Government Amends Chemical Fertilizer Control Order, 2055 with New Standards

Kathmandu. The government has implemented new standards by making significant amendments to the 'Chemical Fertilizer (Control) Order, 2055' to maintain the quality of chemical fertilizers and further systematize their sales and distribution.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has determined detailed technical specifications for nano urea using modern technology to various types of liquid and solid mixed fertilizers to ensure the quality of fertilizers for farmers and prevent irregularities in the market.

According to the new system recently published by the ministry, every type of chemical fertilizer produced or imported into Nepal must now compulsorily meet the chemical composition and quality standards set by the government.

The government has set special standards for nano urea (liquid) fertilizer, which has been in discussion recently, stipulating that the total nitrogen content should be between 1 to 5 percent and the particle size should be between 20 to 50 nanometers.

In addition, the minimum content of nutrients in more than 50 types of chemical fertilizers available in liquid and solid form, and the maximum limits of harmful metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium, have also been clarified.

Fertilizers that do not meet the prescribed standards or show discrepancies in chemical composition are completely banned from import and sale within Nepal.

Under the new legal provisions, domestic industries wishing to produce chemical fertilizers or importers wishing to import fertilizers from abroad must compulsorily register with the designated body and obtain a license.

The provision that the quality must be tested by an authorized surveyor at the customs point upon import of fertilizer and the report submitted to the ministry has been strictly enforced. If the quality of the fertilizer is found to be low during testing or contrary to the standards set by the government, such fertilizer will be destroyed or returned at the importer's expense, as mentioned in the order.

New rules have also been added to packaging and labeling to provide clear information to farmers about the quality and method of use of fertilizers. Now, both sides of the fertilizer bag or packet must clearly state the trade name of the fertilizer, the amount of nutrients it contains, the full details of the producer and importer, batch number, manufacturing date, and expiry date in Nepali or English.

In addition, it has been made mandatory to mention the method of use for which crop and the maximum retail price.

The government has initiated the process of appointing inspectors and authorized analysts across the country for regular monitoring and quality control of fertilizers. The appointed inspectors have the authority to visit shops, warehouses, or production sites at any time to collect fertilizer samples and send them to the laboratory for testing.

If any deficiencies are found during monitoring, strict action will be taken according to the prevailing laws. A high-level chemical fertilizer advisory committee, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, has also been activated to provide policy-level consultation and make quality control efforts effective.