1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 1
This document is meant purely as a documentation tool and the institutions do not assume any liability for its contents
►B COUNCILDIRECTIVE
of18December 1975
ontheapproximationofthelawsoftheMember Statesrelating tofertilizers
(76/116/EEC)
(OJ L 24, 30.1.1976, p. 21)
Amended by:
Official Journal
No page date
►A1Act of Accession of Greece L 291 17 19.11.1979
▼B
COUNCILDIRECTIVE
of18December 1975
on the approximationof the lawsofthe Member States relating to
fertilizers
(76/116/EEC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic
Community, and in particular Article 100 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament(
1),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social
Committee(2),
Whereas in each Member State fertilizers must display certain technical
characteristics laid down by mandatory provisions; whereas theseprovisions, concerning more particularly the composition and definitionof fertilizer types, the designations of these types, their identification
and their packaging, differ from one Member State to another; whereas
by their disparity they hinder trade within the European EconomicCommunity;
Whereas these obstacles to the establishment and functioning of the
common market can be reduced or even removed if the same provi-sions are adopted by all the Member States, either in addition to or inplace of their present laws;
Whereas it is necessary to this end to determine at Community level
the designation, definition and composition of the principal straight
and compound fertilizers in the Community; whereas it should likewise
be provided that fertilizers satisfying the criteria laid down by thisDirective be marked ‘EEC fertilizer’;
Whereas Community rules on the identification and labelling of these
fertilizers, and on the closure of the containers, should also be laiddown;
Whereas the production of fertilizers is subject to varying degress of
fluctuation due to manufacturing techniques or basic materials;whereas, sampling and analytical procedures may also contain varia-tions; whereas, on these accounts, it is necessary to authorize
tolerances on the declared nutrient contents; whereas it is advisable, in
the interest of the agricultural user, to keepthese tolerances withinnarrow limits;
Whereas this Directive concerns only straight and compound fertilizers;
whereas subsequent Directives will lay down provisions relating, inter
alia,to liquid fertilizers, secondary elements and trace elements;
Whereas the determination of the sampling techniques and the methods
of analysis, as well as any changes or additions to be made thereto inconsideration of technical progress, are implementing measures of a
technical nature, and whereas it is appropriate to assign their adoption
to the Commission in order to simplify and speed up the procedure;
Whereas technical progress necessitates the rapid adaptation of the
technical requirements defined in the various Directives relating tofertilizers; whereas, in order to facilitate the implementation of themeasures required for this purpose, it is advisable to provide for aprocedure establishing close cooperation between the Member States
and the Commission within the Committee on the adjustment to tech-
nical progress of Directives which concern the abolition of technicalbarriers to trade in fertilizers,1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 2
(1) OJ No C 49, 28. 6. 1973, p. 42.
(2) OJ No C 123, 27. 11. 1972, p. 34.
▼B
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
Article 1
This Directive shall apply to products which are marketed as fertilizers
and designated ‘EEC fertilizer’.
Article 2
Member States shall take all the necessary measures to ensure that the
designation ‘EEC fertilizer’ may only be used for fertilizers belonging
to one of the solid fertilizer types listed in Annex I and complying withthe conditions laid down by the Directive and Annexes I to III thereto.
Article 3
Member States shall take all the necessary measures to ensure that the
fertilizers referred to in Article 1 are provided with identification mark-ings. These identification markings are listed under paragraph 1 ofAnnex II and the terms and conditions governing the application of
these markings are set out under paragraph 2 of the same Annex.
If the fertilizers are packed, these markings must appear on the
packages or labels. For containers with a quantity of fertilizerexceeding 100 kg, these markings need appear only on the accompa-nying documents. If the fertilizers are in bulk, these markings mustappear on the accompanying documents.
In order to satisfy the requirements of Annex II, paragraph 1(b) and (c),
Member States may prescribe that for fertilizers marketed in their terri-
tories, indication of the phosphorus, potassium and magnesium contentsshall be expressed:
— solely in the oxide form (P
2O5,K2O, MgO),
— or solely in the elemental form (P, K, Mg),— or in both these forms simultaneously.
Where Member States exercise the option to prescribe that the phos-
phorus, potassium and magnesium contents be expressed in the form
of elements, all references in the Annexes to the oxide form shall be
expressed in elemental form and the numerical values converted usingthe following factors:
phosphorus pentoxide (P
2O5) × 0·436
= phosphorus (P);
potassium oxide (K2O) × 0·83
= potassium (K);
magnesium oxide (MgO) × 0·6
= magnesium(Mg).
Member States who have exercised the said option shall make the
necessary adaptations to the provisions contained in the Annexes tothis Directive.
Article 4
1. Without prejudice to other Community rules, the only markings
permitted on the packages, labels and accompanying documentsreferred to in Article 3 shall be the following indications relating tofertilizers:
(a) the compulsory identification markings specified in paragraph 1 of
Annex II;
(b) the optional data listed in Annex I;
(c) the manufacturer's own mark, the trade mark of the product and the
trade description of the product;
(d) the specific directions for the use, storage and handling of the ferti-
lizer.1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 3
▼B
The indications referred to in (c) and (d) may not conflict with those
referred to in (a) and (b) and must be clearly separated from them.
2. All the markings referred to in paragraph 1 must be clearly sepa-
rated from any other information on the packages, labels andaccompanying documents.
Article 5
Member States may require that in their territory the label, the mark-
ings on the package and the accompanying documents should appearin at least their national language or languages.
Article 6
In the case of packaged fertilizers, the package must be closed in such
a way or by such a device that, when it is opened, the fastening,
fastening seal or the package itself is irreparably damaged.
Valve sacks may be used.
Article 7
Without prejudice to the provisions of other Community Directives,
Member States may not on grounds of composition, identification,labelling or packaging, prohibit, restrict or hinder the marketing offertilizers marked ‘EEC fertilizer’ which comply with the provisionsof this Directive and the Annexes thereto.
