MINISTRY OF THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIETNAM

AGRICULTURE AND Independence - Freedom - Happiness

RURAL ---------------
DEVELOPMENT
--------
No. 09/2019/TT- Hanoi, August 27, 2019
BNNPTNT

CIRCULAR

PROMULGATION OF NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON FERTILIZER QUALITY

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 15/2017/ND-CP dated February 17, 2017 defining the
functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development;

Pursuant to the Law on Crop Production dated November 19, 2018;

Pursuant to the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations dated June 29, 2006;

Pursuant to the Law on Quality of Products and Goods dated November 21, 2007;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 127/2007/ND-CP dated August 01, 2007 elaborating some
Articles of the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 67/2009/ND-CP dated August 03, 2009 on amendments to
some Articles of the Decree No. 127/2007/ND-CP and Decree No. 132/2008/ND-CP;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 78/2018/ND-CP dated May 16, 2018 on amendments to
some Articles of the Government's Decree No. 127/2007/ND-CP dated August 01, 2007 elaborating
some Articles of the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 132/2008/ND-CP dated December 31, 2008 elaborating
some Articles of the Law on Quality of Products and Goods;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 74/2018/ND-CP dated May 15, 2018 on amendments to
some Articles of the Government's Decree No. 132/2008/ND-CP dated December 31, 2008 elaborating
some Articles of the Law on Standards and Technical Regulations;

At the request of the Director General of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment and
the Director General of the Plant Protection Department;

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development hereby promulgates National technical regulation
on fertilizer quality.
Article 1. Promulgated together with this Circular is QCVN 01-189:2019/BNNPTNT National
technical regulation on fertilizer quality.

Article 2. This Circular comes into force from January 01, 2020.

Article 3. Transition clauses

1. If any certificate of conformity or notification of receipt of application for registration of declaration

of conformity of fertilizer in the decision to recognize circulation of fertilizer in Vietnam is issued
before the effective date of this Circular, it shall be used until its expiry dated.

2. For a fertilizer whose conformity has been declared using method 5 (specified in the Circular No.
28/2012/TT-BKHCN dated December 12, 2012 and Circular No. 02/2017/TT-BKHCN dated March
31, 2017 of the Minister of Science and Technology), in the next monitoring period and re-assessment
period after the effective date of this Circular, sample of such fertilizer shall be collected and 100% of
its quality indexes and restricted elements shall be tested according to the application for registration of
declaration of conformity and effective decision to recognize circulation of fertilizer in Vietnam.

3. Any organization designated to certify conformity and test fertilizers in accordance with the
Government’s Decree No. 108/2017/ND-CP dated September 20, 2017 shall continue to certify
conformity under QCVN 01-189:2019/BNNPTNT until the expiry of the designation period.

Article 4. Implementation

The Chief of the Ministry Office, Director General of Department of Science Technology and
Environment, heads of organizations and individuals concerned are responsible for the implementation
of this Circular.

Difficulties that arise during the implementation of this Circular should be promptly reported to the
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (through the Plant Protection Department) for
consideration and resolution./.

PP. THE MINISTER

THE DEPUTY MINISTER

Le Quoc Doanh

QCVN 01-189:2019/BNNPTNT

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON FERTILIZER QUALITY

Foreword

QCVN 01 -189:2019/BNNPTNT is developed by the Drafting Committee for National technical

regulation on fertilizer quality - the Plant Protection Department, submitted by the Department of
Science Technology and Environment for approval and promulgated by the Ministry of Agriculture and
Rural Development together with the Circular No. 09/2019/TT-BNNPTNT dated August 27, 2019.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON FERTILIZER QUALITY

1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.1. Scope

This Regulation provides for classification, quality indexes, restricted elements, testing methods and
requirements for management of fertilizers during their production, trading and import.

1.2. Regulated entities

This Regulation applies to domestic and foreign organizations and individuals whose activities involve
fertifilizers in Vietnam.

1.3. Definitions

1.3.1. “fertilizer quality indexes” specified in clause 21 Article 2 of the Law on Crop Production
include main quality indexes and additional quality indexes.

1.3.1. “main quality index” of a fertilizer means a fertilizer quality index decisive to the nature and uses
of such fertilizer prescribed in this Regulation and is used to classify the fertilizer.

1.3.1. “additional quality index” of a fertilizer means a fertilizer quality index that influences the nature
and uses of such fertilizer prescribed in this Regulation. It is neither a main quality index nor used to
classify the fertilizer. Additional quality index includes one which must be registered in the decision to
recognize circulation of fertilizer in Vietnam and one which may be registered in the decision to
recognize circulation of fertilizer in Vietnam.

