HS Code 31.02 – Fertilizers; mineral or chemical, nitrogenous

HS code 3102 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fertilizers; mineral or chemical, nitrogenous. Heading 3102 is a cornerstone of global agriculture, specifically classifying mineral or chemical nitrogenous fertilizers. This category encompasses a wide array of synthetic fertilizers that provide essential nitrogen, a primary nutrient for plant growth. The scope includes widely traded commodities like urea, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate, calcium nitrate, and various mixtures thereof, provided the nitrogen content is the predominant fertilizing element. It strictly excludes organic fertilizers (3101), phosphatic fertilizers (3103), and potassic fertilizers (3104), emphasizing the chemical composition. Key sub-categories are based on the specific nitrogen compound (e.g., urea, anhydrous ammonia) and their physical forms (granulated, liquid). For trade compliance, accurate classification under 3102 is paramount due to its status as a major global commodity. These fertilizers are subject to specific tariff rates, anti-dumping duties in various jurisdictions, and often import quotas or licensing requirements, particularly during periods of geopolitical instability impacting supply chains. Their trade volume is enormous, directly influencing global food security and agricultural productivity. Historically, the advent of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers revolutionized agriculture, enabling significant increases in crop yields, and this heading remains central to the chemical and agricultural industries within Chapter 31 (Fertilizers).

Urea (granular), Ammonium nitrate, Ammonium sulphate, Calcium nitrate, Calcium ammonium nitrate, Anhydrous ammonia (for direct application), Urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) solutions, Sodium nitrate, Ammonium chloride (as fertilizer), Magnesium nitrate (as fertilizer), Potassium nitrate (if nitrogen is predominant), Diammonium phosphate (DAP) (if nitrogen predominates), Monoammonium phosphate (MAP) (if nitrogen predominates), Nitrogen fertilizers in tablets, Slow-release nitrogen fertilizers, Liquid nitrogen fertilizers, Nitrogen solutions for foliar application, Blended nitrogen fertilizers, Ammonium thiosulphate solution, Urea formaldehydes (as fertilizer), Nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers (if N is predominant), Nitrogen-potassium fertilizers (if N is predominant), Nitrogen-sulphur fertilizers, Urea superphosphate, Ammonium polyphosphate (if N is predominant)

A common misclassification for HS 3102 products involves differentiating them from other mineral or chemical fertilizers. For instance, a compound fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium might be incorrectly classified in 3102 if nitrogen isn't the predominant fertilizing element; such mixtures typically fall under 3105. Another frequent error is confusing bulk inorganic chemicals (Chapter 28) with prepared fertilizers. For example, pure ammonium nitrate (2834) would be classified in Chapter 28 if not clearly identifiable as put up for fertilizing purposes, but as a fertilizer, it belongs to 3102. Traders also sometimes confuse nitrogenous fertilizers with nitrogen-fixing bacteria preparations (often 3822 or 3824), which, while beneficial for nitrogen, are not fertilizers themselves but biological agents. The key is the chemical composition and the primary use as a nitrogen-providing fertilizer.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 3102 in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $5.8B, 15% of world exports), China ($5.7B) and Nigeria ($2.2B). World exports came to about $38.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 3102 in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($5.3B, 12% of world imports), India ($5.1B) and the United States ($3.6B). World imports came to about $42.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.

HS code 3102 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 31 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (31) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.