EU proposes new rule to boost use of organic, waste-based fertilizers

The European Commission said on Thursday that it proposed a new regulation to help significantly ease the access of organic and waste-based fertilizers to the European Union (EU) single market.

That would bring these fertilizers to a level playing field with traditional, nonorganic ones, and create new market opportunities for innovative companies while reducing waste, energy consumption and environmental damage, said the commission in a press release.

The reuse of raw materials that are disposed as waste is also one of the key principles of the EU Circular Economy Package adopted last December.

The regulation sets out common rules on converting bio-waste into raw materials that can be used to manufacture fertilizing products.

It defines safety, quality and labeling requirements that all fertilizing products need to comply with so as to be traded freely across the EU.

Producers will have to demonstrate that their products meet those requirements, as well as have limits in organic contaminants, microbial contaminants and physical impurities before affixing the CE-mark that will allow them to trade freely across the EU.

The draft regulation would now be sent to the European Parliament and Council for adoption.

Once adopted, it would be directly applicable without the need for transposition into national law, after a transitional period allowing companies and the public authorities to prepare for the new rules, said the commission. Endit