Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 laying down rules on the making available on the market of EU fertilising products and amending Regulations (EC) No 1069/2009 and (EC) No 1107/2009 and repealing Regulation (EC) No 2003/2003 (Text with EEA relevance)

• (a) the declared primary nutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) or potassium (K), by their chemical symbols in the order N-P-K;

• (b) where applicable, the declared secondary nutrients calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) or sulphur (S) by their chemical symbols in the order Ca-Mg-Na-S;

• (c) numbers indicating the content of the declared nutrients total nitrogen (N), total phosphorus in the form of phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) or total potassium in the form of potassium oxide (K2O), followed by numbers in brackets indicating the total content of calcium oxide (CaO), magnesium oxide (MgO), sodium oxide (Na2O) or sulphur trioxide (SO3);

• (d) the content of the following declared nutrients and other parameters, in the following order and as % by mass:
• (i) nitrogen (N):
• — total nitrogen (N);
• — minimum amount of organic nitrogen (Norg), followed by a description of the origin of the organic matter used;
• — nitrogen in the form of nitric nitrogen;
• — nitrogen in the form of ammoniacal nitrogen;
• — nitrogen in the form of urea nitrogen;
• (ii) phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5):
• — total phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5);
• — water-soluble phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5);
• — phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) soluble in neutral ammonium citrate;
• — where soft ground phosphate is present, phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) soluble in formic acid;
• (iii) potassium oxide (K2O):
• — total potassium oxide (K2O);
• — water soluble potassium oxide (K2O);
• (iv) calcium oxide (CaO), magnesium oxide (MgO), sodium oxide (Na2O) and sulphur trioxide (SO3), expressed:
• — where those nutrients are totally soluble in water, only as the content soluble in water;
• — where the soluble content of those nutrients is at least a quarter of the total content of those nutrients, as the total content and as the content soluble in water;
• — in other cases, as the total content;
• (v) organic carbon (Corg);
• (vi) dry matter,

• (e) where urea (CH4N2O) is present, information about the possible air quality impacts of the release of ammonia from the fertiliser use, and an invitation to users to apply appropriate remediation measures.

• 2.Where one or more of the micronutrients boron (B), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo) are present in the minimum content indicated as % by mass in the following table, they:

• — shall be declared if they are intentionally added to an organo-mineral fertiliser, and

• — may be declared in other cases:

Micronutrient	Content of micronutrient (% by mass)	Content of micronutrient (% by mass)	Content of micronutrient (% by mass)
Micronutrient	Solid organo-mineral fertiliser	Solid organo-mineral fertiliser	Liquid organo-mineral fertiliser
Micronutrient	Intended for use on crops or grassland	Intended for horticultural use	Liquid organo-mineral fertiliser
Boron (B)	0,01	0,01	0,01
Cobalt (Co)	0,002	n.a.	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

• 3.Where one or both of the micronutrients copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are present, without being intentionally added, in the minimum content indicated as % by mass in the following table, they may be declared:

Micronutrient	Content of micronutrient (% by mass)	Content of micronutrient (% by mass)	Content of micronutrient (% by mass)
Micronutrient	Solid organo-mineral fertiliser	Solid organo-mineral fertiliser	Liquid organo-mineral fertiliser
Micronutrient	Intended for use on crops or grassland	Intended for horticultural use	Liquid organo-mineral fertiliser
Copper (Cu)	0,01	0,002	0,002
Zinc (Zn)	0,01	0,002	0,002

• 4.Where copper (Cu) or zinc (Zn) is intentionally added to the organo-mineral fertiliser, the total content of copper (Cu) or zinc (Zn) shall be declared.

• 5.The micronutrients referred to in points 2, 3 and 4 shall be declared after the information on macronutrients. The following information shall be provided:

• (a) indication of the names and chemical symbols of the declared micronutrients, listed in the following order: boron (B), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn), followed by the names of their counter-ions when the declared micronutrients are intentionally added;

• (b) the total micronutrient content expressed as % by mass:
• — where those micronutrients are totally soluble in water, only as the content soluble in water;
• — where the soluble content of those micronutrients is at least a quarter of the total content of those micronutrients, as the total content and as the content soluble in water;
• — in other cases, as the total content;

• (c) where the declared micronutrients are chelated by chelating gent(s) or complexed by complexing agent(s):
• — the following qualifier as applicable, after the name and chemical identifier of the micronutrient: ‘chelated by [name of the chelating agent(s) or its(their) abbreviation]’/‘complexed by [name of the complexing agent(s) or its(their) abbreviation]’/‘chelated by [name of the chelating agent(s) or its(their) abbreviation] and complexed by [name of the complexing agent(s) or its (their) abbreviation]’;
• — the amount of chelated/complexed micronutrient(s) as % by mass;

• (ca) where the declared micronutrients are chelated by chelating agent(s), the pH range guaranteeing acceptable stability;

• (e) where micronutrients are intentionally added, the following statement: ‘To be used only where there is a recognised need. Do not exceed the application rate’.

• 6.Where an organo-mineral fertiliser has a cadmium (Cd) content equal to or lower than 20 mg/kg phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5), the statement ‘Low cadmium (Cd) content’ or similar, or a visual representation to that effect, may be added.

PFC 1(C): INORGANIC FERTILISER

PFC 1(C)(I): INORGANIC MACRONUTRIENT FERTILISER

• 1.The following information shall be provided:

• (a) where applicable, the declared primary nutrients nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) or potassium (K), by their chemical symbols in the order N-P-K;

• (b) where applicable, the declared secondary nutrients calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) or sulphur (S) by their chemical symbols in the order Ca-Mg-Na-S;

• (c) numbers indicating the content of the declared nutrients total nitrogen (N), total phosphorus in the form of phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) or total potassium in the form of potassium oxide (K2O), followed by numbers in brackets indicating the total content of calcium oxide (CaO), magnesium oxide (MgO), sodium oxide (Na2O) or sulphur trioxide (SO3);

• (d) the content of the following declared nutrients, in the following order and as % by mass:
• (i) nitrogen (N):
• — total nitrogen (N);
• — nitrogen in the form of nitric nitrogen;
• — nitrogen in the form of ammoniacal nitrogen;
• — nitrogen in the form of urea nitrogen;
• — nitrogen from urea formaldehyde, isobutylidenediurea, crotonylidenediurea;
• — nitrogen from cyanamide nitrogen;
• (ii) phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5):
• — total phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5);
• — water-soluble phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5);
• — phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) soluble in neutral ammonium citrate;
• — where soft ground phosphate is present, phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) soluble in formic acid;
• (iii) water soluble potassium oxide (K2O);
• (iv) calcium oxide (CaO), magnesium oxide (MgO), sodium oxide (Na2O) and sulphur trioxide (SO3), expressed:
• — where those nutrients are totally soluble in water, only as the content soluble in water;
• — where the soluble content of those nutrients is at least a quarter of the total content of those nutrients, as the total content and as the content soluble in water;
• — in other cases, as the total content;

• (e) where urea (CH4N2O) is present, information about the possible air quality impacts of the release of ammonia from the fertiliser use, and an invitation to users to apply appropriate remediation measures.

• 2.Where an inorganic macronutrient fertiliser has a cadmium (Cd) content equal to or lower than 20 mg/kg phosphorous pentoxide (P2O5), the statement ‘Low cadmium (Cd) content’ or similar, or a visual representation to that effect, may be added.

PFC 1(C)(I)(a): SOLID INORGANIC MACRONUTRIENT FERTILISER

• 1.A solid inorganic macronutrient fertiliser may be labelled ‘complex’ only if each physical unit contains all the declared nutrients in their declared content.

• 2.The granulometry of a solid inorganic macronutrient fertiliser shall be indicated, expressed as % by mass of the product passing through a determined sieve.

