In Croatia, fertilisers and biostimulants can be placed on the market either under the European Union Fertiliser Regulation (EFR) 2019/1009 or the applicable national fertiliser law.
EU Regulations
The EFR, which came into force in July 2022, has been established across EU member states, including Croatia. Products that comply with the criteria set out in this Regulation can obtain a CE mark. This certification enables them to be sold throughout the EU without additional national restrictions, including Croatia, provided the EC label is in Croatian language.
National regulations
The Ministry for Agriculture and the State Inspectorate are the competent authorities in Croatia for Fertilisers and Biostimulants. There are national regulations governing fertilisers and biostimulants. Mutual Recognition is also possible, but this process involves a case-by-case assessment of risks to humans and the environment.
The Croatian law on fertilisers regulates the approval and placing on the market of fertilisers and biostimulants in Croatia. It came into force in April 2023.
Biostimulants are therein defined as substances or microorganisms applied to plants or their rhizosphere to enhance, for instance, nutrient uptake or improve the efficiency of their nutrition. They are intended to promote plant growth and health without being classified as fertilizers or pesticides. Biostimulants must be registered before they can be placed on the market.
The national Fertiliser Product Regulation NN br 39/23 governs the fertiliser products in Croatia and is the implementation of EU Regulation on Fertilisers 2019/1009.
In Crotia, CEN/TS 17700 is an important standard concerning testing for biostimulant efficacy and it must be followed, because any label claim must be demonstrated through appropriate efficacy trials.
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