Switzerland – Europe's largest phosphate-based fertilizer production enterprise, PhosAgro-Cherepovets (a subsidiary of PhosAgro), has successfully passed a certification audit by SGS, the world leader in inspection, verification, testing and certification, to meet the "Protect and Sustain" requirements of the International Fertilizer Association (“IFA”).
The certification covers the development, manufacture, sale and distribution of ammonia, complex mineral fertilizers, ammonium nitrate and urea.
The Protect and Sustain standard was developed by the International Fertilizer Association with the support of SGS in 2010 in order to help IFA member companies to meet high standards of quality, safety and reliability through the introduction of industry best practices and technologies.
A high score based on the results of the audit reflects the safety of a company's products, both at the production stage and for the end user. Successful certification demonstrates advantages in work with clients, observance of strict safety, occupational safety and environmental standards, as well as the proper quality of transportation and storage of products.
PhosAgro CEO, President of the Russian Fertilizer Industry Association, and Vice-President of IFA for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Andrey Guryev said: "PhosAgro has received an objective and independent evaluation of its activities in the field of quality control, safe production conditions, logistics and marketing, and interaction with customers. We will continue to adhere to high standards in our production processes and corporate governance so that our high-quality products that contain low levels of potentially hazardous impurities, including 35 different fertilizer grades, remain competitive not only in our priority Russian market, but also in the markets of 100 countries worldwide."
Konstantin Timoshechkin, Regional Manager for Eastern Europe, Certification and Business Enhancement, SGS said: "Based on the results of the certification audit conducted at PhosAgro-Cherepovets, I would especially note the effectiveness of the enterprise’s quality control, testing of incoming raw materials, handling of products, and compliance with safety requirements.”