About
What you should do
How long does it take
How much does it cost
Forms to complete
Who to contact
About applying for an International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) certificate
If you need an international seed analysis certificate to export seed, you can apply for an ISTA certificate at the Official Seed Testing Laboratory (OSTL).
The OSTL is an accredited member laboratory (accreditation number ZA01) of ISTA and authorised to issue international seed analysis certificates.
You may apply for either a Seed Lot Certificate (Orange) or a Seed Sample Certificate (Blue).
- The Orange Certificate is issued when the sample is drawn officially from a lot (batch) and tests are carried out under the responsibility of an accredited laboratory. The certificate is applicable to the seed lot from which it was taken.
- The Blue Certificate is issued when sampling is not done under the responsibility of an accredited laboratory and the accredited laboratory is only responsible for testing the sample. This certificate only applies to the sample received for testing.
What you should do
For the Orange International Certificate:
- Contact the OSTL for an application form for the Orange International Certificate.
- Request the allocation of official seed lot numbers.
- E-mail the completed application form to BeckyM@daff.gov.za or AngelMab@daff.gov.za.
- Once your application has been received, you will be allocated unique seed lot numbers and your application will be sent back to you. It will also be sent to the sampler in the regional office nearest to the place where sampling is to take place.
- Prepare the seed lots for sampling. This includes the marking the lot with the allocated lot numbers. You must mark each container (clearly legible) or label it with your allocated lot number.
- When the seed lots are ready for sampling, notify the sampler to come and draw samples.
- The sampler is responsible for the official sampling and sealing of the seed lot(s).
- The samples are submitted to the OSTL and tested for quality and the applicable certificate is issued.
- After submitting your sample, you will get an invoice.
- Pay the seed testing tariff and send proof of payment to the OSTL for release of the certificate
For a Blue International Certificate:
- Apply for a Blue Certificate with a letter on your organisation’s letterhead, as marking of the seed lot and official sampling does not apply.
- Pay the seed testing tariff and send proof of payment to the OSTL for release of the certificate.
Banking details:
Bank: Standard Bank
Branch name: Arcadia
Branch code: 01-08-45
Account number: 011244887
Account name: NDA Seed Testing Services
You can pay electronically or over the counter.
Remember to include the invoice number for reference purposes.
How long does it take?
The OSTL gives priority to the testing of seed samples for export purposes. The various crop types have different test conditions and the duration of a test can vary from a few days to a few weeks.
How much does it cost
Forms to complete
Application for the issuance of an Orange International Certificate (OIC)
Who to contact
Tel: 012 3196262/6311
Fax: 012 319 6372
E-mail: BeckyM@daff.gov.za / AngelMab@daff.gov.za
Physical address: Official Seed Testing Station, Directorate Plant Production,
Plant Genetic Resources Centre, KwaMhalanga Road, Roodeplaat,
Pretoria
Postal address: Official Seed Testing Centre, Directorate Plant Production,
Private Bag X250,
Pretoria,
0001
