Digital labelling of EU fertilising products [EU Legislation in Progress]

Written by Clément Evroux (1st edition).

On 27 February 2023, the European Commission published a proposal for a regulation to allow voluntary digital labelling of EU fertilising products. This initiative follows similar EU legislative initiatives establishing the digital labelling of goods in other economic sectors, such as batteries. The rationale for digital labelling is provided by: on the one hand, the deployment of digital solutions such as QR codes, which can lower the cost of labelling while facilitating the updating of content; and on the other, the complexification of physical labelling, whose readability can prove difficult.

Against this backdrop, the proposal introduces a set of voluntary digital labelling schemes for EU fertilising products, whose requirements depend on the packaging arrangements and the users of the products (economic operators or end-users). The proposal also introduces a single set of technological requirements for all established labels, to ensure that labels are accessible free of charge, including for vulnerable groups.

In Parliament, the file has been assigned to the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection.

Versions

• May 2023: Digital labelling of EU fertilising products (1st edition)

Next steps expected: Appointment of the rapporteur