GB6141-2008
Quality grading of legume seeds
豆科草种子质量分级
GB 6141-2008 is a current mandatory Chinese national standard for Quality grading of legume seeds. It appears in the Food compliance cluster with a occupational safety focus and has an implementation date of Sep 1, 2008.
Applicability depends on product scope, certification route, competent authority notices and transition rules. Requst for the translation or verify source before using this record in a compliance decision.
Compliance overview
Scope and applicability
This standard applies to the quality grading of legume forage seeds produced, sold, and used in China. It covers 51 species of leguminous plants, including *Medicago sativa* (alfalfa), *Trifolium* species (clovers), and *Vicia* species (vetches). It is mandatory for all manufacturers and distributors of these seeds in the Chinese market. Similar plant species and varieties within the same genus may refer to this standard for grading.
Technical requirements
The standard establishes a three-tier grading system (Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3) for legume seeds based on four critical parameters: purity, germination rate, other plant seed count, and moisture content. A key concept introduced is the seed utilization value, which is calculated by multiplying purity and germination rate. When purity and germination rate fall into different grades, the seed utilization value is used to determine the final grade. The standard specifies that germination rates may include hard seeds, and the percentage of hard seeds must be reported alongside the grade. Seeds containing quarantine pests or prohibited weed seeds are strictly forbidden.
Testing methods
Testing for purity, germination rate, other plant seed count, and moisture content must be conducted in accordance with the GB/T 2930 series standards (Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8) and the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) rules. These methods ensure standardized sampling and analysis for accurate quality assessment.
FAQs
What products are regulated under GB 6141-2008?
GB 6141-2008 regulates the quality grading of legume forage seeds, covering 51 specific species including alfalfa, clovers, vetches, and other leguminous plants used for agricultural and forage purposes.
How is the final quality grade determined if individual parameters fall into different levels?
If purity and germination rate are in different grades, the seed utilization value (purity × germination rate) is calculated to replace them. The final grade is determined by the lowest grade among the seed utilization value, other plant seed count, and moisture content.
Are there any mandatory requirements regarding quarantine in GB 6141-2008?
Yes, the standard explicitly states that seeds must not contain quarantine pests or prohibited weed seeds. This is a mandatory requirement under Clause 6.2.
The summary above provides a high-level overview of GB 6141-2008. To ensure complete compliance for your legume seed products entering the Chinese market, a precise and professional translation of the full technical specifications is essential. Purchase our high-quality English translation of GB 6141-2008 today to access all detailed grading parameters, species tables, and testing procedures.
Applicability hints
- Type
- Management
- CCS
- B00
- ICS
- 65.020.01
- Competent department
- Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs
- Technical committee
- National Technical Committee on Animal Husbandry of Standardization Administration of China