Seed Labeling Permit

What is the purpose of this permit?
The Seed Labeling Permit is required by any person who is labeling seed for distribution in Washington. The Permit allows a seller of seed to label or re-label seed under their specific company name. The Department reviews the seed labels to ensure compliance with state seed law.
Who issues this permit?
Washington State Department of Agriculture
What activities require this permit?
A person labeling seed for distribution for sale in this state.
How much will this permit cost?
The seed labeling permit costs $28.
Where can I get the application for this permit?
The application is called 'Application for Seed Labeling Permit' is online and can be accessed at https://agr.wa.gov/services/licenses-permits-and-certificates/summary-descriptions/seed-labeling-permit.
Do I need to include anything with my application?
A copy or an example of the label.
Is the decision on my permit dependent on anything besides the information in my application?
No
How long will it take to review my application?
After implementing new strategies to reduce the time it takes to issue a Seed Labeling Permit, the processing time from payment acceptance to approval of the Seed Labeling Permit is now approximately two to five business days.
Where do I submit my application?
By mail at:
    WSDA SEED PROGRAM
    21 N. 1st Avenue, Suite 203
    Yakima, WA 98902
How long is my permit valid?
One calendar year, expiring in December. It must be renewed by February 1st of the renewal year.
What is the appeal process for the permit?
Upon notice by the Department to deny or revoke a permit, a person may request a hearing under chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedures Act.
Legal Authority:
Permit Timeliness Results

Permit Timeliness data collection is in response to a State Auditor’s Performance Audit and RCW 43.42A. Each regulatory agency developed a plan to improve permit clarity, predictability, and timeliness. Each agency considers the customers experience to ensure permit assistance is simple to use, easy to access, and designed in a customer-friendly manner. Agencies report progress to the Governor’s Office for Regulatory Innovation and Assistance (ORIA). ORIA prepares and distributes reports, with participation from the State Auditor’s Office and Results Washington. See latest report here: https://www.oria.wa.gov/ORIA-2020-PermitTimelinessProgressReport.pdf.

All permits submitted for reporting were entered into this Regulatory Handbook. Here are the results of the performance data:

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Process a Permit Application (Definition)
Average number of days from Receipt to Complete: 18
Maximum number of days from Receipt to Complete: 46

Estimated Time Required By the Agency to Issue a Permit Decision (Definition)
Average number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 1
Maximum number of days from Complete Application to Decision: 1

(Summary results based on 105 submittals in 2023)

Where can I get permitting assistance?
Web page URL: https://agr.wa.gov/services/licenses-permits-and-certificates/summary-descriptions/seed-labeling-permit
Helpdesk phone: (509) 249-6950
Subject matter expert phone: (509) 249-6340
Subject matter expert email: seedlabeling@agr.wa.gov
Other: Instructions for completing the permit are available at https://agr.wa.gov/services/licenses-permits-and-certificates/summary-descriptions/seed-labeling-permit and are mailed to applicants along with application.
Contact:
Washington State Department of Agriculture
Headquarters
1111 Washington Street SE
PO Box 42560
Olympia, WA 98504-2560
Telephone: (360) 902-1800
Fax: (360) 902-2092
Email: poffice@agr.wa.gov
Website: http://agr.wa.gov/
Triggering Questions:
  • Are you labeling seed for distribution for sale in this state?
* Permit information last updated 10/26/2022
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