1.3.4. “nutrient” in a fertilizer means a chemical element, which is essential for plant growth. Nutrients
consist of:

a) Macronutrients, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) which can be absorbed by
plants;

b) Secondary nutrients, including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S) which can be
absorbed by plants;

c) Micronutrients, including boron (B), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn),
molybdenum (Mo) and zinc (Zn) which can be absorbed by plants.
1.3.5. “secondary and macro nutrient fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains macronutrients and
secondary nutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.6. “micro and macro nutrient fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains macronutrients and
micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.7. “micro, secondary and macro nutrient fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains
macronutrients, secondary nutrients and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.8. “secondary nutrient and nitrogen fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen (N) and
secondary nutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.9. “secondary nutrient and phosphate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains phosphate (N)
and secondary nutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.10. “secondary nutrient and potassium fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains potassium (K)
and secondary nutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.11. “secondary nutrient and NPK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen, phosphate,
potassium and secondary nutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.12. “secondary nutrient and NP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen, phosphate and
secondary nutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.13. “secondary nutrient and NK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen, potassium
and secondary nutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.14. “secondary nutrient and PK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains phosphate, potassium
and secondary nutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.15. “micronutrient and single fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains one of the macronutrients
in the form of single fertilizer and mirconutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.16. “micronutrient and urea fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen in the form of urea
(CO(NH2)2) fertilizer and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.17. “mirconutrient and ammonium sulphate fertilizer” (mircronutrient and AS fertiflizer) means a
fertilizer which contains nitrogen and sulphur in the form of ammonium sulphate (NH4)2SO4) fertilizer
and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.18. “micronutrient and ammonium chloride fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen in
the form of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) fertilizer and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.19. “micronutrient and calcium nitrate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and
calcium in the form of calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) fertilizer and micronutrients as main quality indexes;
1.3.20. “micronutrient and magnesium nitrate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and
magnesium in the form of magnesium nitrate (Mg(NO3)2) fertilizer and micronutrients as main quality
indexes;

1.3.21. “micronutrient and fused phosphate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains phosphate in
the form of fused phosphate fertilizer (produced by heating method, carrying out fusion of a mixture
containing phosphate ore and additives, and then rapidly cooled by water) and micronutrients as main
quality indexes;

1.3.22. “micronutrient and single superphosphate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains
phosphate in the form of salt mixture (Ca(H2PO4)2.H2O) and CaHPO4.2H2O) and micronutrients as
main quality indexes;

1.3.23. “micronutrient and double superphosphate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains
phosphate in the form of water-soluble salt (Ca(H2PO4)2.H2O) and micronutrients as main quality
indexes;

1.3.24. “micronutrient and rich superphosphate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains phosphate
in the form of water-soluble salt (Ca(H2PO4)2.H2O) and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.25. “micronutrient and potassium chloride fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains potassium in
the form of potassium chloride (KCl) and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.26. “micronutrient and potassium sulphate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains potassium
and sulphur in the form of potassium sulphate (K2SO4) and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.27. “micronutrient and potassium magnesium sulphate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains
potassium, sulphur and magnesium in the form of potassium magnesium sulphate
(K2SO4.MgSO4.6H2O) and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.28. “micronutrient and complex fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains macronutrients in the
form of complex fertilizer and mirconutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.29. “mirconutrient and diammonium phosphate fertilizer” (mircronutrient and DAP fertiflizer)
means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and phosphate in the form of diammonium phosphate salt
(NH4)2HPO4) and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.30. “mirconutrient and monoammonium phosphate fertilizer” (mircronutrient and MAP fertiflizer)
means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and phosphate in the form of monoammonium phosphate
salt (NH4H2PO4) and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.31. “mirconutrient and ammonium polyphosphate fertilizer” (mircronutrient and AAP fertiflizer)
means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and phosphate in the form of ammonium polyphosphate salt
(NH4)2H2P2O7, (NH4)3HP2O7 and (NH4)3H2P3O10) and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.32. “mirconutrient and nitrophosphate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and
phosphate in the form of nitrophosphate salt CaHPO4, (NH4)2HPO4, NH4NO3 and Ca(NO3)2 and
micronutrients as main quality indexes;
1.3.33. “mirconutrient and monopotassium phosphate fertilizer” (mircronutrient and MKP fertiflizer)
means a fertilizer which contains phosphate and potassium in the form of monopotassium phosphate
fertilizer (KH2PO4) and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.34. “micronutrient and mixed fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains macronutrients in the
form of mixed fertilizer and mirconutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.35. “micronutrient and NPK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen, phosphate and
potassium and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.36. “micronutrient and NP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and phosphate in
the form of mixed fertilizer and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.37. “micronutrient and NK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and potassium in
the form of mixed fertilizers and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.38. “micronutrient and PK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains phosphate and potassium in
the form of mixed fertilizer and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.39. “macro, secondary and micro nutrient fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains
macronutrients, secondary nutrients and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.40. “micronutrient, secondary nutrient and nitrogen fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains
nitrogen, secondary nutrients and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.41. “micronutrient, secondary nutrient and phosphate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains
phosphate, secondary nutrients and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.42. “micronutrient, secondary nutrient and potassium fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains
potassium, secondary nutrients and mircronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.43. “micronutrient, secondary nutrient and NPK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains
nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, secondary nutrients and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.44. “micronutrient, secondary nutrient and NP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen,
phosphate, secondary nutrients and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.45. “micronutrient, secondary nutrient and NK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains
nitrogen, potassium, secondary nutrients and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.46. “micronutrient, secondary nutrient and PK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen,
phosphate, potassium, secondary nutrients and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.47. “secondary and micro nutrient fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains secondary nutrients
and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.48. “organic and nitrogen fertilizer” (organic and urea fertilizer, organic and SA fertilizer, etc.)
means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and organic mattter as main quality indexes;
1.3.49. “organic and phosphate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains phosphate and organic
mattter as main quality indexes;

