Differences between 2003/2003 Regulation and FPR
Under the 2003/2003 fertiliser regulation, only mineral fertilisers may be sold within the EU. Also, only the characteristics of the end product are very accurately regulated, for example the nutrient levels. The new FPR scheme offers opportunities for the large-scale production and marketing of a wide range of fertilisers, including organic fertilisers, organo-mineral fertilisers, mineral fertilisers, growing media and biostimulants.
Under the FPR regulation, both the characteristics of end products (contaminants, nutrient levels) and the characteristics of input materials (for example REACH registration) are regulated for each fertilising product. It also imposes an extensive package of requirements on labelling, for example with regard to the intended use.
Why the Fertilising Products Regulation?
The European Commission presented the FPR scheme in March 2016 as part of the EU's circular economy action plan. One of the main objectives is to encourage large-scale production of fertilisers using domestic organic or secondary raw materials in line with the circular economy model: by converting 'waste' into nutrients for crops. The new regulation aims at an increased use of organic fertilisers and an increased production and use of fertilisers that contain phosphate, but have a low cadmium content.
Why do you need this certificate?
Fertilisers with CE marking are accepted in all 27 EU member states. This offers you opportunities as an entrepreneur: after all, with a Kiwa certificate you no longer have to comply with country-specific, complicated regulations. This increases the market opportunities for your organisation.
For whom?
Are you a producer of organic or inorganic fertilisers, limes, soil improvers, growing media, inhibitors and bio-stimulants? Do you want to sell your products with CE marking on the European market? Then the Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR) applies to you. In many cases fertiliser distributors are also considered as manufacturers, in which case the FPR also applies.
How does it work?
If you want to place your products on the European market with a CE marking, you can register with Kiwa VERIN. On the application form you indicate, among other things, the desired scope of certification. Before certification, your company must meet a number of criteria. These requirements can be found in the FPR.
During the audit, we not only look at the end product, but we also check the components required for production and the product labels. We also check your quality system, your production location(s) and your conformity declaration(s), in which you, as a manufacturer, guarantee and declare under your own responsibility that the products concerned meet the relevant requirements as specified in the FPR regulation.
If you meet the criteria, you will receive the certificate from Kiwa VERIN, including the scope of certified CMC’s and PFC’s, and you may sell your products with CE marking in all 27 EU member states from 16 July 2022 onwards.
Why Kiwa?
Kiwa VERIN has registered as a Notified Body for the FPR scheme. A Notified Body is an independent, accredited conformity assessment body notified by the European Commission and approved by all EU member states to carry out the certification. In October 2021, the Dutch accreditation authority RvA has issued Kiwa VERIN a temporary accreditation for Module D1 (quality assurance of the production process), with the exception of CMC 3 and CMC 5 (these CMC’s are excluded from the accreditation application). Module D1 can be used for all fertilising products, with the exception of ammonium nitrate fertilisers with a high nitrogen content. Kiwa has a lot of expertise in the field of fertilisers and is involved in the implementation of the FPR. Kiwa has extensive experience in auditing products that fall under this regulation.