Article 8
1. Member States shall take all the necessary measures to ensure
that fertilizers marketed with the marking ‘EEC fertilizer’ are subjectedto official control measures for the purpose of verifying that theycomply with this Directive and with Annexes I and II thereto.
2. Compliance with this Directive and with Annexes I and II in
respect of conformity to types of fertilizer and compliance with thedeclared nutrient content and the declared content expressed as formsand/or solubilities of such nutrients may be verified at official inspec-
tions only by means of sampling and analysis methods established in
accordance with this Directive and taking into account the tolerancesspecified in Annex III.
3. Member States may take all the necessary measures to ensure that
systematic advantage is not taken of the tolerances defined in Annex
III.
Article 9
1. Any amendments which are necessary in order to adjust columns
4, 5 and 6 of Part A and columns 8, 9 and 10 of Part B of Annexes Iand III to technical progress shall be adopted in accordance with the
procedure laid down in Article 11.
2. Sampling and analysis methods shall likewise be determined in
accordance with the said procedure.
Article 10
1. A committee (hereinafter called ‘the committee’), is hereby set up
to adjust to technical progress those Directives which concern theabolition of technical barriers to trade in fertilizers. It shall consist ofrepresentatives of the Member States with a representative of theCommission as chairman.
2. The committee shall adopt its rules of procedure.
Article 11
1. Where the procedure laid down in this Article is to be followed,
the matter shall be referred to the committee by the chairman, either on1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 4
▼B
his own initiative or at the request of a representative of a Member
State.
2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the
committee a draft of the measures to be adopted. The committee shall
deliver its opinion on the draft within a period of two months. Opinionsshall be adopted by a majority of ►
A1forty-five ◄votes, the votes
of the Member States being weighted as provided in Article 148 (2) ofthe Treaty. The chairman shall not vote.
3. (a) Where the proposed measures are in accordance with the
opinion of the committee, the Commission shall adopt them.
(b) Where the proposed measures are not in accordance with the
opinion of the committee, or if no opinion is delivered, theCommission shall without delay propose to the Council themeasures to be adopted. The Council shall act by a qualified
majority.
(c) If, within three months of the proposal being submitted to it, the
Council has not acted, the proposed measures shall be adoptedby the Commission.
Article 12
1. Member States shall bring into force the provisions necessary to
comply with this Directive within 24 months of its notification and
shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof.
2. Member States shall communicate to the Commission the provi-
sions of national law which they adopt in the field covered by thisDirective.
Article 13
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 5
ANNEXI
A.STRAIGHTFERTILIZERS
I. NITROGENOUS FERTILIZERS
No Type designationData on method of production and essential
ingredientsMinimum content of nutrients
(percentage by weight);
data on the expression of nutrients;
other requirementsOther data on the type designationNutrient content to be declared;
forms and solubilities of the nutrients;
other criteria
12 3 4 5 6
1 (a)Calciumnitrate
(nitrate of lime)Chemically obtained product
containing calcium nitrate as its
essential ingredient and possibly
ammonium nitrate15 % N
Nitrogen expressed as total nitrogen
or as nitric and ammoniacal
nitrogen. Maximum content of
ammoniacal nitrogen: 1·5 % NTotal nitrogen
Additional optional particulars:
Nitric nitrogen
Ammoniacal nitrogen
1 (b)Calciummagnesium
nitrate
(nitrate of lime and
magnesium)Chemically obtained product
containing calcium nitrate and
magnesium nitrate as essential ingre-
dients13 % N
Nitrogen expressed as nitric
nitrogen. Minimum content of
magnesium in the form of water-
soluble salts expressed as magne-
sium oxide: 5 % MgONitric nitrogen
Water-soluble magnesium oxide
2 (a)Sodiumnitrate
(nitrate of soda)Chemically obtained product
containing sodium nitrate as its
essential ingredient15 % N
Nitrogen expressed as nitric nitrogenNitric nitrogen
2 (b)Chilenitrate Product prepared from caliche,
containing sodium nitrate as its
essential ingredient15 % N
Nitrogen expressed as nitric nitrogenNitric nitrogen
3 (a)Calciumcyanamide Chemically obtained product
containing calcium cyanamide as its
essential ingredient, calcium oxide
and possibly small quantities of
ammonium salts and urea18 % N
Nitrogen expressed as total nitrogen,
at least 75 % of the nitrogen
declared being bound in the form of
cyanamideTotal nitrogen▼B1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 6
No Type designationData on method of production and essential
ingredientsMinimum content of nutrients
(percentage by weight);
data on the expression of nutrients;
other requirementsOther data on the type designationNutrient content to be declared;
forms and solubilities of the nutrients;
other criteria
12 3 4 5 6
3 (b)Nitrogenouscalcium
cyanamideChemically obtained product
containing calcium cyanamide as its
essential ingredient, and calcium
oxide and possibly small quantities
of ammonium salts and urea, plus
added nitrate18 % N
Nitrogen expressed as total nitrogen,
at least 75 % of the non-nitric
nitrogen declared being bound in
the form of cyanamide. Nitric
nitrogen content:
minimum: 1 % N
maximum: 3 % NTotal nitrogen
Nitric nitrogen
4Sulphateofammonia Chemically obtained product
containing ammonium sulphate as
its essential ingredient20 % N
Nitrogen expressed as ammoniacal
