 
                    Urea 46% Prilled & Granular
๐งช Urea 46% Prilled & Granular
An Educational Insight into Specifications, HS Codes, Documentation & Global Trade Practices
๐ Introduction
Urea 46%โin both prilled and granular formโis a critical input in global agriculture, widely used as a nitrogen fertilizer to boost crop yield. Due to its high nutrient content, it is one of the most traded fertilizers internationally. This guide provides a comprehensive educational breakdown of Urea 46% Prilled and Granular, covering real-world specifications, trade documentation, HS classification, loading procedures, certifications, and bulk logisticsโpurely for study and awareness purposes.
๐ HS Code Classification for Urea
Correct classification is essential in customs clearance and international trade compliance. Urea is classified under HS Code Chapter 31: Fertilizers.
Key HS Codes:
| HS Code | Description | 
|---|---|
| 31021000 | Urea, whether or not in aqueous solution | 
This classification applies to both prilled and granular forms.
Countries may add further subdivision in national tariff schedules for bagged, bulk, or blended urea.
๐งพ Technical Specifications of Urea 46% (Sample Format for Education)
The following is a sample of international documentation standards used when trading Urea 46%, structured for real-world study and reference.
โ Guaranteed Chemical Specifications:
Nitrogen Content: 46.0% by weight (Minimum)
Moisture Content: 0.3% (Maximum)
Biuret: 1% (Maximum by weight)
Free Ammonia: 160 PXT PPM (Maximum)
FISPER: 0.35 (Maximum)
Anti-Caking Agent: 0.5% (Maximum)
โ Granulation & Particle Size:
Granulation (1โ4 mm): 90% Minimum
Particles <1 mm: Absent
Physical Form: Solid, White, Granular or Prilled
Melting Point: 132ยฐC
Odor: Odorless or slightly ammonia-like
โ Additional Physical Standards:
Free from harmful substances
Non-radioactive certified
Treated with anti-caking agent for free flow
Specific Gravity: 1.335 t/mยณ
Molecular Weight: 60.065
Floatability in Water: Mixes and sinks
Vapor Density: Not applicable
๐ Countries of Origin and Global Trade Routes
๐ Common Exporter Countries:
Uzbekistan ๐บ๐ฟ
Russia ๐ท๐บ
Saudi Arabia ๐ธ๐ฆ
Qatar ๐ถ๐ฆ
Egypt ๐ช๐ฌ
Iran ๐ฎ๐ท
Turkmenistan ๐น๐ฒ
China ๐จ๐ณ
๐ Key Importer Countries:
India ๐ฎ๐ณ
Brazil ๐ง๐ท
Pakistan ๐ต๐ฐ
Bangladesh ๐ง๐ฉ
Vietnam ๐ป๐ณ
Indonesia ๐ฎ๐ฉ
Thailand ๐น๐ญ
African nations (Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, etc.)
๐ข Shipping Methods: Bulk Vessel vs Containerized
Urea is shipped using two main formats: bulk shipping in large vessels or 20-foot container shipments.
โ A. Bulk Shipment (Full Vessel Load)
Typical Sizes: 12,500 MT, 25,000 MT, 50,000 MT, 100,000 MT
Packing: Loose in bulk or jumbo bags (1 MT bags)
Vessel Types: Handymax, Supramax, Panamax
Stowage Factor: ~1.25โ1.30 mยณ/MT for granular urea
Loading Equipment: Belt conveyors or ship loaders
Moisture Protection: Holds lined with waterproof materials
Loading Ports: Black Sea, Middle East, Baltic ports depending on origin
Discharge Ports: Karachi, Chittagong, Mumbai, Santos, Lagos, etc.
๐ฆ B. Containerized Shipment (20FT FCL)
Minimum Order: 250 MT (educational sample reference)
Load per 20FT: Approx. 22โ25 MT (based on packing)
Packing: 50kg woven PP bags or 1 MT jumbo bags
Suitable for: Smaller consignees, inland destinations, or countries with limited bulk handling
โ๏ธ Documentation & Trade Procedure (Sample Educational Format)
The following outlines a standard trade procedure format often used in documentation learning.
๐ Required Documents:
| Document | Purpose | 
|---|---|
| Proforma Invoice | Price & quantity reference | 
| Commercial Invoice | Transactional invoice | 
| Packing List | Weight and packaging detail | 
| Bill of Lading | Shipping document | 
| Certificate of Origin (COO) | Validates country of export | 
| SGS Inspection Certificate | Third-party quality & quantity validation | 
| Phytosanitary Certificate* | Ensures safety for agricultural use (when applicable) | 
| Material Safety Data Sheet | Chemical safety and compliance info | 
โ๏ธ Phytosanitary Certification
While not always mandatory for Urea (as it is a chemical product), many countries request certification that the urea is free of biological contaminants and meets safety standards for use on food crops.
Importance:
Ensures no plant pests or pathogens are introduced.
Validates the product is safe for soil and food production.
May be required for customs clearance in strict regulatory regions.
Issued By:
National Plant Protection Organization of the exporting country.
๐ Educational Trade Procedure (For Learning Only)
Buyer submits LOI + BCL (Bank Comfort Letter, not older than 5 days).
Seller issues FCO (Full Corporate Offer).
Buyer signs/seals FCO and returns.
Seller sends draft contract, which buyer signs and returns.
Buyerโs bank issues DLC (Documentary Letter of Credit).
LC becomes operative.
SGS inspection and documentation completed.
Shipment starts as per contract schedule.
๐ท๏ธ Pricing & Quantity (Educational Examples)
Though prices are subject to daily global fluctuation, sample spot price tiers are:
| Quantity | Price (USD/MT) | Delivery Terms | 
|---|---|---|
| 12,500 MT | $445.00 | CIF ASWP | 
| 25,000 MT | $430.00 | CIF ASWP | 
| 50,000 MT | $425.00 | CIF ASWP | 
| 100,000 MT | $410.00 | CIF ASWP | 
ASWP = Any Safe World Port
Prices and terms shown are for learning only and are not offers.
๐ฆ Packaging Formats
50kg Bags: Woven polypropylene, moisture-resistant
1 MT Jumbo Bags: Used for bulk container and loose bulk loads
Bulk (Unpacked): Direct hold loading for full vessel shipments
Each method requires different container handling, stacking, and customs documentation.
๐ Customs & Tariff Application (Educational Summary)
๐งพ Port of Discharge Duties
Tariffs for HS Code 31021000 vary by country:
Pakistan: Often zero-rated or concessional under fertilizer policy
India: May be subject to GST + Customs Cess
Brazil: Varies with import agreements
Africa: May impose VAT and port surcharges
Indonesia/ASEAN: Often under concessional or regulated regimes
Always refer to your countryโs updated tariff schedule.
๐ซ Important Educational Disclaimer
This article is intended only for study and awareness.
No commercial offers, pricing, or company solicitation is included.
Specifications and procedures are real but used in sample form for learning.
Consult customs or legal trade experts before applying any real transaction.
๐ Who Is This Article For?
Students of logistics, trade documentation, or international business
Export/import clerks learning fertilizer documentation
Trainers and educators preparing mock documents
Policy analysts or regulators studying agri-chemical trade flows
Professionals writing feasibility studies or tenders
๐ง Key Takeaways
Urea 46% is a globally standardized fertilizer with precise chemical and physical specs.
Trade is regulated under HS Code 31021000, with custom tariffs varying by destination.
Loading methods include bulk vessel shipping and containerized deliveries.
Documents like SGS Inspection, Phytosanitary Certificate, and COO are often required.
Educational trade formats help professionals simulate documentation processes accurately.