1.3.50. “organic and potassium fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains potassium and organic
mattter as main quality indexes;

1.3.51. “biological and nitrogen fertilizer” (biological and urea fertilizer, biological and SA fertilizer,
etc.) means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.52. “biological and phosphate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains phosphate and biological
matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.53. “biological and potassium fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains potassium and biological
matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.54. “microbial and nitrogen fertilizer” (microbial and urea fertilizer, microbial and SA fertilizer,
etc.) means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.55. “microbial and phosphate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains phosphate and
microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.56. “microbial and potassium fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains potassium and
microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.57. “biological, organic and nitrogen fertilizer” (organic and urea fertilizer, organic and SA fertiler,
etc.) means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen, organic mattter and biological matter as main quality
indexes;

1.3.58. “biological, organic and phosphate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains phosphate,
organic mattter and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.59. “biological, organic and potassium fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains potassium,
organic mattter and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.60. “microbial, organic and nitrogen fertilizer” (microbial, organic and urea fertilizer, microbial and
organic, SA fertiler, etc.) means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen, organic mattter and
microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.61. “microbial, organic and phosphate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains phosphate,
organic mattter and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.62. “microbial, organic and potassium fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains potassium,
organic mattter and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.63. “organic and complex fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains macronutrients in the form of
complex fertilizer and organic mattter as main quality indexes;
1.3.64. “organic and DAP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and phosphate in the
form of DAP fertilizer and organic mattter as main quality indexes;

1.3.65. “organic and APP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains macronutrients in the form of
APP fertilizer and organic mattter as main quality indexes;

1.3.66. “organic and nitrophosphate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and phosphate
in the form of nitrophosphate fertilizer and organic mattter as main quality indexes;

1.3.67. “organic and MAP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and phosphate in the
form of MAP organic mattter as main quality indexes;

1.3.68. “organic and MKP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains phosphate and potassium in the
form of MKP organic mattter as main quality indexes;

1.3.69. “biological and complex fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains macronutrients in the form
of complex fertilizer and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.70. “biological and DAP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and phosphate in the
form of DAP fertilizer and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.71. “biological and APP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and phosphate in the
form of APP fertilizer and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.72. “biological and nitrophosphate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and
phosphate in the form of nitrophosphate fertilizer and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.73. “biological and MAP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and phosphate in the
form of MAP fertilizer and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.74. “biological and MKP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains phosphate and potassium in
the form of MKP fertilizer and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.75. “microbial and complex fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains macronutrients in the form
of complex fertilizer and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.76. “microbial and DAP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and phosphate in the
form of DAP fertilizer and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.77. “microbial and APP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and phosphate in the
form of APP fertilizer and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.78. “microbial and nitrophosphate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and
phosphate in the form of nitrophosphate fertilizer and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.79. “microbial and MAP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and phosphate in the
form of MAP fertilizer and microorganisms as main quality indexes;
1.3.80. “microbial and MKP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and potassium in the
form of MKP fertilizer and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.81. “biological, organic and complex fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains macronutrients in
the form of complex fertilizer, organic mattter and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.82. “biological, organic and DAP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and
phosphate in the form of DAP fertilizer, organic mattter and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.83. “biological, organic and APP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and
phosphate in the form of APP fertilizer, organic mattter and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.84. “biological, organic and nitrophosphate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen
and phosphate in the form of nitrophosphate fertilizer, organic mattter and biological matter as main
quality indexes;