nitrogenAmmoniacal nitrogen
5Ammoniumnitrateor
calciumammonium
nitrateChemically obtained product
containing ammonium nitrate as its
essential ingredient, which may
contain fillers such as ground lime-
stone, calcium sulphate, ground
dolomite, magnesium sulphate,
kieserite20 % N
Nitrogen expressed as nitric nitrogen
and ammoniacal nitrogen, each of
these two forms of nitrogen
accounting for about half the
nitrogen presentThe designation ‘calcium ammo-
nium nitrate’ is exclusively reserved
for a fertilizer containing only
calcium carbonate (limestone) and/
or magnesium carbonate and
calcium carbonate (dolomite) in
addition to ammonium nitrate. The
minimum content of these carbo-
nates must be 20 % and their purity
level at least 90 %Total nitrogen
Nitric nitrogen
Ammoniacal nitrogen
6Ammoniumsulphate-
nitrateChemically obtained product
containing as essential ingredients
ammonium nitrate and ammonium
sulphate25 % N
Nitrogen expressed as ammoniacal
and nitric nitrogen. Minimum nitric
nitrogen content: 5 %Total nitrogen
Ammoniacal nitrogenNitric nitrogen
7Magnesium
sulphonitrateChemically obtained product
containing ammonium nitrate,
ammonium sulphate and magnesium
sulphate as essential ingredients19 % N
Nitrogen expressed as ammoniacal
and nitric nitrogen. Minimum nitric
nitrogen content: 6 % N
5 % MgO
Magnesium in the form of water-
soluble salts expressed as magne-
sium oxideTotal nitrogen
Ammoniacal nitrogenNitric nitrogenWater-soluble magnesium oxide▼B1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 7
No Type designationData on method of production and essential
ingredientsMinimum content of nutrients
(percentage by weight);
data on the expression of nutrients;
other requirementsOther data on the type designationNutrient content to be declared;
forms and solubilities of the nutrients;
other criteria
12 3 4 5 6
8Magnesiumammonium
nitrateChemically obtained product
containing ammonium nitrates and
magnesium compound salts (dolo-
mite magnesium carbonate and/or
magnesium sulphate) as essential
ingredients19 % N
Nitrogen expressed as ammoniacal
nitrogen and nitric nitrogen.
Minimum nitric nitrogen content
6%N
5 % MgO
Magnesium expressed as total
magnesium oxideTotal nitrogen
Ammoniacal nitrogen
Nitric nitrogen
Total magnesium oxide and possibly,
water-soluble magnesium oxide
9Urea Chemically obtained product
containing carbonyl diamide (carba-
mide) as its essential ingredient44 % N
Total ureic nitrogen (including
biuret). Maximum biuret content:
1·2 %Total nitrogen, expressed as ureic
nitrogen▼B1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 8
II. PHOSPHATIC FERTILIZERS
Where a particle size criterion is prescribed for the basic constituent materials of fertilizers sold in granular form (fertilizers 1, 3,
4, 5, 6 and 7), it will be established by an appropriate analytical method.
No Type designationData on method of production and essential
ingredientsMinimum content of nutrients
(percentage by weight);
data on the expression of nutrients;
other requirementsOther data on the type designationNutrient content to be declared;
forms and solubilities of the nutrients;
other criteria
12 3 4 5 6
1Basicslag
— Thomas phosphates
— Thomas slagProduct obtained in iron-smelting by
treatment of the phosphorus melts
and containing calcium silicopho-
sphates as its essential ingredients12 % P2O5Phosphorus expressed as phosphorus
pentoxide soluble in mineral acids,
at least 75 % of the declared content
of phosphorus pentoxide being
soluble in 2 % citric acid; or
10 % P2O5Phosphorus expressed as phosphorus
pentoxide soluble in 2 % citric acid
Particle size:at least 75 % able to pass through a
sieve with a mesh of 0·160 mm, at
least 96 % able to pass through a
sieve with a mesh of 0·630 mmTotal phosphorus pentoxide (soluble in
mineral acids) 75 % of which (to be
indicated as % by weight) is soluble
in 2 % citric acid (for marketing in
France and Italy)
Total phosphorus pentoxide (soluble in
mineral acids) and phosphorus pent-
oxide soluble in 2 % citric acid (for
marketing in the United Kingdom)
Phosphorus pentoxide soluble in 2 %
citric acid (for marketing in Germany,
Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Luxem-
bourg and the Netherlands)
2 (a)Normalsuperphosphate Product obtained by reaction of
ground mineral phosphate with
sulphuric acid and containing mono-
calcium phosphate as an essential
ingredient as well as calcium
sulphate16 % P
2O5Phosphorus expressed as P2O5soluble in neutral ammonium citrate,
at least 93 % of the declared content
of P2O5being water-soluble
Test sample: 1 gPhosphorus pentoxide soluble in
neutral ammonium citrate
Water-soluble phosphorus pentoxide
2 (b)Concentrated
superphosphateProduct obtained by reaction of
ground mineral phosphate with
sulphuric acid and phosphoric acid
and containing monocalcium phos-
phate as an essential ingredient as
well as calcium sulphate25 % P2O5Phosphorus expressed as P2O5soluble in neutral ammonium citrate,
at least 93 % of the declared content
of P2O5being water-soluble
Test sample: 1 gPhosphorus pentoxide soluble in
neutral ammonium citrate
Water-soluble phosphorus pentoxide▼B1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 9
No Type designationData on method of production and essential
ingredientsMinimum content of nutrients
(percentage by weight);
data on the expression of nutrients;
other requirementsOther data on the type designationNutrient content to be declared;
forms and solubilities of the nutrients;
other criteria
12 3 4 5 6
2 (c)Triplesuperphosphate Product obtained by reaction of
ground mineral phosphate with
phosphoric acid and containing
monocalcium phosphate as its essen-
tial ingredient38 % P2O5Phosphorus expressed as P2O5soluble in neutral ammonium citrate,
at least 93 % of the declared content
of P2O5being water-soluble
