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The Fertilisers Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992


Published: 1992-04-08

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Statutory Rules of Northern Ireland
1992 No. 187

AGRICULTURE
The Fertilisers Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992

Made
8th April 1992

Coming into operation
18th May 1992

The Department of Agriculture, in exercise of the powers conferred on it by sections 66(1)(1), 68(1), (2) and (3), 69(1), (3), (6) and (7), 70(1), 74(1), 74A(1), (2) and (4), 84 and 86(1), (2), (3) and (9) of the Agriculture Act 1970(2) and of every other power enabling it in that behalf, after consultation with such persons or organisations as appear to it to represent the interests concerned, being a Department designated(3) for the purposes of section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972(4) in relation to the regulation and control of classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances and preparations, in exercise of the powers conferred on it by the said section 2(2), and of all other powers enabling it in that behalf, hereby make the following Regulations:—

Citation, commencement and interpretation

1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Fertilisers Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992 and shall come into operation on 18th May 1992.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3) below, these Regulations shall not apply in relation to any material, not designated as an EEC fertiliser, sold or offered for sale before—

(a)1st June 1992 in the case of any solid material sold or offered for sale loose or in containers having a capacity greater than 25 kilograms or, in the case of any fluid material, sold or offered for sale in containers having a capacity greater than 10 litres;

(b)1st February 1993 in the case of any solid material sold or offered for sale in containers having a capacity of or less than 25 kilograms or, in the case of any fluid material, sold or offered for sale in containers having a capacity of or less than 10 litres;

and in relation to any such material the Fertilisers Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1990 shall continue to apply.

(3) The Fertilisers Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1990 shall not apply to any material not designated as an EEC fertiliser, in relation to which paragraph (2) above would otherwise apply, if that material complies with the requirements of these Regulations.

(4) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires—

“chelating agent” means any product listed in Table 2 in Schedule 2;

“the Department” means the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland;

“herbicide” means a substance calculated to destroy or control any unwanted plant;

“pesticide” means a substance calculated to destroy or control any insect, mite, mollusc, nematode, fungus or any other pest capable of destroying, damaging or retarding the growth of any form of plant life;

“register” means the register kept in accordance with regulation 10;

“secondary nutrient” means calcium, magnesium, sodium or sulphur;

“trace element” means boron, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum or zinc.

(5) Any reference in these Regulations to a numbered section shall, unless the reference is to a section of a specified Act, be construed as a reference to the section bearing that number in the Agriculture Act 1970.

(6) The Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954(5) shall apply to these Regulations as it applies to a Measure of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Control of materials designated as EEC fertilisers

2.—(1) A person shall not sell or have in possession with a view to sale, for use as a fertiliser, any material designated as an EEC fertiliser, or in respect of which any indication is given directly or indirectly that it is an EEC fertiliser, unless that material:

(a)is specified in Groups 1(a), 2(a) or 3(a) of Section A, or in Groups 1 to 4 of Section B, or in Groups 1(a) or 2 of Section C, or in Section D, or Section E, of the table in Schedule 1; and

(b)conforms with the requirements laid down for such materials in these Regulations as respects content and marking.

(2) A person shall not sell or have in possession with a view to sale, for use as a fertiliser, any material designated as an EEC fertiliser containing any pesticide or herbicide or any organic nutrient of animal or vegetable origin, which has been added in the course of manufacture or preparation for sale.

(3) A person shall not make available to any other person for the final use by that other person as a fertiliser any ammonium nitrate, as defined in column 3 of Section A of the table in Schedule 1, which is designated as an EEC fertiliser and contains more than 28% by weight of nitrogen, unless the material is in a container which complies with the provisions of Part II of Schedule 2.

(4) A person shall not sell or have in possession with a view to sale, for use as a fertiliser, any material specified in Section D of the table in Schedule 1 designated as an EEC fertiliser unless that product is packaged.

Control of materials not designated as EEC fertilisers

3.  A person shall not sell or have in possession with a view to sale, for use as a fertiliser, any solid or fluid material which, not being designated as an EEC fertiliser, does not comply with the requirements of these Regulations.

Use and meaning of prescribed names and descriptions of material

4.—(1) Subject to the provisions of paragraphs (4) and (5) of this regulation, a person shall not sell or have in possession with a view to sale, as a fertiliser or for use as a fertiliser, any material specified in column 2 in Sections A, B, C, D or E of the table in Schedule 1, which complies with the corresponding meaning in column 3 of that table, unless the statutory statement relating to any such material and required by section 68(1) contains the corresponding name or one of the corresponding names, as the case may be, indicated in column 2 of that table.

(2) For the purposes of section 70, any name of a material specified in column 2 of the table in Schedule 1 shall, subject to the provisions of paragraphs (4) and (5) of this regulation, have the meaning corresponding thereto in column 3 of that table.

(3) A person shall not sell or have in possession with a view to sale, as a fertiliser or for use as a fertiliser, any material specified in Groups 1(b), 2(c), 3(c) or 5(b) of Section A, or in Group 6 of Section B or in Groups 1(c), 1(e) 1(g) or 4 of Section C, of the table in Schedule 1, unless he gives in the statutory statement or in any other document or label referring to the material a name or description, or name and description, sufficiently specific to indicate to the intending purchaser the true nature of the material.

(4) In the case of those materials in Groups 1 to 4 of Section B, Group 2 of Section C, and in Section D and Section E, of the table in Schedule 1 which, not being designated as EEC fertilisers, are sold or offered for sale, and for which the declared content of any nutrients, secondary nutrients or trace elements, or of the total nutrient, secondary nutrient or trace element content, falls below the minimum levels specified in column 3 of that table, or in table 1 in Schedule 2, the statutory statement shall contain the name designated in column 2 thereof if the material complies in all other respects with the requirements of column 3.

(5) In the case of materials specified in Sections A, B, C, D or E of the table in Schedule 1, any meaning given in column 3 of that table shall be deemed not to exclude the presence of any substance added to improve the handling qualities of the material and, in the case of materials which, not being designated as EEC fertilisers, are sold or offered for sale, the said meaning shall be deemed not to exclude the presence of any herbicide or pesticide.

Prescribed descriptions of material and particulars and information to be contained in the statutory statement

5.  The descriptions of material prescribed for the purposes of sections 68(1) and 69(1) shall be those indicated in columns 2 and 3 of the table in Schedule 1, and the particulars or information required to be contained in a statutory statement relating to any such material shall be the particulars or information specified in relation thereto in column 4 of the table in Schedule 1 and in Part I of Schedule 2.

Limits of variation

6.  For the purposes of section 74, the limits of variation in relation to any mis-statement as to the nature, substance or quality of any material specified in column 2 of the table in Schedule 1 shall, subject to the provisions of that Schedule, be the corresponding limits in relation to that material set out in column 5 and, as the case may be, in column 6 of that table.

Time by which a statutory statement relating to certain material must be given

7.  For the purposes of section 68(3), any statutory statement required to be given on the sale of—

(a)any fertiliser, in containers, of a description specified in Group 4 of Section A of the table in Schedule 1; or

(b)any solid fertiliser, not being designated as an EEC fertiliser, other than a solid fertiliser sold or offered for sale in containers, of a description specified in Sections A, B, D or E of the table in Schedule 1; or

(c)any fluid fertiliser, not being designated as an EEC fertiliser, in a container the declared content of which is in excess of 200 litres,

shall be given as soon as practicable after delivery to the purchaser.

Manner of marking and labelling material

8.  The manner in which material shall be marked and labelled for the purposes of section 69(1) and section 74A shall be as set out in Schedule 2.

