Q: What does FIAS Stand for?

A: FIAS stands for the Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme

Q: Why have FIAS?

A: FIAS is a DEFRA initiative which is designed to protect the integrity of the fertiliser industry supply chain. The areas covered include are storage/ports, transport, merchanting, manufacturing and importing.

Q: How do I join FIAS?

A: To join FIAS you need to contact PAI on 01423 878878. They will be able to send you a registration pack which will include registration documentation and appropriate FIAS Standards.

Q: What happens next?

A: If you decide to join FIAS you need to contact PAI about arranging an audit. There are a number of approved auditors that you can use for this process. You will also need to pay the appropriate fees.

Once you have applied to become a FIAS participant, you will appear on the "FIAS applications" list on the AIC website along with the date of your application. Your company will remain on this list until certification is achieved.

Q: How much does the scheme cost?

A: The scheme has two fees:

  • FIAS Registration Fee - covers the management, administration and development of the scheme
  • Audit and Certification Fee - covers the audit and certification of the participants business

Both costs are based upon the size of the organisation and the number of standards the company is audited against. For smaller businesses, participating in one standard the cost is lower.

Q: What about existing Audits on my premises?

A: You will receive an audit report which lists any areas of non-compliance against the Standards. You will have thirty days from the audit to submit proposed corrective actions, and a further 30 days (total sixty days from audit) to correct them. On correcting the non conformances and payment of the relevant fees you will become a FIAS Participant.

FIAS Participants will appear on the FIAS Register which will be updated every week on the AIC Website: www.agindustries.org.uk