EN 17700-4:2024
(Main)Plant biostimulants - Claims - Part 4: Determination of quality traits resulting from the use of a plant biostimulant
Plant biostimulants - Claims - Part 4: Determination of quality traits resulting from the use of a plant biostimulant
This document gives guidance on a consistent approach to justify the claims associated with the use of plant biostimulants.
This document is aimed primarily at manufacturers, laboratories, researchers, technical centres and companies that intend to place plant biostimulants on the market, as well as notifying authorities, notified bodies, and market surveillance authorities.
To be in compliance with this standard, it is important to also follow the recommendations and quality criteria described in the standard EN 17700-1:2024 on general principles to demonstrate plant biostimulant claims.
Pflanzen-Biostimulanzien - Auslobungen - Teil 4: Bestimmung der Qualitätsmerkmale, die sich aus der Verwendung eines Pflanzen-Biostimulans ergeben
Dieses Dokument dient als Leitfaden für einen einheitlichen Ansatz bei der Begründung von Auslobungen im Zusammenhang mit dem Einsatz von Pflanzen-Biostimulanzien.
Dieses Dokument richtet sich in erster Linie an Hersteller, Labore, Forschungstätige, technische Zentren und Unternehmen, die Pflanzen-Biostimulanzien in Verkehr bringen wollen, sowie notifizierende Behörden, notifizierte Stellen und Marktüberwachungsbehörden.
Um dieser Norm zu entsprechen, ist es wichtig, auch die Empfehlungen und Qualitätskriterien, die in der Norm EN 17700 1:2024 zu den allgemeinen Grundsätzen zum Beleg von Auslobungen von Pflanzen-Biostimulanzien beschrieben sind, zu befolgen.
Biostimulants des végétaux - Allégations - Partie 4 : Détermination des caractéristiques qualitatives résultant de l'utilisation d’un biostimulant des végétaux
Le présent document fournit des recommandations afin d’adopter une approche cohérente pour justifier les allégations associées à l’utilisation de biostimulants des végétaux.
Le présent document est principalement destiné aux fabricants, aux laboratoires, aux chercheurs, aux centres techniques et aux sociétés qui ont l’intention de mettre des biostimulants des végétaux sur le marché, ainsi qu’aux autorités notifiantes, aux organismes notifiés et aux autorités de surveillance du marché.
Pour être en conformité avec la présente norme, il est important de suivre aussi les recommandations et critères de qualité décrits dans la norme EN 17700-1:2024 sur les principes généraux pour démontrer les allégations des biostimulants des végétaux.
Rastlinski biostimulanti - Navedbe - 4. del: Določanje kakovostnih lastnosti rastlin zaradi uporabe biostimulanta
Ta dokument vsebuje smernice o doslednem pristopu za utemeljitev navedb, povezanih z uporabo rastlinskih biostimulantov.
Ta dokument je namenjen zlasti proizvajalcem, laboratorijem, raziskovalcem, tehničnim centrom in podjetjem, ki bodo dala rastlinske biostimulante na trg, ter priglasitvenim organom, priglašenim organom in organom za nadzor trga.
Zaradi skladnosti s tem standardom je pomembno upoštevati tudi priporočila in merila kakovosti, opisana v standardu EN 17700-1:2024, v zvezi s splošnimi načeli za dokazovanje navedb o rastlinskih biostimulantih.
General Information
Relations
Overview - EN 17700-4:2024 (CEN)
EN 17700-4:2024, published by CEN, provides guidance for a consistent, evidence-based approach to justify claims that a product is a plant biostimulant by demonstrating improvements in quality traits of crops. It complements EN 17700-1:2024 (general principles) and EN 17724:2024 (terminology) and supports compliance with Regulation (EU) 2019/1009. This standard applies to all application types (soil, foliar, seed treatment, etc.) and is intended for manufacturers, laboratories, researchers, notified bodies, market surveillance authorities and others involved in placing plant biostimulants on the market.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Claim terminology and labelling: Labels must clearly state the demonstrated effect(s) and target crop(s) following EN 17700-1:2024 (e.g., “increases fruit size”, “increases sugar content”).
