Article 23
1. Community comparative tests shall be carried out within the Community for the post-control of samples of basic seed, with the exception of that of hybrid or synthetic varieties, and of certified seed of all categories of oil and fibre plants, taken during sampling. Satisfaction of the conditions with which the seed must comply may be checked during the post-control tests. The arrangements for holding the tests and their results shall be submitted to the Committee referred to in Article 25(1). 2. These comparative tests shall be used to harmonise the technical methods of certification so as to obtain results which are equivalent. As soon as this aim is achieved, annual progress reports shall be made on these tests and sent in confidence to the Member States and to the Commission. The Commission shall, in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 25(2), set the date for the first report. 3. The Commission, acting in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 25(2), shall make the necessary arrangements for the comparative tests to be carried out. Seed of oil and fibre plants harvested in third countries may be included in the comparative tests.