Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) revises definition of a Supplement under the Fertilizers Act and request submission of Industry Questionnaire

In March of 2021, the CFIA expanded its definition of the term “supplement” under the Fertilizers Act to include materials that act either directly or indirectly to improve the condition of soils, aid in plant growth, or impact crop yield.

What you need to know

Previously, the definition of a “supplement” was limited to materials that had direct effects only. The revised definition now captures a wide range of products not historically thought to be regulated or require registration under the Fertilizers Act.

Such additions include but are not limited to polymers, sugar additives, molasses, signalling compounds, molecules for adjusting microbial population in the rhizosphere, DNA Aptamers, vitamins, amino acids, and nanomaterials.

CFIA needs your feedback

CFIA is gathering industry input through a questionnaire to better understand the type and number of supplement products that would be affected and the impact this would have the market. The questionnaire is designed to collect data to inform the development and implementation of a policy that is feasible and cost-effective for the regulated community, while also maintaining CFIA’s commitment to a safe, fair, and equitable marketplace. The deadline to provide feedback is 31 March 2022.

How can TSG help?

Interested in completing the questionnaire? Want to speak with a regulatory expert to better understand how this new definition could impact your business? Or need help getting your Supplement registered with the CFIA?

Meet with our resident Canadian expert, Joe McCarthy, to access the questionnaire and have your questions answered.

Get in touch: [email protected]