Biostimulant Requirements and Quality Characteristics

This table compares a high-tech biostimulant (manufactured in the EU using patented technology) with a product of unknown origin and quality, based on key criteria from Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 and good control practices.

Requirement High-tech biostimulant (EU / patented technology) Unknown origin / counterfeit biostimulant
CE certificate (EU 2019/1009) CE certified in the EU and has a CE certificate number issued by an official EU notified certification body, supported by patented (official) production technology, compliant quality parameters under Regulation (EU) 2019/1009, and long-term successful field trials. Does not have a European CE certificate under Regulation (EU) 2019/1009. It may present other unclear “certificates” issued by non-official or questionable bodies, or by non-accredited laboratories.
Public/official technology (patent/publication) Has:
  • an international publication number for the production technology published in WIPO registers (Geneva, Switzerland);
  • a production patent and registration number in a national patent register;
  • an EU patent number in the national phase of the EU member state where production is located.
 Does not have:
  • a published technology in WIPO registers and national patent registers;
  • a production patent and registration number in a national patent register (often produced in violation of IP rights and via unofficial methods).
Official analyses under Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 Has an official analysis report issued by a certified laboratory accredited to perform tests according to Regulation (EU) 2019/1009.

The report includes full information about chemical composition, quality indicators, and the content of hazardous elements defined in Regulation (EU) 2019/1009. 		Analysis reports do not provide complete data about the product’s chemical composition.

Testing is performed by laboratories without the required accreditation under Regulation (EU) 2019/1009.
Safety: toxic/harmful elements, impurities & microorganisms Does not exceed the maximum permissible limits:
  • Cadmium (Cd): < 1.5 mg/kg (dry matter);
  • Hexavalent chromium (Cr VI): < 2 mg/kg (dry matter);
  • Lead (Pb): < 120 mg/kg (dry matter);
  • Mercury (Hg): < 1 mg/kg (dry matter);
  • Nickel (Ni): < 50 mg/kg (dry matter);
  • Inorganic arsenic (As): < 40 mg/kg (dry matter);
  • Copper (Cu): < 600 mg/kg (dry matter);
  • Zinc (Zn): < 1500 mg/kg (dry matter);
  • Chlorine (Cl): < 0.1 % (m/m);
  • Free of Salmonella spp.;
  • Free of Escherichia coli and Enterococcaceae (< 1,000 in 1 g or 1 ml);
  • Does not contain toxins/impurities that clog irrigation nozzles or drone sprayers.
May exceed permissible limits for toxins, heavy metals, and harmful substances due to inadequate production and purification processes.
Biologically active acids (humic type) High-tech non-microbial biostimulants should contain a high concentration of humic-type acids, such as:
  • Total organic acids > 12.0%;
  • Total humic substances > 9.0%;
  • Free active water-soluble humic acids > 6.0%;
  • Fulvic acid fraction > 3.0%;
  • Free active water-soluble fulvic acids > 1.0%;
  • Sum of hematomelanic and ulmic acids > 1.0%.
 Low levels of humic and fulvic acids.

Low percentage of free active water-soluble humic and fulvic acids.
Expected outcome in practice
  • Improved soil parameters
  • Increased yield
  • Higher product quality
 Depleted soil

Increased use of mineral fertilizers

Lower-quality production with potential residues of harmful chemicals and microorganisms