Before starting operations, the economic operator must submit a written start-up notification to the Finnish Food Authority’s Fertiliser Control Register.
Instructions for registering as a fertiliser sector operator can be found here.
Fertilising products that comply with the applicable national or EU legislation may be placed on the market. In addition, it is possible to apply for prior authorisation based on the principle of mutual recognition.
Animal by-products contained in fertilising products must also comply with the processing and labelling requirements of the Animal By-Products Regulation. Imported consignments must be accompanied by a commercial document in accordance with the Regulation. The import of untreated manure requires a permit from the Finnish Food Authority.
The registered operators are required to ensure that products placed on the Finnish market comply with applicable legislation. Operators are also subject to the record-keeping and reporting requirements laid down in the Fertiliser Act. (linkki tänne https://www.ruokavirasto.fi/en/plants/fertilizers/notifications-and-accounting/notifications-and-accounting/)
Cadmium derogation
Finland applies a national derogation regarding the cadmium content of inorganic phosphorus fertilisers. Inorganic phosphorus fertilisers are fertilising products with a phosphorus content of at least 2.2% by mass (5% P₂O₅). The requirement also applies to CE-marked inorganic phosphorus fertilisers.
The maximum cadmium (Cd) content of inorganic phosphorus fertilisers:
- From 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2028, inorganic phosphorus fertilisers placed on the market may contain a maximum of 100 mg Cd/kg P (44 mg Cd/kg P₂O₅).
- From 1 August 2028 onwards, inorganic phosphorus fertilisers imported into Finland may contain a maximum of 50 mg Cd/kg P (22 mg Cd/kg P₂O₅).