Overview of Fertilizer Regulations in China

In China, fertilizers are subject to the control of many regulations and standards.  It is prohibited to import, produce, sell or use un-registered fertilizers in China. A fertilizer sold in China shall also meet relevant product standards and marking requirements.

Note: This article is part of Free Guide on Fertilizer Regulation and Registration in China. You may contact service@cirs-group.com to get a free copy.

Main Fertilizer Regulations in China

• Regulations on the Management of Fertilizers (Draft 2008)

• Measures on the Management of Fertilizer Registration (Decree 8 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, effective on November 30, 2017. )

• Fertilizer Data requirements (Decree 8 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, effective on November 30, 2017)

• GB 178382-2021 Fertilizer Marking—Presentation and declaration

Fertilizer Registration

Fertilizers must be registered before they can be sold in China. 

There are two types of fertilizer registrations depending on product types: registration and record-filing. Record-filing is easier as it does not require explicit administrative approval.

Fertilizer Markings

Chinese compulsory national standard GB 18382-2021 Fertilizer marking—Presentation and declaration was issued on 30 April 2021 and comes into force on 1 May 2022. It sets specific requirements on fertilizer markings.

The following info needs to be marked on fertilizer packages.

• Fertilizer product name and trade mark;

• Specification, grade and category;

• Product composition: main nutrients and content;

• Product execution standard number;

• Production license or product registration number(if applicable);

• Net content;

• Name and address of manufacturer or distributor;

• Safety warnings;

• Use instructions;

• Country of origin (for imported fertilizer).

The standard also bans the use of exaggerated or misleading words in product name such as "high efficiency", "high yield" and "promote plant growth".

Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Fertilizers

Mandatory national standards GB 38400-2019 Limit requirements for toxic and harmful substances in fertilizers》comes into force on July 1, 2020 and sets the limits of hazardous substances (heavy metals, i.e.,) in fertilizers. For example, the content limit of total lead for inorganic fertilizers is 200mg/kg and the content limit for other types of fertilizer is 50mg/kg. 

Should you have any questions about this standard, please contact us.