1.3.85. “biological, organic and MAP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and
phosphate in the form of MAP fertilizer, organic mattter and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.86. “biological, organic and MKP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and
potassium in the form of MAP fertilizer, organic mattter and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.87. “microbial, organic and complex fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains macronutrients in
the form of complex fertilizer, organic mattter and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.88. “microbial, organic and DAP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and
phosphate in the form of DAP fertilizer, organic mattter and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.89. “microbial, organic and APP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and
phosphate in the form of APP fertilizer, organic mattter and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.90. “organic and nitrophosphate fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and phosphate
in the form of nitrophosphate fertilizer and organic mattter as main quality indexes;

1.3.91. “microbial, organic and MAP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and
phosphate in the form of MAP fertilizer, organic mattter and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.92. “microbial, organic and MKP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains phosphate and
potassium in the form of MKP fertilizer, organic mattter and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.93. “organic and NPK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen, phosphate and
potassium in the form of mixed fertilizer and organic mattter as main quality indexes;

1.3.94. “organic and NP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains macronutrients, nitrogen and
phosphate and organic mattter as main quality indexes;

1.3.95. “organic and NK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and potassium in the
form of mixed fertilizer and organic mattter as main quality indexes;
1.3.96. “organic and PK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains phosphate and potassium in the
form of mixed fertilizer and organic mattter as main quality indexes;

1.3.97. “biological and NPK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen, phosphate and
potassium in the form of mixed fertilizer and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.98. “biological and NP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and phosphate in the
form of mixed fertilizer and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.99. “biological and NK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and potassium in the
form of mixed fertilizer and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.100. “biological and PK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains phosphate and potassium in
the form of mixed fertilizer and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.101. “microbial and NPK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen, phosphate and
potassium in the form of mixed fertilizer and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.102. “microbial and NP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen, phosphate and
potassium in the form of mixed fertilizer and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.103. “microbial and NK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and potassium in the
form of mixed fertilizer and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.104. “microbial and PK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains phosphate and potassium in the
form of mixed fertilizer and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.105. “biological, organic and NPK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen, phosphate
and potassium in the form of mixed fertilizer, organic mattter and biological matter as main quality
indexes;

1.3.106. “biological and NP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and phosphate in the
form of mixed fertilizer, organic mattter and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.107. “biological, organic and NK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and
potassium in the form of mixed fertilizer, organic mattter and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.108. “biological, organic and PK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains phosphate and
potassium in the form of mixed fertilizer, organic mattter and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.109. “microbial, organic and NPK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen, phosphate
and potassium in the form of mixed fertilizer, organic mattter and microorganisms as main quality
indexes;

1.3.110. “microbial, organic and NP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and
phosphate in the form of mixed fertilizer, organic mattter and microorganisms as main quality indexes;
1.3.111. “microbial, organic and NK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and
potassium in the form of mixed fertilizer, organic mattter and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.112. “microbial, organic and PK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains phosphate and
potassium in the form of mixed fertilizer, organic mattter and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.113. “microbial, biological and NPK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen,
phosphate and potassium in the form of mixed fertilizer, biological matter and microorganisms as main
quality indexes;

1.3.114. “microbial, biological and NP fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and
phosphate in the form of mixed fertilizer, biological matter and microorganisms as main quality
indexes;

1.3.115. “microbial, biological and NK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains nitrogen and
potassium in the form of mixed fertilizer, biological matter and microorganisms as main quality
indexes;

1.3.116. “microbial, biological and PK fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains phosphate and
potassium in the form of mixed fertilizer, biological matter and microorganisms as main quality
indexes;

1.3.117. “biological and secondary nutrient fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains secondary
nutrients and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.118. “biological, secondary nutrient and macro nutrient fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains
macronutrients, secondary nutrients and biological matter which are main quality indexes;

1.3.119. “biological, micronutrient and macronutrient fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains
macronutrients, micronutrients and biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.120. “microbial and organic fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains organic mattter and
microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.121. “biological and organic fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains organic mattter and
biological matter as main quality indexes;

1.3.122. “microbial and biological, organic fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains organic mattter,
biological matter and microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.123. “macronutrient and organic fertilizer” (“mineral and organic fertilizer”) means a fertilizer
which contains organic mattter and macronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.124. “secondary nutrient, macronutrient and organic fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains
organic mattter, macronutrients and secondary nutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.125. “mircronutrient, macronutrient and organic fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains
organic mattter, macronutrients and micronutrients as main quality indexes;
1.3.126. “secondary nutrient and organic fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains organic mattter
and secondary nutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.127. “micronutrient and organic fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains organic mattter and
micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.128. “micronutrient, secondary nutrient and organic fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains
organic mattter, secondary nutrients and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.129. “macronutrient, biological and organic fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains organic
mattter, biological matter and macronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.130. “macronutrient, microbial and organic fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains organic
mattter, macronutrients and macronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.131. “secondary nutrient, biological and organic fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains
organic mattter, biological matter and secondary nutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.132. “micronutrient, biological and organic fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains organic
mattter, biological matter and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.133. “secondary nutrient, microbial and organic fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains organic
mattter, microorganisms and secondary nutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.134. “micronutrient, microbial and organic fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains organic
mattter, microorganisms and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.135. “microbial and biological fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains biological matter and
microorganisms as main quality indexes;

