisions of domestic law they adopt in the field covered by this Directive.
1. Where, on the entry into force of this Directive, varieties have not been accepted for inclusion in the Common Catalogue of varieties of vegetable species, and official examinations started prior to that date in accordance with the provisions of either
(a) Directive 72/168/EEC or
(b) the CPVO guidelines listed in Annex I or the UPOV guidelines listed in Annex II, according to the species,
the varieties concerned shall be deemed to fulfil the requirements of this Directive.
2. Paragraph 1 shall only apply where the trials lead to the conclusion that the varieties comply with the rules set out in either
(a) Directive 72/168/EEC or
(b) the CPVO guidelines listed in Annex I or the UPOV guidelines listed in Annex II, according to the species.
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 6 October 2003.
For the Commission
David Byrne
Member of the Commission
(1) OJ L 193, 20.7.2002, p. 23.
(2) OJ L 165, 3.7.2003, p. 23.
(3) OJ L 103, 2.5.1972, p. 6.
(4) OJ L 37, 7.2.2002, p. 7.
(5) OJ L 227, 1.9.1994, p. 1.
(6) OJ L 245, 29.9.2003, p. 28.
LIST OF SPECIES WHICH SHALL COMPLY WITH CPVO TEST GUIDELINES
Leek, protocol TP/85/1 of 15.11.2001
Asparagus, protocol TP/130/1 of 27.3.2002
Cauliflower, protocol TP/45/1 of 15.11.2001
Sprouting broccoli, protocol TP/151/1 of 27.3.2002
Brussels sprouts, protocol TP/54/1 of 27.3.2002
Savoy cabbage, protocol TP/48/1 of 15.11.2001
Cabbage, protocol TP/48/1 of 15.11.2001
Red cabbage, protocol TP/48/1 of 15.11.2001
Chili/Capsicum/Pepper, protocol TP/76/1 of 27.3.2002
Endive, protocol TP/118/1 of 27.3.2002
Melon, protocol TP/104/1 of 27.3.2002
Cucumber/Gherkin, protocol TP/61/1 of 27.3.2002
Carrot, protocol TP/49/6 of 27.3.2002
Lettuce, protocol TP/13/1 of 15.11.2001
Tomato, protocol TP/44/2 of 15.11.2001
French bean, protocol TP/12/1 of 15.11.2001
Radish, protocol TP/64/6 of 27.3.2002
Spinach, protocol TP/55/6 of 27.3.2002
Corn salad/Lamb's lettuce, protocol TP/75/6 of 27.3.2002
The text of these protocols can be found on the CPVO website (www.cpvo.eu.int).
ANNEX II
LIST OF SPECIES WHICH SHALL COMPLY WITH UPOV TEST GUIDELINES
Chive/Welsh onion/Japanese bunching onion, guideline TG/161/3 of 1.4.1998
Garlic, guideline TG/162/4 of 4.4.2001
Celery, guideline TG/82/4 of 17.4.2002
Spinach beet/Chard/Leaf beet, guideline TG/106/3 of 7.10.1987
Beetroot, guideline TG/60/6 of 18.10.1996
Curly kale, guideline TG/90/6 of 17.4.2002
Kohlrabi, guideline TG/65/4 of 17.4.2002
Chinese cabbage, guideline TG/105/4 of 9.4.2003
Turnip, guideline TG/37/10 of 4.4.2001
Witloof chicory, guideline TG/173/3 of 5.4.2000
Leaf chicory, guideline TG/154/3 of 18.10.1996
Industrial chicory, guideline TG/172/3 of 4.4.2001
Watermelon, guideline TG/142/3 of 26.10.1993
Gourd/Pumpkin, guideline TG/155/3 of 18.10.1996
Marrow/Squash, guideline TG/119/4 of 17.4.2002
Artichoke, guideline TG/184/3 of 4.4.2001
Fennel, guideline TG/183/3 of 4.4.2001
Parsley, guideline TG/136/4 of 18.10.1991
Runner bean, guideline TG/9/5 of 9.4.2003
Pea, guideline TG/7/9 of 4.11.1994 (and correction 18.10.1996)
Rhubarb, guideline TG/62/6 of 24.3.1999
Scorzonera/Black salsify, guideline TG/116/3 of 21.10.1988
Aubergine/Egg plant, guideline TG/117/4 of 17.4.2002
Broad bean, guideline TG/206/1 of 9.4.2003
The text of these guidelines can be found on the UPOV website (www.upov.int).