• 3.The form of the physical unit of the product shall be indicated with one, or a combination of two or more, of the following mentions:

• (a) granules,

• (b) pellets,

• (c) powder, where at least 90 % by mass of the product can pass through a sieve with a mesh of 1 mm, or

• (d) prills,

• 4.For coated solid inorganic macronutrient fertilisers, the name of the coating agents and the percentage of fertiliser coated by each coating agent shall be indicated and followed by:

• (a) for polymer coated solid inorganic macronutrient fertilisers, the following marking: ‘The rate of nutrient releases can vary according to the temperature of the substrate. An adjustment of fertilisation may be necessary’; and

• (b) for sulphur (S) coated solid inorganic macronutrient fertilisers and sulphur (S)/polymer coated solid inorganic macronutrient fertilisers, the following marking: ‘The rate of nutrient release can vary according to the temperature of the substrate and the biological activity. An adjustment of fertilisation may be necessary’.

• 5.Where one or more of the micronutrients boron (B), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo) are present in the minimum content indicated in the following table as % by mass, they:

• — shall be declared if they are intentionally added to the solid inorganic macronutrient fertiliser, and

• — may be declared in other cases:

Micronutrient	Content of micronutrients (% by mass)	Content of micronutrients (% by mass)
Micronutrient	Intended for use on crops or grassland	Intended for horticultural use
Boron (B)	0,01	0,01
Cobalt (Co)	0,002	n.a.
Iron (Fe)	0,5	0,02
Manganese (Mn)	0,1	0,01
Molybdenum (Mo)	0,001	0,001

• 6.Where one or both of the micronutrients copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are present, without being intentionally added, in the minimum content indicated as % by mass in the following table, they may be declared:

Micronutrient	Content of micronutrients (% by mass)	Content of micronutrients (% by mass)
Micronutrient	Intended for use on crops or grassland	Intended for horticultural use
Copper (Cu)	0,01	0,002
Zinc (Zn)	0,01	0,002

• 7.Where copper (Cu) or zinc (Zn) is intentionally added to the solid inorganic macronutrient fertiliser the total content of copper (Cu) or zinc (Zn) shall be declared.

• 8.The micronutrients referred to in points 5, 6 and 7 shall be declared after the information on macronutrients. The following information shall be provided:

• (a) indication of the names and chemical symbols of the declared micronutrients, listed in the following order: boron (B), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn), followed by the names of their counter-ions when the declared micronutrients are intentionally added;

• (b) the total micronutrient content expressed as % by mass:
• — where those micronutrients are totally soluble in water, only as the content soluble in water;
• — where the soluble content of those micronutrients is at least a quarter of the total content of those micronutrients, as the total content and as the content soluble in water;
• — in other cases, as the total content;

• (c) where the declared micronutrients are chelated by chelating agent(s) or complexed by complexing agent(s):
• — the following qualifier, as applicable, after the name and chemical identifier of the micronutrient: ‘chelated by [name of the chelating agent(s) or its(their) abbreviation]’/‘complexed by [name of the complexing agent(s) or its(their) abbreviation]’/‘chelated by [name of the chelating agent(s) or its(their) abbreviation] and complexed by [name of the complexing agent(s) or its (their) abbreviation]’;
• — the amount of chelated/complexed micronutrient(s) as % by mass;

• (ca) where the declared micronutrients are chelated by chelating agent(s), the pH range guaranteeing acceptable stability;

• (e) where micronutrients are intentionally added, the following statement: ‘To be used only where there is a recognised need. Do not exceed the application rate’.

PFC 1(C)(I)(b): LIQUID INORGANIC MACRONUTRIENT FERTILISER

• 1.The label shall indicate whether the liquid inorganic macronutrient fertiliser is in suspension or in solution.

• 2.The nutrient content may be indicated as % by mass or volume.

• 3.Where one or more of the micronutrients boron (B), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo) are present in the minimum content indicated in the following table as % by mass, they:

• — shall be declared if they are intentionally added to the liquid inorganic macronutrient fertiliser, and

• — may be declared in other cases:

Micronutrient	Content of micronutrient (% by mass)
Boron (B)	0,01
Cobalt (Co)	0,002
Iron (Fe)	0,02
Manganese (Mn)	0,01
Molybdenum (Mo)	0,001

• 4.Where one or both of the micronutrients copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) are present, without being intentionally added, by at least 0,002 % by mass, they may be declared.

• 5.Where copper (Cu) or zinc (Zn) is intentionally added to the liquid inorganic macronutrient fertiliser the total content of copper (Cu) or zinc (Zn) shall be declared.

• 6.The micronutrients referred to in points 3, 4 and 5 shall be declared after the information on macronutrients. The following information shall be provided:

• (a) indication of the names and chemical symbols of the declared micronutrients, listed in the following order: boron (B), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn), followed by the names of their counter-ions when the declared micronutrients are intentionally added;

• (b) the total micronutrient content expressed as % by mass or volume:
• — where those micronutrients are totally soluble in water, only as the content soluble in water;
• — where the soluble content of those micronutrients is at least a quarter of the total content of those micronutrients, as the total content and as the content soluble in water;
• — in other cases, as the total content;

• (c) where the declared micronutrients are chelated by chelating agent(s) or complexed by complexing agent(s):
• — the following qualifier, as applicable, after the name and chemical identifier of the micronutrient: ‘chelated by [name of the chelating agent(s) or its(their) abbreviation]’/‘complexed by [name of the complexing agent(s) or its(their) abbreviation]’/‘chelated by [name of the chelating agent(s) or its(their) abbreviation] and complexed by [name of the complexing agent(s) or its (their) abbreviation]’;
• — the amount of chelated/complexed micronutrient(s) as % by mass;

• (ca) where the declared micronutrients are chelated by chelating agent(s), the pH range guaranteeing acceptable stability;

• (e) where micronutrients are intentionally added, the following statement: ‘To be used only where there is a recognised need. Do not exceed the application rate’.

PFC 1(C)(II): INORGANIC MICRONUTRIENT FERTILISER

• 1.The declared micronutrients in the inorganic micronutrient fertiliser shall be listed by their names and chemical symbols of the declared micronutrients, in the following order: boron (B), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn), followed by the names of their counter-ions when the declared micronutrients are intentionally added.

• 2.Where the declared micronutrients are chelated by chelating agent(s) and each chelating agent can be identified and quantified and chelates at least 1 % water-soluble micronutrient, or the declared micronutrients are complexed by complexing agent(s), the following qualifiers shall be added, as applicable, after the name and chemical identifier of the micronutrient:

• — ‘chelated by [name of the chelating agent(s) or its(their) abbreviation]’/‘complexed by [name of the complexing agent(s) or its(their) abbreviation]’/‘chelated by [name of the chelating agent(s) or its(their) abbreviation] and complexed by [name of the complexing agent(s) or its (their) abbreviation]’,

• — the amount of chelated/complexed micronutrient(s) as % by mass.

• 2a.Where the declared micronutrients are chelated by chelating agent(s), the pH range guaranteeing acceptable stability shall be indicated.

• 4.The following statement shall appear: ‘To be used only where there is a recognised need. Do not exceed the application rate’.

PFC 1(C)(II)(a): STRAIGHT INORGANIC MICRONUTRIENT FERTILISER

• 1.The label shall indicate the relevant typology, as referred to in the table under PFC 1(C)(II)(a) in Part II of Annex I.

• 2.The total micronutrient content shall be expressed as % by mass:

• — where the micronutrient is totally soluble in water, only as the content soluble in water;

• — where the soluble content of the micronutrient is at least a quarter of the total content of that micronutrient, as the total content and as the content soluble in water;

• — in other cases, as the total content.

