Poland has introduced new rules affecting the supervision and use of plant varieties, following an amendment adopted on 7 November 2025 and published in the Journal of Laws shortly thereafter and key provisions such as sales controls on plant protection products have become effective from 6 March 2026. Some obligations apply immediately while others roll out over time. The change means better protection of plant breeders' rights, but also more inspection and administrative duties of and for farmers and seed companies and distributors.
The amendment is part of a broader reform of plant health and agricultural oversight. While it does not fundamentally rewrite plant breeders' rights, it strengthens how those rights are enforced and monitored.
Authorities responsible for plant health and seed control have been given broader powers to inspect plant material. Controls are no longer limited to traditional checkpoints and inspections can take place at more locations across the supply chain. The reform aims to improve the detection of irregularities and ensure that protected plant varieties are used lawfully.
The amendment also introduces more robust documentation and traceability rules for plant material. In practice, this means clearer identification of origin and movement of seeds and plants, stronger links between plant material and registered varieties and improved ability to verify compliance with breeders' rights.
Read more at Agroberichten Buitenland