1.3.136. “macronutrient and biological fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains biological matter
and macronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.137. “macronutrient and microbial fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains microorganisms and
macronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.138. “macronutrient, microbial and biological fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains
biological matter, microorganisms and macronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.139. “micronutrient and biological fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains biological matter
and micronutrients as main quality indexes;

1.3.140. “micronutrient and microbial fertilizer” means a fertilizer which contains microorganisms and
micronutrients as main quality indexes.

1.4. Normative references

Law on Quality of Products and Goods dated November 21, 2007;

Law on Crop Production dated November 19, 2018;

Government’s Decree No. 107/2016/ND-CP dated July 01, 2016 providing for conditions for provision
of conformity assessment services;

TVCN 9486:2018. Fertilizers - Sampling;

TCVN 12105:2018. Microbial fertilizers – Sampling.

2. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

2.1. Fertilizer classification

2.1.1. Classify fertilizers in group of chemical fertilizers (also known as “inorganic fertilizers”) by their
composition, content or effects of their nutrients to plants

a) Macronutrient fertilizer: a fertilizer which contains at least 01 macronutrient and has a main quality
index satisfying the regulations laid down in this document;

b) Secondary nutrient fertilizer: a fertilizer which contains at least 01 (for a foliar fertilizer) or 02 (for a
root fertilizer) secondary nutrient and has a main quality index satisfying the regulations laid down in
this document, excluding naturally-extracted limestone, gypsum, marl and dolomite that has not been
processed or produced into fertilizer;

c) Micronutrient fertilizer: a fertilizer which contains at least 01 micronutrient and has a main quality
index satisfying the regulations laid down in this document;

d) Inorganic fertilizer for soil improvement: a fertilizer which improves physical, chemical and
biological properties of soil to facilitate the growth and development of plants, is produced from
inorganic mattters or synthetic organic mattters and has a main quality index satisfying the regulations
laid down in this document;

dd) Multi-component chemical fertilizer (also known as “multi-component inorganic fertilizer”): a

fertilizer which is produced from inorganic mattters or synthetic organic mattters, is mixed with one or
more matters that are natural organic mattters, biological matters or useful microorganisms and has a
main quality index satisfying the regulations laid down in this document;

2.1.2. Classify macronutrient fertilizers by their composition or chemical bonds of their nutrients:

a) Single inorganic fertilizer (also known as “single fertilizer”): a fertilizer which contains only 01
macronutrient and has a main quality index satisfying the regulations laid down in this document;

a) Complex inorganic fertilizer (also known as “complex fertilizer”): a fertilizer which contains only
macronutrients connected by chemical bonds and has a main quality index satisfying the regulations
laid down in this document;
c) Mixed inorganic fertilizer (also known as “mixed fertilizer”): a fertilizer which contains at least 02
macronutrients, is produced by mixing different types of fertilizers and has a main quality index
satisfying the regulations laid down in this document;

d) Secondary and macro nutrient fertilizer: an inorganic fertilizer which contains at least 01
macronutrient and 01 secondary nutrient and has a main quality index satisfying the regulations laid
down in this document;

dd) Micro and macro nutrient fertilizer: an inorganic fertilizer which contains at least 01 macronutrient
and 01 micronutrient and has a main quality index satisfying the regulations laid down in this
document;

e) Secondary, micro and macro nutrient fertilizer: an inorganic fertilizer which contains at least 01
macronutrient, 01 micronutrient and 01 secondary nutrient and has a main quality index satisfying the
regulations laid down in this document;

2.1.3. Classify fertilizers in group of organic fertilizers by their composition or effects of their
composition or production process

a) Organic fertilizer: a fertilizer which contains only natural organic mattter and has a main quality
index satisfying the regulations laid down in this document;

b) Organic fertilizer for soil improvement: a fertilizer which improves physical, chemical and
biological properties of soil to facilitate the growth and development of plants, is produced from natural
organic mattters (excluding synthetic organic mattters) and has a main quality index satisfying the
regulations laid down in this document;

c) Multi-component organic fertilizer: a fertilizer which is produced from natural organic mattters
(excluding synthetic organic mattters), is mixed with one or more inorganic mattters, biological matters
or useful microorganisms and has a main quality index satisfying the regulations laid down in this
document;