PFC 1(C)(II)(b): COMPOUND INORGANIC MICRONUTRIENT FERTILISER

• 1.Micronutrients may be declared only if they are present in the minimum content indicated in the following table as % by mass:

Micronutrient	Content of micronutrient (% by mass)	Content of micronutrient (% by mass)
Micronutrient	Non-chelated, non-complexed	Chelated or complexed
Boron (B)	0,2	n.a.
Cobalt (Co)	0,02	0,02
Copper (Cu)	0,5	0,1
Iron (Fe)	2	0,3
Manganese (Mn)	0,5	0,1
Molybdenum (Mo)	0,02	n.a.
Zinc (Zn)	0,5	0,1

• 2.If the compound inorganic micronutrient fertiliser is in suspension or in solution, the label shall indicate ‘in suspension’ or ‘in solution’, as relevant.

• 3.The total micronutrient content shall be expressed as % by mass:

• — where the micronutrients are totally soluble in water, only as the content soluble in water;

• — where the soluble content of the micronutrients is at least half of the total content of those micronutrients, as the total content and as the content soluble in water;

• — in other cases, as the total content.

PFC 2: LIMING MATERIAL

The following parameters shall be declared in the following order:

• — neutralising value;

• — granulometry, expressed as % by mass of product passing through a sieve of 1,0 mm;

• — total calcium oxide (CaO), expressed as % by mass;

• — total magnesium oxide (MgO), expressed as % by mass;

• — reactivity and method of determination of reactivity, except for oxide and hydroxide limes.

PFC 3: SOIL IMPROVER

• 1.The dry matter content expressed as % by mass shall be declared.

• 2.The following nutrients expressed as % by mass shall be declared, if exceeding 0,5 % by mass: nitrogen (N), phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) and potassium oxide (K2O).

PFC 3(A): ORGANIC SOIL IMPROVER

The following parameters shall be declared:

• — pH;

• — electrical conductivity, given as mS/m;

• — organic carbon (Corg) content, expressed as % by mass;

• — minimum amount of organic nitrogen (Norg), expressed as % by mass, followed by a description of the origin of the organic matter used;

• — the ratio of organic carbon to total nitrogen (Corg/N).

PFC 4: GROWING MEDIUM

The following parameters shall be declared in the following order:

• — electrical conductivity given as mS/m, except for mineral wool;

• — pH;

• — quantity: — for mineral wool, expressed as number of pieces and the three dimensions length, height, and width; — for other pre-shaped growing media, expressed as size in at least two dimensions; — for other growing media, expressed as total volume; — except for pre-shaped growing media, quantity expressed as volume of materials with a particle size greater than 60 mm, when present;

• — nitrogen (N) extractable by CaCl2/DTPA (calcium chloride/ diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid; ‘CAT-soluble’), if above 150 mg/l;

• — phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) extractable by CaCl2/DTPA (calcium chloride/ diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid; ‘CAT-soluble’), if above 20 mg/l;

• — potassium oxide (K2O) extractable by CaCl2/DTPA (calcium chloride/ diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid; ‘CAT-soluble’), if above 150 mg/l;

• — production date.

PFC 5: INHIBITOR

• 1.All ingredients shall be declared by product weight or volume in descending order of magnitude.

• 2.The content of the inhibiting compound(s) as % by mass or volume shall be declared.

• 3.The use instructions referred to in point 1(d) in Part I of this Annex shall contain information on:

• (a) the types of EU fertilising products with which the inhibitor may be mixed, in particular:
• (i) for the nitrification inhibitor referred to in PFC 5(A) in Part II of Annex I, an EU fertilising product in which at least 50 % of the total nitrogen (N) content consists of the nitrogen (N) forms ammonium (NH4 ⁺) and urea (CH4N2O);
• (ii) for the urease inhibitor referred to in PFC 5(C) in Part II of Annex I, an EU fertilising product in which at least 50 % of the total nitrogen (N) content consists of the nitrogen (N) form urea (CH4N2O);

• (b) the minimum and maximum recommended concentration of inhibiting compound(s) when mixed with a fertiliser prior to its use:
• (i) for the nitrification inhibitor referred to in PFC 5(A) in Part II of Annex I, as a % by mass of the total nitrogen (N) present as ammonium nitrogen (NH4 ⁺) and urea nitrogen (CH4N2O);
• (ii) for the denitrification inhibitor referred to in PFC 5(B) in Part II of Annex I, as a % by mass of the nitrate (NO3 ^-) present;
• (iii) for the urease inhibitor referred to in PFC 5(C) in Part II of Annex I, as a % by mass of the total nitrogen (N) present as urea nitrogen (CH4N2O).

PFC 6: PLANT BIOSTIMULANT

The following information shall be provided:

• (a) physical form;

• (b) production and expiry date;

• (c) application method(s);

• (d) effect claimed for each target plant; and

• (e) any relevant instructions related to the efficacy of the product, including soil management practices, chemical fertilisation, incompatibility with plant protection products, recommended spraying nozzles size, sprayer pressure and other anti-drift measures.

PFC 6(A): MICROBIAL PLANT BIOSTIMULANT

All intentionally added micro-organisms shall be indicated. Where the micro-organism has several strains, the intentionally added strains shall be indicated. Their concentration shall be expressed as the number of active units per volume or weight, or in any other manner that is relevant to the micro-organism, e.g. colony forming units per gram (cfu/g).

The label shall contain the following phrase: ‘Micro-organisms may have the potential to provoke sensitising reactions’.

PFC 7: FERTILISING PRODUCT BLEND

All the labelling requirements applicable to all component EU fertilising products apply to the fertilising product blend, and shall be expressed in relation to the final fertilising product blend.

Where the fertilising product blend contains one or more plant biostimulants belonging to PFC 6, the concentration of each plant biostimulant in the blend shall be indicated in g/kg or g/l at 20 °C.

Where the fertilising product blend contains one or more inhibitors belonging to PFC 5, the use instructions referred to in point 3 in PFC 5 in Part II of this Annex shall not be added.

PART III

TOLERANCE RULES

• 1.The declared nutrient content or physico-chemical characteristics of an EU fertilising product may deviate from the actual value only in accordance with the tolerances established in this Part for the relevant PFC. The tolerances are intended to allow for deviations in manufacture, in the distribution chain, and during sampling and analysis.

• 2.The tolerances allowed in respect of the declared parameters indicated in this Part are negative and positive values.

• 3.By derogation from point 1, the actual content of a component, in an EU fertilising product, for which a minimum or a maximum content is specified in Annex I or Annex II may never be lower than the minimum content or exceed the maximum content.

PFC 1: FERTILISER

The following tolerance rules apply to fertilisers containing nitrification, denitrification or urease inhibiting compounds, as specified in CMC 1 in Part II of Annex II:

Inhibiting compounds	Permissible tolerance for the declared content of inhibiting compounds
Concentration below or equal to 2 %	± 20 % of the declared value
Concentration of more than 2 %	± 0,3 percentage points in absolute terms

PFC 1(A): ORGANIC FERTILISER

Forms of the declared nutrient and other declared parameters	Permissible tolerance for the declared nutrient content and other declared parameters
Organic carbon (Corg)	± 20 % relative deviation of the declared value up to a maximum of 2,0 percentage points in absolute terms
Dry matter content	± 5,0 percentage points in absolute terms
Total nitrogen (N)	± 50 % relative deviation of the declared value up to a maximum of 1,0 percentage point in absolute terms
Organic nitrogen (Norg)	± 50 % relative deviation of the declared value up to a maximum of 1,0 percentage point in absolute terms
Total phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5)	± 50 % relative deviation of the declared value up to a maximum of 1,0 percentage point in absolute terms
Total potassium oxide (K2O)	± 50 % relative deviation of the declared value up to a maximum of 1,0 percentage point in absolute terms
Total and water-soluble magnesium oxide (MgO), calcium oxide (CaO), sulphur trioxide(SO3) or sodium oxide (Na2O)	± 25 % of the declared content of those nutrients up to a maximum of 1,5 percentage points in absolute terms
Organic carbon (Corg)/total nitrogen (N)	± 20 % relative deviation of the declared value up to a maximum of 2,0 percentage points in absolute terms
Quantity	± 1,5 % relative deviation of the declared value

