China: PRC Issues Final Implementation Opinions for Crop Seed Certification

On September 6, 2023, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) jointly published “Implementation Opinions of SAMR and MARA on Carrying Out Crop Seed Certification.” The finalized Opinions, which are voluntary and apply to domestic and foreign companies operating in China, make only minor changes to a previous draft. This report provides an unofficial translation of the final document and highlights changes made since the draft version published in April 2023.