Test sample: 3 gPhosphorus pentoxide soluble in
neutral ammonium citrate
Water-soluble phosphorus pentoxide
3Partially solubilized
rockphosphateProduct obtained by partial solubili-
zation of ground rock phosphate
with sulphuric acid or phosphoric
acid and containing as essential
ingredients monocalcium phosphate,
tricalcium phosphate and calcium
sulphate20 % P2O5Phosphorus expressed as P2O5soluble in mineral acids, at least
40 % of the declared content of
P2O5being water-soluble
Particle size:— at least 90 % able to pass
through a sieve with a mesh of
0·160 mm
— at least 98 % able to pass
through a sieve with a mesh of
0·630 mmTotal phosphorus pentoxide (soluble in
mineral acids)
Phosphorus pentoxide soluble in water
4Dicalciumphosphate Product obtained by precipitation of
solubilized phosphoric acid from
mineral phosphates or bones, and
containing dicalcium phosphate
dihydrate as its essential ingredient38 % P
2O5Phosphorus expressed as P2O5soluble in alkaline ammonium
citrate (Petermann)
Particle size:— at least 90 % able to pass
through a sieve with a mesh of
0·160 mm
— at least 98 % able to pass
through a sieve with a mesh of
0·630 mmPhosphorus pentoxide soluble in alka-
line ammonium citrate▼B1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 10
No Type designationData on method of production and essential
ingredientsMinimum content of nutrients
(percentage by weight);
data on the expression of nutrients;
other requirementsOther data on the type designationNutrient content to be declared;
forms and solubilities of the nutrients;
other criteria
12 3 4 5 6
5Calcinedphosphate Product obtained by heat treatment
of ground rock phosphate with alka-
line compounds and silicic acid, and
containing alkaline calcium phos-
phate and calcium silicate as essen-
tial ingredients25 % P2O5Phosphorus expressed as P2O5soluble in alkaline ammonium
citrate (Petermann)
Particle size:— at least 75 % able to pass
through a sieve with a mesh of
0·160 mm
— at least 96 % able to pass
through a sieve with a mesh of
0·630 mmPhosphorus pentoxide soluble in alka-
line ammonium citrate
6Aluminium-calcium
phosphateProduct obtained in amorphous form
by heat treatment and grinding,
containing aluminium and calcium
phosphates as essential ingredients30 % P
2O5Phosphorus expressed as P2O5soluble in mineral acids, at least
75 % of the declared content of
P2O5being soluble in alkaline
ammonium citrate (Joulie)
Particle size:— at least 90 % able to pass
through a sieve with a mesh of
0·160 mm
— at least 98 % able to pass
through a sieve with a mesh of
0·630 mmTotal phosphorus pentoxide (soluble in
mineral acids)
Phosphorus pentoxide soluble in alka-
line ammonium citrate▼B1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 11
No Type designationData on method of production and essential
ingredientsMinimum content of nutrients
(percentage by weight);
data on the expression of nutrients;
other requirementsOther data on the type designationNutrient content to be declared;
forms and solubilities of the nutrients;
other criteria
12 3 4 5 6
7Softgroundrock
phosphateProduct obtained by grinding soft
mineral phosphates and containing
tricalcium phosphate and calcium
carbonate as essential ingredients25 % P2O5Phosphorus expressed as P2O5soluble in mineral acids, at least
55 % of the declared content of
P2O5being soluble in 2 % formic
acid
Particle size:— at least 90 % able to pass
through a sieve with a mesh of
0·063 mm
— at least 99 % able to pass
through a sieve with a mesh of
0·125 mmTotal phosphorus pentoxide (soluble in
mineral acids)
Phosphorus pentoxide soluble in 2 %
formic acid
Percentage by weight of material able
to pass through a sieve with a mesh of
0·063 mm▼B1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 12
III. POTASSIC FERTILIZERS
No Type designationData on method of production and essential
ingredientsMinimum content of nutrients
(percentage by weight);
data on the expression of nutrients;
other requirementsOther data on the type designationNutrient content to be declared;
forms and solubilities of the nutrients;
other criteria
12 3 4 5 6
1Kainit Product obtained from crude potas-
sium salts10 % K2O
Potassium expressed as water-
soluble K2O
5 % MgO
Magnesium in the form of water-
soluble salts, expressed as magne-
sium oxideUsual trade names may be added Water-soluble potassium oxide
Water-soluble magnesium oxide
2Enrichedkainitsalt Product obtained from crude potas-
sium salts enriched by blending
with potassium chloride18 % K2O
Potassium expressed as water-
soluble K2OUsual trade names may be added Water-soluble potassium oxide
Optional mention of the water-soluble
magnesium oxide content where
higher than 5 % MgO
3Muriateofpotash Product obtained from crude potas-
sium salts and containing potassium
chloride as its essential ingredient37 % K2O
Potassium expressed as water-
soluble K2OUsual trade names may be added Water-soluble potassium oxide
4Potassiumchloride
containingmagnesium
saltProduct obtained from crude potas-
sium salts with added magnesium
salts and containing potassium
chloride and magnesium salts as
essential ingredients37 % K2O
Potassium expressed as water-
soluble K2O
5 % MgO
Magnesium in the form of water-
soluble salts, expressed as magne-
sium oxideWater-soluble potassium oxide
Water-soluble magnesium oxide
5Sulphateofpotash Product obtained chemically from
potassium salts and containing
potassium sulphate as its essential
ingredient47 % K2O
Potassium expressed as water-
soluble K2O. Maximum chlorine
content: 3 % ClWater-soluble potassium oxide
Optional mention of the chlorine
content where lower than 3 % Cl▼B1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 13
No Type designationData on method of production and essential
ingredientsMinimum content of nutrients
(percentage by weight);
data on the expression of nutrients;