PFC 1(B): ORGANO-MINERAL FERTILISER

Forms of the declared nutrient and other declared parameters	Permissible tolerance for the declared macronutrient content and other declared parameters
Organic carbon (Corg)	± 20 % relative deviation of the declared value up to a maximum of 2,0 percentage points in absolute terms
Dry matter content	± 5,0 percentage points in absolute terms
Declared forms of inorganic nitrogen (N)	± 25 % relative deviation of the declared value up to a maximum of 2,0 percentage points in absolute terms
Organic nitrogen (Norg)	± 50 % relative deviation of the declared value up to a maximum of 1,0 percentage point in absolute terms
Declared forms of phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5)	± 25 % relative deviation of the declared value up to a maximum of 1,5 percentage points in absolute terms
Declared forms of potassium oxide (K2O)	± 25 % relative deviation of the declared value up to a maximum of 1,5 percentage points in absolute terms
Total and water-soluble magnesium oxide (MgO), calcium oxide (CaO), sulphur trioxide (SO3)	± 25 % of the declared content of those nutrients up to a maximum of 1,0 percentage point in absolute terms
Total and water-soluble sodium oxide (Na2O)	± 25 % of the declared content up to a maximum of 0,9 percentage point in absolute terms
Quantity	± 1,5 % relative deviation of the declared value
Micronutrient	Permissible tolerance for the declared content of forms of micronutrient
---	---
Concentration below or equal to 2 %	± 20 % of the declared value
Concentration of more than 2 % and below or equal to 10 %	± 20 % of the declared value up to a maximum of 1,0 percentage point in absolute terms
Concentration of more than 10 %	± 1,0 percentage point in absolute terms

PFC 1(C): INORGANIC FERTILISER

Forms of the declared nutrient and other declared parameters	Permissible tolerance for the declared macronutrient content and other declared parameters
Declared forms of nitrogen (N)	± 25 % relative deviation of the declared value up to a maximum of 2 percentage points in absolute terms
Declared forms of phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5)	± 25 % relative deviation of the declared value up to a maximum of 2 percentage points in absolute terms
Declared forms of potassium oxide (K2O)	± 25 % relative deviation of the declared value up to a maximum of 2 percentage points in absolute terms
Declared forms of nitrogen (N), phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) or potassium oxide (K2O) in binary fertilisers	± 1,5 percentage points in absolute terms
Declared forms of nitrogen (N), phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) or potassium oxide (K2O) in tertiary fertilisers	± 1,9 percentage points in absolute terms
Total and water-soluble magnesium oxide (MgO), calcium oxide (CaO), sulphur trioxide (SO3)	-50 and +100 % relative deviation of the declared content of those nutrients up to a maximum of -2 and + 4 percentage points in absolute terms
Total and water soluble sodium oxide (Na2O)	– 25 % of the declared content up to a maximum of 0,9 percentage point in absolute terms + 50 % of the declared content up to a maximum of 1,8 percentage points in absolute terms
Granulometry	± 20 % relative deviation of the declared percentage of material passing a specific sieve
Quantity	± 1 % relative deviation of the declared value for products belonging to PFC 1(C)(I) ± 5 % relative deviation of the declared value for products belonging to PFC 1(C)(II)
Micronutrient	Permissible tolerance for the declared content of forms of micronutrient
---	---
Concentration below or equal to 2 %	± 50 % of the declared value
Concentration of more than 2 % and below or equal to 10 %	± 50 % of the declared value up to a maximum of 1,0 percentage point in absolute terms
Concentration of more than 10 %	± 1,0 percentage point in absolute terms

PFC 2: LIMING MATERIAL

Forms of the declared nutrient and other declared parameters	Permissible tolerances for the declared parameter
Neutralising value	± 3
Granulometry	± 10 % relative deviation of the declared percentage of material passing a specific sieve.
Total calcium oxide (CaO)	± 3,0 percentage points in absolute terms
Total magnesium oxide (MgO)
Concentration below 8 %	± 1,0 percentage point in absolute terms
Concentration between 8 to 16 %	± 2,0 percentage points in absolute terms
Concentration above or equal to 16 %	± 3,0 percentage points in absolute terms
Reactivities (hydrochloric acid test and incubation test)	± 5,0 percentage points in absolute terms
Quantity	± 1 % relative deviation of the declared value

PFC 3: SOIL IMPROVER

Forms of the declared nutrient and other declared parameters	Permissible tolerances for the declared parameter
pH	± 1,0 of the declared value
Organic carbon (Corg)	± 10 % relative deviation of the declared value up to a maximum of 3,0 percentage points in absolute terms
Organic nitrogen (Norg)	± 50 % relative deviation of the declared value up to a maximum of 1,0 percentage point in absolute terms
Total nitrogen (N)	± 20 % relative deviation up to a maximum of 1,0 percentage point in absolute terms
Total phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5)	± 20 % relative deviation up to a maximum of 1,0 percentage point in absolute terms
Total potassium oxide (K2O)	± 20 % relative deviation up to a maximum of 1,0 percentage point in absolute terms
Dry matter content	± 10 % relative deviation of the declared value
Quantity	± 5 % relative deviation of the declared value
Electrical conductivity	± 75 % relative deviation of the declared value

PFC 4: GROWING MEDIUM

Forms for the declared nutrient and other declared parameters	Permissible tolerances for the declared parameter
Electrical conductivity	± 75 % relative deviation of the declared value
pH	± 1,0 of the declared value
Quantity by volume (litres or m3)	± 5 % relative deviation of the declared value
Quantity (volume) determination of materials with particle size greater than 60 mm	± 5 % relative deviation of the declared value
Quantity (volume) determination of pre-shaped growing medium	± 5 % relative deviation of the declared value
Nitrogen (N) extractable by CaCl2/DTPA (calcium chloride/ diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid; ‘CAT-soluble’)	± 75 % relative deviation of the declared value
Phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) extractable by CaCl2/DTPA (calcium chloride/ diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid; ‘CAT-soluble’)	± 75 % relative deviation of the declared value
Potassium oxide (K2O) extractable by CaCl2/DTPA (calcium chloride/ diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid; ‘CAT-soluble’)	± 75 % relative deviation of the declared value

PFC 5: INHIBITOR

Inhibiting compound	Permissible tolerance for the declared content of inhibiting compound
Concentration below or equal to 2 %	± 20 % of the declared value
Concentration of more than 2 %	± 10 % of the declared value up to a maximum of ± 2 % in absolute terms

Quantity: ± 5 % relative deviation of the declared value

PFC 6: PLANT BIOSTIMULANT

The quantity of a plant biostimulant may deviate by ± 5 %.from the declared value.

PFC 6(A): MICROBIAL PLANT BIOSTIMULANT

The actual concentration(s) of micro-organisms may deviate by no more than 15 % from the declared value(s).

PFC 7: FERTILISING PRODUCT BLEND

Declared parameter	Permissible tolerance for the declared parameter
Quantity	the tolerance is the sum of the relative proportion of each component EU fertilising product multiplied by the tolerance for the PFC for that fertilising product. If the proportion of each EU fertilising product in the fertilising product blend cannot be determined, the tolerance is that of the PFC with the strictest quantity tolerance value.

Where the fertilising product blend contains one or more plant biostimulants belonging to PFC 6, the following tolerances shall apply for the declared concentration of each plant biostimulant:

Declared concentration in g/kg or g/l at 20 °C	Permissible tolerance
Up to 25	± 15 % relative deviation
More than 25 up to 100	± 10 % relative deviation
More than 100 up to 250	± 6 % relative deviation
More than 250 up to 500	± 5 % relative deviation
More than 500	± 25 g/kg or ± 25 g/l

ANNEX IV

Conformity assessment procedures

PART I

APPLICABILITY OF CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES

This Part sets out the applicability of conformity assessment procedure modules, as specified in Part II of this Annex, to EU fertilising products depending on their CMCs as specified in Annex II, and their PFCs as specified in Annex I.

