European Council Adopts New Regulation for Digital Labelling of Fertilisers

On 22 July 2024, the European Council officially adopted a groundbreaking regulation requiring digital labelling of fertilising products across the EU. The regulation aims to modernise labelling practices, reduce costs and simplify obligations for suppliers, while maintaining essential physical labels for those who need them.

Background and Impact

Digital labels, already in use for some chemical products such as batteries, offer significant cost savings and ease of content updates. The new regulation is expected to reduce annual labelling costs by approximately €57,000 for large companies and by €4,500 for SMEs. The road to this regulation began with the Commission’s proposal on 27 February 2023 and culminated in a provisional agreement on 22 January 2024.

This regulation is part of the EU’s wider efforts to improve digital solutions, promote sustainability and protect consumer rights in the single market.

Embracing the Digital Age

The new regulation updates the existing guidelines on fertiliser labelling and promotes digital labelling to reduce bureaucracy and environmental impact. Digital labels, accessible via QR or barcodes, will provide comprehensive product information online for at least 10 years after the product is place on the market. This move is expected to improve the readability and updateability of labels, ensuring that consumers receive accurate and comprehensive information.

Protecting Vulnerable Consumers

Recognising the digital divide, the Regulation ensures that physical labels will continue to be available for vulnerable consumers and those with limited digital skills. Bulk products will also have physical labels at the point of sale to ensure accessible information.

Legislative Process and Implementation

Following the approval of the regulation by the Council, the regulation will nowbe signed by the Presidents of the European Parliament and the European Council. It will then be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and will enter into force three days after publication.