Since July 2022, the EU Fertilizing Products Regulation (FPR 2019/1009) has been in force. This law introduces the CE mark for fertilizers and biostimulants across Europe.
Thanks to the FPR 2019/1009, access to efficient, safe and transparent plant nutrition solutions is easier than ever. It also brings biostimulants under European law for the very first time, recognizing their role in more resilient and sustainable agriculture.
Key Benefits of the New Regulation FPR 2019/1009
- Harmonized Standards: All CE-marked products follow the same strict requirements on quality, safety, and labeling across the EU.
- Innovation & Recognition: Biostimulants are now officially recognized and regulated under a harmonized framework.
- Sustainability Embedded: The regulation encourages the use of recycled and bio-based raw materials, supporting our Green Switch Journey.
- Market Transparency: Provides clearer, standardized information on product function and claims for growers.
What do Product Function Categories (PFCs) mean?
Each CE-marked product is classified under a Product Function Category (PFC), defining its role:
- PFC 1 – Fertilizers: Supply nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, micronutrients).
- PFC 2 – Liming materials: Correct soil acidity.
- PFC 3 – Soil improvers: Improve soil structure and water retention.
- PFC 4 – Growing media: Substrates in which plants grow.
- PFC 5 – Inhibitors: Reduce nutrient losses.
- PFC 6 – Plant biostimulants: Stimulate natural processes for better nutrient use, stress tolerance or crop quality.
- PFC 7 – Blends: Combinations of the categories above.
Van Iperen’s CE-Compliant Portfolio
Van Iperen International has been anticipating the CE law since the early stages. Today, many of our solutions are CE compliant and already fall under the different PFCs:
- PFC 1 – Fertilizers
- GreenSwitch® Original HG and GreenSwitch® SOP HG: Sustainable macronutrient fertilizers
- Essentials like MAP, MKP, SOP, Calcium Nitrate
- PFC 6 – Plant Biostimulants
- Plants for Plants® (P4P 4-Terra, P4P 4-Good, P4P 4-Vita): Improving Nutrient (NUE) and Water Use Efficiency (WUE).
- IPE® Technology (e.g. IPE® Liquid, WS NPKs with IPE®): Increasing Phosphate efficiency.
- FoliaStim® range: Tolerance to abiotic stress (e.g. FoliaStim® Mix TE, FoliaStim® Calcium SC, FoliaStim® Mn Zn, FoliaStim® B Mo, FoliaStim® Ultimate).
- WAKE-up® Liquid: Improving Water Use Efficiency (WUE).
- PFC 3 – Soil Improvers
- Iperen Humic 12+3 Liquid: Enhancing soil properties
Our Commitment: Beyond Compliance
For Van Iperen, the CE law is not only about compliance. It is about trust, transparency and sustainability in plant nutrition. By fully aligning our portfolio with the CE framework, we guarantee growers access to reliable, certified, and innovative solutions.
This step allows us to continue the Green Switch Journey, combining essential nutrients with high-performing biostimulants to make farming more resilient, sustainable, and future-proof.