European Union publishes new fertilizer regulation

European Union publishes the new fertilizer regulation

26/04/2016

The European Commission (EC) recently published the proposal for a new Fertilizer Regulation that will bear the CE mark and that will be applicable as of the 1 of January of 2018 in the European Union (EU). From the sector of European industry this initiative based on free trade in the Union is celebrated, published the portal "Fresh Plaza".

The EC has been working on this project since the 2011 and in recent months has been driven by the new Community General Directorate of the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) within the Circular Economy Package.

The proposed draft of the EU Regulation to harmonize all Fertilizers in Europe, which also includes Biostimulants including microorganisms, is a quite advanced, rigorous legislative project, with innovative ideas for its development and implementation in the EU and flexible in certain aspects for the member states and the industry.

The Spanish Association of Manufacturers of Agronutrientes (AEFA) has been actively involved all these years and continues to do so, in the European working group Fertiliser Working Group of the EC, in the preparation of this regulation.

Objectives

The main objective of this future Regulation is to eliminate trade barriers between Member States and allow the exchange and use of harmonized fertilizers, without technical barriers to free trade. It is also considered one of the key legislative proposals of the action plan for the circular economy, to encourage in the EU the production of fertilizers from organic or secondary raw materials not imported.

Within the framework of the circular economy, this project includes the valuation of secondary raw materials, bio-waste, by-products and digested products produced in the EU, for use as fertilizers, and to favor European self-supply in the scenario of sustainable agriculture.

This future regulation will repeal the current Regulation 2003 / 2003 of EC fertilizers, but will allow these fertilizers already harmonized to remain in the market if they meet the new requirements of safety and quality, with a transitory period for their adaptation.

Regarding administrative aspects, the competences of the Member States and the responsibilities of the operators, this proposal for a Regulation offers an approximation to reduce costs and administrative burdens for all parties involved, avoiding duplication, shortening deadlines. approvals, favoring the free market and leaving the responsibility of the manufacturer, regarding the quality and effectiveness of products with CE marking, in accordance with the requirements of the Regulation. Member States shall, however, be responsible for market surveillance.

Source: Agraria.pe