Seed exchange schemes under threat

[David Blatchford]

I heard a news item on the Farming News ( Radio 4) this morning that is very alarming.
New EU legislation is under consideration that will require all seed suppliers to register and take responsibility for the quality ( i.e correct naming,viability etc.) of their seeds and even for the long-term stability of the seed, which I understood to cover future generations of plants arising from the first sale. The legislation will include all seeds whether they are being sold by a major supplier or even local societies. Gifts and heritage seeds are also going to be included. Registration will be expensive, of course.

I have tried to find some more information on this but so far no success. This is not a duplication of the existing sale of goods act already existing within the UK.

[conrad]

I've heard a little about this yesterday David and was sent this link, http://open-seeds.org/bad-seed-law/
I'd need to do more reading (not just that provided in the link above) though as I don't know much about the ins and outs of the subject.
If it is the case that even old heirloom varieties and those passed around between private individuals are covered it doen't sound like a great idea for keeping up diversity of what can be grown. How would such legislation be monitored to stop people sharing and exchanging seeds privately?