Article 16 F1

Community comparative tests and trials shall be carried out within the Community for the post-control of samples of vine propagation material placed on the market under the provisions of this Directive, whether mandatory or discretionary, including those relating to plant health and taken during sampling. The comparative tests and trials may include the following:

• propagation material produced in third countries,

• propagation material suitable for organic farming,

• propagation material marketed in relation to measures intended to help preserve genetic diversity.

These comparative tests and trials shall be used to harmonise the technical methods of certification and to check satisfaction of the conditions with which the propagation material must comply.

The Commission, acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 17, shall make the necessary arrangements for the comparative tests and trials to be carried out. The Commission shall inform the Committee referred to in Article 17 about the technical arrangements for holding the tests and trials and the results thereof. When plant health problems occur, the Commission shall notify the Standing Committee on Plant Health.

The Community may make a financial contribution to the performance of the tests and trials foreseen in paragraphs 1 and 2.

The financial contribution shall not exceed the annual appropriations decided by the budgetary authority.

The tests and trials which may benefit from a Community financial contribution, and detailed rules for the provision of the financial contribution, shall be established in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 17.

The tests and trials foreseen in paragraphs 1 and 2 may be performed only by State authorities or legal persons acting under the responsibility of the State.