ISO 18644-2016 PDF

Full title and description

Fertilizers and soil conditioners — Controlled‑release fertilizer — General requirements. This International Standard specifies general requirements for controlled‑release fertilizers (CRFs), covering testing methods, sampling and preparation of test samples, marking and labelling, and the packaging, transport and storage of CRF products intended to supply one or more primary nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and/or potassium) in a controlled‑release form.

Abstract

ISO 18644:2016 defines the scope and core requirements for controlled‑release fertilizer products and their evaluation. It applies to products manufactured by bulk blending or special processes and sets out requirements for test methods, sampling, sample preparation, labelling and marking, plus packaging, transport and storage practices to ensure consistent performance and safe handling.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed at review stage).
• Publication date: 7 April 2016 (ISO publication: April 2016).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 65.080 — Fertilizers.
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2016).
• Number of pages: 6 pages (official ISO bibliographic entry).

Scope

ISO 18644:2016 applies to controlled‑release fertilizer products containing one or more primary nutrients (N, P and/or K) where nutrient release is intentionally controlled. The standard covers requirements for product classification, testing methods, sampling and preparation of test samples, marking and labelling, and packaging, transport and storage. It is applicable to CRFs produced by bulk blending or by special manufacturing processes.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and scope for controlled‑release fertilizers and distinction from other slow/controlled release products.
• Requirements for testing methods, sampling and preparation of test samples to evaluate nutrient content and release characteristics.
• Marking and labelling requirements (information to be declared on product labels).
• Packaging, transport and storage requirements to preserve product performance and safety.
• Normative references and related test standards (examples include ISO 5315, ISO 6598, ISO 7409, ISO 7410 and historical ISO 7742).

Typical use and users

Manufacturers of controlled‑release fertilizers, product developers and formulators, quality and testing laboratories, agricultural suppliers and distributors, regulatory bodies and certification organizations, and agronomists/extension services use this standard to specify, test and verify CRF product characteristics and to ensure correct labelling, handling and storage.

Related standards

ISO 18644 sits within the ISO/TC 134 family of fertilizer and soil conditioner standards. Closely related and relevant documents include ISO 22862 (Compound fertilizer — general requirements, 2021) and other normative references cited in ISO 18644 such as ISO 5315, ISO 6598, ISO 7409 and ISO 7410. These documents address complementary product types, test methods and marking requirements.

Keywords

controlled‑release fertilizer; CRF; fertilizers and soil conditioners; NPK; sampling; test methods; labelling; packaging; transport; storage; ISO/TC 134.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18644:2016 is an international standard that specifies general requirements for controlled‑release fertilizers, including how they are tested, sampled, labelled and handled for transport and storage.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the scope and definitions for CRFs, required test and sampling procedures, sample preparation, labelling/marking information, and packaging, transport and storage practices to ensure consistent product performance and safety.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: CRF manufacturers, quality and testing laboratories, agronomists, distributors and regulatory/certification bodies use the standard to define, test and verify product performance and ensure correct information and handling.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 18644:2016 was published in April 2016 and is listed as published/confirmed in ISO's lifecycle records (subject to the regular ISO 5‑year review process). Users should check national body catalogues or ISO's database for the latest status or any amendment since 2016.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ISO/TC 134 suite of standards for fertilizers and soil conditioners. Other related ISO fertilizer standards cover compound fertilizers, test methods and labelling requirements (see ISO 22862:2021 and the normative references listed in ISO 18644).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Controlled‑release fertilizer, CRF, fertilizers, soil conditioners, NPK, testing, sampling, labelling, packaging, transport, storage, ISO/TC 134.