(1)

Directive 2002/56/EC provides that, with effect from certain dates, Member States may no longer determine for themselves the equivalence of seed potatoes harvested in third countries with seed potatoes harvested within the Community and complying with that Directive.

(2)

However, as work to establish a Community equivalence for seed potatoes from all the third countries concerned had not been completed, Directive 2002/56/EC permitted Member States to extend until 31 March 2008 the validity of equivalence decisions which they had already taken for seed potatoes from certain third countries not covered by a Community equivalence. This date was chosen by reference to the end of the period where seed potatoes are placed on the market.

(3)

Since this work still has not been completed and as a new marketing season will start by the end of the year 2008, it is necessary to authorise Member States to extend the validity of their national equivalence decisions.

(4)

Directive 2002/56/EC should therefore be amended accordingly.

(5)

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee on Seeds and Propagating Material for Agriculture, Horticulture and Forestry,