Fertiliser labelling
The label on the fertiliser bag contains important statutory information for transport, storage and handling of the fertiliser. The chemical composition of the product is stated on the bag in accordance with national regulation.
The product’s classification and labelling is according to national legislations and EU regulation, and the transport classification is according to the UN Transport of Dangerous Goods-Model Regulations (TDG).
The table below shows how the hazards are communicated through the label on some of our main products.
As stated in the introductory text, the labeling elements are defined by the CLP regulation and the rule on the transport of dangerous goods (TDG). The same information can be found in the Safety Data Sheets. Ref: CLP regulation: Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008. CLP or CLP Regulation (classification, labeling and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures) is applied across EU and EEA. The legislation introduces a system for classifying and labeling chemicals, based on the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System (UN GHS).
It is the duty of the industry to identify the hazards of chemicals before these are placed in the market, and to classify them accordingly. In case a product is hazardous, it has to be labelled, so that workers and consumers know about its effects before they handle it. (Ref: ECHA website).
The product origin is always written on the bag. The front side of both the big bags and the small bags are labeled for transport, TDG label. The back side of both the big bags and the small bags are normally labelled both according to the CLP- and TDG Regulations. We use a Consolidated label except when:
- The product is not transport classified. In this case it only bears a CLP label, and/or
- The Consolidated label can be completely expressed on the sidebar label.
A consolidated label is defined as the total label that includes all the elements required both by the CLP- and TDG Regulations. In those cases where the hazard is both represented by a TDG- and a CLP pictogram, the CLP pictogram is not included.
The sidebar of the small bags has either a Consolidated label or a CLP label (in cases where the product is not transport classified). The sidebar label may not contain all the requirements in the CLP Regulation.
Batch coding and stock rotation (YaraVita products)
All YaraVita products carry a six figure batch code which provides useful information to warehouse staff. This code is printed on the external packaging of the product as well as on the individual bottles for liquid products.
To assist with stock management, YaraVita suspensions also carry a phrase printed in the local language on the outer carton which advises the date by which the product should have moved through the distribution chain to the end user and have been applied.
To ensure correct information about a product or raw materials used in the production or processing of fertilizers, the best thing to do is to request the new updated version of the safety data sheets (SDS) compiled according to legislations for the country where the products are used. A correct safety data sheet will have information about possible hazards and recommendation regarding handling and storage, unwanted situations and disposal. A correct safety data sheet will also contain transport classification information.
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