Digital labelling of EU fertilising products

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 the deployment of digital solutions, such as QR codes, that can lower the cost of labelling while facilitating the updating of content, and also by the increasing complexity of physical labelling, which can prove difficult to read. Against this backdrop, the proposal introduces a set of voluntary digital labelling schemes for EU fertilising products. The schemes' 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 was assigned to the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection. On 25 October 2023, the Committee adopted the report unanimously with 39 votes in favour and one abstention. It includes amendments to improve the accessibility of digital labels, in particular for people with disabilities, as well as for vulnerable individuals. On 17 November 2023, Coreper agreed to the text of the Council negotiating mandate. Second edition. 'EU legislation in progress' briefings are updated at key stages in the legislative procedure.