EU proposes digital labeling for fertilising products

On 27 February 2023 the European Commission adopted a new proposal on the voluntary digital labeling of EU fertilising products. Digital labeling has already been adopted by the EU and is being used on certain products which contain chemical substances. Based on this proposal, suppliers of fertilisers whose products meet EU health, safety, and environmental standards would be allowed to provide information on a digital label.

It is believed that this proposal could help users of fertilising products understand and use the products more safely and efficiently. Moreover, it would reduce the costs for the suppliers from €57,000 annually for a large company and €4,500 for an SME.

It should be noted that based in this proposal the fertilising suppliers are given the choice to choose which format of labelling they wish to use, meaning that the suppliers and retailer have the choice between the physical and digital format or a combination of the two.

This proposal has been sent to the European Parliament and the Council and in case of adoption, there would be a two- and half-year transaction period. This period would allow for more detailed technical rules to be decided.