1. APPLICABILITY OF INTERNAL PRODUCTION CONTROL (MODULE A)

• 1.1.Module A may be used for an EU fertilising product composed solely of one or more of the following component materials:

• (a) virgin material substances or mixtures as specified in CMC 1 in Part II of Annex II, except a nitrification, a denitrification or a urease inhibiting compound,

• (b) fresh crop digestates as specified in CMC 4 in Part II of Annex II,

• (c) food industry by-products as specified in CMC 6 in Part II of Annex II,

• (e) nutrient polymers as specified in CMC 8 in Part II of Annex II,

• (f) by-products within the meaning of Directive 2008/98/EC as specified in CMC 11 in Part II of Annex II.

• 1.2.Module A may also be used for a fertilising product blend as specified in PFC 7.

• 1.3.By derogation from points 1.1 and 1.2, Module A must not be used for:

• (a) a straight or compound solid inorganic macronutrient ammonium nitrate fertiliser of high nitrogen content, as specified in PFC 1(C)(I)(a)(i-ii)(A), or a fertilising product blend as specified in PFC 7 containing 28 % or more by mass of nitrogen (N) from an EU fertilising product belonging to PFC 1(C)(I)(a)(i-ii)(A),

• (b) an inhibitor as specified in PFC 5, or

• (c) a plant biostimulant as specified in PFC 6.

2. APPLICABILITY OF INTERNAL PRODUCTION CONTROL PLUS SUPERVISED PRODUCT TESTING (MODULE A1)

Module A1 shall be used for a straight or compound solid inorganic macronutrient ammonium nitrate fertiliser of high nitrogen content, as specified in PFC 1(C)(I)(a)(i-ii)(A), and for a fertilising product blend as specified in PFC 7 containing 28 % or more by mass of nitrogen (N) from an EU fertilising product belonging to PFC 1(C)(I)(a)(i-ii)(A).

3. APPLICABILITY OF EU-TYPE EXAMINATION (MODULE B) FOLLOWED BY CONFORMITY TO TYPE BASED ON INTERNAL PRODUCTION CONTROL (MODULE C)

• 3.1.Module B followed by Module C may be used for an EU fertilising product composed solely of one or more of the following component materials:

• (a) nitrification, denitrification or urease inhibiting compound as specified in CMC 1 in Part II of Annex II,

• (b) plants, plant parts or plant extracts as specified in CMC 2 in Part II of Annex II,

• (ba) micro-organisms as specified in CMC 7 in Part II of Annex II,

• (c) polymers other than nutrient polymers as specified in CMC 9 in Part II of Annex II,

• (d) derived products within the meaning of Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 as specified in CMC 10 in Part II of Annex II,

• (e) CMCs referred to in point 1.1 of this Part.

• 3.2.Module B followed by Module C may also be used for a fertilising product blend as specified in PFC 7.

• 3.3.By derogation from points 3.1 and 3.2, Module B followed by Module C must not be used for a straight or compound solid inorganic macronutrient ammonium nitrate fertiliser of high nitrogen content, as specified in PFC 1(C)(I)(a)(i-ii)(A), or a fertilising product blend as specified in PFC 7 containing 28 % or more by mass of nitrogen (N) from an EU fertilising product belonging to PFC 1(C)(I)(a)(i-ii)(A).

4. APPLICABILITY OF QUALITY ASSURANCE OF THE PRODUCTION PROCESS (MODULE D1)

• 4.1.Module D1 may be used for any EU fertilising product.

• 4.2.By derogation from point 4.1, Module D1 must not be used for a straight or compound solid inorganic macronutrient ammonium nitrate fertiliser of high nitrogen content, as specified in PFC 1(C)(I)(a)(i-ii)(A), or a fertilising product blend as specified in PFC 7 containing 28 % or more by mass of nitrogen (N) from an EU fertilising product belonging to PFC 1(C)(I)(a)(i-ii)(A).

PART II

DESCRIPTION OF CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES

MODULE A – INTERNAL PRODUCTION CONTROL

1. Description of the module

Internal production control is the conformity assessment procedure whereby the manufacturer fulfils the obligations laid down under points 2, 3 and 4, and ensures and declares on his or her sole responsibility that the EU fertilising products concerned satisfy the requirements of this Regulation that apply to them.

2. Technical documentation

• 2.1.The manufacturer shall establish the technical documentation. The documentation shall make it possible to assess the EU fertilising product’s conformity with the relevant requirements, and shall include an adequate analysis and assessment of the risk(s).

• 2.2.The technical documentation shall specify the applicable requirements and cover, as far as relevant for the assessment, the design, manufacture and intended use of the EU fertilising product. The technical documentation shall contain, where applicable, at least the following elements:

• (a) a general description of the EU fertilising product, the PFC corresponding to the claimed function of the EU fertilising product and description of the intended use,

• (b) a list of component materials used, the CMCs as referred to in Annex II to which they belong and information about their origin or manufacturing process,

• (c) the EU declarations of conformity for the component EU fertilising products of the fertilising product blend,

• (d) drawings, schemes, descriptions and explanations necessary for the understanding of the manufacturing process of the EU fertilising product,

• (e) a specimen of the label or the leaflet, or both, referred to in Article 6(7)containing the information required in accordance with Annex III,

• (f) a list of the harmonised standards referred to in Article 13, common specifications referred to in Article 14 and/or other relevant technical specifications applied. In the event of partly applied harmonised standards or common specifications, the technical documentation shall specify the parts which have been applied,

• (g) results of calculations made, examinations carried out, etc.,

• (h) test reports,

• (i) where the EU fertilising product contains or consists of by-products within the meaning of Directive 2008/98/EC, technical and administrative evidence that the by-products comply with the criteria established by delegated act referred to in Article 42(7) of this Regulation, and with the national measures transposing Article 5(1) of Directive 2008/98/EC and, where applicable, implementing acts referred to in Article 5(2) or national measures adopted under Article 5(3) of that Directive,

• (j) where the EU fertilising product contains total chromium (Cr) above 200 mg/kg dry matter, information about the maximum quantity and exact source of total chromium (Cr).

3. Manufacturing

The manufacturer shall take all measures necessary so that the manufacturing process and its monitoring ensure compliance of the manufactured EU fertilising products with the technical documentation referred to under point 2 and with the requirements of this Regulation that apply to them.

4. CE marking and EU declaration of conformity

• 4.1.The manufacturer shall affix the CE marking to each individual packaging of the EU fertilising product that satisfies the applicable requirements of this Regulation, or, where it is supplied without packaging, in a document accompanying the EU fertilising product.

• 4.2.The manufacturer shall draw up a written EU declaration of conformity for an EU fertilising product or type and keep it together with the technical documentation at the disposal of the national authorities for 5 years after the EU fertilising product has been placed on the market. The EU declaration of conformity shall identify the EU fertilising product or type for which it has been drawn up.

• 4.3.A copy of the EU declaration of conformity shall be made available to the relevant authorities upon request.

5. Authorised representative

The manufacturer’s obligations set out under point 4 may be fulfilled by his or her authorised representative, on his or her behalf and under his or her responsibility, provided that they are specified in the mandate.

MODULE A1 – INTERNAL PRODUCTION CONTROL PLUS SUPERVISED PRODUCT TESTING

1. Description of the module

Internal production control plus supervised product testing is the conformity assessment procedure whereby the manufacturer fulfils the obligations laid down under points 2, 3, 4, and 5, and ensures and declares on his or her sole responsibility that the EU fertilising products concerned satisfy the requirements of this Regulation that apply to them.