other requirementsOther data on the type designationNutrient content to be declared;
forms and solubilities of the nutrients;
other criteria
12 3 4 5 6
6Sulphateofpotash
containingmagnesium
saltProduct obtained chemically from
potassium salts, possibly with addi-
tion of magnesium salts, and
containing potassium sulphate and
magnesium sulphate as essential
ingredients22 % K2O
Potassium expressed as water-
soluble K2O
8 % MgO
Magnesium in the form of water-
soluble salts, expressed as magne-
sium oxide. Maximum chlorine
content: 3 % ClUsual trade names may be added Water-soluble potassium oxide
Water-soluble magnesium oxide
Optional mention of the chlorine
content where lower than 3 % Cl▼B1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 14
B.LISTOFCOMPOUNDFERTILIZERTYPES
1. NPK FERTILIZERS
Type
designa-
tionData on method
of productionMinimum content of
nutrients
(percentage by weight)Forms, solubilities and nutrient contents, to be declared as speci-
fied in columns 8, 9 and 10;
particle sizeData for identification of the fertilizers;
other requirements
TotalFor each
of the
nutrientsNP2O5K2ON P2O5K2O
123 45 6 78 9 1 0
NPK
FertilizerProduct
obtained
chemically or
by blending,
without addi-
tion of
organic nutri-
ents of animal
or vegetable
origin20 %
(N +
P2O5+
K2O)3%N
5%P2O5
5%K2O(1) Total
nitrogen
(2) Nitric
nitrogen
(3) Ammo-
niacal
nitrogen
(4) Ureic
nitrogen
(5) Cyana-
mide
nitrogen(1) Water-soluble P2O5
(2) P2O5soluble in
neutral ammonium
citrate
(3) P2O5soluble in
neutral ammonium
citrate and in water
(4) P2O5soluble in
mineral acids only
(5) P2O5soluble in alka-
line ammonium
citrate (Petermann)
(6a) P2O5soluble in
mineral acids, of
which at least 75 %
of the declared P2O5content is soluble in2 % citric acid
(6b) P
2O5soluble in 2 %
citric acid
(7) P2O5soluble in
mineral acids, of
which at least 75 %
of the declared P2O5content is soluble inalkaline ammonium
citrate (Joulie)
(8) P
2O5soluble in
mineral acids, of
which at least 55 %Water-
soluble
K2O(1) Total
nitrogen
(2) If any of
the forms
of
nitrogen
(2) to (5)
amounts
to at least
1%b y
weight, it
must be
declared1. An NPK fertilizer free from Thomas
slag, calcined phosphate, aluminium-
calcium phosphate, partially solubilized
rock phosphate and soft ground rock
phosphate must be declared in accor-
dance with solubilities (1), (2) or (3):
— when the water-soluble P2O5does
not amount to 2 %, solubility (2)
only shall be declared;
— when the water-soluble P2O5is at
least 2 %, solubility (3) shall be
declared, and the water-soluble
P2O5content must be indicated
(solubility (1)).
The P2O5content soluble in mineral
acids only must not exceed 2 %.
For this type 1, the test sample for
determining solubilities (2) and (3)
shall be 1 g.
2(a). An NPK fertilizer containing soft
ground rock phosphate or partially
solubilized rock phosphate must be
free from Thomas slag, calcined phos-
phate and aluminium-calcium phos-
phate. It shall be declared in
accordance with solubilities (1), (3)
and (4).
This type of fertilizer must contain:
— at least 2 % P2O5soluble in mineral
acids only (solubility (4));(1) Water-
soluble
potassium
oxide
(2) The indica-
tion ‘low in
chlorine’ is
linked to a
maximum
content of
2%C l
(3) Chlorine
content may
be declared▼B1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 15
Type
designa-
tionData on method
of productionMinimum content of
nutrients
(percentage by weight)Forms, solubilities and nutrient contents, to be declared as speci-
fied in columns 8, 9 and 10;
particle sizeData for identification of the fertilizers;
other requirements
TotalFor each
of the
nutrientsNP2O5K2ON P2O5K2O
123 45 6 78 9 1 0
of the declared P2O5content is soluble in
2 % formic acid— at least 5 % P2O5soluble in water
and neutral ammonium citrate
(solubility (3));
— at least 2·5 % water-soluble P2O5(solubility (1)).
This type of fertilizer must be marketed
under the designation ‘NPK fertilizer
containing soft ground rock phosphate’
or ‘NPK fertilizer containing partially
solubilized rock phosphate’. For this
type 2 (a), the test sample for deter-
mining solubility (3) shall be 3 g.
Particle size of the basic phosphatic ingredients:
Thomas slag: at least 75 % able to pass through a
sieve with a mesh of 0·160 mm
Aluminium-calcium
phosphate:at least 90 % able to pass through a
sieve with a mesh of 0·160 mm
Calcined phosphate: at least 75 % able to pass through a
sieve with a mesh of 0·160 mm
Soft ground rock
phosphate:at least 90 % able to pass through a
sieve with a mesh of 0·063 mm
Partially solubilized
rock phosphate:at least 90 % able to pass through a
sieve with a mesh of 0·160 mm2. (b) An NPK fertilizer containing alumi-
nium-calcium phosphate must be free
from Thomas slag, calcined phosphate,
soft ground rock phosphate and
partially solubilized rock phosphate.
It shall be declared in accordance with
solubilities (1) and (7), the latter
applying after deduction of the solubi-
lity in water.
This type of fertilizer must contain:
— at least 2 % of water-soluble P2O5(solubility (1));
— at least 5 % of P2O5according to
solubility (7).
This type of fertilizer must be
marketed under the designation ‘NPK
fertilizer containing aluminium-
calcium phosphate’.
3. In the case of NPK fertilizers
containing only one of the following
types of phosphatic fertilizer: Thomas▼B1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 16
Type
designa-
tionData on method
of productionMinimum content of
nutrients
(percentage by weight)Forms, solubilities and nutrient contents, to be declared as speci-
fied in columns 8, 9 and 10;
particle sizeData for identification of the fertilizers;
other requirements
TotalFor each
of the
nutrientsNP2O5K2ON P2O5K2O
123 45 6 78 9 1 0
slag, calcined phosphate, aluminium-
calcium phosphate, soft ground rock
phosphate, the type designation must
be followed by an indication of the
phosphate ingredient.
