In the context of increasing global population and climate change, agriculture faces unprecedented challenges. How to increase food output on limited cultivated land has become an urgent issue for countries to address. In this process, fertilizer as the most basic and critical material input in agricultural production has played a crucial role. Especially in China, as the world’s main fertilizer producer and consumer, the trade demand for imported and exported fertilizer is very high. However, with the complexity and diversification of international trade, how to accurately and quickly classify and test fertilizers has become an important issue related to tax and trade compliance.

Types of fertilizers and their role in agriculture

The variety of fertilizers, according to their chemical composition and biological activity, can be divided into three categories of inorganic fertilizers, organic fertilizers and biological fertilizers. Inorganic fertilizers, such as nitrogen fertilizers, phosphorus fertilizers and magnesium fertilizers, are the most commonly used fertilizers in agricultural production, because of their high nutrient content and significant fertility. Nitrogen fertilizers can promote the growth of plants, phosphorus fertilizers accelerate cell division and improve fruit quality, while magnesium fertilizers enhance the photosynthesis of crops.

Organic fertilizers mainly come from plants and animals, which can effectively improve soil fertility and bioactivity after fermentation, and are an important part of green agriculture, while biological fertilizers are special fertilizers made using biotechnology, although currently used less, but the potential in environmentally friendly agriculture is insignificant.

Complexity of import and export fertilizer classification and testing

Because of the variety and complexity of fertilizers, accurate classification and testing of fertilizers is a challenge in import and export trade. According to the Import and Export Duties of the Peoples Republic of China (2024), fertilizer classification tax for different types and ingredients varies, and even some special fertilizers must be classified as non-traditional fertilizers. Therefore, accurate classification not only affects the applicability of the tax rate, but also depends on whether it can effectively regulate the import and export circulation of fertilizers and prevent illegal actors from tax evasion by wrong classification.

Fertilizer testing is also a major difficulty in the process of classification. Whether it is nitrogen fertilizer, phosphorus fertilizer, magnesium fertilizer, or mixed fertilizer, testing the content of its effective ingredients is an important basis for determining its classification. Traditional chemical testing methods, such as weight method, drip method, etc., are still the main testing method. However, with the advancement of science and technology, new technologies such as fluorescent spectrometry, X-ray diffusion method are also gradually used in fertilizer testing, greatly improving the accuracy and efficiency of testing.

How to Better Classify and Test Fertilizers

In order to better address the complex classification and testing problems of import and export fertilizers, relevant departments and enterprises need to access the following:

Strengthening technical training and equipment updating:With the diversification of fertilizer types and the advancement of testing technologies, customs and enterprise inspectors need to continuously learn new knowledge and skills and update inspection equipment to ensure the accuracy and scientificity of the inspection results.
Optimization of classification processes:In the process of import and export, the establishment of an efficient classification process can help enterprises to identify commodity tariff numbers more quickly and accurately, reduce customs time and reduce trade costs.
Promote international cooperation and exchanges:Due to the differences in standards and testing methods for the classification of fertilizers, international cooperation and exchanges are promoted, and unified classification standards can reduce trade friction and improve trade efficiency on a global scale.

Conclusion

The growing global demand for food has increased the demand for fertilizer in agricultural production. Exact classification and testing of fertilizer is especially important to ensure the rational use of fertilizer and the smooth operation of import and export trade. Through technological advances and process optimization, we expect to better address this challenge and promote the sustainable development of agricultural production.