Elemental Sulphur Fertilizer Amendment 2026: Revised Quality Standards for Manufacturers in India

Fertilizer manufacturers producing Elemental Sulphur Fortified with Micronutrients will now have to consider a revised set of product specifications. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has amended the earlier notification issued in March 2026, changing the minimum nutrient composition and adding limits for heavy metals, particle size and moisture.

The changes were notified through S.O. 5497(E), dated 7 October 2026, under the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order, 1985. The notification replaces Serial No. 3 of the earlier order, S.O. 1570(E), dated 25 March 2026.

The revised specifications cover eight nutrients, including sulphur, magnesium, zinc and iron. They also prescribe maximum concentrations for lead, cadmium and arsenic. Two separate particle-size requirements and a maximum moisture level have been included.

For manufacturers dealing with this particular fertilizer, the amendment affects the technical values against which the product is assessed. Existing formulations, product specifications and quality-control arrangements may need to be checked against the amended requirements.

Notification at a Glance

The amendment is limited to the specified fertilizer product. It should not be interpreted as a revision of every sulphur-based fertilizer or micronutrient mixture available in India.

What Is Elemental Sulphur Fortified with Micronutrients?

Elemental Sulphur Fortified with Micronutrients is a fertilizer formulation containing sulphur together with other essential plant nutrients.

Sulphur is needed by plants for several functions, including the formation of proteins. In its elemental form, sulphur generally needs to be converted into sulphate in soil before plants can absorb it.

The product also contains magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, boron, manganese and molybdenum in specified quantities.

Each nutrient has a different function. Magnesium is involved in chlorophyll formation, while iron, zinc and manganese contribute to important plant processes. Boron, copper and molybdenum are required in smaller quantities for plant growth and development.

Why is micronutrient fortification used?

Agricultural soils do not always contain every nutrient in the quantity needed by a crop. Fertilizer formulations containing multiple nutrients may be used as part of a suitable nutrient-management programme.

However, a product's suitability depends on soil conditions, crop requirements and its actual composition. Merely containing several nutrients does not mean a fertilizer is suitable for every crop or soil.

For manufacturers, the notified composition is a separate regulatory matter. A product sold under the specified category must be assessed against the applicable technical requirements.

Why are fixed fertilizer specifications necessary?

A fertilizer specification provides measurable values for the product.

For example, when the government prescribes a minimum zinc percentage, manufacturers have a defined figure against which the finished product can be evaluated.

This helps distinguish between the intended formulation and the measurable characteristics of the product actually manufactured.

In the case of Elemental Sulphur Fortified with Micronutrients, the October amendment specifies both chemical composition and physical quality parameters.

Regulatory Framework Under the Fertiliser Control Order, 1985

The Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order, 1985, commonly referred to as the Fertiliser Control Order or FCO, regulates several aspects of fertilizer manufacture and trade in India.

It was issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

The framework covers matters such as fertilizer specifications, authorisations, sale, distribution, sampling, analysis and quality controls.

Businesses must examine the provisions relevant to their products and activities. The requirements for a manufacturer may differ from those applicable to a dealer or another entity in the supply chain.

What does Clause 20A cover?

Clause 20A provides a framework for notifying specifications for provisional fertilizers manufactured for commercial trials.

Under this provision, the Central Government may prescribe product specifications for a limited period, subject to the conditions of the governing order.

This matters because the March 2026 notification was issued under Clause 20A and notified specifications for four fertilizer products manufactured in India.

The October 2026 amendment changes one of those product specifications.

It does not itself establish an entirely new fertilizer control framework.

How does the October amendment relate to the March notification?

The Ministry issued S.O. 1570(E) on 25 March 2026, notifying specifications for four fertilizer formulations:

1. NPK 13.2-13.2-13.2 Liquid Fertiliser.
2. NPK 2-0-21 Liquid Fertiliser.
3. Elemental Sulphur Fortified with Micronutrients.
4. PK 0-5-27 Liquid Fertiliser.