The declaration of the solubility of the
P2O5must be given in accordance with
the following solubilities:
— for fertilizers based on Thomas
slag: solubility (6a) (France, Italy),
(6b) (Germany, Belgium,
Denmark, Ireland, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, United Kingdom);
— for fertilizers based on calcined
phosphate: solubility (5);
— for fertilizers based on aluminium-
calcium phosphate: solubility (7);
— for fertilizers based on soft ground
rock phosphate: solubility (8).▼B1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 17
2. NP FERTILIZERS
Type
designa-
tionData on method
of productionMinimum content of
nutrients
(percentage by weight)Forms, solubilities and nutrient contents, to be declared as speci-
fied in columns 8, 9 and 10;
particle sizeData for identification of the fertilizers;
other requirements
TotalFor each
of the
nutrientsNP2O5K2ON P2O5K2O
123 45 6 78 9 1 0
NP ferti-
lizerProduct
obtained
chemically or
by blending
without addi-
tion of
organic nutri-
ents of animal
or vegetable
origin18 %
(N +
P2O53%N
5%P2O5(1) Total
nitrogen
(2) Nitric
nitrogen
(3) Ammo-
niacal
nitrogen
(4) Ureic
nitrogen
(5) Cyana-
mide
nitrogen(1) Water-soluble P2O5
(2) P2O5soluble in
neutral ammonium
citrate
(3) P2O5soluble in
neutral ammonium
citrate and in water
(4) P2O5soluble in
mineral acids only
(5) P2O5soluble in alka-
line ammonium
citrate (Petermann)
(6a) P2O5soluble in
mineral acids of
which at least 75 %
of the declared P2O5content is soluble in2 % citric acid
(6b) P
2O5soluble in 2 %
citric acid
(7) P2O5soluble in
mineral acids of
which at least 75 %
of the declared P2O5content is soluble inalkaline ammonium
citrate (Joulie)
(8) P
2O5soluble in
mineral acids of
which at least 55 %
of the declared P2O5content is soluble in(1) Total
nitrogen
(2) If any of
the forms
of
nitrogen
(2) to (5)
amounts
to at least
1%b y
weight, it
must be
declared1. An NP fertilizer free from Thomas
slag, calcined phosphate, aluminium-
calcium phosphate, partially solubilized
rock phosphate and soft ground rock
phosphate must be declared in accor-
dance with solubilities (1), (2) or (3):
— when the water-soluble P2O5does
not amount to 2 %, solubility (2)
only shall be declared;
— when the water-soluble P2O5is at
least 2 %, solubility (3) shall be
declared, and the water-soluble
P2O5content must be indicated
(solubility (1)).
The P2O5content soluble in mineral
acids only must not exceed 2 %.
For this type 1, the test sample for
determining solubilities (2) and (3)
shall be 1 g.
2(a). An NP fertilizer containing soft ground
rock phosphate or partially solubilized
rock phosphate must be free from
Thomas slag, calcined phosphate and
aluminium-calcium phosphate.
It shall be declared in accordance with
solubilities (1), (3) and (4).
This type of fertilizer must contain:
— at least 2 % P2O5soluble in mineral
acids only (solubility (4));
— at least 5 % P2O5soluble in water
and neutral ammonium citrate▼B1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 18
Type
designa-
tionData on method
of productionMinimum content of
nutrients
(percentage by weight)Forms, solubilities and nutrient contents, to be declared as speci-
fied in columns 8, 9 and 10;
particle sizeData for identification of the fertilizers;
other requirements
TotalFor each
of the
nutrientsNP2O5K2ON P2O5K2O
123 45 6 78 9 1 0
2 % formic acid (solubility (3));
— at least 2·5 % water-soluble P2O5(solubility (1)).
This type of fertilizer must be marketed
under the desgination ‘NP fertilizer
containing soft ground rock phosphate’
or ‘NP fertilizer containing partially
solubilized rock phosphate’.
For this type 2 (a), the test sample for
determining solubility (3) shall be 3 g.
Particle size of the basic phosphatic ingredients:
Thomas slag: at least 75 % able to pass through a
sieve with a mesh of 0·160 mm
Aluminium-calcium
phosphate:at least 90 % able to pass though a
sieve with a mesh of 0·160 mm
Calcined phosphate: at least 75 % able to pass through a
sieve with a mesh of 0·160 mm
Soft ground rock
phosphate:At least 90 % able to pass through
a sieve with a mesh of 0·063 mm
Partially solubilized
rock phosphate:at least 90 % able to pass through a
sieve with a mesh of 0·160 mm2(b). An NP fertilizer containing aluminium-
calcium phosphate, must be free from
Thomas slag, calcined phosphate, soft
ground rock phosphate and partially
solubilized rock phosphate.
It shall be declared in accordance with
solubilities (1) and (7), the latter
applying after deduction of the solubi-
lity in water.
This type of fertilizer must contain:
— at least 2 % water-soluble P2O5(solubility (1));
— at least 5 % P2O5according to solu-
bility (7).
This type of fertilizer must be marketed
under the designation ‘NP fertilizer
containing aluminium-calcium phos-
phate’.
3. In the case of NP fertilizers containing
only one of the following types of
phosphatic fertilizer: Thomas slag,
calcined phosphate, aluminium-calcium▼B1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 19
Type
designa-
tionData on method
of productionMinimum content of
nutrients
(percentage by weight)Forms, solubilities and nutrient contents, to be declared as speci-
fied in columns 8, 9 and 10;
particle sizeData for identification of the fertilizers;
other requirements
TotalFor each
of the
nutrientsNP2O5K2ON P2O5K2O
123 45 6 78 9 1 0
phosphate, soft ground rock phosphate,
the type designation must be followed
by an indication of the phosphate
ingredient.
