Chemical and mined fertiliser

Chemical fertiliser is a product that results from a manufacturing process. It includes (but is not limited to):

• ammonium nitrate
• calcium nitrate
• potash
• potassium nitrate
• urea
• mono-ammonium phosphate
• di-ammonium phosphate.

Mined fertiliser is a natural, in-organic product mined from the earth itself. It includes (but is not limited to):

• rock phosphate
• sulphur
• mineralised humic-based fertiliser
• guano-based fertiliser.

Fertiliser Assessment and Management Policies

The Imported Inorganic Bulk Cargo Fertiliser (goods shipped in bulk vessels on a hold by hold basis, both loose and bagged goods) and Containerised Fertiliser (including bulk, in bags greater than 100 kg, and small bags of 100 kg or less that are not packed at the place of production) Assessment and Management Policies have now been finalised.

These policies have been developed by the department in consultation with industry.

Further information

Should you require further information, email Cargo and Mail.

Importing chemical and mined material

Chemical and mined fertilisers must meet relevant import conditions.

Unprocessed non-liquid bulk chemical and mined fertilisers that require further processing onshore (other than packaging) must be imported under a valid import permit which has been issued by the department.

The Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON) contains information on import requirements and applying for an import permit.

Imported Inorganic Assessment and Management Fertiliser Policies

Our inorganic fertiliser policies are for chemical or mined fertiliser imported as bulk in ships' holds, or as containerised cargo. These policies include documentation requirements and information about the importation and clearance processes.

Bulk

Containerised

Reduced risk classification

Offshore manufacturers of inorganic fertiliser which meet the department’s eligibility and application requirements may be approved to hold a reduced risk classification with the department. The requirements to apply for a reduced risk classification are outlined in the inorganic fertiliser policy documents.

Consignments of inorganic fertiliser originating from a manufacturer that holds a reduced risk classification that also meet the relevant importing conditions set by the department will be subject to reduced biosecurity intervention on arrival.

The department maintains a list of holders of reduced risk classifications that have consented to their details being published on the department’s website. These manufacturers are outlined in the tables below:

Fertiliser Key:

ASN – Ammonium sulphate nitrate

CAN - Calcium ammonium nitrate

DAP - Di-ammonium phosphate

DSP – Double super phosphate

MAP - Mono-ammonium phosphate

MicroEssentials – Nitrogen phosphorus pentoxide sulphur compounds

MOP - Muriate of potash

NK – Nitrogen potassium compound

NP - Nitrogen phosphorous compound

NPK - Nitrogen phosphorous potassium

NPS - Nitrogen phosphorous sulphur

SOP - Sulphate of potash

SSP - Single super phosphate

TSP (SP36) - Triple super phosphate

Note: The above list is not exhaustive and does not contain the details of all holders of reduced risk classifications. The department only publishes the details of holders of reduced risk classifications who have provided publication consent.

Further information

Contact Imports.