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1. Purpose
The purpose of this document is to outline regulatory requirements (including exemptions from registration) for customer formula fertilizers regulated under the Fertilizers Act and Regulations.
2. Exemption from registration
Customer formula fertilizer means a fertilizer prepared in accordance with a written formula that sets out the name, amount and guaranteed analysis of each active ingredient and the signature of the person for whose use for fertilizing purposes it has been prepared.
Customer formula fertilizers are exempt from registration under the Fertilizers Act. To satisfy the conditions of the exemption, a customer formula fertilizer must:
- be prepared in response to a written request from the person who will use the product for fertilizing purposes – it cannot be prepared in advance of that request in anticipation of a demand existing within the Canadian marketplace; and
- not contain seeds or growing media.
A customer formula fertilizer that contains a pesticide registered under the Pest Control Products Act for the purpose of the fertilizer mixture, a micronutrient, or both, is exempt from registration. In the case of a customer formula fertilizer that contains a pesticide, the pesticide must comply with the requirements of the act in respect of its approved use (including application rate, target crop, etc.).
A customer formula fertilizer that is mixed with or treated with an exempt or registered supplement (registered for the same intended end use as the final mixture), is regulated as an exempt mixture.
Mixtures containing customer formula fertilizers
Mixtures containing customer formula fertilizers are exempt from registration only if:
- each registerable supplement is registered for the proposed use of the mixture
- the directions for use of the mixture are consistent with those of the registered product (for example, target crop, use pattern, application rate, frequency and method) and
- all active ingredients in the mixture are either registered for the proposed use of the mixture or are exempt from registration (for example, exempt as a customer formula fertilizer and/or exempt supplement)
Mixtures containing customer formula fertilizers require registration if:
- the directions for use of a registered supplement product are not consistent with the proposed use of the mixture
- the mixture contains a product that requires registration but is not registered
The product proponent is responsible for ensuring that all ingredients in their products are compliant with the regulations – this includes ensuring that registered ingredients maintain valid registrations.
If a product is being sold as an exempt mixture that contains a registered product, and that registered ingredient's registration lapses or is cancelled, then the mixed product no longer meets all requirements of the mixtures exemption, would be out of compliance if found in the marketplace, and subject to enforcement action.
3. Standards
All customer-formula fertilizers must adhere to the safety standards outlined in Trade memorandum T-4-93 with respect to the product's composition and contaminant levels.
4. Labelling requirements
General labelling requirements as well as labelling requirements specific to customer formula fertilizers with and without intentionally incorporated micronutrients or pesticides are provided in Trade memorandum T-4-130.
5. Contact us
Fertilizer Safety Section
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Phone: 1-855-212-7695
Email: cfia.paso-bpdpm.acia@inspection.gc.ca