The earlier notification provided three years from its publication in the Official Gazette.

The October amendment replaces Serial No. 3 and its associated entries. It does not expressly change the specifications for the other three products.

It also does not expressly restart the three-year period.

Manufacturers should therefore read both notifications together instead of relying on the October order alone.

What Has Changed Under Notification S.O. 5497(E)?

The October amendment makes two important changes to the specifications for Elemental Sulphur Fortified with Micronutrients.

The first concerns nutrient composition. All eight minimum nutrient percentages have been reduced compared with the values published in March 2026.

The second concerns product quality parameters. The substituted specification includes maximum heavy metal concentrations, particle-size requirements and a moisture limit that were not expressly listed under the earlier Serial No. 3.

Main changes introduced

1. Revised minimum nutrient percentages

The minimum sulphur percentage is now 31.5%, while magnesium has been reduced to 8.0%. Zinc, iron, copper, boron, manganese and molybdenum also have revised minimum values.

2. Heavy metal limits

The amended specification places maximum limits on lead, cadmium and arsenic.

3. Particle-size requirements

The product must meet a sieve-retention parameter and a separate particle-size condition for dispersion in water.

4. Maximum moisture content

A maximum moisture content of 3.0% by weight has been specified.

The amendment does not say that every existing manufacturer must change its formulation. The need for changes depends on whether the product already meets the complete revised specification.

Why Were the Fertilizer Specifications Revised?

The October order provides the amended technical values but does not give a detailed explanation of why each change was made. It would therefore be incorrect to claim that the government lowered the nutrient percentages specifically to reduce manufacturing costs or address industry complaints.

What can be explained is the practical role of these specifications.

Nutrient composition and product consistency

A minimum nutrient percentage establishes the lowest prescribed level for that component under the notified product specification.

It gives manufacturers a clear value to use when reviewing the composition of the finished fertilizer.

Heavy metal limits and product quality

Fertilizer raw materials can contain unwanted substances. Maximum contaminant values help define acceptable concentrations for the specified product.

The October amendment identifies lead, cadmium and arsenic as parameters that must be considered.

Particle size and moisture control

Particle size and moisture are measurable physical characteristics of fertilizer products.

Their inclusion gives manufacturers additional specifications to assess during product development and quality verification.

These are reasonable quality-control explanations, not official reasons expressly recorded in S.O. 5497(E).

Scope and Applicability of the Revised Fertilizer Specifications

The amendment specifically applies to the product described as Elemental Sulphur Fortified with Micronutrients under Serial No. 3 of the March notification.

Its relevance to different businesses depends on their involvement with that product and their obligations under the FCO.

Fertilizer manufacturers

Manufacturing units producing the notified formulation should check the revised technical values.

The review should cover the complete product specification rather than only sulphur content.

Businesses developing fertilizer formulations

Businesses considering the manufacture of this particular formulation should examine the amended composition and physical requirements before finalising product specifications.

They must also separately determine which manufacturing authorisations and conditions apply to their proposed activities.

Suppliers and distributors

Suppliers handling the affected fertilizer may need updated product information from manufacturers.

This is particularly relevant where purchase agreements or technical documents refer to the earlier March 2026 values.

Fertilizer importers

The March notification concerns fertilizers manufactured in India under the Clause 20A framework.

The October amendment does not independently introduce an import licence or an import-specific approval process.

Importers should review the provisions applicable to their own products rather than automatically applying this domestic provisional specification to imported goods.

Revised Chemical Composition and Minimum Nutrient Requirements

The amended notification provides minimum nutrient percentages by weight.

These values apply individually. Meeting the sulphur requirement does not compensate for a shortfall in zinc, iron or any other prescribed nutrient.

Sulphur: Minimum 31.5%

Sulphur remains a major component of the formulation. The minimum percentage has changed from 31.90% in March 2026 to 31.5% in October 2026.

