**Executive Summary**
This document is a response to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha regarding the import of fertilizers from China, scheduled to be answered on December 5, 2025. It clarifies that specialty fertilizers are not classified as such under the Fertilizer Control Order, 1985, and provides data on water soluble fertilizer imports from China. It also mentions that alternatives are being sourced from different countries.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Fertilizer Classification:**
* The Fertilizer Control Order, 1985, does not classify any fertilizer as a "specialty fertilizer."
* However, 100% water soluble complex fertilizers and 100% water soluble mixtures of fertilizer categories are recognized.
* **Import Data:**
* The Central Fertilizer Quality Control & Training Institute (CFQC&TI) samples imported fertilizers at various ports.
* The response includes a table detailing water soluble fertilizer imports from China over the past four years (2021-22 to 2024-25), specifying the total import, import from China, and percentage of import from China.
* **Specialty Fertilizer Policy:**
* Specialty Fertilizers are not covered under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme.
* Fertilizer companies are free to import these fertilizers based on market dynamics.
* **China's Export Situation:**
* China has reportedly withheld export of specialty fertilizers.
* Indian companies are sourcing water soluble fertilizers from alternative suppliers in Belgium, Egypt, Germany, Morocco, and the USA.
* **Indigenous Solutions:**
* Indian research institutions (ICAR and State Agricultural Universities) are advancing indigenous solutions like zinc EDTA, boron blends, nano-fertilizers, and bio-fertilizers.
* ICAR, through its institutes, has developed technologies such as nano fertilizers, bio-fertilizers, and customized nutrient blends.
**Impact Analysis**
**Fertilizer Companies**
* **Impact:** They are affected by the potential shortage of specialty fertilizers from China and need to explore alternative sources.
* **Action Required:** Source water soluble fertilizers from Belgium, Egypt, Germany, Morocco, and USA
**Indian Farmers**
* **Impact:** Higher fertilizer prices due to the closure of export of specialty fertilizers by China ahead of the crucial rabi crop season.
* **Action Required:** No action explicitly mentioned, but farmers may benefit from the adoption of the new fertilizer technologies.
**Indian Research Institutions (ICAR and State Agricultural Universities)**
* **Impact:** The document highlights their role in developing indigenous solutions to reduce import dependency.
* **Action Required:** Continue to develop and promote innovative fertilizer solutions, such as nano-fertilizers and bio-fertilizers, to reduce dependence on imports and improve agricultural productivity.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers: The primary government body overseeing fertilizer imports and related policies.
China: The country from which India imports specialty fertilizers, and whose export policies directly impact India.
Fertilizer Control Order, 1985: A regulatory order that defines the classification and standards for fertilizers in India.
Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme: A scheme that is administered by the Department of Fertilizers.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
DEPARTMENT OF FERTILIZERS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1000 TO BE ANSWERED ON: 05.12.2025
Import of Fertilizers from China
1000. SHRI V K SREEKANDAN:
Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:
(a) whether it is a fact that India imports about Ninety five percent of
specialty fertilizers, including phosphates like TMAP and urea emission
control fluids like AdBlue, from China, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether it is also true that China has closed the export window of these
products from October 15, 2025 and the suspension will be for the next
5-6 months, if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether it is also a fact that the closure of export of specialty fertilizers
by China will cause higher fertilizer prices in the country ahead of the
crucial rabi crop season; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this
regard?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
(SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)
(a): In Fertilizer Control Order, 1985 no fertilizer is classified as specialty fertilizer.
However, 100 % water soluble complex fertilizer and 100 % water soluble mixture of
fertilizer categories are there. The Central Fertilizer Quality Control & Training Institute
(CFQC&TI) through Fertilizer Inspectors draws the samples of imported fertilizers at-2-
various ports and based on the inspection made by the institute during the last four
years, the data on the water soluble fertilizer imported from China are given below:
(Quantity in MT)
S. Year Total Import Import from % of import
No China from China
1 2021-22 1,98,234.724 1,19,363.778 60.21
2 2022-23 2,09,575.573 1,28,850.823 61.48
3 2023-24 2,07,979.400 1,22,918.350 59.10
4 2024-25 2,60,636.814 1,71,093.710 65.65
(b) to (d): Specialty Fertilizers are not covered under ambit of Nutrient Based Subsidy
(NBS) Scheme administered by Department of Fertilizers and therefore, Specialty
Fertilizers are not subsidized. Fertilizer companies are free to import these fertilizers
as per the market dynamics. Over the past few months, China has reportedly withheld
export of specialty fertilizers to India and the Indian companies are sourcing Water
Soluble Fertilizers from alternative suppliers in Belgium, Egypt, Germany, Morocco &
USA to offset the shortfall caused by reduced imports from China.
Further, Indian research institutions including Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR) and State Agricultural Universities are advancing indigenous
solutions such as zinc EDTA, boron blends, nano-fertilizers, and bio-fertilizers
enriched with micronutrients, including zinc-solubilizing bacteria. These research-
based innovations are helping India move towards self-reliance in nutrient
management, reduce import dependency, and ensure sustainable agricultural
productivity.
Also, ICAR through institutes like IISS-Bhopal, IARI-Delhi, and IIHR-Bengaluru,
has developed and validated technologies such as nano fertilizers, bio-fertilizers, and
customized nutrient blends. These efforts are supported by initiatives like Soil Test-
Based Fertilizer Recommendations and Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM)
which supports a holistic Integrated Nutrient Management Strategy.
*****