Fertilisers - Questions and Answers
What constitutes an EC designated Fertiliser?
Annex I of EC Regulation 2003/2003 gives a full description of EC designated fertilisers which must comply with the conditions in these Regulations.
If I want to get a new fertiliser approved as an EC Designated fertiliser, what do I do?
If a company wants to obtain the "EC fertiliser" designation for a new product a dossier must be prepared in collaboration with one of the Member States. That Member State will then act as rapporteur and will oversee the dossier's progress at EC level. For Britain to act as a rapporteur you would need to demonstrate that the UK would be the main beneficiary from the product. For further information on a dossier can be found in Annex V of EC Regulation 2003/2003.
If the UK were to act as rapporteur, the dossier (which would be treated Commercial in Confidence) would first be assessed by an inter-departmental committee of experts. The UK would then represent the product during discussions with The European Commission and other Member States at the EC Working Group on Fertilisers for approval as an EC designated fertiliser. Whilst the dossier is under consideration the product may be sold in the UK and any other Member States where acceptable to that particular country's domestic legislation.
For further Further information on a dossier can be found in Annex V of EC Regulation 2003/2003.
How do I check if my product can be classified as a fertiliser for sale in GB?
All Non EC designated fertilisers must comply with Schedule 1 of the Fertiliser Regulations 1991.
What controls exist for fertilisers not designated as an EC Fertiliser?
The Fertiliser Regulations 1991 give details of Non EC Fertilisers, including descriptions, labelling, enforcement powers and penalties.
How does the UK Government check that companies comply with fertiliser regulations?
Trading Standards Officers and Enforcement Officers are responsible for enforcement of all fertiliser legislation.
Where can I obtain guidance on fertiliser use?
The Fertiliser Recommendations for Agricultural and Horticultural Crops (RB209) gives information on usage by soil type and crop.
Where can I obtain data on fertiliser use in the UK?
The British Survey of Fertiliser Practice gives this information on fertilisers on an annual basis.
Where can I get independent fertiliser advice?
The Fertiliser Advice Certification Training Scheme (FACTS) provide certified Advisers to help with all enquiries relating to fertiliser use on farms.
Page last modified:
03 April 2006
Page published: 27 October 2005