PNS/BAFPS 40:2013

ICS

PHILIPPINE
NATIONAL STANDARD

ORGANIC
FERTILIZER

Republic of the Philippines

Department of Agriculture
BUREAU OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES PRODUCT STANDARDS
FOREWORD
The Philippine National Standards (PNS) for Organic Fertilizer
was established and adopted in 2008 with substantial inputs from
the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority and advice from the Technical
Working Group (TWG) created through Special Order 565 Series of
2004. Since its adoption, the industry players and the academe called
for the revision of the standards.
PNS/BAFPS 40:2008 is hereby revised to reflect the results of
the studies and advances related to organic fertilizer, compost, plant
regulator, and organic plant food supplements. The revised PNS has
been prepared to provide a uniform approach on the definition,
classification, specifications and properties, methods for analysis
and sampling, labeling and allowed raw material inputs It is hoped
that this standard accomplishes the goal of ensuring the consistent
quality of organic fertilizers available in the market.
This standard cancels and replaces PNS/BAFPS 40:2008.
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD PNS/BAFPS 40:2013

CONTENTS PAGE
1 Scope 1
2 References 1
3 Definition of terms 1
4 Product Description 2
5 Minimum Requirements 3
Table 5.1. Specifications for Organic Fertilizer and 3
Compost / Soil conditioner.
Table 5.2. Allowable level of pathogens for 3
Organic Fertilizers, Compost, Plant
Growth Regulator and Organic Plant
Supplements
Table 5.3. Allowable Level of Heavy Metals for 3
Organic Fertilizers, Compost, Plant
Growth Regulator and Organic Plant
Food Supplements
Table 5.4. Minimum Requirements for Plant 4
Growth Regulators and Plant
Supplements
6 Sampling Methods 5
Table 6.1 Required Number of Samples for Solid 5
Products
Table 6.2 Required Number of Samples for Liquid 7
Products
7 Labeling
Figure 1. Sample 4-Panel Layout for Labeling 7
Bottles and Cartons
Figure 2. Sample 2-Panel Layout for Labeling Bags 8
and Sachets
ANNEXES
1 List of Allowed Raw Materials as Inputs for Organic 9
Fertilizer Production
2 List of Restricted and Prohibited Raw Materials as 10
Inputs for Organic Fertilizer Production
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD
1 Scope
This Standard applies to organic fertilizers, compost, plant growth
regulator, and organic plant food supplements.
2 References
The titles of the Standards publications referred to in this standard
are listed on the inside back cover.
3 Definition of terms
3.1 Raw materials - naturally occurring materials used in the
production of organic fertilizer products. Raw materials that
were mined or naturally extracted should comply with the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
regulations. The list of Allowed (A) raw materials are listed in
Annex 1. The list of Restricted (R) and Prohibited (P) materials
are listed in Annex 2.
3.2 Pathogens - organisms (microorganisms and infective parasites)
that can cause negative effects on human health
3.3 Label - a display of the written, printed or graphic information
on the immediate container of any product.Information on
the label provides the sellers and the buyers with the safe and
effective use of the product for which it is registered.
Label must be of such design and material that does not
deteriorate easily, become illegible or get separated from the
container under the rigors of transport, storage and use. It
should withstand extreme weather conditions.
3.4 Batch - organic fertilizer/soil amendment/compost/ that is
produced from the same type of organic materials, at the same
time and location, by the same manufacturer/producer, or
made during the same cycle or period of manufacture.
3.5 Sample Size - number of samples drawn from each batch
of organic fertilizers/organic amendments/compost to be
analyzed.
3.6 Synthetic - a substance that is formulated or manufactured
by a chemical process or by a process that chemically changes
a substance extracted from naturally occurring plant, animal,
or mineral sources, except forthose substances created by
naturally occurring biological processes.