2.1.4. Classify fertilizers in group of biofertilizers by their composition or effects of their composition
in fertilizers

a) Biofertilizer: a fertilizer which is produced through a biological process or naturally derived,

contains 01 or more biological matters (humic acids, fulvic acids, amino acids, vitamins or other
biological matters) and has a main quality index satisfying the regulations laid down in this document

b) Microbial fertilizer: a fertilizer which contains useful microorganisms that have ability to produce
nutrients or transformed into nutrients in soil which can be used by plants and has a main quality index
satisfying the regulations laid down in this document;

c) Biofertilizer for soil improvement: a fertilizer which improves physical, chemical and biological
properties of soil to facilitate the growth and development of plants, is produced through a biological
process or naturally derived, contains one or more biological matters or useful microorganisms and has
a main quality index satisfying the regulations laid down in this document;
d) Multi-component biofertilizer: a fertilizer which is produced through a biological process or
naturally derived, contains 01 or more biological matters (humic acids, fulvic acids, amino acids,
vitamins, other biological matters or useful microorganisms), is mixed with one or more inorganic
mattters or natural organic mattters and has a main quality index satisfying the regulations laid down in
this document.

2.1.5. Fertilizer containing plant growth regulators (PGRs) is one of the fertilizers prescribed in 2.1.1;
2.1.2; 2.1.3; 2.1.4 of this document to which one or more PGRs is added and the total content of PGRs
shall be less than 0.5% of volume of fertilizers.

2.1.6. Fertilizer containing matters for increasing use efficiency is one of the fertilizers prescribed in
2.1.1; 2.1.2; 2.1.3; 2.1.4 of this document and mixed with matter increasing use efficiency.

2.1.7. Fertilizer capable of boosting the immunity of plants is one of the fertilizers prescribed in 2.1.1;
2.1.2; 2.1.3; 2.1.4 of this document and contains matters for boosting the immunity of plants.

2.1.8. Rare earth fertilizer is one of the fertilizers prescribed in 2.1.1; 2.1.2; 2.1.3; 2.1.4 of this
document to which one or more Scandium (atomic number 21) or Yttrium (atomic number 39) or one
of the elements of the Lanthanide series (atomic numbers from 57-71 including Lanthanum, Cerium,
Praseodymium, Neodymium, Promethium, Samarium, Europium, Gadolinium, Terbium, Dysprosium,
Holmium, Erbium, Thulium, Ytterbium, Lutetium) in the Mendeleev’s periodic table;

2.1.9. Classify fertilizers by their uses

a) Root fertilizer: a fertilizer used to provide nutrients to plants through their roots or improve soil;

b) Foliar fertilizer: a fertilizer used to provide nutrients to plants through their stems and leaves.

2.2. Requirements for fertilizer quality indexes

A fertilizer shall be issued with the decision to recognize circulation of fertilizer in Vietnam and meet
main quality indexes and additional quality indexes to be approved in the decision to recognize
circulation of fertilizer in Vietnam (hereinafter referred to as “additional quality indexes to be
registered”), deviation between testing result and registered limit in the decision to recognize
circulation of fertilizer in Vietnam (hereinafer referred to as “deviation from registered limit”) and
deviation between testing result and prescribed limit (hereinafter referred to as “deviation from
prescribed limit”) for which the quality indexes specified in Appendices I, II and III of this document
are approved.

Apart from main quality indexes and additional quality indexes to be registered, every organization and
individual is entitled to register additional quality indexes specified in Table 24 Appendix II of this
document in the decision to recognize circulation of fertilizer in Vietnam (hereinafer referred to as
“registered additional quality indexes”).

If a fertilizer contains one or more PGRs whose content or total content is ≥ 0.005% of its volume, such
PGRs must be registered in the decision to recognize circulation of fertilizer in Vietnam; the content or
total content (in case of more than two PGRs) of PGRs in the fertilizer must be less than 0.5% of its
volume.
The fertilizer quality indexes specified in the declaration of conformity must be consistent with those
specified in the decision to recognize circulation of fertilizer in Vietnam.

2.3. Restricted elements in fertilizers (harmful elements)

Fertilizers shall satisfy the requirements concerning restricted elements specified in the Appendix IV to
this document. Restricted elements and their content in urea fertilizers, ammonium sulphate fertilizers,
ammonium chloride fertilizers, fused phosphate fertilizer, single superphosphate fertilizer, double
superphosphate fertilizer, rich superphosphate fertilizer, diammonium phosphate fertilizer,
micronutrient and urea fertilizer, micronutrient and ammonium sulphate fertilizer, micronutrient and
ammonium chloride fertilizer, micronutrient and fused phosphate fertilizers, micronutrient and single
superphosphate fertilizers, micronutrient and double superphosphate fertilizers, micronutrient and rich
superphosphate fertilizers, and micronutrient and diammonium phosphate fertilizers must be registered
in the decision to recognize circulation of fertilizer in Vietnam in accordance with the regulations set
out in the Appendix IV to this document and the declaration of their conformity must include the
restricted elements specified in the decision to recognize circulation of fertilizer in Vietnam.

