New restriction of unprotected solid urea in Ireland
New restriction of unprotected solid urea in Ireland
September 15th 2025 marks an important date for farmers and other fertiliser users in Ireland as unprotected urea (i.e., urea that has not been coated with a urease inhibitor) in solid form will no longer be permitted to be spread on land. Back in February 28th 2025, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DFAM) announced this restriction as part of their Technical Notice.
This restriction applies to all urea nitrogen (N) products with ureic N content of 1% or above, including those products blended with secondary macronutrients (e.g. sulphur) and/or micronutrients (e.g. selenium). However, the restriction does not apply to blends or compounds containing unprotected urea and phosphorus. Furthermore, unprotected urea can still be used in liquid form as a fertiliser.
Moving from unprotected urea to urea in a protected form is a key element of Ireland’s approach to reducing ammonia emissions and ensuring continued compliance with ammonia reduction targets as part of Ireland’s Nitrates Action Progamme. Further information can be found on the DAFM’s website.
If you need advice or assistance with the regulation of fertilising products, plant protection products, biocides or chemicals in the EU and UK, please do not hesitate to contact the experts at Kerona info@kerona.ie