Impact of a calcium cyanamide fertiliser ban on the EU’s strategic independence

29.10.2025

Question for written answer  E-004236/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Angelika Niebler (PPE)

In April 2021, the European Chemicals Agency found that calcium cyanamide (CaCN₂), used as a fertiliser, poses uncontrolled environmental risks. In April 2025, the Commission proposed a ban. However, CaCN₂ is also a key raw material for pharmaceutical and defence production, notably as a precursor of nitroguanidine, which is used in artillery propellants. A ban would jeopardise the EU’s only producer and increase dependence on China.

• 1.Is the Commission aware of any specific cases in the past in which CaCN₂-based fertilisers have caused significant damage to human health and the environment, and if so, please list these specific incidents.
• 2.How does the Commission assess the proposed restriction with respect to the findings in its own Defence Readiness Omnibus package, which acknowledges that defence-related issues have so far not been adequately addressed under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals Regulation, and does the current proposal contradict the announced objectives of the upcoming simplification of the regulation, which is intended to explicitly include the defence readiness objective and ensure that defence concerns – including indirect effects on defence supply chains – are thoroughly considered?
• 3.How does the Commission plan to ensure that a potential ban on CaCN₂ as a fertiliser does not jeopardise the only European production of essential substances, particularly nitroguanidine, thereby resulting in a strategic disadvantage for the EU compared to China?

Submitted: 29.10.2025