The Fertilisers (Sampling and Analysis) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations.)

1.  These Regulations consolidate and supersede the Fertilisers (Sampling and Analysis) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1978 and the Fertilisers (Sampling and Analysis) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1981. They implement the provisions of the Directives listed in paragraph 2 below.

2.  The Directives implemented are—

Commission Directive 77/535/EEC (O.J. No. L213, 22.8.77) on the approximation of laws of Member States relating to methods of sampling and analysis for fertilisers;

Commission Directive 79/138/EEC (O.J. No. L39, 14.2.79, p. 3) amending Directive 77/535/EEC in respect of methods of analysis for magnesium;

Commission Directive 87/94/EEC (O.J. No. L38, 7.2.87) on the approximation of the laws of Member States relating to the procedures for the control of characteristics of, limits for and resistance to detonation of straight ammonium nitrate fertilisers of high nitrogen content;

Commission Directive 87/566/EEC (O.J. No. L342, 4.12.87, p. 32) amending Directive 77/535/EEC in respect of methods of sampling for fluid fertilisers;

Commission Directive 88/126/EEC (O.J. No. L63, 9.3.88, p. 12) amending Directive 87/94/EEC, in respect only of its date for implementation by the Member States.

3.  The Regulations provide for a number of matters concerning the sampling and analysis of fertilisers including;

(a) the amounts of fertilisers from which samples are to be taken (regulation 2);

(b) the manner of taking, marking, sealing and fastening up of samples (regulation 3 and Schedule 1);

(c) the methods of sending part of a sample (regulation 4);

(d) the methods by which analyses are to be carried out (regulation 5 and Schedule 2), and the form of certificate of analysis (regulation 6 and Schedule 3).

4.  The principal changes from the superseded Regulations are the introduction of sampling procedures for fluid fertilisers (in Schedule 1) and of methods of analysis for straight ammonium nitrate fertiliser (in Schedule 2).