Manufacturers should check the sulphur content of their product against the revised minimum. A formulation already meeting the requirement may not need a change solely because the notified minimum has been reduced.

Magnesium: Minimum 8.0%

The minimum magnesium content has been reduced from 16.0% to 8.0%.

Magnesium is essential for plants, particularly because it forms part of chlorophyll.

For manufacturers, the reduced minimum may affect formulation planning. However, any change to the composition must be considered alongside the other nutrient values and the product's intended characteristics.

Zinc: Minimum 6.0%

The earlier minimum zinc value was 8.40%. Under the October amendment, it is 6.0%.

Zinc is involved in several enzyme-related plant processes.

Businesses should verify the zinc content in the finished formulation against the revised specification.

Iron: Minimum 8.0%

The minimum iron requirement has changed from 12.40% to 8.0%.

Iron is needed for normal plant growth and contributes to processes associated with chlorophyll formation.

Where a manufacturer changes its iron-containing raw materials, the resulting finished-product composition should be assessed.

Copper: Minimum 0.5%

The revised minimum copper content is 0.5%, compared with 0.70% in the earlier specification.

Copper is required by plants in small amounts. The notified figure is expressed as copper (Cu) by weight.

Boron: Minimum 1.15%

The boron requirement has changed from 7.70% to 1.15%.

This is a substantial reduction in the prescribed minimum percentage.

Manufacturers reviewing their formulation should pay particular attention to this change and distinguish the notified minimum from their own formulation targets.

Manganese: Minimum 1.0%

The minimum manganese percentage is now 1.0%, compared with the earlier 1.90%.

Manganese supports several plant functions, including enzyme activity.

The revised value must be considered independently of the iron and zinc requirements.

Molybdenum: Minimum 0.05%

Molybdenum has the smallest prescribed nutrient percentage in the amended specification.

Its minimum has changed from 0.15% to 0.05%.

Although the quantity is low, manufacturers must still account for the specified minimum when assessing this fertilizer category.

What do these revised nutrient percentages mean for manufacturers?

The most immediate change is that the product's minimum nutrient composition is different from the earlier specification.

Businesses may find that their current formulation already meets the new minimums. Others may consider adjusting their formulations after a technical and regulatory review.

However, reducing nutrient concentrations is not automatically necessary or commercially beneficial.

The manufacturer must consider the complete composition, applicable regulatory conditions, product performance and quality requirements before making changes.

Heavy Metal Limits Under the Revised Fertilizer Specifications

The October amendment also sets maximum concentrations for three heavy metal parameters.

These are upper limits rather than minimum values.

Lead: Maximum 30 mg/kg

The specification limits lead content to 30 milligrams per kilogram.

Manufacturers should consider the possible presence of lead in the raw materials used for the product and verify the finished fertilizer against the stated limit.

Cadmium: Maximum 25 mg/kg

Cadmium is another contaminant covered by the amendment. The maximum permitted content is 25 mg/kg.

Raw material assessment and suitable product testing can help manufacturers understand whether their formulation meets this value.

Arsenic: Maximum 25 mg/kg

The arsenic limit is expressed as As₂O₃, or arsenic trioxide, with a maximum of 25 mg/kg.

The way the result is expressed is important. A laboratory report showing arsenic in another chemical expression should not be compared directly without confirming the measurement basis.

Why is heavy metal testing relevant?

The March specification for this particular product listed the minimum nutrient percentages but did not expressly provide these three heavy metal limits under Serial No. 3.

Their inclusion in the October amendment means the substituted specification now contains additional contaminant parameters.

Manufacturers should assess whether their existing quality-control arrangements cover these values. Where testing is required, the applicable official analytical methods and legal provisions must be followed.

The notification does not create a separate laboratory registration process.

Particle Size and Moisture Requirements for Elemental Sulphur Fertilizer

Apart from nutrient composition and heavy metal concentrations, the amendment includes requirements for physical product characteristics.

Each condition must be understood separately.

