Fertilizer sales must have 'professional training certificate'

The Government has just issued Decree No. 108/2017/ND-CP on fertilizer management with the aim of overcoming existing problems and loopholes in management and promptly preventing the massive development of fertilizer products on the market.

According to the provisions of the above Decree, fertilizers are not recognized for circulation when: They contain harmful elements exceeding the maximum limits prescribed in National Technical Regulations and National Standards; there is scientific evidence that the fertilizer has a high risk of causing adverse effects on human health and the environment; and they have the same name as other fertilizers that have been recognized for circulation.

Fertilizers will have their Decision on Recognition of Fertilizers for Circulation in Vietnam revoked when: There is scientific evidence that the fertilizer has a high risk of causing adverse effects on human health and the environment; It is discovered that the use of fake documents or the provision of information in the documents is not consistent with the fertilizer proposed for circulation recognition; The fertilizer has been recognized for circulation but the circulation period has expired without re-recognition.

The person directly managing and operating production must have a university degree or higher in one of the following majors: cultivation, plant protection, soil chemistry, agronomy, chemistry, or biology.

The Decree also stipulates the conditions for fertilizer production, in which organizations and individuals producing fertilizers must ensure the following conditions: being established in accordance with the provisions of law; having a production location and factory area suitable for the capacity of the fertilizer production line, machinery and equipment; Production lines, machinery and equipment from the raw material processing stage to the final product must meet the technological process. The stages and systems must use mechanized or automated machinery and equipment according to regulations. Machinery and equipment with strict safety requirements and measuring and testing equipment must be inspected, calibrated and adjusted according to the provisions of law;

Have separate areas for storing raw materials and finished products; have shelves or lining for arranging goods; Have a recognized testing room or have a contract with a designated testing organization to evaluate the quality indicators of the fertilizers produced; Have a quality management system in accordance with ISO 9001 or equivalent, for newly established facilities, at the latest after 1 year from the date of establishment;

The person directly managing and operating production must have a university degree or higher in one of the following majors: cultivation, plant protection, soil chemistry, agronomy, chemistry, or biology.

Notably, the Decree clearly states that organizations and individuals trading in fertilizers must ensure the following conditions: be registered or established in accordance with the provisions of law; have a fertilizer trading store. The fertilizer trading store must have: a sign, a record book of fertilizer purchases and sales; a public price list for each type of fertilizer posted in a visible and easy-to-read place; have a fertilizer storage area; have shelves or lining for arranging goods;

People directly selling fertilizers must have a Certificate of professional training in fertilizers, except in cases where they have an intermediate level or higher in one of the following majors: cultivation, plant protection, soil chemistry, agronomy, chemistry, or biology.

In case a fertilizer trading establishment does not have a store, it must have a business registration; have a fixed, legal transaction location; have a book to record the purchase and sale of fertilizers and meet the regulations on people directly selling fertilizers.

According to VnEconomy