Farmers need photo ID to purchase fertiliser this spring

Since October 2023, it has been a legal requirement for farmers to prove their identity to their supplier as part of tighter regulations designed to prevent AN fertilisers from falling into the hands of terrorists and other criminals.

The Home Office amended the Control of Poisons and Explosives Precursors Regulations to include new substances on the lists of regulated explosives precursors and poisons, including AN with a nitrogen content of 16% or more.

This applies to compounds, blends and mixtures such as NPK fertiliser containing ammonium nitrate at or above the nitrogen content threshold. Visit the government’s website for full details of the regulations.

Photo ID and statement needed 

The new rules mean agri-supply businesses supplying regulated explosives precursors, including some fertiliser and crop protection products, will need to take strict steps to verify the legitimacy of an individual or business.

AIC‘s head of fertiliser, Jo Gilbertson, said: “Spring is a critical period for timely fertiliser applications, so it’s important that farmers are fully aware of these new requirements to avoid delays when purchasing the products they need.

“AIC has been working with farming unions to ensure that the practicalities of this revised legislation are fully understood by farmers across the UK, making sure that they are well prepared for the changes.”

A photo ID, such as a driving licence or passport, can be provided for anyone working for a farm business who is authorised to make the purchase. Suppliers are also legally required to take a written or verbal statement confirming that the purchaser is a professional user of AN fertilisers.

Agricultural suppliers are now legally obliged to confirm the identity of a customer and keep a record of their photo ID and statement before AN fertiliser can be sold, regardless of any prior relationship between supplier and farmer.

Resources

A free downloadable flyer has been produced by AIC to inform farming customers about new rules for ammonium nitrate fertilisers.

The downloadable A5 resource can be printed and displayed or offered to farmers and growers to raise awareness of the new legal requirement to provide photo ID when ordering ammonium nitrate fertilisers.

For further information and queries on the control of poisons and explosives precursors regulations, contact the Home Office’s chemical reporting team at ChemicalReportingTeam@homeoffice.gov.uk.

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