Registration is required prior to importation or sale in Canada for all products that are or contain polymers.

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The definition of a “supplement” has been recently reviewed by the CFIA. As a result, it was determined that the scope of the definition extends beyond materials that directly affect plant growth, crop yield, or that directly amend the physical properties of the soil.

Therefore, a polymer that directly or indirectly acts to improve the physical condition of soils, or to aid plant growth or crop yields is itself considered a supplement. With the exception of mixtures, whether marketed as a stand-alone product or in combination with a fertilizer or supplement (as a coating for example), products that are, or contain, polymers require registration prior to importation or sale in Canada.

All new polymer or polymer-containing products and formulations will require registration by the CFIA prior to importation and sale in Canada. To allow the industry to adjust to the registration requirement, proponents will have 12 months from January 1, 2021 to submit a registration package for all existing polymer products for use with a fertilizer or as a stand-alone supplement product. A similar approach was adopted with nitrification and urease inhibitors; hence this represents formalizing an industry-driven broader interpretation and position.

Focussed stakeholder engagement with members of Fertilizer Canada, the Canadian Fertilizer Products Forum and the Fertilizer and Supplement Advisory Committee will take place prior to publication of the notice.

To learn more about product registration under the Fertilizers Act, go to Guide to Submitting Applications for Registration Under the Fertilizers Act.