Decree n. 10.586/2020 updated the National System of Seeds and Seedlings (SNSM, in the Portuguese acronym) in order to adapt its regulatory framework to private sector necessities. It seeks to improve the effectiveness of quality control measures related to the production, trade and employment of seeds and seedlings.
The Federal Government issued Decree n. 10.586/2020, which regulates Law n. 10.711/2003 on the National System of Seeds and Seedlings (SNSM, in the Portuguese acronym). The SNSM aims at guaranteeing identity and quality for seeds and seedlings produced, traded and employed in agriculture. Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA) provided additional and specific regulations on the subject.
The decree updated the SNSM regulatory framework, seeking its improvement to private sector needs. It covers different attributes of the production and treatment processes, as well as standards on the final product. The decree also focuses on improving seed and seedling certification and restraining illegal product commercialization.
The SNSM regulatory framework, comprised of SNSM complementary normative acts, which are available here (in Portuguese), remains valid as long as it adheres to the new decree (it does not generate contradictions). Nevertheless, those normative acts will be revised by the Secretariat for Agricultural Defense (SDA) at MAPA, in accordance with its Regulatory Agenda for the 2020-2021 period. SDA will also provide further regulations for compliance with the new decree.
Other modifications include extensions to the validity of the National Registry of Seeds and Seedlings (RENASEM), increased to five years, and to the National Registry of Cultivars (RNC), which assume a 15-year term, extendable while in operation.
Decree n. 10.586/2020, which replaces Decree n. 5.153/2004, comes into force on March 18.
