REGULATIONS

Australia’s Fertilizer Regulatory: BICON application

Australia’s fertilizer regulations are multifaceted, involving both state and federal governments, with a focus on product safety, labeling, and environmental impact. Key aspects include controlling heavy metal contaminants, ensuring accurate product information, and preventing biosecurity risks.

Summary of Australia’s National Code of Practice for Fertilizer Description and Labelling (2024)

1. Purpose and Scope

Objective: Standardize fertilizer labeling nationwide to ensure safety, environmental protection, and informed decision-making for users.
Scope: Applies to substances that fertilize soil or supply plant nutrients (excludes soil conditioners).
Status: Under consultation; defers to state laws where conflicts exist until adopted.

Key Regulations and Codes:

Fertilizers Act 1989:

This overarching act provides the framework for fertilizer regulation in Australia.
Fertilizers Regulations 1997 (NSW):

These regulations outline specific requirements for fertilizer composition, including minimum nutrient content, for example, a minimum of 3% nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium in solid or dry form.
Fertilizers Regulations 2017 (Tasmania):

These regulations detail labelling requirements, ensuring fertilizers are easily distinguishable, names are not misleading, and constituent information is included.
National Code of Practice for Fertilizer Description and Labelling:

This code provides guidance on how fertilizers should be described and labelled to ensure clarity and consistency.
NSW Protection of Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation:

This regulation addresses the use and disposal of recycled waste, including biosolid products, which may be used as fertilizers.
EPA Guidelines for Use and Disposal of Biosolids:

These guidelines provide specific instructions on the safe and environmentally sound use of biosolids as fertilizers.
Fertilizer Australia: Policy for Biosecurity – Heavy Metal Contamination in Fertilisers, Liming Materials and Trace Elements:

This policy addresses potential risks associated with heavy metal contamination in fertilizers.

2. Key Requirements

A. Labeling & Product Data Sheets

Language: English mandatory; other languages allowed if duplicated.
Placement:
- Packaged: Labels must be externally visible or available online.
- Bulk: Delivered with invoices/dockets or electronically within 24 hours.
Content:
- Product name + N-P-K-S values (e.g., “16-5-12-6”) in ≥25% font size of name.
- Nutrient forms (e.g., “N as nitrate,” “P as water-soluble”).
- Net weight/volume (e.g., “25kg” or “20L”).
- Impurities (under a separate heading) if exceeding trigger levels (e.g., Cd >1 mg/kg).

B. Nutrient Disclosure

Minimum Claim Levels:
- Solid fertilizers: Macro-nutrients (N, P, K, S, Ca, Mg, Si) ≥0.5%; Mo/Se ≥0.001%.
- Liquid fertilizers: Macro-nutrients ≥0.1%; Mo/Se ≥0.001%.
Tolerances: Allowable variances (e.g., ±5% for nutrients ≥25%).

C. Contaminant Limits (MPCs)

Contaminant	Phosphatic (>2% P)	Trace Elements	Other Fertilizers
Cadmium (Cd)	≤300 mg/kg P	≤50 mg/kg	≤10 mg/kg
Lead (Pb)	N/A	≤500 mg/kg	≤100 mg/kg
Mercury (Hg)	≤5 mg/kg (all types)
Fluorine (F)	≤2.5% (superphosphate)	≤4% (rock phosphate)

D. Warning Statements

Triggered by specific concentrations:

Heavy Metals (e.g., Cd >1 mg/kg):

“WARNING—may accumulate in soil and exceed food safety standards.”
Biuret in Urea:
- 30g/kg N: “Not recommended for foliar application except on turf.”
Dust/Vapour:

“Avoid inhalation/contact with eyes/skin.”

E. Special Cases

Nitrogen Inhibitors: Must disclose coating agent, shelf life, and storage conditions (e.g., “Store away from sunlight”).
Custom Blends: Ingredients must be listed; labels for each component attached.
Organic Fertilizers: ≥95% organic matter for “organic”; ≥65% for “organic-based.”

3. Compliance & Enforcement

Testing: Labs must be ISO/IEC 17025 accredited (e.g., NATA).
Package Size: Max 25kg (solid) or 20L (liquid) for manual handling.
Compliance Statement: Encouraged:

“This label complies with the National Code of Practice…”

4. Differences from Victoria’s 2015 Regulations

Aspect	National Code (2024)	Victoria (2015)
Nutrient Forms	Detailed (e.g., “N as nitrate”)	Only N-P-K-S values
Fluorine (F)	Regulated	Not covered
Package Size	25kg/20L limit	No limit specified
Custom Blends	Explicit rules	Not addressed

5. Recommendations

For Manufacturers: Adopt the National Code’s detailed labeling and contaminant limits proactively.
For Users: Verify state-specific rules (e.g., Tasmania’s stricter Mo/Se warnings).
Future Compliance: Monitor adoption by states to replace local regulations.

