Organic fertilisers containing sewage sludge (under Chapter 31.01.0000)

Draft Regulations amending the Regulations on fertilisers etc. of organic origin and the Regulations relating to the payment of fees for specific services provided by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority ("sewage sludge-based fertiliser" etc.)

The proposed regulations amend the Regulations on fertilisers etc. of organic origin and the Regulations relating to the payment of fees for specific services provided by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority ("sewage sludge-based fertiliser" etc.). The proposed regulations introduce amendments to the national regulations concerning organic fertilisers containing, amongst other components, also sewage sludge.

The proposal introduces the following amendments:

·         Products with the product designation "sewage sludge-based fertiliser" is to be subject to less stringent use-restriction compared to other sewage-sludge;

·         The use of the product designation is to be subject to an authorisation from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. Authorisation may only be given if the product has been treated using methods where the temperature during the hygienisation period is at least 55 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, the product must have a balanced nutrient content adapted to the annual needs of the plants and be suitable for use with at maximum addition of 100kg dry matter per decare per year of the sewage sludge component;

·         All operators in the delivery-chain are required to keep a record with information necessary for tracing the products. The users of "sewage sludge-based fertiliser" are also required to keep a record stating which enterprise the sludge product was received from, the product's trade name, the quantity received and the date on which it was received. The record shall also contain outline maps showing the areas where the sludge has been used. It must be stated what quantity of sludge has been used per decare and the date on which it was spread; The records must be stored for at least ten years. The operator is to pay a fee of 3,675 NOK for the authorisation.