Bulk Fertilizers

If you distribute a bulk fertilizer you are a required to obtain a license for each facility you distribute from.

Your license applies only to the distribution of fertilizer. If your company produces, imports or packages a fertilizer a registration is required for each fertilizer.

Examples:

• I don't manufacture a fertilizer, I call a company and buy the fertilizer from them, and they send it to a company in Washington State.
  • By definition you are distributing a fertilizer, even if you don't take physical possession of the fertilizer. You are still required to be licensed.
• My company is out of state, I have a warehouse site at another fertilizer facility in Washington State where my fertilizer sits until it is distributed.
  • Although it is not your facility, your fertilizer is distributed from that location. Your company needs a license.
• I'm not sure if I fall under the category of bulk fertilizer, I distribute packaged fertilizer and sometimes tote sacks and 275 gallons of liquid.
  • Tote sacks are considered to be bulk, and you are required to have a license.
• I own a lawn service company, I buy fertilizer in bulk and apply the fertilizer as a service. I'm not necessarily selling the fertilizer.
  • You are not required to be licensed if you are a company that only applies a fertilizer as a service.
• I do not distribute fertilizer, I rent/lease space to companies that warehouse their fertilizer for further distribution.
  • You are not required to be licensed
  • The companies renting/leasing the facility are required to be licensed.

Applying for a Bulk Fertilizer License for the first time is easy if you follow this simple process:

1. Click on the following link: https://dor.wa.gov/manage-business/state-endorsements/bulk-fertilizer-distributor
2. From here you can either select to complete you application online, or file by mail.
3. Follow the instructions to file online or complete the Business License Application PDF.
4. Fees can either be paid online or sent to:

Your application will be processed more quickly if you file online. Applications filed in person take about the same amount of time to process as those filed by mail.

You cannot distribute fertilizer until the Business Licensing Service has issued your license.  If your fertilizer is found in distribution without a license you may be subject to compliance action.

Business Licensing Service will send your renewal notice approximately 45 days before your license expires.

If you don't receive a renewal notice, please contact the Business Licensing Service at 360-705-6741

It is your responsibility to renew on time.

For more information about renewing, visit https://dor.wa.gov/manage-business/run-business/renew-your-business-license

Contact the Business Licensing Service, either online, in person or by phone. They will be able to instruct you on making any changes to your license.

If you are found distributing a fertilizer without a license, you may be subject to compliance action. In addition, you will be expected to apply for your license immediately. You will also be required to report the amount of fertilizer or lime distributed for the last three years and pay all appropriate fees (including late fees).

If you refuse to obtain a license, WSDA has the authority to issue a stop sale for your fertilizers. Violating Washington State Commercial Fertilizer Laws is a misdemeanor.

The name and the address shown on the license shall be shown on all labels, pertinent invoices, and storage facilities for fertilizer distributed by the licensees in this state.

Use the following scenarios to determine if more than one license is needed:

• Company A, has a headquarters address of 8910 11th Street, Spokane WA, 99020. This is the mailing address for a bulk fertilizer company. They distribute bulk fertilizer from Hwy 6, Spokane WA 99020. The document accompanying the fertilizer is the Hwy 6, Spokane location.
  • A valid Washington State bulk fertilizer license must be held by:
    • Company A, Hwy 6, Spokane WA 99020
• Company A has a headquarters address of 8910 11th Street, Spokane WA, 99020. This is the mailing address for a bulk fertilizer company. They distribute bulk fertilizer from Hwy 6, Spokane WA 99020, 68th St. Ephrata WA  98823, and 123 Ave Odessa WA 99159. The documents accompanying the fertilizer shows the address for each of those locations based on where the  fertilizer is distributed from.
  • A valid Washington State bulk fertilizer license must be held by:
    • Company A, Hwy 6, Spokane WA 99020
    • Company A, 68th St, Ephrata WA  98823
    • Company A, 123 Ave, Odessa, WA 99159