Fertilizers must not contain active substances in plant protection products. If the fertilizers contain a
biological matter which provides nutrients to plants or improves soil and also controls harmful
organisms, they must be registered and considered and recognized by the Plant Protection Department
in the decision to recognize circulation of fertilizer in Vietnam with respect to each specific fertilizer.

3. TEST METHODS

3.1. Sampling

Fertilizer samples are collected to determine content of quality indexes and restricted elements using
the sampling method provided in TCVN 9486:2018 Fertilizers - Sampling and TCVN 12105:2018
Microbial fertilizers - Sampling.

3.2. Test methods

No. Quality index Test method Fertilizer to be tested

TCVN 8856:2018 a) DAP fertilizer

Humidity (in case of solid TCVN 2620:2014 b) Urea fertilizer

1
fertilizer) TCVN 5815:2018 c) Mixed fertilizer
TCVN 9297:2012 d) All
TCVN 5815:2018 a) Mixed fertilizer
b) Fertilizers not containing nitrate-
TCVN 8557:2010 nitrogen, except for the fertilizer
2 Nts (total nitrogen) content specified in 2.a of this Table
c) Fertilizers not containing nitrate-
TCVN 10682:2015 nitrogen, except for the fertilizer
specified in 2.a of this Table
 TCVN 1078:2018 a) Fused phosphate fertilizer
TCVN 5815:2018 b) Mixed fertilizer

3 P2O5hh content TCVN 4440:2018 c) Superphosphate fertilizer

d) Fertilizers not containing nitrate-
TCVN 8559:2010 nitrogen, except for the fertilizers
specified in 3.a, b and c of this Table
3a P2O5ht content TCVN 10678:2015 All
4 K2Ohh content TCVN 8560:2018 All
All fertilizers whose Ca content must
TCVN 9284:2018
not exceed 5%
5 Ca (or CaO) content
All fertilizers whose Ca content must be
TCVN 12598:2018
5% or more
All fertilizers whose Mg content must
TCVN 9285:2018
not exceed 5%
6 Mg (or MgO) content
All fertilizers whose Mg content must
TCVN 12598:2018
be 5% or more
7 S content TCVN 9296:2012 All
8 SiO2hh content TCVN 11407:2019 All
TCVN 10680:2015 Liquid fertilizers
9 B content
TCVN 10679:2015 Solid fertilizers
10 Mo and Fe content TCVN 9283:2018 All
11 Cu content TCVN 9286:2018 All
12 Co content TCVN 9287:2018 All
13 Mn content TCVN 9288:2012 All
14 Zn content TCVN 9289:2012 All
- Expressed in % of carbon
mass: TCVN 8561:2010

- Expressed in % of mass of
humic acid and fulvic acid:
TCVN 8561:2010, humic
Humic acid and fulvic acid
15 acid content calculated by All
content
multiplication of carbon
content by the factor 1.724
and fulvic acid content
calculated by multiplication
of carbon content by the
factor 2.150
 Total free amino acids
16 TCVN 12620:2019 All
content
Content of amino acids and
17 TCVN 12621:2019 All
total amino acids
18 Organic matter content TCVN 9294:2012 All
C: TCVN 9294:2012
19 C/N ratio All
N: TCVN 8557:2010
Ref. TCVN 5979:2007 Solid fertilizers
20 pHH2O
Ref. TCVN 6492: 2011 Liquid fertilizers
21 Density or relative density Ref. TCVN 3731:2007 Liquid fertilizers
22 Grain size TCVN 1078:2018 Fused phosphate fertilizer
Nitrogen-fixing
23 TCVN 6166:2002 All
microorganisms
Phosphate
24 solubilizing microorganism TCVN 6167:1996 All
s
Cellulose degradading
25 TCVN 6168:2002 All
microorganisms
Other useful
26 Corresponding TCVN All
microorganisms
27 Endomycorrhizae TCVN 12560-1:2018 All
28 E.coli Ref. TCVN 6846:2007 All
29 Salmonella Ref. TCVN 10780-1:2017 All
30 Pb content TCVN 9290:2018 All
31 Cd content TCVN 9291:2018 All
32 Hg content TCVN 10676:2015 All
33 As content TCVN 11403:2016 All
34 Free acid content TCVN 9292 All
Colorless urea fertilizer (opaque
TCVN 2620:2014
granules, clear granules)
35 Biuret content
All fertilizers, execept for colorless urea
AOAC 976.01
fertilizer
Conformity assessment bodies may apply other test methods which have equivalent accuracy and
designated by the Plant Protection Department.
For the methods specified in the Ref. TCVN under this Regulation, if a new TCVN applicable to
fertilizers is promulgated, such TCVN shall apply.

