Chapter 31 - Fertilizers

Primary Rule 1: Chemical Reaction A chemical reaction is to be considered as origin conferring when it corresponds to the following definition. A “chemical reaction” is a process (including a biochemical process) which results in a molecule with a new structure by breaking intramolecular bonds and by forming new intramolecular bonds, or by altering the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule. The following are not considered to be chemical reactions for the purposes of this definition: (a) dissolving in water or other solvents; (b) the elimination of solvents including solvent water; or (c) the addition or elimination of water of crystallization.

Primary Rule 2: Mixtures and Blends The deliberate and proportionally controlled mixing or blending (including dispersing) of materials other than the addition of diluents only to conform to predetermined specifications which results in the production of a good having physical or chemical characteristics which are relevant to the purposes or uses of the good and are different from the input materials is to be considered as origin conferring.

Primary Rule 3: Purification Purification is to be considered as origin conferring provided that one of the following criteria is satisfied: (a) purification of a good resulting in the elimination of 80 percent of the content of existing impurities; or (b) the reduction or elimination of impurities resulting in a good suitable for one or more of the following applications: (i) pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetic, veterinary or food grade substances; (ii) chemical products and reagents for analytical, diagnostic or laboratory uses; (iii) elements and components for use in micro-electronics; (iv) specialized optical uses; (v) biotechnical use (e.g., in cell culturing, in genetic technology, or as a catalyst); (vi) carriers used in a separation process; or (vii) nuclear grade uses.

Primary Rule 4: Standard Materials Standard materials (including standard solutions) are preparations suitable for analytical, calibrating or referencing uses having precise degrees of purity or proportions which are certified by the manufacturer. The production of standard materials is to be considered as origin conferring.

Primary Rule 5: Isomer Separation The isolation or separation of isomers from a mixture of isomers is to be considered as origin conferring.

Where the country of origin cannot be determined by application of the primary rules and the other Chapter residual rule[s], the country of origin of the goods shall be the country in which the major portion of the materials originated, as determined on the basis of the weight of the materials.