Modification of section 69(1) for certain imported material

9.  In the case of—

(a)any fertiliser, in containers, of a description specified in Group 4 of Section A of the table in Schedule 1; or

(b)any solid fertiliser, not being designated as an EEC fertiliser, sold or offered for sale, other than a solid fertiliser in containers, of a description specified in Sections A, B, D or E of the table in Schedule 1; or

(c)any fluid fertiliser, not being designated as an EEC fertiliser, sold or offered for sale in a container the declared content of which is in excess of 200 litres,

which has been imported and is of a description prescribed for the purposes of section 69(1) by regulation 5, subsection (1) of section 69 shall have effect as if—

(i)the words “and in either case before it is removed from the premises” were omitted from the said subsection (1), and

(ii)the words “any material which has been marked in accordance with this subsection” were substituted for the words “the material” in the said subsection (1).

Register of marks

10.—(1) Except in the case of materials sold or offered for sale designated as EEC fertilisers, as respects any material of a description prescribed for the purposes of section 69(1) by regulation 5 which comprises:

(a)any fertiliser in containers of a description specified in Group 4 of Section A of the table in Schedule 1; or

(b)any solid fertiliser, other than a solid fertiliser in containers, of a description specified in Sections A, B, D or E of the table in Schedule 1; or

(c)any fluid fertiliser in a container the declared content of which is in excess of 200 litres; or

(d)any material, not being of a standard formulation on general sale by the seller concerned, which is specially manufactured or mixed to the order of a particular purchaser,

the matters required by section 69 to be marked on that material may be denoted by a mark whose meaning can be ascertained by reference to the register.

(2) The register shall show those matters to which the mark relates, being matters required to be contained in a statutory statement relating to the material to which the mark relates and the date of entry of those particulars in the register. Entries relating to material of a kind mentioned in paragraph (1)(d) shall also include the name and address of the purchaser, the date of the order and the amount ordered. The register shall be kept as a separate record in book form marked on the outside “Register of marks under section 69(6) of the Agriculture Act 1970” and shall be kept on the premises where the material is held for the purpose of selling it in the course of trade for use as a fertiliser, save that if the material is in a public store the register shall be kept on the premises of the person who has the material for sale.

(3) The period for which the register is to be preserved in accordance with section 69(7) shall be a period of 6 months commencing with the first day on which none of the materials referred to in the register remains on the premises for sale as aforesaid.

Enforcement

11.  Insofar as any provision of these Regulations is made under section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 that provision shall be enforced as if it were made under those provisions of the Agriculture Act 1970 under which the other provisions of these Regulations are made and the provisions of Part IV of the said Agriculture Act shall apply accordingly.

Amendment as respects metrication

12.  In relation to any material to which these Regulations apply the operation of the provisions of sections 66(1), 68(2)(b) and 76(5) shall be modified as follows:—

(a)in the definition of “sampled portion” in the said section 66(1) for the words “five tons or 1,000 gallons or the prescribed metric substitution” there shall be substituted the words “five tonnes or 5,000 litres”;

(b)in section 68(2)(b) for the words “fifty-six pounds or the prescribed metric substitution” there shall be substituted the words “twenty-five kilograms”; and

(c)in section 76(5) for the words “fourteen pounds or the prescribed metric substitution” there shall be substituted the words “six kilograms”.

Revocation

13.  Subject to regulation 1(2) the Fertilisers Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1990(6) are hereby revoked.

Sealed with the Official Seal of the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland on

L.S.
I. C. Henderson
Assistant Secretary
8th April 1992.

Regulations 1(2), 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10(1)

SCHEDULE 1PRESCRIBED DESCRIPTIONS OF MATERIAL, MEANINGS OF NAMES, PARTICULARS AND INFORMATION TO BE CONTAINED IN THE STATUTORY STATEMENT AND LIMITS OF VARIATION

Limits of variation

1.  The limits of variation prescribed in this Schedule shall be the permitted deviations of the measured from the declared content of a nutrient, secondary nutrient or trace element, or of the measured from the declared neutralising value, or of the measured from the declared amount of material passing through a specified sieve.

2.  Save as prescribed in paragraphs 6, 7 and 8 the limits of variation shall be those set out in the fifth column of the following table.

3.  In Section B and Group 2 of Section C of the following table the negative limits of variation specified individually for N, P2O5 and K2O are those permitted for each nutrient taken separately and the limits of variation for the total nutrient content of a fertiliser shall be the sum of the negative deviations from the declared content.

4.  No limits of variation shall be permitted in respect of the minimum and maximum contents specified in the third column of the following table, save those prescribed in paragraph 6.

5.  Where no maximum limit is specified in the third column of the following table no limits of variation are prescribed as respects an excess of nutrient, neutralising value or amount of material passing through a specified sieve above the declared value or amount, save those prescribed in paragraph 7(b).

6.  In the case of materials in Groups 1 to 4 of Section B and Group 2 of Section C of the following table which, not being designated as EEC fertilisers, are sold or offered for sale, and where the declared content of one or more of the nutrients falls below the following levels:—

(i)in the case of nitrogen (N) — 2.5% in an NPK fluid fertiliser solution and 3.5% for all other fertilisers; and

(ii)in the case of phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) and potassium oxide (K2O) - 3.5% in a fluid fertiliser solution; 4.5% in an NPK fluid fertiliser suspension and 5.5% for all other fertilisers,

the limit of variation for the declared nutrient in such cases shall be that specified in the sixth column of the following table.

7.  The limits of variation permitted in respect of the declared content for the forms of nitrogen or the declared solubilities of phosphorus pentoxide shall be as follows:

(a)except as provided in sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph, the limit of variation shall be one-tenth of the overall content of the nutrient concerned, with a maximum of 2% by weight:

Provided that the overall content of that nutrient remains within:

(i)the levels specified in the third column of the following table save as respects the materials in Groups 1 to 4 of Section B and Group 2 of Section C of the said table which, not being designated as EEC fertilisers, are sold or offered for sale;

(ii)the limits of variation specified in the fifth or, where appropriate, the sixth column of the said table;

(b)in the case of materials in Group 1(c) of Section A and Groups 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 of Section B and Groups 1(d), 2, 3 and 4 of Section C of the following table which, not being designated as EEC fertilisers, are sold or offered for sale, the limits of variation for ureic nitrogen when declared at 10% and above shall be plus or minus 1.5% by weight and when declared below 10% shall be plus or minus 1.0% by weight.

8.  The limits of variation for trace elements and secondary nutrients other than where prescribed in Sections D and E of the following table shall be:

(i)trace elements — up to one-fifth of the declared value for a trace element content not exceeding 2% and 0.4% in absolute terms for a content of more than 2%;

(ii)secondary nutrients in the oxide form - up to a quarter of the declared value for a secondary nutrient content not exceeding 3.6% and 0.9% in absolute terms for a content of more than 3.6%. This is equivalent to the following maxima for the elemental forms—

0.64% maximum for Ca

0.55% maximum for Mg

0.67% maximum for Na

0.36% maximum for S.

SECTION A:

STRAIGHT FERTILISERS

Group
Name of Material
Meaning
Declarations
Limits of variation (absolute value in percentage by weight, except where otherwise specified)

1
2
3
4
5

a
This is only an indication of how the material should be named and accordingly this form of words should not be used in the statutory statement.

b
This is only an indication of how the material should be named and accordingly this form of words should not be used in the statutory statement.

c
This is only an indication of how the material should be named and accordingly this form of words should not be used in the statutory statement.

d
This is only an indication of how the material should be named and accordingly this form of words should not be used in the statutory statement.

