Fertilising Product Regulation: Scope, Challenges, and Compliance for Organic and Recycled Materials

Fertilising Product Regulation (FPR) effective 16 July 2022 extends to organic fertilisers, soil improvers, growing media, and biostimulants, promoting use of domestic and recycled raw materials. It introduces Product Function Categories (PFCs), safety criteria, CE marking for recycling-derived products, and strict labelling. Challenges include lack of CE marking for RDF and organic products, national divergences in transposing waste directives, and unclear end-of-waste status for animal by-products. Independent certification by Notified Bodies is required, but limited capacity and poor communication hinder SMEs. The European Commission is developing technical documentation guidelines, but clarity and consistency remain urgent needs. The regulation supports the circular economy and EU strategic autonomy in nitrogen supply amid geopolitical pressures.