Other

Other nitrogenous fertilisers (urea, NOx reduction agent AUS 32)

BIS QCO APPLICABLE · ISI MARK SCHEME · IS 5406

HSN 3102 29 90 (other nitrogenous fertilisers) is covered by a Bureau of Indian Standards Quality Control Order. Fertiliser-grade urea must conform to IS 5406 under the ISI Mark Scheme; diesel-engine NOx reduction agent AUS 32 must conform to IS 17042 (Part 1):2018 under the Diesel Engines-NOx Reduction Agent AUS 32 (QC) Order, 2024 bearing S.O. 922(E). Directorate General of Foreign Trade canalisation controls and the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985 apply as separate customs-clearance overlays.

What this is

HSN code

3102 29 90

Chapter

31 · Fertilisers

BIS QCO

Applicable · ISI Mark Scheme · CM/L required

Indian Standard

IS 5406 · effective 26-02-2024

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

BISBIS·Bureau of Indian Standards

Procedural directions for customs clearance are issued by: Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

Compliance steps

1
Identify which product is being imported: fertiliser-grade urea (IS 5406) or NOx reduction agent AUS 32 (IS 17042 (Part 1):2018). Each attracts a separate BIS CM/L licence requirement; verify the supplier holds a current licence against the applicable standard on the BIS online register before placing the purchase order.
S.O. 1389(E) dated 22-03-2023 · S.O. 922(E) dated 26-02-2024 · BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018, Scheme-I of Schedule-II
2
For fertiliser-grade urea imports on government account, confirm the consignment is channelled through RCF, NFL, or IPL (permitted until 31-03-2026) as designated State Trading Enterprises or authorised fertiliser marketing entities. Technical grade urea for non-agricultural, industrial, or NPK manufacturing use is free of the canalisation requirement.
DGFT Notification 61/2015-20 dated 22-03-2023 · DGFT Notification 08/2023 dated 29-05-2023 · S.O. 1389(E) dated 22-03-2023 · Para 2.21 of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023
3
Ensure every consignment of fertiliser-grade urea bears the ISI mark and the supplier's CM/L number, confirming conformity to IS 5406. For AUS 32, ensure the ISI mark is present per Scheme-I of Schedule-II of the BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018 against IS 17042 (Part 1):2018.
S.O. 1389(E) dated 22-03-2023 · S.O. 922(E) dated 26-02-2024 · BIS (Conformity Assessment) Regulations, 2018
4
Verify compliance with the Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985 as amended. Confirm the product label, grade, and nutrient declaration meet the requirements thereunder, and include the relevant documentation in the bill of entry package.
Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985 · DGFT Notification 65/2024-25 dated 18-03-2025
5
Quote the supplier's BIS CM/L number, the applicable IS standard number, and all canalisation or STE authorisation references on the bill of entry. Customs verifies the CM/L in real time against the BIS register; an absent, expired, or scope-mismatched licence triggers consignment detention.
S.O. 1389(E) dated 22-03-2023 · S.O. 922(E) dated 26-02-2024 · BIS Act, 2016 · Customs Act, 1962

A word of counsel

The single most common error on this tariff line is treating technical grade urea (for industrial or NPK manufacturing use) and fertiliser-grade urea as interchangeable. Technical grade urea is import-free and not subject to STE canalisation, whereas agricultural-purpose fertiliser-grade urea is restricted to designated STEs and authorised entities under DGFT Notification 61/2015-20; an incorrect grade declaration on the bill of entry exposes the importer to retrospective duty recovery, consignment detention, and potential prosecution under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3102 29 90 require BIS certification?

Yes. Fertiliser-grade urea must conform to IS 5406 under the ISI Mark Scheme per S.O. 1389(E); NOx reduction agent AUS 32 must conform to IS 17042 (Part 1):2018 under S.O. 922(E). Both require a valid BIS CM/L licence.

Is agricultural urea import restricted to specific entities?

Yes. Agricultural-purpose urea on government account is restricted to RCF, NFL, IPL (until 31-03-2026), or entities authorised by the Department of Fertilizers. Technical grade urea for industrial or NPK manufacturing use is free of this canalisation requirement.

Do IS 5406 and IS 17042 cover the same product?

No. IS 5406 governs fertiliser-grade urea; IS 17042 (Part 1):2018 governs diesel engine NOx reduction agent AUS 32. Both fall under HSN 3102 29 90 but require separate CM/L licences against their respective standards.

Does a single CM/L licence cover all grades and manufacturing facilities?

No. A CM/L licence is scope-specific to the standard, product grade, and licensed manufacturing facility; product from an unlicensed plant or outside the licensed grade is not covered and triggers detention at port.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-18. Source: BIS / DGFT / Indian Customs CUSDATA.