Sieve retention: Minimum 75%

The notification specifies that at least 75% of the material must be retained on a 0.150 mm sieve. During sieve analysis, retained material remains on the sieve rather than passing through its openings under the test conditions.

The distinction is important because the requirement uses the word retained. Manufacturers should not interpret it as a requirement for 75% of the material to pass through the sieve.

D100 particle size: Maximum 20 µm in water dispersion

The amendment also prescribes a D100 particle-size value of no more than 20 micrometres for dispersion in water. D100 generally describes an upper particle-size value within a measured distribution, although its precise interpretation depends on the recognised test method. This is not the same as the sieve-retention requirement.

One parameter concerns retention on a specified sieve, while the other concerns particle size when the product is dispersed in water. Businesses should avoid assuming that one test result automatically proves conformity with the other.

Moisture content: Maximum 3.0%

The maximum moisture content is 3.0% by weight. Moisture may affect how a fertilizer behaves during processing, storage and handling.

Manufacturers may need to check whether their existing moisture-control arrangements are suitable for the revised specification. The notification does not prescribe new equipment or a separate moisture-testing frequency.

Old vs New Fertilizer Specifications: March and October 2026

A comparison of the March and October notifications shows that all eight nutrient minimums have been reduced.

Comparison of nutrient composition

All percentages are minimum values by weight.

The most substantial reductions include magnesium and boron, although the effect on an individual manufacturer's formulation will depend on the product's existing composition.

Additional technical parameters

The comparison highlights an important point for fertilizer manufacturers: the October amendment lowers nutrient minimums but adds other measurable quality parameters.

A product should therefore be assessed against the complete substituted specification, not simply the reduced nutrient percentages.

Implementation Timeline and Effective Date

The original notification and its October amendment need to be read together to understand the timeline.

The March 2026 order notified the specified fertilizer categories for a period of three years beginning from its publication in the Official Gazette.

The October amendment substitutes the technical entries for the third fertilizer category. It does not expressly provide a fresh three-year period. There is also no separate grace period or additional compliance deadline stated in S.O. 5497(E).

Businesses should confirm the applicable legal commencement position under the governing order and related notifications before making time-sensitive compliance decisions.

Testing and Quality Verification Requirements

Product testing is particularly relevant because the revised specification includes more parameters than the original March entries. Manufacturers dealing with this fertilizer should understand which measurements need to be covered by their applicable quality-control arrangements.

Nutrient composition

The first area is the minimum content of the eight prescribed nutrients. Manufacturers may need to examine whether existing analytical results contain sufficient information to assess each value. A report covering only sulphur content would not address the entire nutrient specification.

Heavy metal content

The second area concerns lead, cadmium and arsenic. Testing arrangements should be reviewed to determine whether these substances can be measured and reported in the correct units. Particular care is needed for the arsenic value, which is expressed as As₂O₃.

Particle-size verification

The third area concerns the two different particle-size parameters. The sieve-retention value and D100 water-dispersion value should not be treated as interchangeable.

Moisture verification

The maximum 3.0% moisture content is another parameter that may need to be assessed as part of finished-product quality control.

Which laboratory and testing method should be used?

The October notification gives the required technical values but does not independently name a new laboratory, create a laboratory approval process or prescribe testing frequency.

Any binding sampling or testing procedure must be identified through the relevant provisions of the Fertiliser Control Order and applicable official methods. Manufacturers should distinguish between mandatory statutory procedures and additional internal testing undertaken for their own quality assurance.

Impact on Fertilizer Manufacturers and Related Businesses

The effect of the amendment will depend on the type of business and its involvement with Elemental Sulphur Fortified with Micronutrients.

Impact on fertilizer manufacturers

Manufacturers have the strongest reason to review the amendment because it changes the product specification.

The immediate issues include:

• Formulation: Whether the current product meets all eight revised minimum nutrient values.
• Raw materials: Whether the ingredients used can support conformity with the applicable requirements.
• Heavy metals: Whether the finished product remains within the prescribed contaminant limits.
• Particle size: Whether both physical particle-size conditions are addressed.
• Moisture: Whether the product satisfies the maximum moisture level.
• Documentation: Whether technical specification sheets accurately reflect the amended values.