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 PNS/BAFPS 40:2013

4 Product Description
4.1 Organic Fertilizer - any product in solid or liquid form, of plant
(except by-products from petroleum industries) or animal
origin that has undergone substantial decomposition that can
supply available nutrients to plants with a total Nitrogen (N),
Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) of five to seven percent (5-7
%). This may be enriched by microbial inoculants and naturally
occurring minerals but no chemical or inorganic fertilizer
material has been added to the finished product to affect the
nutrient content.
4.2 Compost / Soil Conditioner - any product in solid or liquid
form, of plant (except by-products from petroleum industries)
or animal origin that has undergone substantial decomposition
that can supply available nutrients to plants with a total
Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) of 2.5 to less
than five percent (2.5-5%). This may be enriched by microbial
inoculants and naturally occurring minerals but no chemical
or inorganic fertilizer material has been added to the finished
product to affect the nutrient content. Compost and soil
conditioner are used interchangeably in this Standard.
4.3 Microbial Inoculant - biologically active products containing
optimum population of one or a combination of active strains
of bacteria, actinomycetes, algae and fungi that are useful in
different biological activities, such as but not limited to: N2-
fixation, decomposition of organic residues and enhancement
of nutrient availability.
4.4 Organic Plant Growth Regulator / Promoter - any compound
of organic origin, in liquid or solid form, which in low
concentration promotes or modifies physiological process in
plants.
4.5 Organic Plant Supplement - any compound of organic origin
in liquid or solid form which in low concentration promotes
or modifies physiological processes in plants. Total NPK is not
lower than 0.5% and not more than 2.5% (0.5-2.5%) and may
contain beneficial microorganisms, micronutrients and plant
growth regulators. These plant supplements include, but are
not limited to: FPJ (Fermented Plant Juice), FFJ (Fermented

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PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD
Fruit Juice), FAA (Fish Amino Acid), FE (Fish Emulsion),
Seaweed Extracts, Vermi Tea, Compost Tea and the like.

5. Minimum Requirements
5.1 For products with microbial inoculants- The Genus should be
verifiable and be stated in the label.
5.2 For plant growth regulator or organic plant food supplement
products such as humin, seaweed extract, fermented products
(Fermented Plant Juices, Fermented Fruit Juices), blood meal,
bone meal, any claim should be verifiable, while products
with at least 3% total (soluble) N will be subjected to other
confirmatory test.

Table 5.1 Specifications for Organic Fertilizer and Compost / Soil

Conditioner
Organic Compost /
Properties
Fertilizer Soil Conditioner
Total NPK 5 - 7% 2.5 - <5%
C:N 12:1 - 20:1 12:1 - 20:1
Organic Matter ≥ 20% ≥ 20%
Actual Moisture Content 30 - 35% 30 - 35%
Color Brown to Black Brown to Black
Consistency Friable Friable
Odor No foul odor No foul odor

Table 5.2. Allowable level of pathogens for Organic Fertilizers,

Compost, Plant growth regulators and Organic Plant
supplements
Pathogens Allowable Level
Fecal Streptococci <5 x 102 CFU/g
Total coliforms <5 x 102 CFU/g
Salmonella 0
Infective parasites 0

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 PNS/BAFPS 40:2013

Table 5.3. Allowable level of heavy metals for Organic Fertilizers,

Compost, Plant growth regulators and Organic Plant
supplements
Allowable Level (mg/kg dry wt.)
Heavy Metals
(PPM dry wt.)
Arsenic (As) 5
Zinc (Zn) 5
Lead (Pb) 250
Copper (Cu) 300
Chromium (Cr) 150
Nickel (Ni) 50
Mercury (Hg) 2
Cadmium (Cd) 5

Table 5.4. Minimum requirements for Plant growth regulators and

plant supplements
Total
Main Ingredient Other Requirements
NPK
Animal origin 5 - 7% Products that contain high
(bone meal, concentrations of Nitrogen
blood meal) shall have a maximum of 5-7%
NPK
FAA, FE 0.5 - 2.5% All claims for contents of
Plant based (FPJ, 0.5 - 2.5% macro and micronutrients,
FFJ) microorganisms and plant
Seaweed extracts 0.5 - 2.5% growth hormones should be
verifiable.
Vermi-tea, 0.5 - 2.5%
Secondary and micronutrients
compost tea
should not exceed levels that
Humin and 0.5 - 2.5% will be toxic to plants and
Humic acids humans.
Heavy metal content should
be within allowable levels as
stated in Table 5.3 of this PNS.

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PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD
5.3 Absence of Foreign Materials Plastics, aluminum, wrappers,
stones and other inert materials must be totally removed from
the product.

