EU member states can import cadmium-containing fertilizers from any origin without a deadline.

Omissions

• The claim omits that the EU Fertilising Products Regulation (2019/1009) imposes harmonised cadmium limits (60 mg/kg P₂O₅) on CE-marked phosphate fertilisers, applicable since 16 July 2022, with review clauses for progressive reduction to 40 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg.
• The dual regulatory structure — CE-marked fertilisers (with cadmium limits) versus national-rule fertilisers (potentially without equivalent EU limits) — is not explained, which could leave the impression that no EU cadmium regulation exists at all.
• Ongoing EU consultations on aligning national fertiliser cadmium limits with the harmonised EU framework are not mentioned.

Sources

• SecondaryConsilium (Council of the EU)The regulation sets harmonised limits for a range of contaminants, such as cadmium, contained in mineral fertilisers. The regulation harmonises rules for fertilisers produced from phosphate minerals and from organic or secondary raw materials, opening up new possibilities for producing and marketing them on a large scale across the EU.
• SecondarySafer PhosphatesThe FRP provides for the reduction of the cadmium content of EU fertiliser products, mainly by introducing a harmonised cadmium limit of 60mg/kg P₂O₅. This limit applies from 16 July 2022 and will be reviewed 7 years after the date of application with a view to lowering it to 40mg/kg P₂O₅, and 12 years after the date of application to 20mg/kg P₂O₅.
• SecondaryEuropean Sustainable Phosphorus PlatformPossible alignment of cadmium limits of National fertilisers regulations … Two EU consultations on Fertilising Products Regulation. Open to 19th September 2025.
• SecondaryFertilizers EuropeLow January 2026 import level of fertilizers into Europe is the result of an unprecedented flooding of imported fertilizers in Q4 2025 to stockpile ahead of the safeguard duties.