UK fertilisers: regulatory reform

Overview

The United Kingdom (UK) government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Executive (referred to collectively as ‘all four governments’) have worked together to produce this consultation and call for evidence, which focuses on proposals to repeal existing fertilisers legislation and replace it with a new regulatory framework (the ‘UK Fertilising Product Regulations’ (“UK FPR”)) for placing fertilising products on the market in the UK.  

Reform of UK fertilisers legislation aims to support innovation in the fertiliser sector, by smoothing the route to market for newer and novel fertilising products which are less polluting to the environment or are less resource intensive in their creation. As well as increasing user confidence in a more diverse range of safe and effective fertilising products.  

Background  

Nutrients are essential for plant growth and crop production but can also have significant environmental impacts. UK fertilisers legislation covers rules on the manufacturing and marketing of material which is intended to supply nutrients to plants or improve plant nutritional efficiency.  

UK FPR would also make provisions in relation to ammonium nitrate (AN) fertilisers with high nitrogen content, which have additional safety and technical requirements to address risks posed to public and worker safety.  

Use and application of fertiliser is outside the scope of current fertilisers legislation and is managed by other legislation.

Why your views matter

All four governments are committed to promoting a vibrant and sustainable fertiliser sector.  

Stakeholders are invited to share their views and evidence on the likely impact of replacing existing fertilisers legislation with UK FPR. We want to understand how the proposed conformity assessment framework may affect how companies compete in the UK fertiliser market. The likely impact of the proposed technical requirements for fertilising products placed on the market under UK FPR on fertiliser supply and resilience, and the environment.

This is a public consultation and call for evidence, and we welcome all views, particularly those from individuals, businesses or other organisations involved in:  

• the import of fertilising products or materials into the UK  

• activities associated with the production, sale, or processing of materials used to manufacture fertilisers: including biowaste, microorganisms and other novel materials.

• manufacturing fertilisers for onward sale or distribution to a broker, retailer or end-user  

• the use of fertilisers within the arable, livestock and horticulture sectors (including domestic gardening, forestry, landscaping and turf)  

• enforcement authorities 

• analytical services 

• quality assurance  

• the environment sector including environmental science or research