China’s New GACC Export Inspection Requirements for Ammonium Sulphate: Industry Background, Market Impact and Future Trends

July 15, 2026

China’s ammonium sulphate export market is entering a new stage of standardized management.

According to Announcement No. 97 of 2026 issued by the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), ammonium sulphate (HS Code 3102210000) and ammonium sulphate/nitrate double salts and mixtures (HS Code 3102290000) have been included in the scope of export inspection management since July 16, 2026.

The introduction of this requirement has attracted significant attention from global fertilizer buyers, traders and distributors. Beyond the adjustment of export procedures, the policy reflects a broader trend: the global fertilizer market is placing increasing importance on product quality consistency, supply chain transparency and compliance capability.

Why Was This Policy Introduced?

China is one of the major suppliers of ammonium sulphate in the global market. With the development of the fertilizer industry, Chinese ammonium sulphate exports have become increasingly diversified, with products coming from different production routes, including:

• Caprolactam production;

• Coking processes;

• Industrial desulphurisation processes.

Different production routes may result in variations in product characteristics, including:

• Nitrogen content;

• Moisture and free acidity;

• Colour;

• Chloride and heavy-metal content;

• Organic impurities;

• Particle size;

• Hardness and caking behaviour.

As international customers increasingly require stable product performance and transparent supply chains, the industry has placed greater emphasis on ensuring that exported products are consistent with declared specifications and supported by reliable quality management systems.

Therefore, the new inspection requirements can be viewed as part of a broader effort to improve export standardization, strengthen quality supervision and enhance traceability within fertilizer supply chains.

Before and After July 16, 2026: What Has Changed?

Before the New Requirement

Before the implementation of the export inspection requirement, international ammonium sulphate trade mainly focused on:

• Product availability;

• Price competitiveness;

• Production capacity;

• Shipping arrangements;

• Commercial documentation.

For many buyers, supplier selection was often based primarily on whether the supplier could provide competitive pricing and reliable shipment schedules.

After the New Requirement

Following the implementation of the new inspection requirement, export operations involve more comprehensive coordination between:

• Suppliers;

• Quality control departments;

• Export teams;

• Inspection organizations;

• Customs and logistics partners.

The key question for international trade has gradually shifted from:

“Can the supplier provide the product?”

to:

“Can the supplier provide stable, traceable and compliant products consistently?”

This change means that compliance capability is becoming an increasingly important part of supplier competitiveness.

How Does the Policy Affect Ammonium Sulphate Suppliers?

The new export environment requires suppliers to pay closer attention to several key areas.

1. Product Quality Consistency

Suppliers need to ensure that every shipment meets agreed specifications and maintains stable quality performance.

Important factors include:

• Consistent nitrogen and sulphur content;

• Controlled moisture and impurity levels;

• Stable particle size;

• Reliable batch-to-batch performance.

Quality management is becoming a long-term capability rather than only a shipment requirement.

2. Production Traceability

As ammonium sulphate can come from different production routes, transparent product information is becoming increasingly valuable.

Suppliers should be able to provide clear information regarding:

• Product origin;

• Production route;

• Quality inspection records;

• Supporting documentation.

Future competition will increasingly depend not only on price but also on the ability to demonstrate product reliability.

3. Export Coordination Capability

The updated requirements also increase the importance of internal coordination.

Suppliers need to strengthen communication among:

• Production;

• Quality control;

• Export documentation;

• Logistics partners.

Efficient coordination will help minimize uncertainty during shipment preparation and delivery.

What Should International Buyers Pay Attention To?

For global importers and distributors, supplier evaluation criteria are also changing.

1. Look Beyond Price

Price remains important, but long-term supply stability requires more than competitive offers.

Buyers should consider:

• Quality consistency;

• Compliance capability;

• Production transparency;

• Export experience.

2. Understand Product Specifications

Different ammonium sulphate products may have different characteristics depending on production routes.

Before cooperation, buyers should confirm:

• Nitrogen content requirements;

• Moisture limits;

• Particle size requirements;

• Packaging standards;

• Quality documentation.

3. Choose Suppliers with Strong Communication Ability

During periods of regulatory adjustment, timely communication becomes critical.

Reliable suppliers should be able to provide:

• Clear shipment updates;

• Accurate documentation;

• Quick response to regulatory changes.

Impact on China’s Ammonium Sulphate Export Market

In the short term, the new inspection requirements may increase coordination efforts for exporters as companies adapt to updated procedures.

Some suppliers may need additional time to optimize internal processes, improve documentation accuracy and strengthen cooperation with relevant parties.

In the longer term, the policy may create clearer differentiation between compliant, traceable products and those with limited quality transparency.

The market may gradually move from price-oriented competition toward a more balanced model where:

Quality + Compliance + Supply Reliability

become key factors in international cooperation.

For global buyers, a more standardized export environment can provide greater confidence when building long-term partnerships with Chinese suppliers.

TOLL’s Perspective

As an experienced ammonium sulphate supplier, TOLL has been closely monitoring the development of the new export inspection requirements and continuously adjusting internal processes according to the latest regulatory updates.

We believe that future fertilizer trade will require stronger cooperation between suppliers and international buyers, with greater focus on:

• Stable product quality;

• Transparent supply information;

• Professional export coordination;

• Reliable long-term supply capability.

TOLL remains committed to supporting global customers with consistent ammonium sulphate supply solutions and professional service throughout the changing fertilizer trade environment.

About TOLL

Founded in 2014, TOLL is a professional fertilizer supplier located in Yueyang Free Trade Zone, Hunan, China.

With extensive experience in ammonium sulphate supply and international fertilizer trade, TOLL serves customers in more than 50 countries and regions.

Through reliable supply capability, quality management and professional export coordination, TOLL works with global partners to build stable and long-term fertilizer supply relationships.