Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985
The Fertiliser Control Order (FCO), 1985 is a regulatory framework issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, to ensure the quality, distribution, pricing, and trade of fertilisers in India. It governs all aspects of fertiliser production, import, marketing, and usage, with the objective of making fertilisers available to farmers in adequate quantity, at the right time, and of assured quality. The FCO is one of the most important legal instruments for maintaining efficiency, transparency, and safety in the Indian fertiliser sector.
Background and Purpose
The regulation of fertilisers in India dates back to the 1950s, but the present comprehensive order was promulgated in 1985. Its establishment was necessitated by:
- The increasing role of fertilisers in enhancing agricultural productivity, particularly after the Green Revolution.
- The need to prevent malpractices such as adulteration, black marketing, and diversion of subsidised fertilisers.
- Ensuring that farmers receive fertilisers of the prescribed standard and quality, at fair prices.
- Bringing uniformity in fertiliser regulation across states, under central oversight.
Coverage and Applicability
The FCO applies to:
- Manufacturers of fertilisers, including government and private entities.
- Importers and traders, who must adhere to quality and registration norms.
- State governments, which enforce provisions through inspectors, laboratories, and licensing mechanisms.
- All fertiliser types, including chemical fertilisers, organic fertilisers, biofertilisers, and since 2021, biostimulants.
Key Provisions of the FCO, 1985
- Registration and Licensing
- All manufacturers, importers, and dealers must obtain registration or licences under the FCO.
- Products must be included in the prescribed schedules before being sold.
- Standards and Specifications
- Fertilisers must conform to the specifications laid down in the FCO Schedules (nutrient content, permissible variation, etc.).
- Labels and packaging are regulated to ensure correct information is displayed.
- Quality Control and Inspections
- Fertiliser inspectors are empowered to draw samples, inspect premises, seize stocks, and take action against violators.
- Testing is conducted in notified laboratories to verify compliance.
- Pricing and Distribution
- The FCO works alongside subsidy policies of the Government of India to regulate pricing.
- Certain fertilisers, such as urea, are under statutory price control.
- Inclusion of Biofertilisers and Organic Fertilisers
- The order was amended in 2009 to include biofertilisers and organic fertilisers, laying down specifications, sampling, and certification norms.
- Inclusion of Biostimulants (2021 Amendment)
- Biostimulants were brought under regulation through a new provision, with standards on efficacy, safety, and toxicity testing.
- A Central Biostimulant Committee (CBC) was created for evaluation and approval of products.
Schedules of the FCO
The order includes several schedules detailing:
- Schedule I–V: Specifications and standards for different categories of chemical fertilisers.
- Schedule VI: Biostimulants (introduced in 2021).
- Schedule VII: Packaging and labelling requirements.
- Other schedules: Provisions for biofertilisers, organic fertilisers, and micronutrients.
Enforcement Mechanism
- Central Government: Policy formulation, inclusion of new fertilisers, and monitoring through the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
- State Governments: Licensing of dealers, appointment of inspectors, sample collection, and legal action under the Essential Commodities Act.
- Judiciary: Prosecution of offences such as adulteration or misbranding.
Penalties
Violation of FCO provisions, such as sale of non-standard fertilisers, adulteration, or failure to obtain a licence, attracts penalties under the Essential Commodities Act, including:
- Fines and cancellation of licences.
- Imprisonment in severe cases of violation.
Significance
- Farmer protection: Ensures farmers are not exploited through spurious fertilisers.
- Food security: Maintains soil fertility and crop productivity by regulating nutrient standards.
- Market discipline: Creates a transparent and accountable fertiliser trade system.
- Sustainability: Inclusion of biofertilisers, organic fertilisers, and biostimulants reflects a shift towards eco-friendly practices.
Recent Developments
- Digitisation of licensing: Online platforms have been developed for registration and fertiliser movement tracking.
- Provisional registrations for biostimulants: Expired in June 2025, with only products approved in Schedule VI now legal for sale.
- Nano-fertilisers: The FCO has recently included standards for nano-urea and nano-DAP as part of innovation in nutrient management.
The FCO, 1985 thus continues to serve as a central instrument for regulating India’s fertiliser sector, balancing farmer welfare, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability.
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