The draft Decree being notified implements the Manure Decree of 22 December 2006. The Manure Decree of 22 December 2006 is the most important legislative instrument for Flanders in the implementation of the European Nitrates Directive. In order to achieve the objectives of the Nitrates Directive, action programmes need to be drawn up, which should be adjusted if necessary.

Flemish legislation on manure (Manure Decree of 22 December 2006 and the Flemish Environmental Permits Regulation of 28 October 2016) has for more than ten years included an obligation for traders who place fertiliser on the Flemish market to keep a register of the fertiliser they produce in Flanders, distribute in Flanders, import into Flanders or export from Flanders. The introduction of the sixth Manure Action Plan under the Nitrates Directive (hereafter MAP 6), also introduced a registration obligation for the monitoring of fertiliser use by farmers. In addition, it was stipulated that both the register of fertiliser traders and that of farmers must be kept in digital form.