On August 21, 2020, the Protection of Plant Varieties & Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA), issued a [notification] in view of the worldwide and nationwide lockdown to contain COVID-19. The key relaxations provided vide the notification are as follows:

• Within India: In cases where the deadline terminates during the period of lockdown in India (beginning from 25.03.2020), the deadline will be extended till 15 days after the lifting of lockdown. 
• Outside India: 
  • In cases where the deadline falls during the period of lockdown in India or outside India, the time limit would be extended 45 days from the lifting of lockdown, within India or outside India, whichever is later.
  • Time taken for regulation/SPS/Quarantine during the period of lockdown would also be accommodated on case to case basis by the Registrar based on the documentary evidence.

In case of restriction within India or outside India, if any, relating to cargo movement or opening: such cases also would be accommodated on case to case basis by the Registrar based on the documentary evidence but not exceeding 45 days to the latest material transport allowed date in the logistics/ regulations, whichever is later.