6 Sampling methods
6.1. Sampling for Laboratory Analysis - all finished products should
be subjected to lot sampling for laboratory analysis using the
following procedure:
Table 6.1. Required Number of Samples for Solid Products
Number of bags* per batch Bags to be sampled
≤ 50 2
51 - 100 3
101 - 300 8
301 - 500 15
501 - 1000 20
More than 1000 Multiples of 20
* 1 bag = 50kg

Procedure for composite sampling:

1. Present to the inspector the production documents containing
the number of bags per batch number and bag number.
2. The inspector will randomly select the Bag number.
3. The selected bags will be emptied into a clean area. All contents
of the selected bags (maximum of 5 bags) will be thoroughly
mixed.
4. Submit five kilograms (5 Kg) of the composite sample to the
laboratory.
5. Information relative to the sample taken must be accurate and
complete to allow traceability of the sample back to the lot
from which it was sampled.

Note: if the samples analyzed do not conform to the standards, the

inspecting Certifying Body (CB) should review the production
process which may include bulk sampling.

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 PNS/BAFPS 40:2013

Table 6.2. Required Number of Samples for Liquid Products

Number of containers* per
Containers to be sampled
batch
≤ 50 1
51 - 100 2
101 - 300 3
301 - 500 4
More than 500 5
* 1 container = 1.Liter

Procedure for composite sampling:

1. Present to the inspector the production documents containing
the number of containers per batch number and container
number.
2. The inspector will randomly select the container number and
subject the selected containers for analysis.
3. Information relative to the sample taken must be accurate and
complete to allow traceability of the sample back to the lot
from which it was sampled.
Note: If the samples analyzed do not conform to the standards, the
CB should review the production process which may include bulk
sampling

6.2 Laboratory Sampling (Sample preparation for laboratory analysis)

A. For samples with uniform fineness
Place sample on a clean piece of paper and mix thoroughly.
Reduce sample to a quantity sufficient for analysis by
quartering. Mix and store in air-tight container.
B. For Organic Liquid Fertilizers
For liquid fertilizers without suspended particles, stir the
sample until it is thoroughly mixed, beforetaking a sample.

For liquid fertilizers with suspended particles, take a sample

while mixing the material in order to obtain a representative
sample.

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PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD

7 Labeling
Figure 1. Sample 4-Panel Layout for labeling Bottles and Cartons

Figure 2. Sample 2-Panel Layout for labeling Bags and Sachets

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 PNS/BAFPS 40:2013

Annex 1

List of Allowed Raw Materials as Inputs for Organic Fertilizer

Production

Inputs
Farm animal manure, slurry, and urine
Vermi compost
Compost produced from organic residues
Green manure and green leaf manure
Azolla
Mulches from sugar cane, trash, straw, etc.
Kitchen waste
Coir pith, plantation by-products and wastes
Mushroom beds
Oil cakes, milled by-products, etc.
Tea / coffee grounds
Fish and fish products without preservatives
Seaweed
Crop residues (straw, peanut hulls, etc.)
Microbial preparations (i.e. Trichoderma, Rhizobia,
Mychorrizae, others) of non-GMO origin

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PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD

Annex 2

List of Restricted and Prohibited raw materials as inputs for

Organic Fertilizer Production

Notes / Limitations /
Inputs Status
Rationale
Raw / Risk of contamination
undecomposed
P
human excrement,
including urine
Sewage sludge Only sludge from farms/bio-
R
digesters is allowed
Saw dust, bark, Wood not chemically treated
wood chips, wood R after felling
ash
By-prducts of plant Without synthetic additives
origin of food and R and residues
textile industries
Blood meal, bone, Origin of materials should
and other meal be disease-free and without
R
brought in from presevatives
sources
Guano Concerns on environmental
sustainability - rate of
R
extraction is subject to
DENR regulations
Segregated Has undergone proper
biodegradable R segregation, and does not
market waste contain hazardous materials

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 PNS/BAFPS 40:2013

List of Restricted and Prohibited...Continuation..

Sedimentary May contain elevated
rocks (limestone, levels of trace elements.
dolomite, rock Detailed chemical analysis is
phosphate) necessary.
Their widespread extraction
R
can also deplete the natural
deposits and may cause
negative environmental
impact. Rate of extraction is
subject to DENR regulations
Igneous rocks May contain elevated
(andesite, basalt, levels of trace elements.
gabbro, diorite) R Detailed chemical analysis is
necessary.
May contain high levels of
heavy metals and should not
Metamorphic rocks be allowed.
(slate, schist) Their widespread extraction
can also deplete the natural
R deposits and may cause
negative environmental
impact. Rate of extraction is
subject to DENR regulations

*Status: P = Prohibited, R = Restricted

**Note: If in case there are raw materials not listed in this Standard, the
requirements of the Philippine National Standards for Organic
Agriculture (General Standards) shall be followed.