1(a)
Ammonium nitrate
Chemically obtained product containing ammonium nitrate as its essential ingredient, and possibly fillers such as ground limestone, calcium sulphate, ground dolomite, magnesium sulphate and kieserite.The nitrogen (N) content must be not less than 20%, and the nitric nitrogen and ammoniacal nitrogen fractions should each account for about half the nitrogen present.

Amount of total nitrogen

Amount of nitric nitrogen Amount of ammoniacal nitrogen

0.8 (for declarations up to and including 32% N) 0.6 (for declarations exceeding 32% N)

As set out in paragraph 7(a) of this Schedule

If the product is designated as an EEC fertiliser and contains more than 28% by weight of nitrogen (N) it shall have the following additional characteristics (all the percentages specified being by weight):

(i)
It shall not contain any inorganic additive or inert substance other than those named above which might increase the product’s sensitivity to heat or its tendency to detonate. Heavy metals must not be added deliberately, and any traces which are incidental to the production process must not, by their presence, increase the product’s sensitivity to heat or its tendency to detonate.

(ii)
The oil retention of the product, which must first have undergone two thermal cycles of a temperature ranging from 25° to 50°C, must not exceed 4%.

(iii)
The percentage of combustible material, measured as carbon, must not in the case of a product containing 31.5% or more of nitrogen exceed 0.2%, and must not in the case of a product containing between 28% and 31.5% of nitrogen exceed 0.4%.

(iv)
A solution of 10 grams of the product in 100 millilitres of water must have a pH of at least 4.5.

(v)
Not more than 5% of the product must be capable of passing through a 1 millimetre mesh sieve, and not more than 3% through a 0.5 millimetre mesh sieve.

(vi)
The chlorine content must not exceed 0.02%.

(vii)
The copper content shall not exceed 10 mg/kg.

Calcium ammonium nitrate
Chemically obtained product containing ammonium nitrate as its essential ingredient.The nitrogen (N) content must be not less than 20%, and the nitric nitrogen and ammoniacal nitrogen fractions should each account for about half the nitrogen present. The product may contain, in addition to ammonium nitrate, only calcium carbonate (limestone) and/or magnesium carbonate and calcium carbonate (dolomite). The minimum content of these carbonates must be 20% and their purity level not less than 90%.

Amount of total nitrogen

Amount of nitric nitrogen Amount of ammoniacal nitrogen

0.8

As set out in paragraph 7(a) of this Schedule

Ammonium sulphate-nitrate
Chemically obtained product with ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate as essential ingredients, and containing not less than 25% ammoniacal and nitric nitrogen (N) with a minimum nitric nitrogen content of 5 %.
Amount of total nitrogen Amount of nitric nitrogen Amount of ammoniacal nitrogen

0.8

As set out in paragraph 7(a) of this Schedule

Calcium cyanamide
Chemically obtained product with calcium cyanamide as its essential ingredient, calcium oxide and possibly small quantities of ammonium salts and urea, and containing not less than 18% total nitrogen (N), at least 75% of the declared nitrogen being bound in the form of cyanamide.
Amount of total nitrogen
1.0

Calcium magnesium nitrate

Nitrate of lime and magnesium

Chemically obtained product with calcium nitrate and magnesium nitrate as essential ingredients, containing not less than 13% nitric nitrogen (N), and not less than 5% magnesium, expressed as MgO, in the form of water-soluble salts.

Amount of nitric nitrogen

Amount of magnesium oxide soluble in water

0.4

0.9

Calcium nitrate

Nitrate of lime

Chemically obtained product containing calcium nitrate as its essential ingredient and possibly ammonium nitrate, and containing not less than 15% total nitrogen (N), with a maximum ammoniacal nitrogen content of 1.5%.

Amount of total nitrogen

Optional declarations

Amount of nitric nitrogen Amount of ammoniacal nitrogen

0.4

} As set out in paragraph 7(a) of this Schedule

Chile nitrate
Product prepared from caliche, with sodium nitrate as its essential ingredient, and containing at least 15% nitric nitrogen (N).
Amount of nitric nitrogen
0.4

Magnesium ammonium nitrate
Chemically obtained product with ammonium nitrate and magnesium compound salts (dolomite magnesium carbonate and/or magnesium sulphate) as essential ingredients and containing not less than 19% ammoniacal and nitric nitrogen (N) (with a minimum nitric nitrogen content of 6%) and not less than 5% magnesium expressed as total MgO.

Amount of total nitrogen

Amount of ammoniacal nitrogen

Amount of nitric nitrogen

Amount of total magnesium oxide

Optional declarations

Amount of magnesium oxide soluble in water

0.8

} As set out in paragraph 7(a) of this Schedule

0.9

0.9

Magnesium sulphonitrate
Chemically obtained product with ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate and magnesium sulphate as essential ingredients, and containing not less than 19% ammoniacal and nitric nitrogen (N), with a minimum nitric nitrogen content of 6%, and not less than 5% magnesium expressed as MgO in the form of water-soluble salts.

Amount of total nitrogen

Amount of ammoniacal nitrogen

Amount of nitric nitrogen

Amount of magnesium oxide soluble in water

0.8

} As set out in paragraph 7(a) of this Schedule

0.9

Nitrogenous calcium cyanamide
Chemically obtained product with calcium cyanamide as its essential ingredient, calcium oxide and possibly small quantities of ammonium salts and urea plus added nitrate, and containing not less than 18% total nitrogen (N), at least 75% of the declared non-nitric nitrogen being bound in the form of cyanamide.The nitric nitrogen content must be not less than 1% and not greater than 3%.

Amount of total nitrogen

Amount of nitric nitrogen

1.0

As set out in paragraph 7(a) of this Schedule

Sodium nitrate

Nitrate of soda

Chemically obtained product with sodium nitrate as its essential ingredient and containing not less than 15% nitric nitrogen (N).
Amount of nitric nitrogen
0.4

Sulphate of ammonia
Chemically obtained product with ammonium sulphate as its essential ingredient, and containing not less than 20% ammoniacal nitrogen (N).
Amount of ammoniacal nitrogen
0.3

Urea
Chemically obtained product with carbonyl diamide (carbamide) as its essential ingredient, and containing not less than 44% total ureic nitrogen (N) (including biuret), with a maximum biuret content of 1.2%.
Amount of ureic nitrogen
0.4

1(b)
Straight nitrogenous fertilisers named in accordance with Regulation 4(3)a

Any straight nitrogenous fertiliser not otherwise specified in this table.
Amount of total nitrogen
0.8

1(c)
Nitrogenous fertiliser.In addition the source materials shall be indicated in parentheses in descending order of nutrient contribution
Product obtained by mixing or blending two or more of the fertilisers listed in Groups 1(a), 1(b) and 4(a) of Section A of this table.

Amount of total nitrogen

Amount of ureic nitrogen save that a declaration of 10% or less need not be made

0.5 (for declarations up to and including 10% N)

0.8 (for declarations exceeding 10% N and up to and including 15% N)

1.1 (for declarations exceeding 15% N)

As set out in paragraph 7(b) of this Schedule

2(a)
Aluminium — calcium phosphate
Product obtained in amorphous form by heat treatment and grinding, with aluminium and calcium phosphates as essential ingredients, and containing not less than 30% total phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) (soluble in mineral acids), at least 75% of the declared total phosphorus pentoxide being soluble in alkaline ammonium citrate (Joulie).Not less than 90% of the material should be able to pass through a sieve with a mesh of 0.160mm and not less than 98% through a sieve with a mesh of 0.630mm.