- Quality trait definitions: Distinguishes agronomical traits (phenotype, growth metrics) and marketable traits (nutritional, organoleptic, techno‑functional, physical attributes).
- Markers and measurement methods: Methods used to measure markers validating claims must be consensus-based or scientifically justified and publicly available. Annex C gives practical examples (e.g., citrus diameter for fruit size, mushroom cap diameter/stalk length, juice content methods).
- Trial performance specifications: Trials measuring agronomical traits involving soil may be run under controlled conditions; however, marketable trait claims generally require appropriate (non-exempt) trial conditions to reflect real-market performance.
- Supporting documentation: Annex B lists acceptable sources for methods and markers: international/national legislation, CEN/ISO standards, UNECE/AOAC/OECD methods, peer‑reviewed literature, and industry specifications.
- Regulatory linkage: Annex ZA explains the relationship with EU Fertilising Products Regulation (EU) 2019/1009, clarifying how claim demonstration supports regulatory compliance.
Practical applications and users
Who uses EN 17700-4:
- Manufacturers preparing dossiers and label claims for market placement.
- Testing laboratories developing validated methods for markers.
- Research institutes and technical centres designing trials to substantiate product performance.
- Notified bodies and market surveillance authorities assessing claim substantiation and compliance. Practical use cases:
- Designing trials to demonstrate increased sugar, firmness or nutritional content attributable to a biostimulant.
- Selecting harmonized, evidence‑based measurement methods for claim validation.
- Preparing compliant product labelling and technical documentation for regulatory review.
Related standards
- EN 17700-1:2024 - General principles for biostimulant claims (required)
- EN 17724:2024 - Terminology
- EN 17700 series parts 2, 3 and 5 - Nutrient use efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, and availability of confined nutrients
Keywords: plant biostimulants, EN 17700-4:2024, claims, quality traits, CEN, Regulation (EU) 2019/1009, markers, trial specifications, marketable traits.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-februar-2025
Nadomešča:
SIST-TS CEN/TS 17700-4:2023
Rastlinski biostimulanti - Navedbe - 4. del: Določanje kakovostnih lastnosti rastlin
zaradi uporabe biostimulanta
Plant biostimulants - Claims - Part 4: Determination of quality traits resulting from the use
of a plant biostimulant
Pflanzen-Biostimulanzien - Auslobungen - Teil 4: Bestimmung der Qualitätsmerkmale,
die sich aus der Verwendung eines Pflanzen-Biostimulans ergeben
Biostimulants des végétaux - Allégations - Partie 4 : Détermination des caractéristiques
qualitatives résultant de l'utilisation d’un biostimulant des végétaux
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 17700-4:2024
ICS:
65.080 Gnojila Fertilizers
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN 17700-4
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
November 2024
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 65.080 Supersedes CEN/TS 17700-4:2022
English Version
Plant biostimulants - Claims - Part 4: Determination of
quality traits resulting from the use of a plant biostimulant
Biostimulants des végétaux - Allégations - Partie 4 : Pflanzen-Biostimulanzien - Auslobungen - Teil 4:
Détermination des caractéristiques qualitatives Bestimmung der Qualitätsmerkmale, die sich aus der
résultant de l'utilisation d'un biostimulant des Verwendung eines Pflanzen-Biostimulans ergeben
végétaux
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 26 August 2024.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2024 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 17700-4:2024 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Terminology of the claim . 6
5 Markers to validate the claims . 7
6 Specifications for the performance of the trials . 7
Annex A (informative) Some examples of claims . 8
Annex B (informative) Some examples of source documents for methods to measure quality
traits . 9
Annex C (informative) Some examples of methods to measure a marker to validate a quality
traits claim . 10
C.1 Marker for claim about citrus size . 10
C.2 Marker for claim about cultivated mushrooms size . 10
C.3 Marker for claim about juice content . 10
C.4 Marker for claim about starch content . 10
C.5 Marker for claim about sugar content. 11
C.6 Marker for claim about fruit firmness . 11
C.7 Marker for claim about chlorophyll content. 11
C.8 Marker for claim about nitrate content . 11
C.9 Marker for some quality traits of annurca apple . 11
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship of this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 making available on the market of EU
fertilising products aimed to be covered . 12
Bibliography . 13
European foreword
This document (EN 17700-4:2024) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 455 “Plant
biostimulants”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by May 2025, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by May 2025.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes CEN/TS 17700-4:2022.
