Renewal of variety registration
Article 8
1. Member States shall ensure that the registration of a variety may be renewed for further maximum periods of 30 years, provided that material of that variety is still available. In the case of a genetically modified variety, renewal shall, in addition, be subject to the condition that the respective genetically modified organism continues to be authorised for cultivation pursuant to Directive 2001/18/EC or Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003. The renewal period shall be limited to the period of authorisation of the genetically modified organism concerned. 2. For renewal of the registration, Member States shall require that a written application be submitted to the responsible official body of the Member State concerned. The application shall be accompanied by evidence showing that the conditions set out in paragraph 1 are fulfilled. A Member State may, however, renew the registration of a variety for which no written application has been submitted, where it considers that renewal serves to preserve genetic diversity and sustainable production or serves another general interest.