Packaging & Labelling Standards

1. Before packing

• Every seed lot is cleaned, graded and dried to the safe moisture limit for sealed, moisture-proof containers given in India's Minimum Seed Certification Standards for that crop.
• A lot is released for packing only after it passes our tests for germination, physical purity, genetic purity and moisture. The results are recorded against the lot number.
• A reference sample of every lot is kept in our store for the life of the lot, so any later question can be checked against the same seed.

2. Pack materials

• Retail packs are heat-sealed, multi-layer laminated pouches with a moisture and light barrier. Small high-value packs can be supplied in sealed tins.
• Packs for dealers and distributors are packed in printed outer boxes or cartons, with the variety and lot number shown outside.
• Packs are filled by weight and checked on calibrated scales. The net quantity printed on the pack is the minimum you receive.

3. What every label shows

Labels follow the Seeds Act, 1966 and Seeds Rules, 1968, and the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, for packs sold in India:

4. Lot numbers and traceability

Each lot gets its number the day it arrives from the grower, recording the producer and the season. Every pack filled from that lot carries the same number. Quote it whenever you contact us about a pack: it lets us find the test results, the reference sample and the field the seed came from.

5. Treated seed

• Seed treated with a fungicide or insecticide is coloured, and the pack names the chemical used and carries the required caution.
• Treated seed must not be eaten, fed to animals or used for oil. Wash hands after handling and keep packs away from children and food.
• Untreated seed, or seed with a treatment required by the importing country, can be supplied for export on request.

6. Export packing

• Sealed packs are packed in strong export cartons, taped, numbered and marked with the consignee, carton number, gross and net weight.
• The packing list gives the variety, lot number, number of packs and weight in each carton, matching the phytosanitary certificate and commercial invoice.
• Language, labelling text and seed treatment are adapted to the rules of the importing country as advised by the buyer or the import permit.
• Wooden packing material, when used, is ISPM 15 treated and marked.

7. Private labelling

We pack under your brand for agreed minimum quantities. You approve the artwork before printing and are responsible for the accuracy of your own label text and its compliance at destination. The Farmson lot number is printed on every pack so traceability is kept.

8. Storing seed after delivery

• Keep packs sealed until sowing, in a cool, dry and shaded place, off the floor and away from fertiliser, pesticides and damp walls.
• Do not leave seed in a vehicle, in direct sun or near a heat source. High heat and humidity reduce germination quickly.
• Once opened, sow the seed the same day. Opened packs absorb moisture and should not be stored for the next season.
• Germination is guaranteed until the validity date on the label, when the seed has been stored as above.

9. Checking a pack

Before buying or sowing, check that the pack is sealed, the label is printed (not handwritten or overwritten), and the validity date has not passed. If a pack looks tampered with or a label is missing, do not use it and contact us with a photo and the lot number. See our Seed Quality Warranty.