6. Import Compliance Pathway “Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON)“

6.1. Purpose and Scope

Objective: Ensure biosecurity and food safety by regulating the import of goods into Australia.
Scope: Applies to all imported products, including food, plants, animals, and other commodities.
Key Focus:
- Prevent entry of prohibited items.
- Enforce import conditions to mitigate biosecurity risks.
- Ensure compliance with food safety standards (e.g., Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS)).

6.2. Key Requirements for Importers

A. Using BICON

Importers must use the Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) to check:

Whether the commodity is permitted for import.
Biosecurity conditions (e.g., treatments, documentation).
Need for an import permit.
For food imports:
- Permitted food types.
- Required supporting documents.
- Analytical tests and permitted limits (e.g., pesticide residues).
- How to book lab tests.

B. Biosecurity Import Permits

Required for: High-risk goods (determined via BICON).
Processing Time:
- Standard (Category 1): 20 business days.
- Non-standard (Categories 2–5): 40 business days.
Validity: Varies based on risk level.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Goods arriving without a required permit will be exported or destroyed.

6.3. Special Cases

External Territories (Norfolk Island, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands):
- Import conditions may differ; check the External Territories webpage.
Novel Products:
- Require extended assessment if prepared in new ways.

6.4. Compliance Responsibilities

Importers must:
- Verify permit requirements via BICON.
- Submit complete/accurate permit applications to avoid delays.

6.5. Key Takeaways

BICON is mandatory for determining import eligibility.
Permits are critical—non-compliant shipments face destruction/export.
Food imports require dual compliance (biosecurity + food standards).
Delays occur for novel products or incomplete applications.

Note: Always check BICON updates and consult the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) for clarifications.

7. Fertilizer Classification & Handling

Type	Examples	Special Requirements
Chemical Fertilizers	Urea, MAP/DAP	HACCP-based manufacturing records
Mined Fertilizers	Rock phosphate, potash	Radioactivity testing (U/Th <50 Bq/kg)
Organic Fertilizers	Bone meal, fish hydrolysate	Pathogen inactivation proof (e.g., 70°C/1hr)

Site Requirements:

- - Dedicated storage zones with impermeable floors
  - Pest monitoring systems
  - Waste disposal contracts

8. Enforcement Mechanisms

- 1. Penalties for Non-Compliance:
    - False labeling: AUD 110,000 (corporations)
    - Biosecurity breaches: AUD 444,000 + vessel detention
  2. Market Surveillance:
    - 2023 inspection stats: 12,500 consignments screened; 8% rejection rate
  3. General Biosecurity Duty:
    - Mandatory contamination reporting (fines for negligence)

9. Compliance Checklist for Importers

9.1. Determine Import Eligibility

Use the Biosecurity Import Conditions System (BICON) to check:
- Whether the fertilizer is permitted for import.
- Biosecurity requirements (e.g., treatments, documentation).
- Need for an import permit.
- Labeling and contaminant limits (aligned with the National Code of Practice for Fertilizer Description and Labelling).

9.2. Comply with Biosecurity & Import Regulations

Biosecurity Import Permit:
- Required for certain fertilizers (e.g., organic-based, trace-element
- Apply via BICON (processing time: 20–40 business days).
- Goods arriving without a permit may be destroyed or exported.
Labeling Requirements:
- Must
  - Nutrient content (N-P-K-S values, forms like “N as nitrate”).
  - Contaminant levels (e.g., Cd ≤300 mg/kg P for phosphatic fertilizers).
  - Warning statements (e.g., for heavy metals like cadmium).
- Follow state-specific rules (e.g., Victoria’s 2015 regulations) if the National Code is not yet adopted locally.

9.3. Meet Food Safety Standards (If Applicable)

Fertilizers used in food production must comply with:
- Imported Food Inspection Scheme (IFIS) for residues
- Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (e.g., maximum limits for contaminants).

9.4. Submit Required Documentation

Mandatory Documents:
- Commercial invoice and packing list.
- Certificate of Analysis (showing nutrient/contaminant levels).
- Biosecurity import permit (if required).
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for hazardous components.

9.5. Customs Clearance & Inspection

Border Checks:
- DAFF may inspect shipments for:
  - Label compliance.
  - Contaminant levels (e.g., cadmium, lead).
  - Biosecurity risks (e.g., organic matter content).
Non-Compliance Outcomes:
- Re-export, destruction, or treatment (e.g., fumigation).

9.6. Post-Entry Obligations

- - - Record-Keeping: Maintain import documents for 7 years.
    - Monitoring: Ensure ongoingupdated regulations.

*Note: Non-permitted shipments face automatic re-export/destruction. DAFF offers pre-application advisory services (AUD 350/hour consultation).*

Australian Government Sites Relevant to Fertilizer