Our experts provide you with an update on the newly published, which changes the labelling requirements for Plant Protection Products across the European Union.

Published in the Official Journal on May 27, 2026, the new Regulation (EU) 2026/1123 repeals the former Directive 547/2011. It introduces a modern, comprehensive system of standard phrases directly linked to risk assessments and mandates the use of both physical and digital labels.

Below is a detailed breakdown of the main topics, key changes, and the strategic roadmap to ensure your product portfolio remains compliant.

1. The Introduction of the Digital Labelling

A major shift in this regulation is the mandatory requirement for a digital label alongside the traditional physical label.

• Must contain the exact same elements as the physical label.
• Additional information to the physical label can be included digitally, provided it complies with the product’s authorization.
• The digital label must be accessible via a data carrier (such as a QR code or a barcode) printed on the physical product label.
• Access must be entirely free of charge and must not require the user to create an account.
• If a product is withdrawn from the market, its digital label must be immediately deactivated or display a clear statement indicating the withdrawal.
• Benefits: This digital transition improves overall readability, provides clear compliance use instructions, and directly supports precision agriculture through data transfer and reduced dose management.

2. General Label Content Updates (Annex I)

The physical label itself will require new mandatory information to be displayed:

• Safeners and Synergists:
• IPM Statement:
• Precision Farming:
• Parallel Trade:

3. Safe Disposal Phrases (Annex II)

New standard phrases (SD) dictate how PPPs and their containers must be disposed of:

4. Hazard Communication and The New Bee Pictogram (Annex III)

The regulation updates specific hazard communications (RSh) and introduces strict new visual warnings for pollinators

5. Micro-organisms and Mitigation Measures (Annex IV and V)

The new regulation comprehensively categorizes risk mitigation measures to protect users, bystanders, and the environment:

6. Transition Rules and Critical Deadlines

Based on the latest guidance from DG SANTE (July 15, 2026), managing the transition timeline is critical for maintaining market access:

• January 1, 2028 (The Application Date): The new regulation officially applies to all new authorizations, renewals, and any modifications of an existing label submitted after this date. Submissions made prior to 2028 will continue under the old 547/2011 rules for the time being.
• January 1, 2030 (The Hard Deadline): By this date, 100% of PPP labels on the market must include the newly required phrases and a digital label.

Important Strategic Action: There will be no automatic relabelling or blanket administrative amendments issued by Member States. Updating labels implies a formal review by the Competent Authority to reflect domestic authorizations. Because the EU does not prescribe a universal administrative procedure for this, Staphyt will proactively contact the Competent Authorities of each individual Member State to define their specific national procedures (e.g. minor amendments vs. renewals) to ensure full compliance by 2030.

We are fully prepared to assist you in mapping your portfolio, assessing which products will trigger the new bee pictogram or mitigation phrases, and coordinating with Member States to secure your compliance ahead of the deadlines.

Contact our team to discuss your project: contact@staphyt.com