2. Technical documentation

• 2.1.The manufacturer shall establish the technical documentation. The documentation shall make it possible to assess the EU fertilising product’s conformity with the relevant requirements, and shall include an adequate analysis and assessment of the risk(s).

• 2.2.The technical documentation shall specify the applicable requirements and cover, as far as relevant for the assessment, the design, manufacture and intended use of the EU fertilising product. The technical documentation shall contain, where applicable, at least the following elements:

• (a) a general description of the EU fertilising product, the PFC corresponding to the claimed function of the EU fertilising product and description of the intended use,

• (b) a list of component materials used, the CMCs as referred to in Annex II to which they belong and information about their origin or manufacturing process,

• (c) the EU declarations of conformity for the component EU fertilising products of the fertilising product blend,

• (d) drawings, schemes, descriptions and explanations necessary for the understanding of the manufacturing process of the EU fertilising product,

• (e) a specimen of the label or the leaflet, or both, referred to in Article 6(7) containing the information required in accordance with Annex III,

• (f) the names and addresses of the sites, and of the operators of the sites, at which the product and its principal components were manufactured,

• (g) a list of the harmonised standards referred to in Article 13, common specifications referred to in Article 14 and/or other relevant technical specifications applied. In the event of partly applied harmonised standards or common specifications, the technical documentation shall specify the parts which have been applied,

• (h) results of calculations made, examinations carried out, etc.,

• (i) test reports, including the reports from product checks for oil retention and detonation resistance, referred to in point 4 and

• (j) where the EU fertilising product contains or consists of by-products within the meaning of Directive 2008/98/EC, technical and administrative evidence that the by-products comply with the criteria established by delegated acts referred to in Article 42(7) of this Regulation, and with the national measures transposing Article 5(1) of Directive 2008/98/EC and, where applicable, implementing acts referred to in Article 5(2) or national measures adopted under Article 5(3) of that Directive.

3. Manufacturing

The manufacturer shall take all measures necessary so that the manufacturing process and its monitoring ensure compliance of the manufactured EU fertilising products with the technical documentation referred to in point 2 and with the requirements of this Regulation that apply to them.

4. Product checks for oil retention and detonation resistance

The thermal cycles and tests referred to in points 4.1 to 4.4 shall be carried out on a representative sample of the EU fertilising product every 3 months on behalf of the manufacturer, in order to verify conformity with:

• (a) the oil retention requirement referred to in point 4 under PFC 1(C)(I)(a)(i-ii)(A) in Annex I, and

• (b) the detonation resistance requirement referred to in point 5 under PFC 1(C)(I)(a)(i-ii)(A) in Annex I.

The thermal cycles and tests shall be carried out under the responsibility of a notified body chosen by the manufacturer.

The thermal cycles and test referred to in points 4.3 and 4.4 shall be carried out in laboratories that are accredited for those activities by a national accreditation body.

4.1.   Thermal cycles prior to a test for compliance with the oil retention requirement referred to in point 4 under PFC 1(C)(I)(a)(i-ii)(A) in Annex I

4.1.1.   Principle and definition

In a closed suitable laboratory flask, heat the sample from ambient temperature to 50 °C and maintain at this temperature for a period of two hours (phase at 50 °C). Thereupon cool the sample until a temperature of 25 °C is achieved and maintain at that temperature for two hours (phase at 25 °C). The combination of the successive phases at 50 °C and 25 °C forms one thermal cycle. After being subjected to two thermal cycles, the test sample is held at a temperature of 20 (± 3) °C for the determination of the oil retention value.

4.1.2.   Apparatus

Normal laboratory apparatus, in particular:

• (a) water baths or ovens thermostated at 25 ± 1 °C and 50 ± 1 °C respectively,

• (b) suitable laboratory flasks with an individual capacity of 150 ml.

4.1.3.   Procedure

• 4.1.3.1.Put each test sample of 70 ± 5 g into a suitable laboratory flask which is then closed.

• 4.1.3.2.After attaining the temperature of 50 °C and maintain that temperature for two hours, change the temperature of the flask to the 25 °C bath or oven and proceed as described in 4.1.1.

• 4.1.3.3.If using a water bath maintain the water of each bath at constant temperature and keep in motion by rapid stirring. Ensure the water level comes above the level of the sample. Protect the stopper from condensation by a foam rubber cap.

4.2.   Oil retention test referred to in point 4 under PFC 1(C)(I)(a)(i-ii)(A) in Annex I

4.2.1.   Description

The oil retention of an EU fertilising product shall be the quantity of oil retained by the EU fertilising product determined under the operating conditions specified and expressed as a % by mass.

The test shall be carried out on a representative sample of the EU fertilising product. Before being tested, the whole mass of the sample shall be thermally cycled two times in accordance with point 4.1.

The method is applicable to both prilled and granular fertilisers which do not contain oil soluble materials.

4.2.2.   Principle

Total immersion of the test sample in gas oil for a specified period, followed by the draining away of surplus oil under specified conditions. Measurement of the increase in mass of the test portion.

4.2.3.   Reagents

Gas oil with the following characteristics:

• (a) viscosity max.: 5 mPas at 40 °C;

• (b) density: 0,8 g/ml to 0,85 g/ml at 20 °C;

• (c) sulphur content: ≤ 1,0 % (m/m);

• (d) ash: ≤ 0,1 % (m/m).

4.2.4.   Apparatus

Ordinary laboratory apparatus, and:

• (a) balance, capable of weighing to the nearest 0,01 g;

• (b) beakers, of capacity 500 ml;

• (c) funnel, of plastic materials, preferably with a cylindrical wall at the upper end, diameter approximately 200 mm;

• (d) test sieve, aperture 0,5 mm, fitting into the funnel; Note: The size of the funnel and sieve is such as to ensure that only a few granules lie one above another and the oil is able to drain easily.

• (e) filter paper, rapid filtering grade, creped, soft, mass 150 g/m²;

• (f) absorbent tissue (laboratory grade).

4.2.5.   Procedure

• 4.2.5.1.Two individual determinations are carried out in quick succession on separate portions of the same test sample.

• 4.2.5.2.Remove particles smaller than 0,5 mm using the test sieve. Weigh to the nearest 0,01 g approximately 50 g of the sample into the beaker. Add sufficient gas oil to cover the prills or granules completely and stir carefully to ensure that the surfaces of all the prills or granules are fully wetted. Cover the beaker with a watch glass and leave to stand for one hour at 25 (± 2) °C.

• 4.2.5.3.Filter the entire contents of the beaker through the funnel containing the test sieve. Allow the portion retained by the sieve to remain there for one hour so that most of the excess oil can drain away.

• 4.2.5.4.Lay two sheets of filter paper (about 500 mm x 500 mm) on top of each other on a smooth surface; fold the four edges of both filter papers upwards to a width of about 40 mm to prevent the prills or granules from rolling away. Place two layers of absorbent tissue in the centre of the filter papers. Pour the entire contents of the sieve over the absorbent tissues and spread the prills or granules evenly with a soft, flat brush. After two minutes lift one side of the tissues to transfer the prills or granules to the filter papers beneath and spread them evenly over these with the brush. Lay another sheet of filter paper, similarly with its edges turned upward, on the sample and roll the prills or granules between the filter papers with circular movements while exerting a little pressure. Pause after every eight circular movements to lift the opposite corners of the filter papers and return to the centre the prills or granules that have rolled to the periphery. Keep to the following procedure: make four complete circular movements, first clockwise and then anticlockwise. Then roll the prills or granules back to the centre as described above. This procedure is to be carried out three times (24 circular movements, corners lifted twice). Carefully insert a new sheet of filter paper between the bottom sheet and the one above it and allow the prills or granules to roll onto the new sheet by lifting the edges of the upper sheet. Cover the prills or granules with a new sheet of filter paper and repeat the same procedure as described above. Immediately after rolling, pour the prills or granules into a tared dish and reweigh to the nearest 0,01 g to determine the mass of the quantity of gas oil retained.