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PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARD
References

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of

this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.

Ang-Lopez M. 2001. Quality and Maturation of Vermicompost Derived

from Different Feedstocks.

MSc. Thesis. Nova Scotia Agricultural College/ Dalhousie University.

Nova Scotia, Canada.

Avery, DT. 2002. The Hidden Dangers in Organic Food. Center for Global
Food Issues - California Organic Fertilizers, Inc. www.organicag.
com

Fertilizer Regulatory Policies and Implementing Guidelines or “Bluebook”

FFTC International Workshop. 1997. Quality Control of Organic

Fertilizers (Compost). Suweon, Korea. June23-28, 1997.

Lazcano C, M. Gómez-Brandón, J. Domínguez. Comparison of the

effectiveness of composting and vermicomposting for the biological
stabilization of cattle manure. Chemosphere 72 (2008) 1013–1019.

Lemunier, M, C. Francou, S. Rousseaux, S. Houot, P. Dantigny, P. Piveteau,

and J. Guzzo. 2005. Long-term survival of pathogenic and sanitation
indicator bacteria in experimental biowaste composts. Appl.
Environ. Microbiol.71(10): 5779-5786

PNS/BAFPS 40:2008 –Organic Fertilizer

PNS 85:1984/AMD 01:1992 – Fertilizers – Solid Fertilizer – Method of

Sampling

PNS 95:1987 – Packaging – Bags for Solid Fertilizers – Specification

PNS 1033:1993 – Fertilizers – Marking – Presentation and Declaration

Russell, S and L. Best. 2006. Setting the standards for compost.BioCycle.

Journal of Composting and Organics Recycling. United Kingdom.

11 | Organic Fertilizer
 PNS/BAFPS 40:2013

Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards
Technical Working Group for the Revision of the Philippine National
Standards for Organic Fertilizer
Department of Agriculture Special Order 442 and Series 557 of 2012

Chair
Leo P. Cañeda, CESO III
OIC-Executive Director
Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards (BAFPS)

Members

1 Ms. Julieta B. Lansangan 8 Dr. Gina V. Pangga

Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority College of Agriculture
(FPA) University of the Philippines Los Baños

2 Ms. Pelagia Orpia 9 Dr. Blesilda M. Calub

Bureau of Soils & Water Management College of Agriculture
(BSWM) University of the Philippines Los Baños

3 Dr. Nora B. Inciong 10 Dr. Nenita E. Dela Cruz

Board of Agriculture, Central Luzon State University (CLSU)
Professional Regulation Commission

4 Dr. Eduardo P. Paningbatan, Jr 11 Dr. Victor B. Asio

College of Agriculture College of Agriculture
University of the Philippines Los Baños Visayas State University

5 Dr. Erlina S. Paterno 12 Ms. Leilani K. Limpin

College of Agriculture Organic Certification Center of the
University of the Philippines Los Baños Philippines (OCCP)

6 Dr. Pearl B. Sanchez 13 Mr. Armand Aquino

College of Agriculture Negros Island Certification Agency
University of the Philippines Los Baños (NICERT)

7 Dr. Virginia C. Cuevas 14 Mr. Patrick Belisario

College of Arts & Sciences Organic Producers and Traders Association
University of the Philippines Los Baños (OPTA)

Technical Secretariat

15 Ms. Lara G. Vivas 17 Mr. Jonathan V. Paz

BAFPS BAFPS

16 Ms. Rosemarie V. Calibo 18 Ms. Cherry V. Lanwang

BAFPS BAFPS

Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Product Standards | 12

Republic of the Philippines
Department of Agriculture
BUREAU OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES PRODUCT STANDARDS
BPI Compound, Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City 1101 Philippines
Tel. No(s).: (632) 920-6131, 467-9037, 455-0031 Telefax No.: (632) 455-2858
E-mail: bafpsda@yahoo.com, bafpsorganic@gmail.com
Website: http://www.bafps.da.gov.ph | http://organic.da.gov.ph