As NRL, GEVES is the technical reference for seed quality testing, providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Agriculture, the competent authorities, and accredited and approved laboratories.

NRLs are a key source of technical support for the authorities and for accredited and approved laboratories. As part of its NRL role, the SNES organises ILC testing, provides specialised training, and carries out auditing services.

As part of its NRL activities, the SNES develops, optimises, and validates testing methods, and helps to standardise and formalise these methods.