CEN/TS 17700-4:2022:
— an informative Annex ZA on the relationship of this European standard and the essential
requirements of Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 has been added.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CEN by the European
Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these requests for its
Member States.
For the relationship with EU Legislation, see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.
The EN 17700 series, Plant biostimulants — Claims, consists of the following parts:
— Part 1: General principles;
— Part 2: Nutrient use efficiency resulting from the use of a plant biostimulant;
— Part 3: Tolerance to abiotic stress resulting from the use of a plant biostimulant;
— Part 4: Determination of quality traits, resulting from the use of a plant biostimulant;
— Part 5: Determination of availability of confined nutrients in the soil or rhizosphere.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
Introduction
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) was requested by the European Commission (EC) to
draft European Standards or European Standardization deliverables to support the implementation of
Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 of 5 June 2019 [1] laying down rules on the making available on the market
of EU fertilising products (“FPR” or “Fertilising Products Regulation”).
This standardization request, presented as SR M/564 and relevant amendments, also contributes to the
Communication on “Innovating for Sustainable Growth: A Bio economy for Europe”. The interest in plant
biostimulants has increased significantly in Europe as a valuable tool to use in agriculture.
Standardization was identified as having an important role in order to promote the use of biostimulants.
The work of CEN/TC 455 seeks to improve the reliability of the supply chain, thereby improving the
confidence of farmers, industry, and consumers in biostimulants, and will promote and support
commercialisation of the European biostimulant industry.
This document has been developed to provide guidance for a consistent approach to justify the claims
associated with the use of plant biostimulants.
The definition of plant biostimulants in Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 [1] is claims-based. For this reason,
demonstrating that a product is indeed a bona fide plant biostimulant depends on a demonstration of its
function.
The placement of a plant biostimulant on the market does not guarantee effectiveness under all
conditions, as many factors can influence the performance of a plant biostimulant in the field.
Plant biostimulants can be applied in multiple ways: to the soil, on plants, as seed treatment, etc.
This document is applicable to all application types of plant biostimulants.
WARNING — Persons using this document should be familiar with normal laboratory practice. This
document does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user to establish appropriate safety and health practices and to ensure compliance
with any national rules.
IMPORTANT — It is absolutely essential that tests conducted in accordance with this document be
carried out by suitably trained staff.
1 Scope
This document gives guidance on a consistent approach to justify the claims associated with the use of
plant biostimulants.
This document is aimed primarily at manufacturers, laboratories, researchers, technical centres and
companies that intend to place plant biostimulants on the market, as well as notifying authorities, notified
bodies, and market surveillance authorities.
To be in compliance with this standard, it is important to also follow the recommendations and quality
criteria described in the standard EN 17700-1:2024 on general principles to demonstrate plant
biostimulant claims.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated
...
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 17700-4:2024 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Plant biostimulants - Claims - Part 4: Determination of quality traits resulting from the use of a plant biostimulant". This standard covers: This document gives guidance on a consistent approach to justify the claims associated with the use of plant biostimulants. This document is aimed primarily at manufacturers, laboratories, researchers, technical centres and companies that intend to place plant biostimulants on the market, as well as notifying authorities, notified bodies, and market surveillance authorities. To be in compliance with this standard, it is important to also follow the recommendations and quality criteria described in the standard EN 17700-1:2024 on general principles to demonstrate plant biostimulant claims.
This document gives guidance on a consistent approach to justify the claims associated with the use of plant biostimulants. This document is aimed primarily at manufacturers, laboratories, researchers, technical centres and companies that intend to place plant biostimulants on the market, as well as notifying authorities, notified bodies, and market surveillance authorities. To be in compliance with this standard, it is important to also follow the recommendations and quality criteria described in the standard EN 17700-1:2024 on general principles to demonstrate plant biostimulant claims.
EN 17700-4:2024 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 65.080 - Fertilizers. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 17700-4:2024 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to CEN/TS 17700-4:2022. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 17700-4:2024 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2019/1009; Standardization Mandates: M/564, M/564 AMD 1, M/XXX. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
You can purchase EN 17700-4:2024 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of CEN standards.
