China: Revised General Directive for Agricultural Seeds Labeling Published

On October 28, 2024, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) published the revised mandatory national standard “General Directive for the Labeling of Agricultural Seeds”, which will come into effect on October 1, 2025. The revised labeling directive, which was notified to the WTO on February 12, 2024, requires significantly more information on the seed label, including identifying information, a description of cultivation and uses, and a QR code which links to traceability data. The directive also clarifies label requirements for genetically engineered (GE) seeds and imported seeds. This report provides an unofficial translation of the revised directive which will replace the national standard (GB 20464) which dates back to 2006.