Amount of total phosphorus pentoxide

Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in alkaline ammonium citrate

0.8

0.8

Basic slag

Thomas phosphates

Thomas slag

Product obtained in iron-smelting by treatment of the phosphorus melts and with calcium silicophosphates as essential ingredients, containing not less than 12% total phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) (soluble in mineral acids) at least 75% of the declared total phosphorus pentoxide being soluble in 2% citric acid.Not less than 75% of the material should be able to pass through a sieve with a mesh of 0.160mm and not less than 96% through a sieve with a mesh of 0.630mm.

Amount of total phosphorus pentoxide

Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in 2% citric acid

1.0

} As set out in paragraph 7(a) of this Schedule

No limits of variation are permitted when the declaration is expressed as a range of 2% by weight

Calcined phosphate
Product obtained by heat treatment of ground rock phosphate with alkaline compounds and silicic acid, with alkaline calcium phosphate and calcium silicate as essential ingredients, and containing not less than 25% phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) soluble in alkaline ammonium citrate (Petermann).Not less than 75% of the material should be able to pass through a sieve with a mesh of 0.160mm and not less than 96% through a sieve with a mesh of 0.630mm.
Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in alkaline ammonium citrate
0.8

Dicalcium phosphate
Product obtained by precipitation of solubilised phosphoric acid from mineral phosphates or bones, with dicalcium phosphate dihydrate as its essential ingredient, and containing not less than 38% phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) soluble in alkaline ammonium citrate (Petermann). Not less than 90% of the material should be able to pass through a sieve with a mesh of 0.160mm and not less than 98% through a sieve with a mesh of 0.630mm.
Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in alkaline ammonium citrate
0.8

Partially solubilised rock phosphate
Product obtained by partial solubilisation of ground rock phosphate with sulphuric acid or phosphoric acid, with monocalcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate and calcium sulphate as essential ingredients, and containing not less than 20% total phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) (soluble in mineral acids), at least 40% of the declared total phosphorus pentoxide being soluble in water. Not less than 90% of the material should be able to pass through a sieve with a mesh of 0.160mm and not less than 98% through a sieve with a mesh of 0.630mm.

Amount of total phosphorus pentoxide

Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in water

0.8

0.9

Soft ground rock phosphate
Product obtained by grinding soft mineral phosphates with tricalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate as essential ingredients and containing not less than 25% total phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) (soluble in mineral acids), at least 55% of the declared total phosphorus pentoxide being soluble in 2% formic acid.Not less than 90% of the material should be able to pass through a sieve with a mesh of 0.063mm and not less than 99% through a sieve with a mesh of 0.125mm.

Amount of total phosphorus pentoxide

Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in 2% formic acid

Amount of material as a percentage by weight that will pass through a sieve with a mesh of 0.063mm

0.8

0.8

5.0% of amount stated

Normal super-phosphate
Product obtained by reaction of ground mineral phosphate with sulphuric acid, with monocalcium phosphate as an essential ingredient as well as calcium sulphate, and containing not less than 16% phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) soluble in neutral ammonium citrate, at least 93% of the declared phosphorus pentoxide soluble in neutral ammonium citrate being soluble in water.

Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in neutral ammonium citrate

Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in water

0.8

0.9

Concentrated super-phosphate
Product obtained by reaction of ground mineral phosphate with sulphuric acid and phosphoric acid, with monocalcium phosphate as an essential ingredient as well as calcium sulphate, and containing not less than 25% phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) soluble in neutral ammonium citrate, at least 93% of the declared phosphorus pentoxide soluble in neutral ammonium citrate being soluble in water.

Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in neutral ammonium citrate

Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in water

0.8

0.9

Triple super-phosphate
Product obtained by reaction of ground mineral phosphate with phosphoric acid, with monocalcium phosphate as its essential ingredient, and containing not less than 38% phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) soluble in neutral ammonium citrate, at least 93% of the declared phosphorus pentoxide soluble in neutral ammonium citrate being soluble in water.

Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in neutral ammonium citrate

Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in water

0.8

1.3

2(b)
Phosphatic neutral filter cake
Product obtained in detergent manufacture by treatment of phosphate rock with sulphuric acid and extraction of the soluble phosphates from the resulting precipitate, and containing not less than 20% total phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) (soluble in mineral acids).

Amount of total phosphorus pentoxide

Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in 2% citric acid

1.0

1.0

Phosphated slag
Product obtained by blending low grade basic slag and phosphate rock and containing not less than 16% total phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) (soluble in mineral acids).

Amount of total phosphorus pentoxide

Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in 2% formic acid

0.8

0.8

Basic slag medium concentration
Product obtained in iron smelting by treatment of phosphorus melts with calcium silicophosphates as essential ingredients and containing not less than 5% total phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) (soluble in mineral acids), at least 75% of the declared total phosphorus pentoxide being soluble in 2% citric acid. Not less than 75% of the material should be able to pass through a sieve with a mesh of 0.160mm and not less than 96% through a sieve with a mesh of 0.630mm.

Amount of total phosphorus pentoxide

Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in 2% citric acid

1.0

0.8

No limits of variation are permitted when the declaration is expressed as a range of 2% by weight

Granular basic slag
Product obtained in iron smelting by treatment of phosphorus melts with calcium silicophosphates as essential ingredients, and containing not less than 5% total phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) (soluble in mineral acids), at least 75% of the declared total phosphorus pentoxide being soluble in 2% citric acid after the sample has been ground to pass through a sieve with a mesh of 0.160mm.Not less than 70% of the material should be able to pass through a sieve with a mesh of 0.630mm and not more than 12% through a sieve with a mesh of 0.160mm.

Amount of total phosphorus pentoxide

Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in 2% citric acid

1.0

0.8

No limits of variation are permitted when the declaration is expressed as a range of 2% by weight

Rock phosphate
Product not otherwise specified in this table obtained from mineral calcium phosphate deposits, to which no other matter has been added and containing not less than 5% total phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) (soluble in mineral acids).

Amount of total phosphorus pentoxide

Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in 2% formic acid

0.8

0.8

Amount of material as a percentage by weight that will pass through a sieve with a mesh of 0.150mm
5.0% of amount stated

2(c)
Straight phosphatic fertilisers named in accordance with Regulation 4(3)b

Any straight phosphatic fertiliser not otherwise specified in this table.
Amount of total phosphorus pentoxide
0.9

2(d)

Phosphatic fertiliser

In addition the source materials shall be indicated in parentheses in descending order of nutrient contribution

Product obtained by mixing or blending two or more of the fertilisers listed in Groups 2(a), 2(b), 2(c) and 4(b) of Section A of this table.

Amount of total phosphorus pentoxide

Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in 2% formic acid

0.5 (for declarations up to and including 10% P2O5)

0.8 (for declarations exceeding 10% P2O5 and up to and including 15% P2O5)

1.1 (for declarations exceeding 15% P2O5)

0.8

3(a)

Enriched Kainit salt

In addition usual trading names may be given

Product obtained from crude potassium salts, enriched by blending with potassium chloride, and containing not less than 18% water-soluble potassium oxide (K2O).

Amount of potassium oxide soluble in water

Optional declarations

Amount of magnesium oxide soluble in water where this is greater than 5%

1.0

0.9

Kainit

In addition usual trading names may be given

Product obtained from crude potassium salts, and containing not less than 10% water-soluble potassium oxide (K2O), and not less than 5% magnesium oxide (MgO) in the form of water-soluble salts.

