I’ve been answering common questions about CFIA fertilizer registrations. Below, you’ll find a summary of those Q&As, organized by topic for easy reference.

Exemptions

If I combine EDTA with mineral primary and secondary nutrients, is the product exempt? No. Chelates are considered supplements and are not on the exemption list.
Are all exempt products on the exemption list? No. A broader description of exempt products is available here: CFIA Fertilizers and Supplements Overview. Primary and secondary mineral-based fertilizers are exempt as long as they do not contain living organisms.
Where can I find the exemption list? Here: List of Primary Fertilizer and Supplement Materials.
My product is made of an exempt ingredient on the list, but the description doesn’t fit the exemption criteria. Is it still exempt? Only if it follows CFIA’s exemption description (see section “Fertilizers exempt from registration”). However, it cannot always be named exactly as it appears on the list. For example, magnesium sulfate under 13% S cannot be called “magnesium sulfate,” but it can be called “sulfate of magnesium.” Example - Rock Phosphate, if it doesn't fit the description on the list, it can be called Phosphate Rock and still be exempt, because it is a mined mineral containing no living material. 
My product is exempt, is it possible to get a letter from CFIA demonstrating the exemption? Yes, a letter will be provided, usually within 30 days of submitting required information to demonstration exemption (label, manufacturing, ingredient source and proportions, purpose of the product).

Registration Requirements

If I’m re-labelling a fertilizer product, do I need to register it? Yes. However, the wait time is much shorter than for a new product.
How long does it take to register a fertilizer or supplement? In my experience, 12–16 months.
If I make a product with both registered and exempt ingredients, do I need to register it? No, as long as the label is compliant.
If I granulate exempt or registered ingredients using a binder, do I need to register it? No, provided the binder is considered an inert ingredient.
Can I change the application rate of a product I am re-packing? No. The use pattern must remain consistent with the original registered product.
I have an organic input approval on a supplement product, can I sell this in Canada? Only if the supplement is CFIA approved or exempt.

Labels & Language Requirements

Does the French label need to accompany the product? Yes. French and English labels must have equal bearing.
Am I allowed to include other languages on the label? Yes, provided the information is not misleading and supports the product description.
Can I use my U.S. label in Canada? Possibly—if it uses metric units and includes all CFIA-required elements (guaranteed analysis, net weight, manufacturer, lot number, cautionary statements, ingredients, first aid, etc.). A French label is still required.
The label examples on the CFIA website show Available Phosphoric Acid, can I use Available Phosphate (P2O5)? The Fertilizers Regulations equate phosphoric acid and phosphate: phosphoric acid or phosphate means phosphorus pentoxide (P205).

Product Use & Blends

Can I blend my product with another registered product for use on corn and soybean if the label doesn’t list those crops? No, if the label specifies other crops only. Yes, if the label indicates it is broad-spectrum (all crops).

Accounts & Access

How do I set up a CFIA account to submit product applications? Start here: My CFIA Account Setup. First create an individual account, then set up your company account.
My company is U.S.-based—can I create a CFIA account? Yes, but you’ll need a Canadian resident sponsor to authorize it.
How do I transfer a fertilizer registration from one company to another with CFIA?

Fertilizer and supplement registrations are tied to the registrant company. If a product changes hands, Submit a Transfer of Registration request through the CFIA Fertilizer Online Portal. Provide a signed authorization letter from both the current and new registrant, plus company details. Update the product label if the company name or address is changing. Once the transfer is approved, the new company assumes all responsibilities, including renewals, compliance, and tonnage reporting.

 

Helpful Resource

Search for registered fertilizers and supplements here: CFIA Fertilizer Product Search.

I’ll be attending the Fertilizer Canada Conference, October 31, 2025.
If you have questions you’d like me to ask CFIA directly, send them my way! After the conference, I will release a second Q and A.