• 4.2.5.5.Repeating the rolling procedure and reweighing

• If the quantity of gas oil retained in the portion is found to be greater than 2,00 g, place the portion on a fresh set of filter papers and repeat the rolling procedure, lifting the corners in accordance with point 4.2.5.4 (two times eight circular movements, lifting once). Then reweigh the portion.

• 4.2.5.6.Two oil retention tests per sample are to be carried out.

4.2.6.   Test report

4.2.6.1.   Expression of the results

4.2.6.1.1.   Method of calculation and formula

The oil retention, from each determination (point 4.2.5.1) expressed as a % by mass of the sieved test portion, is given by the equation:

Image omitted; see official source

where:

m1 is the mass, in grams, of the sieved test portion (point 4.2.5.2),

m2 is the mass, in grams, of the test portion according to points 4.2.5.4 and 4.2.5.5 respectively as the result of the last weighing.

• 4.2.6.1.2. Take as the result the arithmetic mean of the two individual determinations.

• 4.2.6.2. The test report shall form part of the technical documentation.

4.3.   Thermal cycles prior to the detonation resistance test referred to in point 5 under PFC 1(C)(I)(a)(i-ii)(A) in Annex I

4.3.1.   Principle and definition

In a tight box heat the sample from ambient temperature to 50 °C and maintain at this temperature for a period of one hour (phase at 50 °C). Thereupon cool the sample until a temperature of 25 °C is achieved and maintain at that temperature for one hour (phase at 25 °C). The combination of the successive phases at 50 °C and 25 °C forms one thermal cycle. After being subjected to the required number of thermal cycles, the test sample is held at a temperature of 20 ± 3 °C pending the execution of the detonation resistance test.

4.3.2.   Apparatus

Method 1

• (a) A water bath, thermostated in a temperature range of 20 to 51 °C with a minimum heating and cooling rate of 10 °C/h, or two water baths, one thermostated at a temperature of 20 °C, the other at 51 °C. The water in the bath(s) is continuously stirred; the volume of the bath shall be large enough to guarantee ample circulation of the water.

• (b) A stainless steel box, watertight all around and provided with a temperature recording device in the centre. The outside width of the box is 45 ± 2 mm and the wall thickness is 1,5 mm (see Figure 1 as an example). The height and length of the box can be chosen to suit the dimensions of the water bath, e.g. length 600 mm, height 400 mm.

Method 2

• (a) Suitable oven, thermostated in a temperature range of 20 °C to 51 °C with a minimum heating and cooling rate of 10 °C/h.

• (b) Suitable airtight plastics boxes or bags provided with a suitable temperature recording device in the centre of the sample or a stainless steel box as described in point (b) of method 1 of point 4.3.2. Once filled, the outside thickness of the box or bag shall be maximum 45 mm.

4.3.3.   Procedure

Place a quantity of fertilisers sufficient for the detonation resistance test into the boxes or bags and close them. Place the stainless steel boxes in the water bath (method 1) or the boxes or bags in the oven (method 2). Heat the water or oven to 51 °C and measure the temperature in the centre of the fertiliser. One hour after the temperature at the centre has reached 50 °C start cooling. One hour after the temperature at the centre has reached 25 °C start heating for the second cycle. In the case of two water baths or ovens, transfer the boxes or bags to the other bath or oven after each heating/cooling period.

Figure 1

Image omitted; see official source

A	:	O-ring
---	---	---
B	:	Cover
---	---	---
C	:	Bolt
---	---	---
D	:	Box

4.4.   Detonation resistance test referred to in point 5 under PFC 1(C)(I)(a)(i-ii)(A) in Annex I

4.4.1.   Description

• 4.4.1.1.The test shall be carried out on a representative sample of the EU fertilising product. Before being tested for resistance to detonation, the whole mass of the sample is to be thermally cycled five times in accordance with point 4.3.

• 4.4.1.2.The EU fertilising product shall be subjected to the detonation resistance test in a horizontal steel tube under the following conditions (the details of the materials are in point 4.4.3):

• (a) seamless steel tube:
• (i) Tube length: 1 000  mm at least,
• (ii) Nominal external diameter: 114 mm at least,
• (iii) Nominal wall thickness: 5 mm at least,

• (b) booster: the type and mass of the booster chosen shall be such as to maximise the detonation pressure applied to the sample in order to determine its susceptibility to the transmission of detonation,

• (c) temperature of the sample: 15 °C to 25 °C,

• (d) witness lead cylinders for detecting detonation: 50 mm diameter and 100 mm height,

• (e) placed at 150 mm intervals and supporting the tube horizontally. NOTE: The test is to be carried out twice. The test is deemed conclusive if in both tests one or more of the supporting lead cylinders is crushed by less than 5 %.

4.4.2.   Principle

The test sample is confined in a steel tube and subjected to detonation shock from an explosive booster charge. Propagation of the detonation is determined from the degree of crushing of lead cylinders on which the tube rests horizontally during the test.

4.4.3.   Materials

• (a) Plastic explosive containing 83 % to 86 % penthrite
• — density: 1 500  kg/m³ to 1 600  kg/m³
• — detonation velocity: 7 300  m/s to 7 700  m/s
• — mass: (500 ± 1) g; or any other plastic explosive with similar detonation characteristics.

• (b) Seven lengths of flexible detonating cord with non-metallic sleeve
• — filling mass: 11 g/m to 13 g/m
• — length of each cord: (400 ± 2) mm.

• (c) Compressed pellet of secondary explosive, recessed to receive detonator
• — explosive: hexogen/wax 95/5 or similar secondary explosive, with or without added graphite
• — density: 1 500  kg/m³ to 1 600  kg/m³
• — diameter: 19 mm to 21 mm
• — height: 19 mm to 23 mm
• — mass of the compressed pellet: maximum 10 g
• — central recess to receive detonator: maximal diameter 7,0 to 7,3 mm, depth about 12 mm. In case of detonators with large diameters, the diameter of the recess shall be slightly larger (e.g. 0,5 mm) than the diameter of the detonator.

• (d) Seamless steel tube as specified in ISO 65 – 1981 – Heavy Series, with nominal dimensions DN 100 (4'')
• — outside diameter: 113,1 mm to 115,0 mm
• — wall thickness: 5,0 mm to 6,5 mm
• — length: 1 005  ± 2 mm.

• (e) Bottom plate
• — material: steel of good weldable quality
• — dimensions: 160 mm × 160 mm
• — thickness: 5 mm to 6 mm.

• (f) Six lead cylinders
• — diameter: 50 ± 1 mm
• — height: 100 mm to 101 mm
• — materials: soft lead, at least 99,5 % purity.

• (g) Steel block
• — length: at least 1 000  mm
• — width: at least 150 mm
• — height: at least 150 mm (alternatively a stack of several beams can be used to achieve this height)
• — Mass: at least 300 kg if there is no firm base for the steel block.

• (h) Plastic or cardboard cylinder for booster charge
• — wall thickness: 1,5 mm to 2,5 mm
• — diameter: 92 mm to 96 mm
• — height: 64 mm to 67 mm.

• (i) Detonator (electric or non-electric) with initiation force 8 to 10

• (j) Wooden or plastic disc
• — diameter: 92 mm to 96 mm. Diameter to be matched to the internal diameter of the plastic or cardboard cylinder (point (h))
• — thickness: 20 mm.

• (k) Wooden or plastic rod of same dimensions as detonator (point (i))

• (l) Small split pins (maximum length 20 mm)

• (m) Split pins (length about 20 mm)

4.4.4.   Procedure

4.4.4.1.   Preparation of booster charge for insertion into steel tube

Depending on the availability of equipment, the explosive can be initiated in the booster charge either

• — by seven-point simultaneous initiation as referred to in point 4.4.4.1.1, or

• — by central initiation by a compressed pellet as referred to in point 4.4.4.1.2.

