Background to the precursors regulations 

In GB, to reduce the risk of harm from some substances the Poisons Act 1972 sets out the obligations that suppliers have in relation to regulated and reportable substances.

The Home Office has recently put the Controls of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023 in place in Great Britian to introduce new substances to the lists of regulated explosives precursors and poisons, which now includes fertiliser products containing ammonium nitrate (AN) and have a nitrogen content of 16% or more from AN.

In Ireland, the 2019 EU Regulations on the marketing and use of explosives precursors remains in place and has not changed. The requirements of this regulation are very similar to that of the new GB regulations. 

What are Yara's responsibilities? 

The regulations require all businesses selling regulated and reportable substances to report any suspicious transactions and significant losses or thefts.

  • Report any suspicious transactions and significant losses or thefts.
  • Validate the identity of customers wanting to purchase applicable products.

  • Not supply a regulated substance, above the concentration threshold, to a member of the public unless they hold a valid licence. 

The main aim of the Regulations is to avoid explosive precursors getting into the wrong hands of individuals who may use them to cause harm or damage.  

How do the new GB regulations affect Yara and direct customers? 

In GB, from 1st October 2023, the new rules means that as Yara supplies a number of regulated precursors to farmers and other businesses we will need to take additional steps to verify the legitmacy of the business with photo identification. 

  • It is now mandatory to provide some form of photo ID (e.g. driving license, passport or trade association card) when ordering ammonium nitrate (AN) fertiliser. Without it your sale will be declined and reported to the police. 
  • Compound fertiliser which containing 16% N and above which is derived from AN (including N from calcium ammonium nitrate) will also require photo identification. 
  • Purchases of certain plant protection products e.g. acids will also require photo identification. 

There are no changes to current processes in Ireland. 

 For further information contact your Area Manager.

Additional Resources 

Legislation.gov.uk - The Control of Explosives Precursors and Poisons Regulations 2023

Eur:Lex - Regulation (EU) 2019/1148 on the marketing and use of explosives precursors