31021000
FERTILISERS›Mineral or chemical fertilisers, nitrogenous
Urea, whether or not in aqueous solution
Subcodes (4)
31021012Duty: 0-6,5%
Urea containing more than 45% by weight of nitrogen on the dry anhydrous product - In aqueous solution, containing at least 31,8% but not exceeding 33,2% by weight of urea
31021015Duty: 0-6,5%
In aqueous solution, containing more than 33,2% but not exceeding 55% by weight of urea
31021019Duty: 0-6,5%
Other
31021090Duty: 0-6,5%
Other
Classification and applications of fertiliser urea
CN code 310210 covers urea (carbamide, CO(NH2)2) used as a nitrogen fertiliser, including in aqueous solution. Urea is the most widely used nitrogen fertiliser in the world, containing 46 per cent nitrogen in amide form. It is supplied as granules (prilled or granulated) or as UAN aqueous solution (urea-ammonium nitrate solution). Urea is used in agriculture as a soil and foliar fertiliser, and as a raw material for AdBlue production (urea solution for SCR systems in vehicles). Classification under code 310210 applies to urea intended for fertiliser use. Urea used in the chemical industry is classified under code 293171.
Fertiliser regulations and CBAM
Fertiliser urea is subject to Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 regarding quality and labelling requirements. Import of urea into the EU is subject to CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) as a nitrogen fertiliser under heading 3102. From 2026, importers must purchase CBAM certificates corresponding to embedded CO2 emissions in imported urea. This requires reporting emissions from the production process. Urea is subject to REACH registration (CAS 57-13-6) and is not classified as hazardous under CLP. A Safety Data Sheet is required. Transport is not subject to ADR.
Trade and customs procedures
Import of urea under CN code 310210 requires a commercial invoice stating nitrogen content, form (granules, solution) and intended use. Major exporters include Russia, China, Egypt and Gulf countries. Importers must comply with CBAM reporting obligations and from 2026 must purchase certificates. Current duty rates and any anti-dumping measures should be verified in TARIC. Export of urea from the EU is not subject to specific restrictions. Preferential duty rates may be available under trade agreements.
EU Fertilising Products Regulation 2019/1009
Importing fertilisers under CN code 3102 10 (Urea fertiliser and urea solutions) is subject to EU Regulation 2019/1009 on fertilising products. Fertilisers must meet quality standards regarding nutrient content, heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg), and contaminants. Labels must include an EU declaration of conformity, composition, and application instructions. Transport of high-nitrogen fertilisers falls under ADR (class 5.1). Import from third countries may require a phytosanitary certificate. Market surveillance authorities verify declared parameters against the label.
Frequently asked questions
Is urea import subject to CBAM?
Yes. Fertiliser urea under CN code 310210 is subject to CBAM as a nitrogen fertiliser. From 2026, importers must purchase CBAM certificates corresponding to embedded CO2 emissions. During the transitional period, emission reporting is required without certificate purchase obligations.
How to distinguish fertiliser urea from chemical urea?
Urea intended as fertiliser is classified under CN code 310210 (Chapter 31), while urea for chemical applications (resin production, AdBlue, pharmaceuticals) is classified under code 293171 (Chapter 29). The intended use declared by the importer is decisive.
What quality requirements must fertiliser urea meet?
Fertiliser urea must meet Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 requirements including minimum nitrogen content, biuret limits (toxic to plants), heavy metals and moisture content. Labelling must state guaranteed nutrient content in accordance with regulation requirements.
What standards must fertilisers CN 3102 10 meet in the EU?
Fertilisers under CN code 3102 10 must comply with EU Regulation 2019/1009 (FPR) setting limits on heavy metals, minimum nutrient content, and labelling requirements.
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