Buyer's guide
Common grades and specifications
- Phosphate rock by P2O5 content (BPL)
- DAP (18-46-0), MAP (11-52-0), TSP
- Industrial phosphates such as STPP and SHMP
- Food-grade phosphates (E338–E452 range)
- Key specs: P2O5 %, N %, moisture, cadmium and heavy metals, granule size
Typical packaging
Bulk vessel; 50 kg bags; 1 t bulk bags; 25 kg bags for industrial and food grades.
Typical minimum order
Fertilizer vessel parcels are large; bagged orders start at one container.
HS code (4-digit headings)
| Heading | Description |
|---|---|
| 2510 | Natural calcium phosphates (phosphate rock) |
| 3103 | Phosphatic fertilizers |
| 3105 | Mixed fertilizers incl. DAP and MAP |
| 2835 | Phosphinates, phosphonates and phosphates (industrial/food) |
Guidance only. The exact 6- to 10-digit code depends on the product and the importing country's tariff. Confirm with your customs broker.
Incoterms tips
For bulk vessel cargo, FOB, CFR and CIF are the usual Incoterms® 2020 rules (they are for sea and inland waterway only). Name the exact load or discharge port, and agree who appoints the inspection company at loading.
Quality documents to request
- COA and independent inspection
- Certificate of origin
- SDS
- Heavy-metal (cadmium) analysis where import rules cap it
- Food-grade specification for food phosphates
Sourcing notes
Food-grade phosphates must be from mineral sources; no restriction for fertilizer use.
Price benchmark
| Benchmark | Price | m/m |
|---|---|---|
| DAP (diammonium phosphate) | 803 $/mt | +0.3% |
| Phosphate rock | 170 $/mt | 0% |
Source: World Bank Commodity Price Data (The Pink Sheet), Updated on November 03, 2026. Nominal US dollars, CC BY 4.0. Benchmarks are reference prices at named origins/ports, not offers on OfferBulk.