Amount of potassium oxide soluble in water

Amount of magnesium oxide soluble in water

1.5

0.9

Muriate of potash

In addition usual trading names may be given

Product obtained from crude potassium salts with potassium chloride as its essential ingredient, and containing not less than 37% water-soluble potassium oxide (K2O).
Amount of potassium oxide soluble in water

1.0 (for declarations up to and including 55% K2O)

0.5 (for declarations exceeding 55% K2O)

Potassium chloride containing magnesium salt
Product obtained from crude potassium salts with added magnesium salts, with potassium chloride and magnesium salts as essential ingredients, and containing not less than 37% water-soluble potassium oxide (K2O) and not less than 5% magnesium oxide (MgO) in the form of water-soluble salts.

Amount of potassium oxide soluble in water

Amount of magnesium oxide soluble in water

1.5

0.9

Sulphate of potash
Product obtained chemically from potassium salts, with potassium sulphate as its essential ingredient, and containing not less than 47% water-soluble potassium oxide (K2O) with a maximum chlorine (Cl) content of 3%.

Amount of potassium oxide soluble in water

Optional declarations

Amount of chlorine where this is lower than 3%

0.5

0.2

Sulphate of potash containing magnesium salt

In addition usual trading names may be given

Product obtained chemically from potassium salts with possible addition of magnesium salts, with potassium sulphate and magnesium sulphate as essential ingredients, and containing not less than 22% water-soluble potassium oxide (K2O) and not less than 8% magnesium oxide (MgO) in the form of water-soluble salts, with a maximum chlorine content of 3%.

Amount of potassium oxide soluble in water

Amount of magnesium oxide soluble in water

Optional declarations

Amount of chlorine where this is lower than 3%

1.5

0.9

0.2

Kieserite with potassium sulphate

In addition usual trading names may be given

Product obtained from Kieserite with potassium sulphate added and containing not less than 6% water-soluble potassium oxide (K2O) and not less than 8% magnesium oxide (MgO) in the form of water-soluble salts, where the two together are not less than 20%, with a maximum chlorine content of 3%.

Amount of potassium oxide soluble in water

Amount of magnesium oxide soluble in water

Optional declarations

Amount of chlorine where this is lower than 3%

1.5

0.9

0.2

3(b)
Nitrate of potash
Potassium nitrate for fertilising purposes.

Amount of total nitrogen

Amount of total potassium oxide

0.5

2.0

Potassic basic slag
A mixture of basic slag and muriate or sulphate of potash containing not less than 5% total phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) (soluble in mineral acids) and not less than 5% total potassium oxide (K2O), at least 75% of the declared total phosphorus pentoxide being soluble in 2% citric acid.

Amount of total phosphorus pentoxide

Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in 2% citric acid

Amount of total potassium oxide

Amount of slag as a percentage by weight that will pass through a sieve with a mesh of 0.5mm

1.0

1.0

} 1.0 (for declarations up to and including 15% K2O)

} 2.0 (for declarations exceeding 15% K2O)

5.0% of amount stated

Potassic nitrate of soda

Chilean potash nitrate

A mixture of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate for fertilising purposes.

Amount of total nitrogen

Amount of total potassium oxide

0.5

0.8

3(c)
Straight potassic fertilisers named in accordance with Regulation 4(3)c

Any straight potassic fertiliser not otherwise specified in this table.
Amount of total potassium oxide
1.0

3(d)

Potassic fertiliser

In addition the source material shall be indicated in parentheses in descending order of nutrient contribution

Product obtained by mixing or blending two or more of the fertilisers listed in Groups 3(a), 3(b) and 3(c) of Section A of this table.
Amount of total potassium oxide

0.5 (for declarations up to and including 10% K2O)

0.8 (for declarations exceeding 10% and up to and including 15% K2O)

1.1 (for declarations exceeding 15% K2O)

4(a)
Castor meal
The residue which is obtained by the removal of oil from commercially pure castor seed.
Amount of total nitrogen
0.5

Dried blood
Blood which has been dried, to which no other matter has been added, and which is used for fertilising purposes, containing not less than 11% total nitrogen.
Amount of total nitrogen
0.5

Hoofs
The product obtained by crushing or grinding hoof, to which no other matter has been added, containing not less than 12% total nitrogen.
Amount of total nitrogen
0.5

Hoofs and horns
A mixture of hoof and horn, crushed or ground, to which no other matter has been added, containing not less than 12% total nitrogen.
Amount of total nitrogen
0.5

Horns
The product obtained by crushing or grinding horn, to which no other matter has been added, containing not less than 12% total nitrogen.
Amount of total nitrogen
0.5

Oilseed fertiliser
Product obtained by the removal of oil from seeds not otherwise specified in this table (excluding mowrah meal) and used for fertilising purposes.
Amount of total nitrogen
0.5

4(b)
Rape meal
The residue which is obtained by the removal of oil from commercially pure rape seed.
Amount of total nitrogen
0.5

Precipitated bone phosphate

Dicalcium bone phosphate

An insoluble calcium phosphate prepared by treating commercially pure bone with acid and precipitation of phosphate from the solution.
Amount of phosphorus pentoxide soluble in citric acid
1.0

4(c)
Bone meal
Commercially pure bone, raw or degreased, which has been ground or crushed, of which not less than 90% will pass through a sieve of 6.7mm square apertures.

Amount of total nitrogen

Amount of total phosphorus pentoxide

0.5

1.5

Fish guano

Fish manure

Product obtained by drying and grinding or otherwise treating fish or fish waste, to which no other matter has been added.

Amount of total nitrogen

Amount of total phosphorus pentoxide

0.5

1.0

Meat and bone meal

Meat meal

Meat and bone tankage

Carcase meal

The product of drying and grinding or otherwise treating bone, flesh, fibre and other slaughterhouse residues, to which no other matter has been added.

Amount of total nitrogen

Amount of total phosphorus pentoxide

0.5

1.0

Raw guano
The excrement and remains of any birds, except poultry, containing both nitrogen and phosphorus, prepared for use by screening where necessary, to which no addition has been made.

Amount of total nitrogen

Amount of total phosphorus pentoxide

Amount of total potassium oxide

20.0% of amount stated (with a minimum of 0.25 and a maximum of 1.5)

10.0% of amount stated (with a maximum of 2.0)

20.0% of amount stated

Shoddy manure

Wool waste

Wool combings

Wool manure

Flock dust

Waste of wool, or of wool mixed with fibrous materials such as are associated with wool in the textile industries including cotton and similar non-wool materials, to which no other matter has been added, the fibre content of which contains not less than 50% of wool by weight.
None
None

Steamed bone flour

Commercially pure bone, degreased and ground or crushed, from which the nitrogen has been partly or wholly removed by steam, of which not less than 75% will pass through a British Standard Test Sieve No. 16.

Amount of total nitrogen

Amount of total phosphorus pentoxide

0.5

1.0

Steamed bone meal
Commercially pure bone, degreased and ground or crushed, from which the nitrogen has been partly or wholly removed by steam, of which not less than 90% will pass through a sieve of 6.7mm square aperture.

