The Plant protection documentation from 2026 brings important changes for agricultural and horticultural businesses. From 1 January 2026, extended documentation requirements will apply to the use of plant protection products. The aim of the new regulations is to improve the traceability, transparency and standardisation of records within the EU.
For companies, this means more mandatory information, clearer requirements and the gradual transition to digital documentation.
What does the plant protection documentation mean for your business from 2026?
Companies are already obliged to document every application of plant protection products. With the Plant protection documentation from 2026 these records are significantly expanded.
This information will be mandatory from 2026:
In addition to the previous information, you will need to enter additional information in future:
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Authorisation number of the plant protection product
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EPPO code of the treated culture
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Location of the treated area (e.g. field, FLIK or geodata)
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Size of the treated area (e.g. in hectares)
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Type of application (e.g. open field, greenhouse)
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If relevant: BBCH stage and time of application
This extended mandatory information applies to all companies that use plant protection products, regardless of the size of the company or the type of production.
Digital crop protection documentation: When does it become mandatory?
A central component of the Plant protection documentation from 2026 is the planned changeover to Electronic, machine-readable records.
Transitional arrangements for companies:
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From 01.01.2026:
Obligation to record all new information in full -
Expected from 01.01.2027:
Mandatory digital and machine-readable documentation
This makes 2026 an important transition year for adapting existing processes and switching to digital solutions.
Why will the plant protection documentation be tightened from 2026?
The new regulations pursue several objectives:
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Harmonised documentation standards in the EU
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Better auditability for specialised law and conditionality checks
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Higher data quality and traceability
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Support for sustainable and responsible agriculture
Important for you:
The records remain in operation. There is no provision for automatic transmission to authorities - the data only has to be submitted in the event of an inspection.
Implement plant protection documentation digitally from 2026 with VineForecast
To fulfil the requirements of the Plant protection documentation from 2026 efficiently, the early use of digital solutions is recommended. VineForecast supports you in documenting your plant protection measures in a simple, structured and legally compliant manner.
Your advantages with VineForecast
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Digital recording of all plant protection measures
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Support for the mandatory information required by law
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Clear documentation for inspections
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Preparation for machine-readable documentation from 2027
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Time savings and fewer errors in day-to-day operations
This means you are optimally prepared for the new legal requirements.
