Article 1 — Objective
This Directive has the objective of: — reducing water pollution caused or induced by nitrates from agricultural sources and — preventing further such pollution.
EU carbon rules / Regulations / Nitrates Directive
In force Directive Industry & products
Nitrates Directive
Designation of nitrate-vulnerable zones from agricultural sources and action programmes
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Who the regulation applies to
This regulation applies to:
- Member States (must identify waters affected by nitrate pollution, designate vulnerable zones and establish action programmes)
- Agricultural practitioners and farmers (must comply with good agricultural practice and implement action programmes)
- Users of nitrogen-containing substances applied to farmland (chemical fertilisers, livestock manure, etc.)
Member States must designate vulnerable zones and establish action programmes; where action programmes are implemented throughout the national territory, designation of specific vulnerable zones may be dispensed with.
The following provisions define its scope:
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What the regulation requires
| Duty | Trigger | Evidence | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implement action programmes in vulnerable zones Draw up and implement mandatory action programmes for designated nitrate vulnerable zones. | Located in a nitrate vulnerable zone | Action programme, fertilisation and livestock housing records | Within 2 years of designation |
| Comply with fertiliser application limits and closed periods Limit organic and chemical nitrogen fertiliser application and observe prohibited application periods. | Agricultural fertilisation activities | Fertilisation records, livestock housing capacity evidence | Ongoing |
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Key provisions
Article 1 — objective
This Directive has the objective of: reducing water pollution caused or induced by nitrates from agricultural sources and preventing further such pollution.
Article 5(1) — action programmes
Within a two-year period following the initial designation referred to in Article 3(2) or within one year of each additional designation referred to in Article 3(4), Member States shall, for the purpose of realizing the objectives specified in Article 1, establish action programmes in respect of designated vulnerable zones.
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Industry dossiers covering this regulation
- Chemicals and fertilisers Fertilisers and hydrogen are already covered by CBAM; organic chemicals and polymers are candidates for the next extension. NACE C20
- Agriculture and forestry The CRCF provides voluntary certification for carbon farming and carbon removals; land-use and forestry emissions are accounted under LULUCF, and nutrient management is governed by the Nitrates Directive. NACE A01–A03
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Related regulations
- Industrial Emissions Directive IED 2.0 Directive (EU) 2024/1785 In force
- Medium Combustion Plants Directive Directive (EU) 2015/2193 In force
- Net-Zero Industry Act NZIA Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 In force
- Critical Raw Materials Act CRMA Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 In force
- Clean Industrial Deal COM(2025) 85 In force
- CISAF State Aid Framework C(2025) OJ C 2025/3602 In force
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