1. Introduction
The Fertilizers Act and its accompanying Fertilizers Regulations (C.R.C., c. 666) form the legal framework governing fertilizers and supplements in Canada. Administered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), these regulations ensure:
✅ Product safety for humans, animals, plants, and the environment
✅ Accurate labeling to prevent consumer deception
✅ Proper registration of high-risk products
✅ Compliance monitoring through inspections and enforcement
This guide provides a structured breakdown of key regulatory requirements.
2. Regulatory Scope & Key Definitions
2.1 What Products Are Regulated?
| Category | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Fertilizers | Supply essential plant nutrients (N, P, K, etc.) | NPK blends, urea, ammonium nitrate |
| Supplements | Improve soil or plant growth (non-nutrient) | Compost, microbial inoculants, peat moss |
| Fertilizer-Pesticides | Combine fertilizers + registered pesticides | Weed-and-feed products |
| Novel Supplements | Contain genetically modified traits | Bioengineered microbial products |
2.2 Exempt Products
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Farm fertilizers (mineral-based mixed fertilizers)
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Customer-formula fertilizers (custom blends)
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Specialty fertilizers (lawn/garden products)
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Schedule II-listed supplements (e.g., compost, vermiculite)
3. Registration Process
3.1 Mandatory Registration Requirements
📌 Fertilizer-pesticides (must comply with Pest Control Products Act)
📌 Novel supplements (biotechnology-derived)
📌 Unlisted supplements (not in Schedule II)
📌 Micronutrient fertilizers (unless exempt)
3.2 Application Components
1️⃣ Administrative Forms
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Completed application (CFIA form)
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Canadian agent info (for foreign applicants)
2️⃣ Product Specifications
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Ingredient list & concentrations
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Manufacturing process
3️⃣ Labeling
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Must meet CFIA format requirements
4️⃣ Safety Data
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Tiered based on risk (Level I-III)
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May require contaminant testing
5️⃣ Analysis Results
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Nutrient verification
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Microbial counts (if applicable)
🔄 Registration Validity: 5 years (renewal required)
4. Labeling Standards
4.1 Mandatory Label Elements
🔹 Product name & brand
🔹 Registrant/manufacturer details
🔹 Registration number (if applicable)
🔹 Guaranteed analysis (% nutrients)
🔹 Net weight/volume
🔹 Lot number
🔹 Directions for use (unless exempt)
4.2 Special Cases
| Product Type | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|
| Fertilizer-Pesticides | Pesticide active ingredient, PCPA registration # |
| Novel Supplements | Biotechnology disclosure (if GMO) |
| SRM-containing | “Do not feed to ruminants” warning |
5. Safety & Environmental Compliance
5.1 Prohibited Components
🚫 Toxic substances (heavy metals, pathogens)
🚫 Unapproved pesticides
🚫 Specified Risk Materials (SRM) from cattle
5.2 Novel Supplement Approval
🔬 Pre-market assessment required
📝 Notification + scientific data submission
⚠️ CFIA authorization mandatory before release
6. Compliance & Enforcement
6.1 CFIA Monitoring Activities
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Marketplace inspections
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Product sampling & testing
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Label verification
6.2 Consequences of Non-Compliance
🔴 Product detention (stop sale)
🔴 Forfeiture & disposal
🔴 Fines/legal prosecution (for severe violations)
7. Conclusion
Canada’s Fertilizers Act and Regulations ensure that fertilizers and supplements sold in the country are safe, effective, and properly labeled. Companies must comply with registration, labeling, and safety requirements to avoid regulatory penalties.
For more details, refer to the official CFIA guidelines or consult the Fertilizers Regulations (C.R.C., c. 666).
