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SEED TESTING INTERNATIONAL   www.seedtest.org
ACCREDITATION  •
Final count germination
Other seed determination
Purity test
Seedling evaluation
ISTA Proficiency Testing
Germination testing
facilities; establishing an integrated Quality 
Management System; developing technical 
procedures in full compliance with the ISTA 
Rules; and investing in the training and 
qualification of technical personnel.
In 2013, the laboratories began regular 
participation in the ISTA Proficiency Test 
programme, consistently demonstrating high 
technical competence and excellent analytical 
performance through outstanding results. This 
constituted a fundamental milestone on the path 
towards accreditation.
Over the following years, the laboratories 
continued implementing improvement 
programmes, conducting internal audits, 
reviewing the Quality Management System, and 
preparing for the technical assessments carried 
out by ISTA experts.
These sustained efforts culminated in 2026, 
when the laboratory of the Directorate of Seed 
Testing and Certification successfully obtained 
ISTA accreditation for the issuance of ISTA 
Certificates, becoming an internationally 
accredited laboratory. This achievement 
represents a historic milestone for Iraq’s seed 
sector and reflects the Ministry of Agriculture’s 
commitment to implementing the highest 
international standards.
Scope of Accreditation
The current scope of accreditation covers 
the following tests and the issuance of the 
corresponding ISTA Certificates:
• Seed sampling
• Germination
• Moisture content
• Purity analysis
• Other seed determination by number (OSD)
These tests are performed using modern 
laboratory equipment and validated scientific 
procedures to ensure the accuracy, reliability and 
international acceptance of test results.
Current Role of Laboratories
The Laboratory Division continues to play a 
vital role in supporting seed production and 
certification programmes while providing 
reliable laboratory services to farmers, seed 
producers, seed companies, and the agricultural 
sector as a whole. Accurate and dependable test 
results contribute significantly to improving seed 
quality and enhancing agricultural productivity.
The Division also remains committed to 
strengthening the competence of its personnel, 
modernising laboratory facilities, and 
participating in ISTA Proficiency Tests and 
scientific activities organised by ISTA, in order 
to maintain its international accreditation and 
progressively expand its accredited scope to 
include additional seed testing services.
Vision for the Future
The history of the laboratories of the Directorate 
of Seed Testing and Certification represents a 
national success story spanning nearly  
one hundred years. Beginning with the 
establishment of the legislative framework 
governing seed production, continuing through 
the creation of specialised institutions and Iraq’s 
membership of ISTA, and culminating in the 
achievement of international accreditation for 
the issuance of ISTA Certificates, this journey 
reflects decades of continuous progress.
The Directorate believes that international 
accreditation marks not the end of this journey, 
but the beginning of a new era of continual 
improvement. Future efforts will focus on 
expanding accredited laboratory services, 
strengthening cooperation with internationally 
accredited laboratories, and reinforcing 
international confidence in the quality of Iraqi 
seeds and Iraq’s role as an active member of the 
global ISTA community.
Go to the State Board for Seed Testing 
membership page on the ISTA website: 
www.seedtest.org/en/membership/
state-board-seed-testing.html

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