On Monday, July 22, the Council of the EU adopted the rules on the labeling of fertilizers. In addition to the physical, digital marking of products in the form of a bar code or QR code is being introduced. This is intended to improve label readability and simplify procedures.

The new rules update the existing EU fertilizer labeling rules. They are promoting the use of digital labels on fertilizers – they will take the form of a barcode or QR code to direct the user to a website where the information on the labels will be available.

Coding is implemented to improve label readability, make it easier to update - if any changes are made, simply enter new information on the page instead of printing completely new labels - and significantly reduce labeling costs, bureaucracy and environmental impact. In addition, as EU legislators point out, a digital label can store much more information than a physical one, which can be difficult to read, especially in the case of small packages.

However, as reported in the Council of the EU, the introduction of digital labels will not mean the abolition of physical labels - they will still be able to be used where necessary. Especially since, as noted, not all EU residents have the same level of digital skills. This varies by social group and age, meaning that some people may have difficulty understanding how digital labels work or may not have devices to read them.

The new rules will enter into force three days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU. The digital label will be valid for at least 10 years after the product is on the market. Digital labeling can also be used for goods sold in bulk, provided that the necessary information, also in physical form, is displayed in a prominent place at the points of sale. The EU Commission will have the right to update the requirements for digital marking.

Some goods in the EU, including batteries, already have a digital label. Their implementation for detergents, cosmetics and chemicals is also being considered. According to estimates, simplifying the labeling obligation will save up to 57,000 euros annually for large companies and 4,500 euros for small and medium-sized enterprises.