Questions and Answers on
Request Form for the Grant of a License to Print Official Seed Tag and Resulting Licence Agreement Terms and Conditions

Q1. What is the Request Form for the Grant of a Licence to Print Official Seed Tags and Resulting Licence Agreement Terms and Conditions (i.e. Request Form) used for?

The Request Form for the Grant of a Licence to Print Official Seed Tags and Resulting Licence Agreement Terms and Conditions; i.e., the "Request Form", is a formal procedure for Registered Seed Establishments (RSEs) to apply for and receive approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to print "Official Seed Tags" to label pedigreed seed lots.

Q2. Who can use the "Request Form" to apply for approval to print "Official Seed Tags"?

Registered Seed Establishments (RSEs) registered under Part IV (Registration of Establishments that Prepare Seed and the Licensing of Operators) of the Seeds Regulations can apply for and receive approval from the CFIA to print "Official Seed Tags".

Q3. Is there an alternative to applying for approval to print "Official Seed Tags"?

Yes. "Official Seed Tags" can also be obtained (if available) from the CFIA District/Regional office. A list of CFIA Regional Offices can be found at the following web address: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/directory/offbure.shtml. Please contact the CFIA District/Regional office closest to your location.

Q4. Who can obtain approval to print "Official Seed Tags"?

Approval to print "Official Seed Tags" is only granted to Registered Seed Establishments. Establishments not registered under Part IV of the Seeds Regulations will not receive approval from the CFIA to print "Official Seed Tags".  Businesses operating as printers will not receive approval from the CFIA to print "Official Seed Tags".

Q5. Can a Seed Establishment become "Registered"?

Yes. The Canadian Seed Institute (CSI) is a conformity verification body that accepts and reviews applications for registration of establishments, licensing of operators, and accreditation of graders. Please contact the CSI for more information.

Q6. Can printers (i.e. businesses operating as printers) advertise to print Official Seed Tags for Registered Seed Establishments (RSEs)?

No. "Official Seed Tags" are a property of the Government of Canada. Advertising for the printing of "Official Seed Tags" in any form or media is not permitted.

Q7. What is an "Official Seed Tag"?

An "Official Seed Tag" has the same meaning as an "Official Tag" as defined in the Seeds Regulations as amended from time to time.

Q8. What are "Official Seed Tags" used for?

An "Official Seed Tag" is a label that is applied or attached to, included in, belonging to or accompanying any seed or package of seed having pedigreed status.

Q9. Can a RSE print "Official Seed Tags" on premise (on-site) or outside premise (off-site)?

Yes, a RSE can print "Official Seed Tags" on-site or off-site after receiving approval from the CFIA to do so.

Q10. If a RSE prints "Official Seed Tags" outside premise (off-site), will the RSE be required to identify the printer (i.e. the printing company)?

Yes. The RSE seeking approval to print "Official Seed Tags" must provide complete information as specified in the "Request Form". However, at the time of application, the RSE can request the CFIA to treat the printer information as Confidential Business Information (CBI).

Q11. Can "Official Seed Tags" be printed on any material or bags?

Yes. The tags or facsimile of the tags can be printed on bags. The material on which the "Official Seed Tags" are printed must be durable and tear resistant.

Q12. We are a RSE that would like to apply for a licence to print "Official Seed Tags", is there a deadline to apply for the licence agreement?

Only RSEs that have been printing tags in the past, or printing facsimiles of the tag directly on the bag (on their premises or by a third party), will need to have applied for this licence agreement by September 30, 2010.

RSEs that have not printed tags in the past, but wish to print their own tags can apply for the licence agreement to print "Official Seed Tags" now or at anytime in the future.

Q13. We are a RSE that would like to apply for a licence to print "Official Seed Tags", where can we obtain a copy of the "Request Form"?

The Request Form for the Grant of a Licence to Print Official Seed Tag and Resulting Licence Agreement Terms and Conditions can be obtained by using the Web Comments and Feedback Form or contacting your nearest CFIA office.