AIC issues advice on photo ID for fertiliser buyers

The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) has produced a flyer for farmers offering guidance on new fertiliser rules to be introduced this autumn.

A change in the law will require farmers to provide photo identification when purchasing ammonium nitrate (AN) fertiliser from 1 October onwards.

Compounds, blends, and mixtures which contain a nitrogen content of more than 16% will also be affected by changes to the Control of Poisons and Explosives Precursors Regulations 2023.

See also: Photo ID required to buy ammonium nitrate from October

The AIC has produced a free downloadable flyer to inform farmers and growers of the new rules.

Jo Gilbertson, AIC’s head of fertiliser, said: “AIC is concerned that unless farming customers can show distributors their photo ID, they legally will not be able to place an order and we may see a situation where there is a de facto ban on AN fertiliser sales from October.

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

The Home Office has previously explained that the photo may be sent by email and only needs to be fulfilled by one individual to represent an entire business every 18 months, not for every transaction.

Farm businesses and individuals with further queries on the new law should contact the Home Office’s chemical reporting team at ChemicalReportingTeam@homeoffice.gov.uk.