The 2020 EU Fertilising Products Regulations

The Fertilising Products Regulations 2020 brings into effect the EU Fertilising Products Regulation, focusing on the circular economy and aligning with the European Green Deal. This comprehensive regulation governs the market availability of EU fertilising products, including fertilisers, biostimulants, and soil improvers. It introduces strict rules for product categories and components, ensuring environmental protection and the health of humans and animals.

The regulation ties in with the EU Commission’s ‘Farm to Fork Strategy’ and ‘Biodiversity Strategy’, targeting substantial reductions in pesticide use, nutrient losses, and fertiliser usage.

As an example under these regulations, biostimulants are subject to specific criteria and standards to ensure their safety and efficacy. Products must undergo rigorous testing and evaluation to demonstrate their benefits to plant health and growth. This process ensures that only biostimulants meeting the high standards set forth in the regulations are approved for use. This emphasis on safety and effectiveness leads to a more regulated and reliable market for biostimulants, ultimately benefiting both the industry and the end-users.

Addressing the challenge of developing environmentally friendly materials, particularly for controlled-release fertilisers (CRFs), ICL has innovated with a biodegradable solution, eqo.s. This technology not only meets the upcoming 2026 regulatory standards for biodegradability but also represents a significant step forward in aligning turf management practices with sustainable approaches. This development is pivotal in adapting to the evolving landscape of environmental regulations in the industry.

Overall, these regulations necessitate a conformity assessment for fertilising products before they enter the European market, adding a layer of complexity for the industry. This includes new labelling requirements, increased packaging materials, and potential market disruptions due to regulatory conflicts.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the complete text of the regulation using the link at the top of this page.