Laboratorian testing official seed samples

About testing of official seed samples on request

If you want to determine the quality of your seeds, you must send the seeds sample to the Official Seed Testing Laboratory (OSTL). OSTL will test your seeds for physical purity, germination, viability, or moisture.

The seed samples must comply with Plant Improvement Act (PIA) standards.

What you should do

• Write a covering letter with a letterhead of your company to the Registrar giving all the details of samples and tests you want.
• Send  the seed samples and the letter to the Official Testing Centre,  Directorate Plant Production, Private Bag X250, Pretoria 0001 or you can hand-deliver them to: Official Seed Testing Station, Directorate Plant Production, Plant Genetic Resources Centre, KwaMhalanga Road, Roodeplaat, Pretoria 0002
• OSTL will give you an invoice
• Pay the prescribed fee into the following bank account:
  Standard Bank
  Account name: NDA- Seed Testing Services
  Branch name: Arcadia
  Branch code: 01-08-45
  Account number: 011244887
• You must include the invoice number to your payment for reference purposes
• You must send proof of payment to OSTL by fax or email to get the test report.
  

How long does it take

The crop types have different test conditions and the duration vary from a few days to a few weeks.

How much does it cost

For details on tariffs click the below link: 

Table 1/ Fees Payable

Forms to complete

There are no forms to complete.

Who to contact

Physical address: Official Seed Testing Laboratory
Directorate: Plant Production, Plant Genetic Resources Centre, KwaMhalanga Road, Roodeplaat
Postal address: Private Bag X250, Pretoria 0001
Web address: www.daff.gov.za
Tel: 012 808 5394/95
Fax: 012 808 5383
E-mail: SeedTesting@daff.gov.za