4.4.4.1.1.   Seven-point simultaneous initiation

The booster charge prepared for use is shown in Figure 2.

• 4.4.4.1.1.1. Drill holes in the wooden or plastic disc (point (j) under point 4.4.3) parallel to the axis of the disc through the centre and through six points symmetrically distributed around a concentric circle 55 mm in diameter. The diameter of the holes shall be 6 mm to 7 mm (see Section A-B in Figure 2), depending on the diameter of the detonating cord used (point (b) under point 4.4.3).

• 4.4.4.1.1.2. Cut seven lengths of flexible detonating cord (point (b) under point 4.4.3) each 400 mm long, avoiding any loss of explosive at each end by making a clean cut and immediately sealing the end with adhesive. Push each of the seven lengths through each of the seven holes in the wooden or plastic disc (point (j) under point 4.4.3) until their ends project a few centimetres on the other side of the disc. Then insert a small split pin (point (l) under point 4.4.3) transversally into the textile sleeve of each length of cord 5 mm to 6 mm from the end and apply adhesive around the outside of the lengths of cord in a band 2 cm wide adjacent to the pin. Finally, pull the long piece of each cord to bring the pin into contact with the wooden or plastic disc.

• 4.4.4.1.1.3. Shape the plastic explosive (point (a) under point 4.4.3) to form a cylinder 92 mm to 96 mm in diameter, depending on the diameter of the cylinder (point (h) under point 4.4.3). Stand this cylinder upright on a level surface and insert the shaped explosive. Then insert the wooden or plastic disc (⁴⁰) carrying the seven lengths of detonating cord into the top of the cylinder and press it down onto the explosive. Adjust the height of the cylinder (64 mm to 67 mm) so that its top edge does not extend beyond the level of the wood or plastic. Finally, fix the cylinder to the wooden or plastic disc for instance with staples or small nails, around its entire circumference.

• 4.4.4.1.1.4. Group the free ends of the seven lengths of detonating cord around the circumference of the wooden or plastic rod (point (k) under point 4.4.3) so that their ends are all level in a plane perpendicular to the rod. Secure them in a bundle around the rod by means of adhesive tape (⁴¹).

4.4.4.1.2.   Central initiation by a compressed pellet

The booster charge prepared for use is shown in Figure 3.

4.4.4.1.2.1.   Preparing a compressed pellet

Taking the necessary safety precautions, place maximum 10 g of a secondary explosive (point (c) under point 4.4.3) in a mould with an inside diameter of 19 mm to 21 mm and compress to the correct shape and density (the ratio of diameter: height should be roughly 1:1). In the centre of the bottom of the mould there is a peg, 12 mm in height and 7,0 mm to 7,3 mm in diameter (depending on the diameter of the detonator used), which forms a cylindrical recess in the compressed cartridge for subsequent insertion of the detonator.

4.4.4.1.2.2.   Preparing the booster charge

Place the explosive (point (a) under point 4.4.3) into the cylinder (point (h) under point 4.4.3) standing upright on a level surface, then press it down with a wooden or plastic die to give the explosive a cylindrical shape with a central recess. Insert the compressed pellet into this recess. Cover the cylindrically shaped explosive containing the compressed pellet with a wooden or plastic disc (point (j) under point 4.4.3) having a central hole 7,0 mm to 7,3 mm in diameter for insertion of a detonator. Fix the wooden or plastic disc and the cylinder together with a cross of adhesive tape. Ensure that the hole drilled in the disc and the recess in the compressed pellet are coaxial by inserting the wooden or plastic rod (point (k) under point 4.4.3).

4.4.4.2.   Preparing steel tubes for the detonation tests

At one end of the steel tube (point (d) under point 4.4.3), drill two diametrically opposed holes 4 mm in diameter perpendicularly through the side wall at a distance of 4 mm from the edge. Butt weld the bottom plate (point (e) under point 4.4.3) to the opposite end of the tube, completely filling the right angle between the bottom plate and the wall of the tube with weld metal around the entire circumference of the tube.

4.4.4.3.   Filling and charging the steel tube

See Figures 2 and 3.

• 4.4.4.3.1.The test sample, the steel tube and the booster charge shall be conditioned to temperatures of (20 ± 5) °C. About 20 kg of the test sample should be available for two detonation resistance tests.

• 4.4.4.3.2.1Place the tube upright with its square bottom plate resting on a firm, flat surface, preferably concrete. Fill the tube to about one-third of its height with the test sample and drop it 10 cm vertically onto the flat surface five times to compact the prills or granules as densely as possible in the tube. To accelerate compaction, vibrate the tube by striking the side wall with a 750 g to 1 000  g hammer between drops for a total of 10 times.

• 4.4.4.3.2.2.Repeat this charging method with another portion of the test sample. Finally, a further addition shall be made such that, after compaction by raising and dropping the tube 10 times and a total of 20 intermittent hammer blows, the charge fills the tube to a distance of 70 mm from its orifice.

• 4.4.4.3.2.3The filling height of the sample shall be adjusted in the steel tube so that the booster charge (referred to in point 4.4.4.1.1 or 4.4.4.1.2) to be inserted later will be in close contact with the sample over its entire surface.

• 4.4.4.3.3.Insert the booster charge into the tube so that it is in contact with the sample; the top surface of the wooden or plastic disc shall be 6 mm below the end of the tube. Ensure essential close contact between explosive and test sample by taking out the booster charge and adding or removing small quantities of sample. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, split pins should be inserted through the holes near the open end of the tube and their legs opened flat against the tube.

4.4.4.4.   Positioning of the steel tube and lead cylinders (see Figure 4)

• 4.4.4.4.1.Number the bases of the lead cylinders (point (f) under point 4.4.3) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Make six marks 150 mm apart along a line on a steel block (point 4.4.3(g)) lying on a horizontal base, with each mark at least 75 mm from any edge of the block. Place a lead cylinder upright on each of these marks, with the base of each cylinder centred on its mark (see Figure 4).

• 4.4.4.4.2.Lay the steel tube prepared according to point 4.4.4.3 horizontally on the lead cylinders so that the axis of the tube is parallel to the centre line of the lead cylinders and the welded end of the tube extends 50 mm beyond lead cylinder No 6. To prevent the tube from rolling, insert small wooden or plastic wedges between the tops of the lead cylinders and the tube wall (one on each side) or place a cross of wood between the tube and the steel block or stack of beams. (see Figure 4).

Note: Make sure that the tube is in contact with all six lead cylinders; a slight curvature of the tube surface can be compensated for by rotating the tube about its longitudinal axis; if any of the lead cylinders is too tall, tap the cylinder in question carefully with a hammer until it is the required height.

4.4.4.5.   Preparation for detonation

• 4.4.4.5.1.Set up the apparatus as described in point 4.4.4.4 in a bunker or suitably prepared underground site or suitable location. Ensure that the temperature of the steel tube is kept at (20 ± 5) °C before detonation.

• Note: Detonation can cause steel fragments to be projected with high kinetic energy, therefore, firing shall be carried out at a suitable distance from dwellings or thoroughfares.

• 4.4.4.5.2.If the booster charge with seven-point initiation is used, ensure that the detonation cords are stretched out as described in the footnote to point 4.4.4.1.1.4 and arranged as horizontally as possible.

• 4.4.4.5.3.Finally, remove the wooden or plastic rod and replace with the detonator. Do not carry out firing until the danger zone has been evacuated and the test personnel have taken cover.

• 4.4.4.5.4.Detonate the explosive.

• 4.4.4.6.1.Allow sufficient time for the fumes (gaseous and sometimes toxic decomposition products such as nitrous gases) to disperse, then collect the lead cylinders and measure their heights with a Vernier caliper.