19 September 2026, New Delhi: The Indian Micro-Fertilizers Manufacturers Association (IMMA) has called for a “One Nation, One License” digital framework for fertilizer licensing, freer exports of non-subsidised Made-in-India specialty fertilizers and micronutrients, and a uniform 5% GST on all FCO-notified plant nutrition products.
The proposals were discussed at the 3rd IMMA Industry–Government Roundtable in New Delhi, attended by Subodh Kumar, Deputy Secretary (INM-Fertilizers), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare; Shyam Babu, Director, Central Fertilizer Quality Control and Training Institute (CFQC&TI); and Prakash Kamble, Deputy Director, Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), along with representatives of the micronutrient, specialty fertilizer and plant nutrition sectors.
Under the proposed licensing framework, manufacturers would submit corporate, manufacturing, product and regulatory documents once through a national digital platform, allowing verified information to be used for applications across states.
Responding to the proposal, Subodh Kumar, Deputy Secretary (INM-Fertilizers), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, said the concept of a common digital data stack and a “One Nation, One License” framework could be considered for implementation.
IMMA also sought reforms under the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO), including a distinction between minor procedural non-compliances and deliberate violations, synchronised licence validity periods, and greater clarity around inspection provisions. The roundtable also discussed technical issues concerning notified biostimulants and voluntary QR-based anti-counterfeiting measures.
On exports, IMMA proposed that non-subsidised Made-in-India fertilizers that are not facing domestic shortages should ordinarily be free to export, with restrictions limited to a clearly defined negative list. The association also proposed time-bound digital processing of export approvals and an enabling framework for export-only formulations.
“Our proposition is that India should aspire to become the micronutrient and specialty fertilizer factory of the world. If a product is manufactured in India, is not subsidised and is not in domestic shortage, industry believes it should ordinarily be free to compete in global markets,” said Dr Rahul Mirchandani, President, IMMA.
On GST, IMMA raised concerns over inverted duty structures and differing tax treatment for similar products. It proposed that all products notified under any Schedule of the FCO should attract GST at 5%.
IMMA said it will submit detailed recommendations on licensing, FCO reforms, export facilitation, traceability and GST rationalisation to the concerned Ministries and government departments, supported by technical, legal, financial and market data.
Global Agriculture is an independent international media platform covering agri-business, policy, technology, and sustainability. For editorial collaborations, thought leadership, and strategic communications, write to pr@global-agriculture.com