Amount of total nitrogen

Amount of total phosphorus pentoxide

0.5

1.0

5(a)
Ground burnt lime
Commercial calcium oxide containing not more than 27% magnesium as MgO and of which 100% will pass through a sieve of 6.3mm.
Neutralising value
5.0% of amount stated

Kibbled burnt lime
Commercial calcium oxide containing not more than 27% magnesium as MgO and of which 100% will pass through a sieve of 45mm.
Neutralising value
5.0% of amount stated

Burnt lime
Commercial calcium oxide containing not more than 27% magnesium as MgO.
Neutralising value
5.0% of amount stated

Magnesian ground burnt lime
Commercial oxide obtained from magnesian limestone containing more than 27% magnesium expressed as MgO and of which 100% will pass through a sieve of 6.3mm.
Neutralising value
5.0% of amount stated

Magnesian kibbled burnt lime
Commercial oxide obtained from magnesian limestone containing more than 27% magnesium expressed as MgO and of which 100% will pass through a sieve of 45mm.
Neutralising value
5.0% of amount stated

Magnesian burnt lime
Commercial oxide obtained from magnesian limestone containing more than 27% magnesium as MgO.
Neutralising value
5.0% of amount stated

Chalk
Cretaceous limestone.
Neutralising value
5.0% of amount stated

Ground chalk
Cretaceous limestone of which 98% will pass through a sieve of 6.3mm.
Neutralising value
5.0% of amount stated

Screened chalk
Cretaceous limestone of which 98% will pass through a sieve of 45mm.
Neutralising value
5.0% of amount stated

Hydrated lime
Product obtained by slaking burnt lime or magnesian burnt lime of which not less than 95% will pass through a 150 micron sieve.
Neutralising value
5.0% of amount stated

Ground limestone
Sedimentary rock consisting largely of calcium carbonate and containing not more than 15% of magnesium expressed as MgO and of which 100% will pass through a sieve of 5mm, not less than 95% will pass through a sieve of 3.35mm and not less than 40% will pass through a 150 micron sieve.

Neutralising value

Amount of material as a percentage by weight that will pass through a 150 micron sieve

5.0% of amount stated

5.0% of amount stated

Screened limestone

Limestone dust

Sedimentary rock consisting largely of calcium carbonate and containing not more than 15% of magnesium expressed as MgO and of which 100% will pass through a sieve of 5mm, not less than 95% will pass through a sieve of 3.35mm and not less than 20% will pass through a 150 micron sieve.

Neutralising value

Amount of material as a percentage by weight that will pass through a 150 micron sieve

5.0% of amount stated

5.0% of amount stated

Coarse screened limestone

Coarse limestone dust

Sedimentary rock consisting largely of calcium carbonate and containing not more than 15% of magnesium expressed as MgO and of which 100% will pass through a sieve of 5mm, not less than 90% will pass through a sieve of 3.35mm and not less than 15% will pass through a 150 micron sieve.

Neutralising value

Amount of material as a percentage by weight that will pass through a 150 micron sieve

5.0% of amount stated

5.0% of amount stated

Magnesian ground limestone
Sedimentary rock consisting largely of calcium and magnesium carbonates and containing not less than 15% of magnesium as MgO and of which 100% will pass through a sieve of 5mm, not less than 95% will pass through a sieve of 3.35mm and not less than 40% will pass through a 150 micron sieve.

Neutralising value

Amount of material as a percentage by weight that will pass through a 150 micron sieve

5.0% of amount stated

5.0% of amount stated

Magnesian screened limestone
Sedimentary rock consisting largely of calcium and magnesium carbonates and containing not less than 15% of magnesium as MgO and of which 100% will pass through a sieve of 5mm, not less than 95% will pass through a sieve of 3.35mm and not less than 20% will pass through a 150 micron sieve.

Neutralising value

Amount of material as a percentage by weight that will pass through a 150 micron sieve

5.0% of amount stated

5.0% of amount stated

Coarse magnesian screened limestone

Coarse magnesian limestone dust

Sedimentary rock consisting largely of calcium and magnesium carbonates and containing not less than 15% of magnesium as MgO and of which 100% will pass through a sieve of 5mm, not less than 90% will pass through a sieve of 3.35mm and not less than 15% will pass through a 150 micron sieve.

Neutralising value

Amount of material as a percentage by weight that will pass through a 150 micron sieve

5.0% of amount stated

5.0% of amount stated

Pulverised shells
Pulverised calcareous sea shells of which 100% will pass through a sieve with a mesh of 6.3mm.
Neutralising value
5.0% of amount stated

Shell sand
Calcareous sea sand of which 100% will pass through a sieve with a mesh of 6.3mm.
Neutralising value
5.0% of amount stated

Mixed lime
A product resulting from mixing two or more forms of liming material specified in this schedule not being materials for which there is no minimum standard laid down in column 3 of this schedule or material produced during the manufacture of commercial burnt lime or hydrated lime.

Neutralising value

Amount of material as a percentage by weight that will pass through a sieve with a mesh of 6.3mm

5.0% of amount stated

5.0% of amount stated

Furnace slag
The unamended by-product of iron manufacture which has been reduced in size so that 100% will pass through a sieve with a mesh of 5mm, not less than 95% will pass through a sieve with a mesh of 3.35mm, and not less than 40% will pass through a 150 micron sieve.

Neutralising value

Amount of material as a percentage by weight that will pass through a 150 micron sieve

5.0% of amount stated

5.0% of amount stated

5(b)
Liming material named in accordance with Regulation 4(3)d

Any liming material not otherwise specified in Group 5(a) of Section A of this table and not injurious to plants or soil.

Neutralising value

Amount of material as a percentage by weight that will pass through a sieve with a mesh of 5mm

Amount of material as a percentage by weight that will pass through a sieve with a mesh of 3.35mm

Amount of material as a percentage by weight that will pass through a 150 micron sieve

5.0% of amount stated

5.0%of amount stated

5.0% of amount stated

5.0% of amount stated

SECTION B.COMPOUND FERTILISERS

SECTION C.FLUID FERTILISERS

SECTION D:FERTILISERS CONTAINING BORON, COBALT, COPPER, IRON, MANGANESE, MOLYBDENUM OR ZINC AS TRACE ELEMENTS

SECTION E:

FERTILISERS CONTAINING MAINLY CALCIUM, MAGNESIUM OR SULPHUR AS NUTRIENTS

Group
Name of Material
Meaning
Declarations
Limits of variation (absolute value in percentage by weight, except where stated)

1
2
3
4
5

Calcium sulphate

In addition usual trading names may be given

Product of natural or industrial origin containing as its essential ingredient calcium sulphate at various degrees of hydration, containing by weight:

1.  Not less than 25% calcium oxide

2.  Not less than 35% sulphur trioxide

Calcium and sulphur are expressed as total calcium oxide and sulphur trioxide.

Not less than 80% of the calcium sulphate should be able to pass through a 2 mm sieve.

Not less than 99% of the calcium sulphate should be able to pass through a 10 mm sieve.

Amount of total sulphur trioxide

Optional declaration

Amount of calcium oxide

0.9

0.9

Calcium chloride solution

Calcium chloride solution of industrial origin, containing not less than 12% calcium oxide.

Calcium is expressed as calcium oxide soluble in water.

Amount of calcium oxide

Optional declaration

for plant spraying

0.9

Elemental sulphur

Comparatively refined natural or industrial product containing not less than 98% sulphur (245% sulphur trioxide).

Sulphur is expressed as total sulphur trioxide.

Amount of total sulphur trioxide
0.9

Kieserite

In addition usual trading names may be given

Product of mineral origin containing monohydrated magnesium sulphate as its main component, containing by weight:

1.  Not less than 24% magnesium oxide

2.  Not less than 45% sulphur trioxide

Magnesium and sulphur expressed as magnesium oxide soluble in water and sulphur trioxide soluble in water.