A formulation change should follow an actual technical assessment rather than being made automatically because the minimum nutrient percentages have fallen.

Impact on small fertilizer manufacturers

Smaller manufacturers may have limited internal testing facilities or technical resources.

Where additional analysis is necessary, they may need support from suitable laboratories or consultants. The extent of this requirement will vary. Manufacturers already carrying out relevant analyses may need fewer operational changes than those whose current quality-control arrangements do not cover the new parameters.

Impact on suppliers and distributors

Suppliers dealing with the notified fertilizer may need updated product information.

This is especially relevant where procurement documents or commercial agreements describe nutrient composition using the March 2026 values. Clear product information can help prevent misunderstandings between manufacturers and buyers.

Impact on fertilizer importers

The original Clause 20A notification concerns fertilizers manufactured in India. The October amendment does not independently prescribe a new import authorisation or import registration procedure.

Importers should examine their applicable regulatory framework separately before concluding that the revised domestic provisional specification governs their imported products.

Challenges and Cost Implications for Fertilizer Businesses

The notification does not announce a government fee for implementing the amended specification. Even so, businesses may face expenses associated with reviewing formulations, conducting suitable testing or updating quality-control arrangements.

Formulation-related costs

Where an existing formulation needs adjustment, the manufacturer may have to assess alternative raw material quantities or production conditions.

Lower minimum nutrient values do not guarantee lower production costs. Raw material prices, formulation performance, manufacturing efficiency and testing requirements will all influence the result.

Testing expenses

Additional analysis for heavy metals or physical parameters may involve laboratory charges. The actual amount depends on the testing arrangements and applicable methods. The notification itself does not provide fixed testing charges.

Production and quality-control adjustments

Some businesses may need to review particle-size controls, moisture management or internal specifications. Others may already have suitable arrangements in place.

Technical knowledge and documentation

Understanding the distinction between nutrient minimums, contaminant maximums and particle-size conditions is important. Incorrect interpretation can lead to unsuitable formulation decisions or incomplete quality assessments.

For businesses without dedicated technical or legal teams, professional fertilizer compliance consulting services may help clarify the applicable requirements.

Common Compliance Risks Fertilizer Businesses Should Avoid

The amended values may appear straightforward, but a few interpretation errors could cause problems for manufacturers.

Using outdated nutrient specifications

Businesses should avoid relying entirely on the March 2026 entries after the October substitution. The amended minimum percentages are different.

Ignoring the heavy metal limits

A product may satisfy the nutrient percentages while exceeding a prescribed contaminant maximum. The entire substituted specification must be considered.

Confusing minimums with maximums

The nutrient figures are minimum values. The heavy metal and moisture figures are maximum values.

Treating these conditions as interchangeable would produce an incorrect conformity assessment.

Misreading the particle-size requirements

At least 75% retention on a 0.150 mm sieve is not the same as a D100 value of 20 µm in water dispersion. Both parameters require separate attention.

Assuming a new licence has been introduced

The October notification amends product specifications. It does not expressly establish a new fertilizer manufacturing licence application procedure.

Existing licensing and authorisation obligations must be checked under the relevant provisions of the FCO.

Assuming every sulphur fertilizer is covered

The amendment specifically identifies Elemental Sulphur Fortified with Micronutrients under Serial No. 3.

Manufacturers should check the applicable product category rather than applying the amendment to unrelated fertilizers.

Practical Compliance Checklist for Fertilizer Manufacturers

Businesses manufacturing the affected fertilizer can use the following checklist for an initial internal review.

The table is a recommended compliance-management checklist. It is not a separate application process introduced by the October notification.

What Businesses Should Do Next

1. Check whether the amendment covers the product

The first task is to establish whether the business manufactures or handles Elemental Sulphur Fortified with Micronutrients under the notified product category. This avoids applying the amendment to products outside its scope.