The declaration of the solubility of the
P2O5must be given in accordance with
the following solubilities:
— for fertilizers based on Thomas
slag: solubility (6a) (France, Italy),
(6b) (Germany, Belgium, Denmark,
Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands,
United Kingdom);
— for fertilizers based on calcined
phosphate: solubility (5);
— for fertilizers based on aluminium-
calcium phosphate: solubility (7);
— for fertilizers based on soft ground
rock phosphate: solubility (8).▼B1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 20
3. NK FERTILIZERS
Type
designa-
tionData on method
of productionMinimum content of
nutrients
(percentage by weight)Forms, solubilities and nutrient contents, to be declared as speci-
fied in columns 8, 9 and 10;
particle sizeData for identification of the fertilizers;
other requirements
TotalFor each
of the
nutrientsNP2O5K2ON P2O5K2O
123 45 6 78 9 1 0
NK ferti-
lizerProduct
obtained
chemically or
by blending,
without addi-
tion of
organic nutri-
ents of animal
or vegetable
origin18 %
(N +
K2O3%N
5%K2O(1) Total
nitrogen
(2) Nitric
nitrogen
(3) Ammo-
niacal
nitrogen
(4) Ureic
nitrogen
(5) Cyana-
mide
nitrogenWater-
soluble
K2O(1) Total
nitrogen
(2) If any of
the forms
of
nitrogen
(2) to (5)
amounts
to at least
1%b y
weight, it
must be
declared(1) Water-
soluble
potassium
oxide
(2) The indica-
tion ‘low in
chlorine’ is
linked to a
maximum
content of
2%C l
(3) Chlorine
content may
be declared▼B1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 21
4. PK FERTILIZERS
Type
designa-
tionData on method
of productionMinimum content of
nutrients
(percentage by weight)Forms, solubilities and nutrient contents, to be declared as speci-
fied in columns 8, 9 and 10;
particle sizeData for identification of the fertilizers;
other requirements
TotalFor each
of the
nutrientsNP2O5K2ON P2O5K2O
123 45 6 78 9 1 0
PK ferti-
lizerProduct
obtained
chemically or
by blending,
without addi-
tion of
organic nutri-
ents of animal
or vegetable
origin18 %
(P2O5+
K2O)5%P2O5
5%K2O(1) Water-soluble P2O5
(2) P2O5soluble in
neutral ammonium
citrate
(3) P2O5soluble in
neutral ammonium
citrate and in water
(4) P2O5soluble in
mineral acids only
(5) P2O5soluble in alka-
line ammonium
citrate (Petermann)
(6a) P2O5soluble in
mineral acids of
which at least 75 %
of the declared P2O5content is soluble in2 % citric acid
(6b) P
2O5soluble in 2 %
citric acid
(7) P2O5soluble in
mineral acids of
which at least 75 %
of the declared P2O5content is soluble inalkaline ammonium
citrate (Joulie)
(8) P
2O5soluble in
mineral acids, of
which at least 55 %
of the declared P2O5content is soluble inWater-
soluble
K2O1. A PK fertilizer free from Thomas slag,
calcined phosphate, aluminium-calcium
phosphate, partially solubilized rock
phosphate and soft ground rock phos-
phate must be declared in accordance
with solubilities (1), (2) or (3):
— when the water-soluble P2O5does
not amount to 2 % solubility (2)
only shall be declared;
— when the water-soluble P2O5is at
least 2 % solubility (3) shall be
declared and the water-soluble P2O5content must be indicated (solubi-lity (1)).
The P
2O5content soluble in mineral
acids only must not exceed 2 %.
For this type 1, the test sample for
determining solubilities (2) and (3)
shall be 1 g.
2(a). A PK fertilizer containing soft ground
rock phosphate or partially solubilized
rock phosphate must be free from
Thomas slag, calcined phosphate and
aluminium-calcium phosphate.
It shall be declared in accordance with
solubilities (1) (3) and (4).
This type of fertilizer must contain:
— at least 2 % P2O5soluble in mineral
acids only (solubility (4));
— at least 5 % P2O5soluble in water
and neutral ammonium citrate(1) Water-
soluble
potassium
oxide
(2) The indica-
tion ‘low in
chlorine’ is
linked to a
maximum
content of
2%C l
(3) Chlorine
content may
be declared▼B1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 22
Type
designa-
tionData on method
of productionMinimum content of
nutrients
(percentage by weight)Forms, solubilities and nutrient contents, to be declared as speci-
fied in columns 8, 9 and 10;
particle sizeData for identification of the fertilizers;
other requirements
TotalFor each
of the
nutrientsNP2O5K2ON P2O5K2O
123 45 6 78 9 1 0
2 % formic acid (solubility (3));
— at least 2·5% water-soluble P2O5(solubility (1)).
This type of fertilizer must be marketed
under the designation ‘PK fertilizer
containing soft ground rock phosphate’
or ‘PK fertilizer containing partially
solubilized rock phosphate’.
For this type 2(a), the test sample for
determining solubility (3) shall be 3 g.
Particle size of the basic phosphatic ingredients:
Thomas slag: at least 75 % able to pass through a
sieve with a mesh of 0·160 mm
Aluminium-calcium
phosphate:at least 90 % able to pass through a
sieve with a mesh of 0·160 mm
Calcined phosphate: at least 75 % able to pass through a
sieve with a mesh of 0·160 mm
Soft ground rock
phosphate:at least 90 % able to pass through a
sieve with a mesh of 0·063 mm
Partially solubilized
rock phosphate:at least 90 % able to pass through a
sieve with a mesh of 0·160 mm2(b). A PK fertilizer containing aluminium-
calcium phosphate must be free from
Thomas slag, calcined phosphate and
partially solubilized rock phosphate.
It shall be declared in accordance with
solubilities (1) and (7), the latter
applying after deduction of the solubi-
lity in water.
This type of fertilizer must contain:
— at least 2 % water-soluble P2O5(solubility (1));
— at least 5 % P2O5according to solu-
bility (7).