La norme EN 17700-4:2024 sur les biostimulants végétaux offre une approche standardisée pour justifier les allégations liées à l'utilisation des biostimulants. Elle est primordiale pour les fabricants, les laboratoires, les chercheurs, ainsi que pour les centres techniques et les entreprises souhaitant commercialiser des biostimulants végétaux. Cette norme garantit que toutes les parties prenantes peuvent s'aligner sur des critères de qualité harmonisés, ce qui renforce la confiance des consommateurs et des organismes de réglementation. Parmi ses forces, EN 17700-4:2024 offre des directives claires et précises qui facilitent l'évaluation des traits de qualité résultant de l'utilisation des biostimulants. Cela permet une transparence accrue dans le secteur et établit des fondations solides pour la commercialisation des produits. De plus, la norme souligne l'importance de se conformer aux recommandations et critères de qualité de la norme EN 17700-1:2024, assurant ainsi une cohérence dans l'évaluation des allégations des biostimulants. La pertinence de cette norme se révèle dans son application pratique. En fournissant une méthodologie clairement définie pour valider les allégations, EN 17700-4:2024 soutient le développement d'un marché de biostimulants végétaux plus fiable et d'une meilleure acceptation par les utilisateurs finaux. Cela représente un pas significatif vers l'innovation durable dans l'agriculture, confirmé par une norme qui répond aux attentes croissantes pour un usage responsable des produits dérivés des biostimulants.
표준 EN 17700-4:2024는 식물 생물자극제의 사용에 따른 주장에 대한 일관된 접근 방식을 제시하는 중요한 문서입니다. 이 표준은 식물 생물자극제를 시장에 출시하고자 하는 제조업체, 실험실, 연구자, 기술 센터 및 관련 기업들을 주요 대상으로 하며, 이를 통해 해당 제품의 주장에 대한 정당성을 확인할 수 있는 지침을 제공합니다. 이 표준의 주요 강점 중 하나는 식물 생물자극제의 질적 특성을 결정하는 데 필요한 명확한 기준을 제공한다는 점입니다. 이러한 기준은 고품질의 제품을 개발하고 인증하기 위한 체계적인 방법론을 제시하여 제조업체들이 시장에서 신뢰를 얻도록 돕습니다. 또한, EN 17700-1:2024에서 설명하는 일반 원칙 및 품질 기준을 준수하도록 요구함으로써, 표준에 따른 일관성을 유지하는 것이 중요합니다. 또한, EN 17700-4는 식물 생물자극제의 효과를 정량적으로 평가할 수 있는 방법을 제시하여 연구자와 기술 전문가가 정확하게 결과를 분석하고 보고할 수 있는 토대를 제공합니다. 이는 시장 감시 기관 및 통지된 기관이 평가를 수행할 때 중요한 자료로 활용될 수 있습니다. 이러한 점에서 표준은 식물 생물자극제의 사용에 대한 신뢰성을 높이는 데 기여하며, 업계 전반에 걸쳐 긍정적인 영향을 미칠 것입니다. 따라서 EN 17700-4:2024는 식물 생물자극제 관련 주장을 뒷받침하기 위한 필수적이고도 시급한 가이드라인을 제공하며, 혁신적이고 지속 가능한 농업 발전에 기여하는 중요한 표준입니다. 이 문서를 통해 업계는 광범위한 지식을 공유하고, 다양한 이해당사자들과의 협력을 통해 식물 생물자극제의 품질 향상에 앞장설 수 있습니다.
