Fertilizing Products

2019/1009/EU Fertilising Products Regulation

What is the Fertilising Products Regulation?

The 2019/1009/EU Fertilising Products Regulation establishes comprehensive rules regarding the safety, quality, and environmental impact of fertilising products placed on the market within the European Union. The regulation covers essential criteria such as product composition, labelling, packaging, traceability, and environmental compliance.

Scope of the Regulation

The regulation applies to different types of fertilising products, including:

  • Fertilisers: Organic, inorganic, and organo-mineral fertilisers.
  • Liming Materials: Products designed to regulate soil pH.
  • Soil Improvers: Products that enhance soil fertility, water retention, and aeration.
  • Growing Media: Products used for plant cultivation in controlled environments.
  • Urease Inhibitors: Additives that reduce nitrogen loss.
  • Plant Biostimulants: Products that promote plant growth and resilience under stress conditions.
  • Blends: Combinations of fertilisers and additives.

Component Material Categories (CMC)

The regulation defines 11 categories of component materials that can be used in fertilising products. These include raw materials, plant extracts, composts, agricultural by-products, food industry by-products, microorganisms, nutrient polymers, and materials derived from waste management processes.

Certification and CE Marking

Fertilising products that comply with the regulation can be placed on the EU market with the CE mark. This mark demonstrates compliance with EU rules and grants the product free circulation within the European market.

Certification Process

Under the 2019/1009/EU Regulation, manufacturers must follow one of the conformity assessment modules:

  • Module A: Internal production control.
  • Module A1: Internal production control + supervised product testing.
  • Module B: EU-type examination certificate.
  • Module C: Conformity to type verification.
  • Module D1: Quality assurance system verification.

Manufacturers are required to prepare a technical documentation file, which must include product composition, test reports, quality control procedures, and all relevant technical data proving compliance.

Periodic Monitoring and Renewal

Products that pass conformity assessment may be subject to periodic inspections by notified bodies. In addition, certificates issued under the regulation must be renewed upon expiry, following re-assessment.

Importance

The 2019/1009/EU Fertilising Products Regulation guarantees safety and quality standards for fertilising products sold on the EU market. It creates a transparent, reliable, and environmentally friendly market framework that benefits both producers and consumers.