1. European Commission, DG GROW Fertiliser Europe Conference - 3 May 2016
Opportunities in the EU nutrient legislation: The new Fertiliser Regulation
Dr. Reinhard Büscher
European Commission, DG GROW
Fertiliser Europe Conference - 3 May 2016

2. Our vision
"Very few of the abundant bio-waste resources are transformed into valuable fertilising products. Our farmers are using fertilisers manufactured from imported resources or from energy-intensive processes although our industry could valorise these bio-wastes in recycled nutrients. This Regulation will help us turn problems into opportunities for farmers and businesses."
Jyrki Katainen Commission Vice-President, responsible for Jobs, Growth, Investment and Competitiveness

3. The Commission's proposal
« Status quo plus » 
• Optional harmonisation
• REACH registration for chemical substances
• Safety requirements for ammonium nitrate fertiliser
• Labelling requirements for fertilising products
• Role of standards

4. The Commission's proposal
« Better regulation »
Broad scope : Level playing field for all fertilising products
Much choice : Component materials/product functions
No legal uncertainties (fertiliser, waste, animal by- products, PPPs)
First-time EU legal framework for nutrient recovery
Strict safety rules (heavy metals & plastics) for CE marked fertilisers

5. How to manage the change?
New Fertiliser Regulation will apply from [1 January 2018]
No change for most "EC fertilisers"
New REACH registrations for chemical substances
New safety requirements to be anticipated
New standards to be developed
New Notified Bodies to be established
…and investments in decadmiation should start now!

6. What's next?
• Discussions in Council (Working Group on Technical Harmonisation) and European Parliament (IMCO Committee) • Discussions with CEN in preparation of a Standardisation Mandate • Open call for application for membership of the expert group on recovery rules for biochar, struvite and ash- based products • Dialogue with fertiliser industry on decadmiation of phosphate rock - and other questions

7. Your comments are welcome!
Public consultation on the Commission’s proposal
still open until 12 May 2016