Amount of magnesium oxide soluble in water

Optional declaration

Amount of sulphur trioxide soluble in water

0.9

0.9

Magnesium sulphate

In addition usual trading names may be given

Product containing heptahydrated magnesium sulphate as its main component and containing by weight:

1.  Not less than 15% magnesium oxide

2.  Not less than 28% sulphur trioxide

Magnesium and sulphur are expressed as magnesium oxide soluble in water and sulphur trioxide.

Amount of magnesium oxide soluble in water

Optional declaration

Amount of sulphur trioxide soluble in water

0.9

0.9

Magnesium chloride solution

Product obtained by dissolving magnesium chloride of industrial origin and containing by weight:

1.  Not less than 13% magnesium oxide

2.  Not more than 3% calcium oxide

Amount of magnesium oxide
0.9

Regulations 2, 5 and 8

SCHEDULE 2MANNER OF MARKING AND LABELLING MATERIALS AND FASTENING OF PACKAGED MATERIAL

PART IPROVISIONS AS TO THE MANNER OF MARKING MATERIAL

1.  The following markings shall be shown on the package, label or on the accompanying documents:—

(a)in the case of material sold or offered for sale designated as an EEC fertiliser, the words “EEC FERTILISER” in capital letters;

(b)the name of the material in accordance with regulation 4, modified as follows where necessary to indicate the presence of secondary nutrients and/or trace elements.Where the presence of one or more secondary nutrients is declared, the following shall be added “containing ... ... ... ...” followed by the name or names of the secondary nutrients or their chemical symbols in the order magnesium, sodium, sulphur.Where the presence of one or more trace elements is declared, one of the following shall be added:—

either

(i)
“with trace elements”,

or

(ii)
“with ... ... ... ...” followed by the name or names of the traceelement(s) or their chemical symbol(s).Where several trace elements are present they shall be listed in the alphabetical order of their chemical symbols:B Co Cu Fe Mn Mo Zn;

(c)in the case of materials specified in Groups 1(a), 2(a) and 3(a) of Section A and in Sections B and C of the table in Schedule 1, the numbers indicating the nutrient content.For materials specified in Groups 1 to 4 of the said Section B and Group 2 of Section C the numbers shall be set out in the same order as the names in the second column of the table.In the case of materials in Groups 5 and 6 of Section B and Groups 3 and 4 of Section C these shall relate to and be in the order N, P2O5, K2O; and, where appropriate, shall include a zero where no nutrient is present; where the presence of one or more secondary nutrients is declared, the figures indicating their contents may be added in parentheses after the numbers for N, P2O5 and K2O;

(d)save as provided in sub-paragraph (g) of this paragraph, the declared content in respect of each nutrient, and the declared content expressed as forms of nitrogen and solubilities of phosphorus pentoxide where these are specified in the fourth column of the table in Schedule 1.The declared content shall be expressed in the manner described in paragraphs 6, 7 and 8 of this Schedule and, in the case of materials specified in Section B and in Groups 2 or 3 of Section C, of the table in Schedule 1, shall be expressed in the order N, P2O5 (P) and K2O (K), as appropriate;

(e)the declared content of magnesium, sodium or sulphur or any mixture of these secondary nutrients, where they are present in accordance with the minimum levels laid down in table 1(b) of this Schedule.The declared content shall be expressed in the manner described in paragraphs 6, 7 and 8 of this Schedule;

(f)the declared content of any trace element, or mixture of trace elements added to the fertiliser as an ingredient in the course of manufacture or preparation for sale, where they are present in accordance with the minimum levels laid down in table 1(a) of this Schedule.The presence of trace elements which occur naturally in the fertiliser may also be declared if they meet the minimum levels set out in table 1(a) of this Schedule.The declared content shall be expressed in alphabetical order of the chemical name and in the manner described in paragraphs 6, 7 and 8 of this Schedule;

(g)in the case of materials specified in Group 5 of Section A of the table in Schedule 1, the declared neutralising value expressed as calcium oxide (CaO);

(h)where so indicated in the fourth column of the table in Schedule 1, the declared amount of material passing through the specified sieve expressed as a percentage by weight;

(i)except in the case of materials sold or offered for sale designated as EEC fertilisers, the name of any pesticide or herbicide;

(j)the name or trade name or trade mark and the address of the person established within the European Economic Community responsible for marketing the material;

(k)guaranteed weight for solid fertilisers and guaranteed volume for fluid fertilisers.Quantities of fluid fertiliser, sold or offered for sale as an EEC fertiliser, shall also be expressed by mass;

(l)in the case of fluid fertilisers, directions shall be given as to storage temperature and any special requirements as regards handling or treatment for the avoidance of accidents during storage or use;

(m)in the case of products specified in Section D of the table to Schedule 1 the following instruction—

“To be used only where there is recognised need.Do not exceed the appropriate application rates.”

2.  The following particulars may be shown on the package, label or on the accompanying documents:—

(a)any optional declaration specified in the fourth column of the table in Schedule 1;

(b)the manufacturer’s own mark, the trade mark of the product and the trade description of the product;

(c)specified directions for the storage, handling and use of the material.

3.  If an indication of the nutrient content, including secondary nutrients, is given in whole numbers as part of the trade description of the product without the words or appropriate chemical symbols to describe the nutrient content, the figures shall relate to and be in the order N, P2O5, K2O, MgO, Na2O, SO3 and for N, P2O5 and K2O may include a zero where no nutrient is present.

4.  When the markings referred to in paragraphs 2(b) and (c) are shown, they shall be clearly separated from and shall not conflict with those referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2(a).All the markings prescribed in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be clearly separated from any other information on the packages, labels and accompanying documents.

5.  Each of the markings referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall be shown:—

(a)clearly and legibly;

(b)in English;

(c)in a conspicuous position; and

(d)indelibly in writing, printing or stencilling.

6.  The content declared in accordance with paragraphs 1(d), 1(e) and 1(f) shall be indicated both in words and by the appropriate chemical symbol as follows:—

(a)Nitrogen (N)

(b)Phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5)

(c)Potassium oxide (K2O)

(d)Magnesium oxide (MgO)

(e)Calcium oxide (CaO)

(f)Sodium oxide (Na2O)

(g)Sulphur trioxide (SO3)

(h)Chlorine (Cl)

(i)Boron (B)

(j)Cobalt (Co)

(k)Copper (Cu)

(l)Iron (Fe)

(m)Manganese (Mn)

(n)Molybdenum (Mo)

(o)Zinc (Zn)

and where all or part of the trace element is chemically linked with an organic molecule named in table 2, the name of that element followed by “chelated by ... ... ... ...” followed by the name of the chelating agent or its abbreviation as set out in table 2 to this Schedule.

7.  The content expressed in terms of the elemental forms Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Sodium (Na) and Sulphur (S) shall be shown in parentheses alongside the oxide declarations referred to in paragraph 6.The following factors shall be used to convert the oxide numerical values to the elemental form:—

(a)Phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) × 0.436 = Phosphorus (P);

(b)Potassium oxide (K2O) × 0.83 = Potassium (K);

(c)Magnesium oxide (MgO) × 0.6 = Magnesium (Mg);

(d)Calcium oxide (CaO) × 0.715 = Calcium (Ca);

(e)Sodium oxide (Na2O) × 0.742 = Sodium (Na);

(f)Sulphur trioxide (SO3) × 0.400 = Sulphur (S).