This type of fertilizer must be marketed
under the designation ‘PK fertilizer
containing aluminium-calcium phos-
phate’.
3. In the case of PK fertilizers containing
only one of the following types of
phosphatic fertilizer: Thomas slag,
calcined phosphate, aluminium-calcium
phosphate, soft ground rock phosphate,▼B1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 23
Type
designa-
tionData on method
of productionMinimum content of
nutrients
(percentage by weight)Forms, solubilities and nutrient contents, to be declared as speci-
fied in columns 8, 9 and 10;
particle sizeData for identification of the fertilizers;
other requirements
TotalFor each
of the
nutrientsNP2O5K2ON P2O5K2O
123 45 6 78 9 1 0
the type designation must be followed
by an indication of the phosphate
ingredient.
The declaration of the solubility of the
P2O5must be given in accordance with
the following solubilities:
— for fertilizers based on Thomas
slag: solubility (6a) (France, Italy),
(6b) (Germany, Belgium, Denmark,
Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands,
United Kingdom);
— for fertilizers based on calcined
phosphate: solubility (5);
— for fertilizers based on aluminium-
calcium phosphate: solubility (7);
— for fertilizers based on soft ground
rock phosphate: solubility (8).▼B1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 24
▼B
ANNEXII
PROVISIONSCONCERNINGIDENTIFICATIONANDLABELLING
1.Compulsoryidentificationmarkings
(a) The words ‘EEC FERTILIZER’ in capital letters.
(b) The designation of the type of fertilizer, in accordance with Annex I, and
the numbers indicating the nutrient content which, for compound fertili-
zers, should be in the order laid down by the said designation.
(c) The declared content in respect of each nutrient; and the declared content
expressed as forms and/or solubilities where those are specified in Annex
I.
The nutrient content for straight and compound fertilizers must be given
as a percentage by weight, as whole numbers or, where necessary, to one
decimal place and for compound fertilizers in the following order: N,
P2O5and/or P, K2O and/or K.
The forms and solubilities of the nutrients must also be expressed as a
percentage by weight of fertilizer, except where Annex I explicitly
provides that this content shall be otherwise expressed.
Nutrients must be indicated both in words and by the appropriate
chemical symbols (e.g. nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), phosphorus pent-
oxide (P2O5), potassium (K), potassium oxide (K2O), magnesium (Mg),
magnesium oxide (MgO)).
(d) Guaranteed net or gross weight.
If the gross weight is given, the tare weight must be indicated beside it.
(e) The name or trade name or trademark and the address of the person
responsible for marketing the fertilizer, established within the Commu-
nity.
2.Labellingrequirements
(a) The labels or markings printed on the package and giving the particulars
mentioned under 1 must be placed in a conspicuous position. Attached
labels must be held in place by whatever system is used for closing the
package. If this system consists of a lead or other type of seal, the seal
must bear the name or mark of the person responsible referred to under 1
(e).
(b) The markings referred to in paragraph 1 must be and must remain indel-
ible and clearly legible.
(c) In the cases referred to in Article 3, a copy of the documents containing
the identification markings must accompany the goods and be accessible
for inspection purposes.1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 25
▼B
ANNEXIII
TOLERANCES
(a) The tolerances given in this Annex are the permitted deviation of the
measured value of a nutrient from its declared value.
(b) They are intended to accommodate variations in manufacturing, sampling
and analysis.
(c) No tolerances are allowed in respect of the minimum and maximum
contents specified in Annex I.
d) Where no maximum is given there are no restrictions on an excess of
nutrient above the declared amount.
(e) The tolerance allowed in respect of the declared nutrient contents in the
various types of fertilizer are as follows:
absolute value in percentage by
weight
expressed as N, P2O5,K2O, MgO, ClA. STRAIGHT FERTILIZERS
I.Nitrogenousfertilizers
calcium nitrate 0·4
calcium — magnesium nitrate 0·4sodium nitrate 0·4
chile nitrate 0·4
calcium cyanamide 1·0nitrogenous calcium cyanamide 1·0
ammonium sulphate 0·3
Ammonium nitrate or calcium ammonium nitrate:— upto and including 32 % 0·8
— more than 32 % 0·6
ammonium sulphate-nitrate 0·8magnesium sulphonitrate 0·8
magnesium ammonium nitrate 0·8
urea 0·4
II.Phosphaticfertilizers
Thomas slag:
— declaration expressed as a range of 2 % by weight 0— declaration expressed as a single number 1·0
Other phosphatic fertilizers
P
2O5solubility in: (number of fertilizer in
Annex I)
— mineral acid (3, 6, 7) 0·8
— formic acid (7) 0·8— neutral ammonium
citrate(2a, 2b, 2c,) 0·8
— alkaline ammonium
citrate(4, 5, 6) 0·8
— water (2a, 2b, 3) 0·9
(2c) 1·3
III.Potassicfertilizers
kainit 1·5enriched kainit salt 1·0
muriate of potash:
— upto and including 55 % 1·01976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 26
▼B
— more than 55 % 0·5
potassium chloride containing magnesium salt 1·5
sulphate of potash 0·5
sulphate of potash containing magnesium salt 1·5
Othercomponents
magnesium oxide 0·9
chlorine 0·2
B. COMPOUND FERTILIZERS
1.Nutrientelements
— N 1·1
—P2O51·1
—K2O 1·1
2.Totalnegativedeviationsfromthedeclaredvalue
— binary fertilizers 1·5— ternary fertilizers 1·9
(f) The tolerance allowed in respect of the declared content for the various
forms of nitrogen or the declared solubilities of phosphorus pentoxide is
one-tenth of the overall content of the nutrient concerned with a maximum
of 2 % by weight, provided that the overall content of that nutrient remains
within the limits specified in Annex I and the tolerances specified in para-
graph (e) above.1976L0116 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 27