2. Review the amended technical values

Manufacturers should examine the minimum nutrient percentages and the additional product-quality parameters. All values should be compared using the same measurement basis as the notification.

3. Assess existing product conformity

The next step is to review available analytical information and current product specifications. Where information is incomplete, suitable technical verification may be required.

4. Identify necessary manufacturing changes

Any formulation or process change should follow a technical assessment. Manufacturers whose existing products already meet the amended specification may not need substantial changes.

5. Review relevant documentation and authorisations

Product specification sheets, applicable testing records and regulatory permissions should be reviewed where relevant.

Existing obligations under the Fertiliser Control Order remain a separate consideration.

Benefits and Practical Implications of the Revised Specifications

The revised nutrient minimums may give manufacturers greater flexibility when developing or reviewing the specified formulation.

However, the amendment also introduces additional contaminant and physical parameters.

These two features should be considered together.

Potential benefits

• The amended composition gives manufacturers revised minimum nutrient targets.
• The heavy metal limits provide measurable contaminant thresholds for the notified product.
• The particle-size and moisture values add defined physical specifications.
• The revised figures can support clearer technical communication between manufacturers and quality-control teams.

Practical limitations

The amendment does not guarantee lower manufacturing costs, better crop performance or easier regulatory approval. Its commercial effect will depend on the manufacturer's formulation, testing arrangements and existing production capabilities.

For this reason, businesses should use the notification as the starting point for a product-specific compliance review rather than assuming that the change is automatically beneficial or burdensome.

How Corpseed Can Help with Fertilizer Regulatory Compliance

Manufacturers working with specialised fertilizer formulations may need assistance understanding regulatory specifications and identifying which requirements apply to their products.

Corpseed provides business regulatory support, and relevant Fertilizer Regulatory Compliance Services can help manufacturers assess their position under the applicable fertilizer framework.

Fertilizer regulatory applicability assessment

Corpseed can assist businesses in reviewing their product category and identifying the regulations that may apply to their manufacturing activities.

Fertilizer product compliance services

Businesses may seek support in understanding nutrient composition requirements, product specifications and related regulatory conditions.

Compliance gap assessment

A technical compliance review can help identify differences between the manufacturer's existing product documentation and the notified specifications.

Fertilizer testing support

Where available, Corpseed can assist with identifying relevant testing requirements and coordinating suitable technical support.

Fertilizer manufacturing licence consultancy

Manufacturers can also obtain guidance on applicable manufacturing authorisations and regulatory processes under the wider fertilizer framework.

This should not be confused with a new licence requirement under S.O. 5497(E).

Regulatory documentation support

Corpseed can help businesses review relevant technical documents and regulatory information associated with their product.

Ongoing fertilizer compliance consulting services

Manufacturers may require continued support when specifications are amended, or new regulatory requirements affect their operations.

Businesses manufacturing Elemental Sulphur Fortified with Micronutrients can contact Corpseed for an assessment of the revised specifications and the fertilizer regulatory compliance services relevant to their activities.

Key Takeaways

The Elemental Sulphur Fertilizer Amendment 2026 changes the technical specifications for a particular fertilizer product under the Fertiliser Control Order, 1985.

The main points are:

• S.O. 5497(E), dated 7 October 2026, replaces Serial No. 3 of the March 2026 notification.
• The minimum percentages for sulphur and seven other nutrients have been reduced.
• The substituted specification now includes maximum limits for lead, cadmium and arsenic.
• Particle-size requirements have been prescribed for sieve retention and dispersion in water.
• Moisture content must not exceed the specified maximum of 3.0% by weight.
• No separate compliance deadline or transition period is expressly provided in the October amendment.
• Manufacturers should assess the complete revised specification together with the applicable FCO provisions.

For fertilizer businesses, the priority is to check product applicability, understand the exact technical values and determine whether existing quality-control arrangements adequately address them.