8.  For basic slag, Thomas phosphates, Thomas slag, basic slag medium concentrations and granular basic slag the declared contents and solubilities of phosphorus pentoxide may be expressed as a range of 2% by weight.The forms of nitrogen and solubilities of phosphorus pentoxide shall also be expressed as percentages by weight of the material.Otherwise, and subject to paragraph 9 below, the declared contents referred to in paragraphs 6 and 7 shall be expressed as a percentage of the weight of the material and shall be given as whole numbers or, where necessary, to one decimal place.

For fertilisers in Sections A, B and C of the table in Schedule 1 for which a declaration of secondary nutrients or trace elements is made, the total amount expressed as a percentage by weight of the fertiliser shall be given.In addition the water soluble content shall also be expressed as a percentage by weight of the material where the soluble content is at least a quarter of the total content for secondary nutrients or a half of the total content for trace elements.Where the secondary nutrient or trace element is totally water soluble only the water soluble content shall be declared.Where all or part of the trace element is chemically linked with an organic molecule the chelated content of the trace element present in the material shall be declared immediately following the water soluble content, followed by the terms “chelated by” with the name of the organic molecule, as set out in table 2 to this Schedule, or its abbreviated form.

9.  In the case of fluid fertilisers, additional information on the fertilising components may be expressed in equivalent terms of weight versus volume (kilograms per hectolitre or grams per litre).In the case of fluid fertilisers which are for foliage spraying, the soluble calcium content may be declared if it is not less than 8% calcium oxide (5.7% calcium).

TABLE 1

(a). MINIMUM TRACE ELEMENT CONTENT (PERCENTAGE WEIGHT OF FERTILISER)

1. Applied to the soil
(a) Crops or grassland
(b) Horticultural use
2. Leaf Spray

Boron (B)
0.01
0.01
0.01

Cobalt (Co)
0.002

0.002

Copper (Cu)
0.01
0.002
0.002

Iron (Fe)
0.5
0.02
0.02

Manganese (Mn)
0.1
0.01
0.01

Molybdenum (Mo)
0.001
0.001
0.001

Zinc (Zn)
0.01
0.002
0.002

(b). MINIMUM SECONDARY NUTRIENT CONTENT (PERCENTAGE WEIGHT OF FERTILISER)

2% magnesium oxide (MgO) ie 1.2% Mg.

3% sodium oxide (Na2O) ie 2.2% Na.

5% sulphur trioxide (SO3) ie 2% S.

TABLE 2

CHELATING AGENTS FOR TRACE ELEMENTS

Name
Abbreviation
Chemical Symbols

Sodium potassium or ammonium salts or acid salts of:

ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid:
EDTA
C10H16O8N2

diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid:
DPTA
C14H23O10N3

ethylene diamine-di (O-hydroxyphenyl acetic) acid:
EDDHA
C18H20O6N2

hydroxy-2 ethylene diamine triacetic acid:
HEEDTA
C10H18O7N2

ethyldiamine-di (O-hydroxy P-methyl phenyl) acetic acid:
EDDHMA
C20H24N2O6

ethylene diamine di (5-carboxy-2-hydroxyphenyl) acetic acid:
EDDCHA
C20H20O10N2

PART IIREQUIREMENTS AS TO THE MANNER OF LABELLING MATERIAL AND FASTENING OF PACKAGED MATERIAL

1.  The prescribed markings specified in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part I of this Schedule shall be associated with the said material in one of the following ways:—

(a)in the case of fertilisers where the material is loose in heaps or bays, in such a manner that the markings are readily apparent and unequivocally associated with the material;

(b)in the case of fertilisers in containers, on the containers, or on labels held in place by whatever system is used for closing the container;

(c)in the case of fertilisers in any container holding more than 100 kg, the markings may be shown on documents accompanying the materials which, when so shown, shall be kept readily available for inspection.

2.  Except in the case of material sold or offered for sale designated as an EEC fertiliser, the label of a parcel to which paragraph (b) of subsection (2) of Section 68 relates shall bear the particulars which would, apart from that paragraph, be required to be contained in a statutory statement on the sale of that material.

3.  Each container shall be closed in such a way or by such a system that, when it is opened, the fastening, the fastening seal or container itself is irreparably damaged.When such a system consists of a lead or other type of seal, the seal shall bear the name or mark of the person responsible referred to in paragraph 1(j) of Part I of this Schedule.

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

1.  These Regulations, re-enact with amendments the Fertilisers Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1990.They implement the European Community Directives listed in paragraph 2 below and incorporate changes in the law which are described in paragraph 5 below.

2.  The Directives implemented are—

Council Directive 76/116/EEC (OJ No. L24, 30.1.76, p. 21) on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to fertilisers;

Council Directive 80/876/EEC (OJ No. L250, 23.9.80, p. 7) on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to straight ammonium nitrate fertilisers of high nitrogen content;

Council Directive 88/183/EEC (OJ No. L83, 29.3.88, p. 33) amending Directive 76/116/EEC in respect of fluid fertilisers;

Council Directive 89/284/EEC (OJ No. L111, 22.4.89, p. 34) supplementing and amending Directive 76/116/EEC in respect of the calcium, magnesium, sodium and sulphur content of fertilisers;

Council Directive 89/530/EEC (OJ No. L281, 30.9.89, p. 116) supplementing and amending Directive 76/116/EEC in respect of the trace elements boron, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and zinc contained in fertilisers.

3.  The Regulations specify the requirements which must be met before materials may be designated and sold as EEC fertilisers and apply also to materials intended for use as fertilisers which are not so designated (regulations 2 and 3).They prescribe names for and descriptions of such materials (regulations 4 and 5 and Schedule 1) and particulars and information to be given in the statutory statements required by law to be provided when such materials are sold for such use (regulation 5 and Schedule 2).The marking and labelling of materials held for sale are controlled by regulation 8 and Schedule 2.

4.  Special provision for the marking of certain imported materials is made in regulation 9.Regulation 10 provides for the use in certain cases of a mark, the meaning of which can be ascertained from a register kept in accordance with that regulation.The enforcement of certain provisions is provided for in regulation 11 and the use of metric measures in the sampling of materials is specified in regulation 12.Provisions in respect of EEC fluid fertilisers are to be found in regulations 4(1) and (5), 7(c), 9(c) and 10(1)(c), Section C of Schedule 1 and Part I of Schedule 2.

5.  The principal changes in the law consist of provisions relating to the declaration of the calcium, magnesium, sodium and sulphur content of EEC fertilisers and the incorporation in EEC fertilisers and declaration of the trace elements boron, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and zinc.These provisions are to be found in regulations 1(4) (interpretation) and 2(4) (packaging), Schedule 1, Sections D and E and Schedule 2, paragraphs 1(k), (l) and (m), 6 and 7.Provision is also made in the Table in Schedule 1 for EEC fertilisers kieserite with potassium sulphate and calcium nitrate solution.

6.  The Regulations come into operation on 18th May 1992, but subject to regulation 1(2) in the case of material, not designated as an EEC fertiliser, sold or offered for sale loose or in large containers before 1st June 1992 or in small containers before 1st February 1993.

7.  Any person who contravenes any provision of these Regulations shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 (£2,000) on the standard scale or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, or to both.

(1)
See definitions of “prescribed” and “regulations”

(2)
1970 c. 40; section 74A was inserted by s. 4(1) of, and paragraph 6 of Schedule 4 to the European Communities Act 1972 (c. 68) and there are other amendments to the Act not relevant to these Regulations

(3)
S.I. 1976/897

(4)
1972 c. 68; section 2 is subject to Schedule 2 to that Act and is to be read with S.I. 1984/703 (N.I. 3) and S.R. 1984 No. 253

(5)
1954 c. 33 (N.I.)

(6)
S.R. 1990/286