In India, plant biostimulants are defined as products that stimulate plant’s physiological processes (such as nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, crop-yield and quality). These products are regulated since 2021 under the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed)(Control) Order, 1985 (FCO), issued under the Essential Commodities Act of 1955.

They must not be a pesticide or plant growth regulator which are regulated under the Insecticide Act 1968.

The FCO has classified biostimulants into eight categories (Schedule VI), including botanical extracts, bio-chemicals, vitamins and antioxidants (Source: www.compass.rauias.com)

Before you can place a biostimulant on the market in India, an application (Form G) has to be submitted, including efficacy trials (conducted with at minimum three different doses for one season and three different ecological conditions), as well as toxicity studies (human toxicology, as well as eco-toxicology). It goes without saying that basic physico-chemistry data and heavy metal loads are part of the data to be submitted. Biostimulants must not contain pesticides at concentrations higher than 1 ppm (replaces the 0,01 ppm limit before 2024).

Certain biostimulants, such as protein hydrolysates, seaweed extracts, amino acids, vitamins, humic and fulvic acid, are exempt from the requirement to provide toxicology data. However, manufacturers or importers must submit an official statement that their product is non-toxic and safe for use as a biostimulant. A biostimulant must not be placed on the market until is has been included in Schedule VI and got the authorisation to be sold.

Laboratories where tests are performed must be either GLP or NABL (Indian National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratory) accredited (Source: https://news.agropages.com)

The government had allowed provisional registration for biostimulant sales for two years, repeatedly extended until March 2025. After the latest extension expired in June 2025, companies without full registration cannot legally sell biostimulants (Source: https://iaspoint.com)

It is the Central Biostimulant Committee, constituted in 2021 for a 5-year period, that advises the government on:

- Inclusion of new biostimulant products

- Drafting specifications (Schedule VI)

- Sample collection/testing methods, lab standards

- Approval procedures, testing methods and other matters referred by the central government

The full text of the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) (Third) Amendment Order, 2024 (and Schedule VI) is available via the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare gazette notifications (https://egazette.gov.in/)

Guidance and application forms, required data formats, lab standards, refer to notifications, guidance notes and circulars are issued by the Controller of Fertilisers and available on the Ministry’s website.

In India, plant biostimulants—products intended to stimulate plant physiological processes (enhancing nutrient uptake, stress tolerance, crop‐yield and quality)—are regulated under the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order, 1985 (FCO), issued under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

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The sciBASICS Team