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Fertilisers

Volume 468: debated on Monday 26 November 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans he has to reduce the regulatory burden on the fertiliser sector; and if he will make a statement. (165507)

EC law governs the regulation of the fertiliser sector and this is set out in the EC Fertilisers Regulation 2003/2003. This regulation defines the composition and definition of all fertilisers which have been approved as EC designated fertilisers, and these can be freely traded within the EU. Every importer and manufacturer must ensure any fertiliser intended for sale in the EU complies with this regulation.

Work is under way to review and update the domestic Fertilisers Regulations 1991 which covers composition and labelling issues for fertilisers used within the UK. We are working closely with the fertiliser industry to ensure the updated regulations do not impose additional burdens on business.