State inspection of imported DAP fertilizer from South Korea

All fertilizer imports from any market are tightly managed and supervised according to the provisions of the Crop Production Law and relevant guidelines, including Government Decree 84/2019/ND-CP on fertilizer management.

1. Market Update on Fertilizer in August 2023

After the Russia-Ukraine conflict, global fertilizer prices surged to record highs in the first half of 2023. However, moving into the third quarter, the fertilizer market has become more subdued due to increased global fertilizer supply from China and Russia lifting export restrictions. Additionally, new plants in India, Nigeria, Brunei, Russia, and China set to operate by the end of 2023 could add more supply to the market.

For Vietnam's market, 2023 is predicted to be challenging for fertilizer exports. Lower fertilizer prices could lead to high inventory levels for companies. While fertilizer export prices are projected to moderately rise by the end of 2023, they are unlikely to reach the levels of 2022 unless unexpected geopolitical events occur.

2. Import of DAP Fertilizer from South Korea Following Regulations

Recent reports suggest Vietnam temporarily halted the import of DAP fertilizer from the South Korean market due to concerns over Cadmium content. Cadmium is a heavy metal present in fertilizer products sourced from apatite ore, and most countries impose limits on its content.

Vietnam's Plant Protection Department reviewed the records of 3 batches of imported DAP fertilizer from South Korea in June and July, along with test results provided by Vinacontrol Ho Chi Minh City (a state-authorized quality inspection entity and member of Vinacontrol Group). The results indicate that the imported DAP fertilizer from South Korea meets the quality standards and Cadmium content requirements. Specifically, the tested DAP fertilizer batches from South Korea had a minimum Total Nitrogen (Nts) content of 17.7%, a minimum Effective Phosphate (P2O5hh) content of 45.7%, a maximum moisture content of 0.68%, and Cadmium (Cd) content within limits (<12 ppm, with the highest being 10.5 ppm). Therefore, the imported DAP fertilizer batches in 2023 meet the quality standards (Nts, P2O5hh, moisture content) and Cadmium content limit (not exceeding 12 ppm).

Importing DAP from various countries, including South Korea, continues normally and is tightly regulated and monitored in accordance with the Crop Production Law and Government Decree No. 84/2019/ND-CP on fertilizer management.

Vinacontrol's inspectors perform the sampling of DAP fertilizers

3. State Inspection of Imported Fertilizers

All fertilizer imports from any market are tightly managed and supervised according to the provisions of the Crop Production Law and relevant guidelines, including Government Decree 84/2019/ND-CP on fertilizer management.

According to Article 46 of the Crop Production Law regarding State Inspection of imported fertilizer quality, all imported fertilizer products must undergo state quality inspections in Vietnam. All imported fertilizer batches are subject to state quality inspections before being cleared for import.

Government Decree 84/2019/ND-CP on fertilizer management clearly states that all quality indicators and limiting factors of fertilizer must be tested according to the regulations of the National Technical Standards on fertilizer quality. In case any indicator in an imported fertilizer batch does not meet the requirements, the goods will be required to be re-exported.

Vinacontrol is the entity authorized to perform state quality inspections of imported fertilizers.

Vinacontrol's inspectors conduct the quantity inspection of imported fertilizer batches

4. Vinacontrol's Capabilities in the Fertilizer Sector

• Authorized to conduct State Quality Inspection of imported fertilizers as per Government Decree No. 84/2019/ND-CP dated November 14, 2019, on fertilizer management.
• Organizing fertilizer testing.
• Organizing certification of compliant fertilizer products according to QCVN 01-189:2019/BNNPTNT on fertilizer quality.

Contact us today for more detailed information: 0243 943 3840.