Division 4 Sampling and testing, as provided for in point 2, shall take place in the most appropriate period of the year taking into account the climatic conditions and the growing conditions of the vine, and the biology of the RNQPs relevant for that vine.F1

As regards sampling and testing, Member States shall apply protocols of the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organisation (EPPO), or other protocols which are internationally recognised. Where such protocols do not exist, the relevant protocols established at national level shall be applied. In that case, Member States shall, on request, make available those protocols to the other Member States and to the Commission.

As regards sampling and testing of vines in the stock nurseries intended for the production of initial propagating material, Member States shall apply biological indexing on indicator plants to assess the presence of viruses, viroids, virus-like diseases and phytoplasmas, or other equivalent protocols which are internationally recognised.