Season "Spring-2026". According to expert data, about 25-30% seeds do not meet the proper quality. This is either counterfeit (products that are sold in violation of intellectual property rights) or counterfeit (products that are manufactured in violation of technology or by copying the shape, packaging, as well as illegally reproducing the goods of another person).
The most common cases of counterfeiting today are the replacement of first-generation hybrids with two- or multi-lineage ones and the replacement of one variety with another, with lower quality indicators.
The use of counterfeit and falsified seeds for sowing can cause a loss of up to 25% of the crop. Successfully selected seeds in certain soil and climatic conditions are able to show their best qualities and give a stable annual harvest.
The basic principles of production and circulation of seeds and planting material are determined by the Law of Ukraine "On Seeds and Planting Material". According to which, seeds and planting material are put into circulation only after their certification, that is, each batch of seeds and planting material for sale must be accompanied by certificates. The use of seeds for sowing that do not have the appropriate certificate is prohibited.
The success of both large agricultural organizations that purchase wholesale batches of agricultural crop seeds, as well as ordinary consumers who, to meet their personal needs, purchase packaged seeds of vegetables, melons, and other crops for sowing on their own homestead plots, largely depends on business entities engaged in wholesale and retail trade in seeds and planting material.
In order to prevent the sale of counterfeit and falsified seeds in the markets and retail outlets of the Kharkiv region, we inform you that it is best to buy seeds in specialized stores where storage conditions are observed (humidity, temperature, etc.). Do not leave the store without a cash receipt and, if possible, preserve the integrity of the packaging in which the seeds were packaged so that at least the seed batch number is visible. In this case, you can file a claim with the seller for poor-quality goods.
The Main Department of the State Service for Food and Consumer Protection in the Kharkiv region reminds of the rules on how to protect yourself from fakes on the seed market:
- The producer must be included in the State Register with the declared quantity of seeds for sale, you can verify this through electronic access to the "Register of Seed and Nursery Entities", this register can be found on the website of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine at the link: https://me.gov.ua/Documents/List?lang=uk-UA&id=28428e8f-ccf3-4abc-ab19-5059e33aa1d0&tag=RestriUSferiNasinnitstvaTaRozsadnitstva.
- Before purchasing seeds (especially vegetable seeds), you should check whether the variety you have selected is included in the Register of Plant Varieties Suitable for Distribution in Ukraine. This Register can be found in free access on the website of the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine. https://me.gov.ua/Documents/List?lang=uk-UA&id=b5620a37-4f55-4689-b2a3-a0f8c07f739f&tag=RestriUSferiOkhoroniPravNaSortiRoslin.
- Buy seeds from official distributors, you can find their list on the websites of seed producers, or ask regional representatives of seed companies.
- Each batch of seeds for sale must be accompanied by certificates: a certificate certifying the varietal qualities of the seeds and a certificate certifying the sowing qualities of the seeds.
When buying seeds, be sure to check the correspondence of the information in the certificates and on the label in the bag. The batch number and the country of production of the seeds must match. When receiving a batch of seeds, be sure to check the presence of two labels (internal and external). The authenticity of the certificate can be verified through electronic access to the "Register of Certificates for Seeds and/or Planting Material". Seeds of a variety that is not included in the Register of Plant Varieties Suitable for Distribution in Ukraine cannot be offered for sale.
To be sure of the purchased seeds or in case of doubts about their quality, we recommend checking the seeds after purchase in the laboratories of the State Service for the Protection and Promotion of Food and Consumer Protection of Ukraine.
If you have purchased planting material, but have doubts about its quality, or you need qualified advice, contact the specialists of the Department of Control in the Field of Seed and Nursery Production of the Phytosanitary Safety Department of the Main Department of the State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection in the Kharkiv Region. Send complaints (appeals) to the email address: [email protected] and [email protected].
The application must be completed in accordance with regulatory requirements. Basic requirements:
- To: name of institution, position and full name of manager.
- From whom: applicant's full name, residential address, telephone number, e-mail.
- The essence of the issue: a brief and clear description of the violation of your rights, the date of the incident, facts, evidence.
- Requirements: state specifically what you want: to verify, to hold accountable, to receive compensation.
- Attachments: copies of documents confirming your claim (receipts, packaging, label, laboratory report on seed quality).
- Signature and date: required for written requests.