EU adopts digital labeling standards for fertilizing products

EUROPE – The European Union has officially introduced digital labeling for fertilizing products, marking the final step in a legislative process to modernize product labeling.

This regulation, approved by the Council, allows digital labels while maintaining physical labels where necessary, ensuring a balanced approach that benefits both producers and consumers.

Digital labels, such as QR codes or barcodes, will now replace traditional packaging labels.

This shift is expected to reduce costs and simplify the labeling process for suppliers. Digital labels offer distinct advantages, particularly for smaller packaging with limited space.

They can store significantly more information than physical labels and be updated more easily and at a lower cost, simplifying compliance for producers.

Under the regulation, digital labels must remain accessible for at least 10 years after a product is placed on the market.

However, the law also considers the needs of vulnerable consumers, including those who may not be comfortable with digital technology.

To ensure inclusivity, physical labels will still be required in certain situations, such as for products sold in bulk, and product information must be displayed clearly at points of sale.

This balanced approach aims to support all user groups, enabling a transition to digital labeling while safeguarding consumer access to critical product details.

At the same time, producers will benefit from a reduced environmental impact, as digital labeling will help reduce the use of physical labeling materials.

With the European Parliament’s prior approval and the Council’s recent adoption, the regulation is now finalized and will soon be published in the Official Journal of the European Union. It will take effect three days after publication.

Digital labeling is already used for other EU-regulated products like batteries and chemicals, and this new regulation for fertilizing products could set the stage for broader adoption across additional sectors, including cosmetics and detergents.

The European Commission has also been granted the authority to update these requirements through future legislation, ensuring the system remains flexible and adaptable as technology advances.

This legislation follows a similar proposal the European Commission published last year on digital labeling of goods in other economic sectors, such as batteries.

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