UK tightens AN fert rules

Coming at a time when the autumn campaign for getting next year’s crops is in full swing, thousands of farming customers could be barred from placing orders for AN from the October 1 2023, unless they can first submit photo ID to the retailer.

The move has come about because The Home Office has amended the Control of Poisons and Explosives Precursors Regulations 2023 to introduce new substances to the lists of regulated explosives precursors and poisons. This means that any AN product with a nitrogen content of 16% or more, including compounds, blends and mixtures such as NPK fertiliser containing ammonium nitrate above the nitrogen content threshold, falls into the new regulations.

Readers of a certain age will no doubt remember that ammonium nitrate mixed with other freely available ingredients was the ‘go to’ for removing old tree stumps out on the farm, but more likely remember its effects during the troubles in Northern Ireland.

The new rules mean businesses supplying regulated explosives precursors to professional users and other businesses will need to take additional steps to verify the legitimacy of the individual or business.

The photo ID provided can be for anyone working for the farm business who is authorised to make the purchase.

A spokesperson for the AIC said, “While we will always support efforts to further minimise the public safety risks of fertiliser falling into the wrong hands, the Government has failed to understand how ammonium nitrate products are bought and sold within agriculture.

“Typically, fertiliser orders are often made by farmers and growers over the phone, not over a shop counter, making it impractical to meet the new requirement to show a passport, driving licence or other photo ID.

“We are concerned that unless farming customers can show distributors their photo ID, they legally will not be able to place an order and we may see a situation where there is a de facto ban on AN fertiliser sale from October.

“The AIC will be working with farming unions to ensure that the practicalities of this new legislation are better understood by farmers across the UK, making sure that they are well prepared for the changes.”