National rules and EU fertilising products
Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) explains that Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 has applied since 16 July 2022 and coexists with national rules. Products meeting that EU framework are EU fertilising products and bear the CE marking. Spain’s national framework includes Royal Decree 506/2013. Source: MAPA overview of fertilising products.
The BOE consolidated text of Royal Decree 506/2013 checked for this guide records its latest published update as 7 July 2023. Read the amended provisions rather than relying only on the original 2013 text.
Check the product type and registration requirements
Under the national framework, Article 11 requires registration before marketing products in Annex I groups 2, 3 and 6. Do not assume that every product called a fertiliser follows the same registration process. Check the classification and the applicable market route first. Sources: Royal Decree 506/2013, Article 11 and the MAPA register and procedure information.
For goods legally marketed in another EU Member State, MAPA also publishes information on mutual recognition under Regulation (EU) 2019/515. Its conditions should be examined for the actual product; an overseas address alone is not evidence of legal marketing. See MAPA’s mutual recognition section.
Ammonium nitrate products need a specific review
Article 6 bis contains specific provisions for solid inorganic ammonium nitrate fertilisers with high nitrogen content, using a threshold of 28% by mass or more of nitrogen derived from ammonium nitrate for the products it defines. The definition includes further conditions and refers to requirements in Regulation (EU) 2019/1009. See Article 6 bis in full.
This product-law definition should not be used on its own to assign a UN number or decide that a shipment is exempt from dangerous goods transport rules. Assemble the composition, relevant tests, safety data sheet and proposed transport details for that separate assessment.
Preparing a transport enquiry involving Spain
Provide the product identity, manufacturer or importer’s role, intended market route, available conformity and registration information, safety data sheet, quantities, packaging and itinerary. Explain whether the operation involves road carriage only or also a port or sea leg.
DGSA can discuss the dangerous goods transport aspects in English or Spanish. Related resources: GHS and EU CLP context, IMDG Code 2024 and advisory services.
Discuss your operation in Spain
Tell us which goods, activities and transport stages are involved. We will discuss the scope of the advice or training you need.