Fertilisers Regulations
Definitions
There are two aspects of fertiliser legislation, namely fertilisers which may be freely sold anywhere in the European Union (EC Fertiliser Regulation 2003/2003), and other fertilisers (The Fertilisers Regulations 1991).
Fertilisers for sale in the UK do not have to be registered. The Fertilisers Regulations 1991 as amended specify the labelling and packaging of the product and place a responsibility on the manufacturer to declare the nutrient content of the product. The Regulations include a series of Schedules listing type designations of fertilisers.
It is possible to sell a fertiliser to all Member States of the European Union without having to comply with the domestic requirements and legislation of those countries but, in order to do so, the fertiliser must be one of those which can bear the designation "EC fertiliser". Some fertilisers might display the designation "EEC fertiliser". These are listed in the EC Fertiliser Regulation 2003/2003.
European Union
EC Regulation 2003/2003
This Regulation defines the composition and definition of all fertilisers, which have been approved as EC Designated fertilisers. All EC Designated fertilisers can be traded freely within the EU.
Every importer and manufacturer must ensure any fertiliser intended for sale in the EU complies with this Regulation. Failure to do so will result in enforcement processes and penalties within domestic legislation.
- EC Regulation 2003/2003
(1.3MB)
concerning fertilisers
GB regulations
The Fertilisers Regulations 1991 - S.I. No. 2197
The Fertilisers Regulations 1991, as amended (Statutory Instrument 1995/16, Statutory Instrument 1997/1543, Statutory Instrument 1998/2024), specify in Schedule 1 both EC and non-EC designated fertilisers approved for use in Great Britain. EC Regulation 2003/2003 is the definitive Regulation on EC designated fertilisers, consequently, the EC designated fertilisers part of this Regulation has been disapplied.
- The Fertilisers Regulations 1991 Statutory Instrument 1991/2197
- The Fertilisers (Amendment) Regulations 1995 - Statutory Instrument 1995/16
- The Fertilisers (Amendment) Regulations 1997 - Statutory Instrument 1997/1543
- The Fertilisers (Amendment) Regulations 1998 - Statutory Instrument 1998/2024
The Fertilisers (Sampling and Analysis) Regulations 1996 - S.I. No. 1342
This prescribes official methods for enforcement authorities when taking, handling samples and checking the accuracy of the nutrient declarations of fertilisers. The Regulations specify the qualifications of those who can take samples and the form of certification of analysis.(See also explanatory note from S.I. 2197).
The Ammonium Nitrate Materials (High Nitrogen Content) Safety Regulations 2003 - S.I. No. 1082
This prescribes activities for dealing with ammonium nitrate in solid form, where its nitrogen content is more that 28% of its weight. Includes action to be taken by manufacturers, importers, suppliers and enforcement authorities.
The EC Fertilisers (England and Wales) Regulations 2006 – SI No. 2486
Implement in England and Wales Regulation (EC) No. 2003/2003 of the European Parliament and the Council relating to fertilisers.
Page last modified:
28 September 2007
Page published: 27 October 2005