For a TCVN on test methods in which the issuance year is specified, its latest version shall apply when
reviewed. If there are factors affecting the result of the test conducted using the test method specified in
TCVN that has not been reviewed and appropriately changed, the Plant Protection Department shall
decide on a test method to be applied.

4. MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS

4.1. General principles of fertilizer quality management

The management of quality of fertilizers (including those domestically produced, imported and
circulated on the market) must be subject to regulations of law on quality of products and goods and
law on fertilizer management; ensure transparency, objectivity, non-discrimination in terms of origin
and organizations and individuals related to quality of products and goods, conformity with
international practice, protection of legitimate rights and interests of producers, traders and consumers.

Imported fertilizers must undergo state inspection of their quality before customs clearance and comply
with regulations of law on quality of products and goods and law on fertilizer management.

4.2. Regulations on conformity certification

Conformity of fertilizers shall be certified in accordance with the Circular No. 28/2012/TT-BKHCN
dated December 12, 2012 and Circular No. 02/2017/TT-BKHCN dated March 31, 2017. To be specific:

4.2.1. Method 5: Testing representative samples and assessing the production process; carrying out
monitoring by testing samples collected at production sites or in the market and assessing the
production process

In this case, validity of the certificate of conformity is 3 years; assessment and monitoring shall be
carried out every year. Upon re-monitoring and re-assessment, it is required to collect samples of all
fertilizers whose conformity has been certified and 100% of quality indexes and restricted elements
specified in the decision to recognize circulation of fertilizer in Vietnam and restricted elements
provided in the Appendix IV to this document have been tested.

4.2.2. Method 7: Testing and assessing fertilizer shipments.

The certificate of conformity is only valid for the fertilizer shipments having undergone assessment.
This method applies to imported fertilizers.

4.3. Regulations on conformity certification

4.3.1. Conformity of imported fertilizers shall be declared using the certification results given by the
designated conformity certification assessment bodies. Conformity of domestically produced fertilizers
shall be declared using the certification results given by the designated conformity certification
assessment bodies or conformity self-assessment results given by the organizations and individuals
having fertilizers.
4.3.2. The testing of fertilizer quality in support of conformity certification and assessment in
accordance with this Regulation shall be carried out by a testing organization which has registered its
testing service as prescribed in the Government’s Decree No. 107/2016/ND-CP dated July 01, 2016;
Government’s Decree No. 154/2018/ND-CP dated November 09, 2018 and designated by the Ministry
of Agriculture and Rural Development.

4.3.3. The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development shall receive applications for
registration of declaration of conformity, issue notifications of receipt of application for registration of
declaration of conformity and submit annual report before December 15 every year or ad hoc report at
the request of the Plant Protection Department.

5. RESPONSIBILITIES OF RELATED ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS

5.1. Conformity assessment bodies

Every conformity assessment body has the responsibility to:

5.1.1. Assess conformity with respect to designated test methods and fields.

5.1.2. Facilitate inspection and monitoring by the Plant Protection Department.

5.1.3. Exercise its rights and obligations specified in Articles 19 and 20 of Law on Quality of Products
and Goods.

5.1.4. Submit an annual report or ad hoc report on state inspection of quality of imported fertilizers at
the request of the Plant Protection Department. The annual report shall be submitted before December
15 every year.

5.1.5. Notify the Plant Protection Department of any change that affects its capacity for carrying out
designated activities within 15 days from the occurrence of such change.

5.2. Fertilizer producers and importers

Every fertilizer producer/importer has the responsibility to:

5.2.1. Declare conformity of fertilizers in accordance with this technical regulation.

5.2.2. Continuously maintain and take responsibility for conformity of fertilizers whose conformity has
been confirmed; maintain its quality control, testing and periodic monitoring.

5.2.3. Only use conformity marks for fertilizers whose conformity has been declared before being
circulated on the market.

5.2.4. Upon detecting any non-conformity of a fertilizer whose conformity has been declared during
their circulation or use:

- Promptly notify the non-conformity in writing to the Department of Agriculture and Rural
Development issuing the notification of receipt of application for registration of declaration of
conformity and Plant Protection Department; recall and do not put the non-conforming fertilizer on the
market.

- Take corrective actions; notify the results of the corrective actions in writing to the Department of
Agriculture and Rural Development issuing the notification of receipt of application for registration of
declaration of conformity before continuing to put the fertilizer on the market.

6. IMPLEMENTATION

6.1. The Plant Protection Department shall provide guidance on and inspect, and cooperater with
related competent authorities in the implementation of this Regulation; submit revisions to this
Regulation to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development where necessary; designate
conformity assessment bodies in accordance with this Regulation.

6.2. Where any of the legislative documents and standards referred to in this Regulation is amended or
replaced, the newest one shall prevail.

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