Die Norm EN 17700-4:2024 bietet eine umfassende und konsistente Herangehensweise zur Begründung der Ansprüche, die mit der Verwendung von Pflanzenbiostimulanzien verbunden sind. Diese Norm richtet sich in erster Linie an Hersteller, Labore, Forscher, technische Zentren und Unternehmen, die beabsichtigen, Pflanzenbiostimulanzien auf dem Markt zu platzieren. Auch benannte Stellen und Marktüberwachungsbehörden finden in dieser Norm wertvolle Leitlinien. Ein entscheidender Vorteil der Norm EN 17700-4:2024 ist ihre klare Struktur und die detaillierten Anweisungen zur Bestimmung von Qualitätsmerkmalen, die aus dem Einsatz von Pflanzenbiostimulanzien resultieren. Die Norm gewährleistet, dass Ansprüche auf wissenschaftlich fundierte und nachvollziehbare Weise dokumentiert werden, was für die Glaubwürdigkeit der Branche von großer Bedeutung ist. Zusätzlich zu den spezifischen Anforderungen in Teil 4 ist es wichtig, die Empfehlungen und Qualitätskriterien, die in der Norm EN 17700-1:2024 festgelegt sind, zu berücksichtigen. Dies unterstreicht die Relevanz der Standardisierung in der gesamten Wertschöpfungskette von Pflanzenbiostimulanzien, da sie den Anwendern hilft, die Anforderungen für eine Marktverfügbarkeit zu erfüllen. Mit der Einführung dieser Norm wird nicht nur die Qualität und Sicherheit von Pflanzenbiostimulanzien gefördert, sondern auch die Transparenz gegenüber Regulierung und Verbraucher erhöht. Die EN 17700-4:2024 ist somit ein unverzichtbares Werkzeug für alle Akteure im Bereich der Pflanzenproduktion, die auf die Vorteile von Pflanzenbiostimulanzien setzen möchten.
SIST EN 17700-4:2025は、植物バイオスチミュラントに関連する主張を正当化するための一貫したアプローチを提供する標準として、非常に重要な役割を果たしています。この文書は、バイオスチミュラントの製造業者、研究者、技術センター、そして市場にバイオスチミュラントを投入しようとする企業を主な対象としており、その範囲は広範です。 この標準の強みは、植物バイオスチミュラントの利用によって得られる品質特性の測定方法に関する明確なガイダンスを提供している点です。これにより、関係者は一貫した方法で実証可能な根拠を持ち、製品の信頼性を高めることができます。また、この標準は、規制当局や通知機関、市場監視機関にも関連しており、標準化によって市場の透明性と信頼性の向上に寄与します。 さらに、SIST EN 17700-4:2025は、EN 17700-1:2024の一般原則に従った推薦事項や品質基準を遵守することが求められています。これにより、植物バイオスチミュラントに関する主張の正当性を確保するために必要な基盤が整えられています。このような相互関係は、業界全体の品質向上に貢献し、消費者に対する信頼性をさらに高める要因となるでしょう。 全体として、EN 17700-4:2024は、植物バイオスチミュラントに関する主張の評価における重要なステップとなる標準であり、その適用は業界の発展に不可欠です。この標準がもたらす科学的証拠に基づくアプローチは、製品の競争力を向上させるだけでなく、持続可能な農業にも寄与する可能性が高いです。
The standard EN 17700-4:2024 provides a comprehensive framework for the evaluation of claims made about plant biostimulants, emphasizing the necessity for a consistent methodology in assessing the quality traits associated with these products. The scope of the document is particularly well-defined, targeting manufacturers, laboratories, researchers, technical centers, and commercial entities looking to bring plant biostimulants to market. This inclusivity ensures that all significant stakeholders are equipped with the necessary guidance to substantiate their claims effectively. One of the standout strengths of EN 17700-4:2024 lies in its structured approach. By delineating specific quality traits and the corresponding methodologies for their determination, the standard empowers users to make informed and credible claims about their plant biostimulants. This systematic validation process not only enhances product integrity but also fosters trust among consumers and regulatory authorities. Moreover, the relevance of this standard is underscored by its alignment with EN 17700-1:2024, which outlines the general principles for demonstrating plant biostimulant claims. The interconnectedness of these documents helps facilitate a holistic understanding of the requirements and expectations involved in compliance, making it easier for entities to adhere to regulations while striving for innovation within the agricultural sector. In summary, EN 17700-4:2024 stands as a pivotal standard in the realm of plant biostimulants, offering detailed guidance to ensure the justification of claims made by manufacturers and stakeholders. Its clear delineation of quality traits and methodologies complements the broader regulatory framework, ensuring that plant biostimulants are evaluated confidently and accurately in the market.
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.
Loading comments...