In Peru, biostimulants and soil conditioners can be made of a wide wide variety of materials, depending on their intended use in agriculture. They may include, for instance, organic materials (such as compost, manure, or plant extracts), inorganic compounds (such as minerals or chemical additives), microbial products (beneficial bacteria or fungi), other additives.

In June 2023 the Peruvian authorities published a draft regulation on fertilisers and related substances (sustancias afines), which encompass plant biostimulants and soil conditioners. These products are intended to stimulate natural processes to enhance nutrient uptake, efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, and crop quality, without being classified as fertilizers or pesticides.

Biostimulants may contain:

• Amino acids and products derived from the hydrolysis of proteins

• Plant extracts, algae and their mixtures

• Humic and fulvic acids

• Physiological growth regulators (RCP)

• Chitosans and products based on chitin

Before placing them on the market, they have to be authorised and the responsible competent body for that is SENASA. This means that a dossier needs to be complied and submitted to apply for authorisation. The following elements must be covered in the dossier:

Phys-chem properties: levels of humidity, density, viscosity, etc. but also compatibility/incompatibility with other products (such as other fertilisers or PPPs), and other physical characteristics, depending on the formulation.

Technical information, also on composition: The components and their concentrations, expressed as percentage by weight or volume, depending on the physical state, with a certificate of composition from the manufacturer or quality control certificate, information on mobility and accumulation in soils (except for foliar-applied plant nutrients), a declaration if the product contains sodium or chlorine.

The application must describe the recommended use instructions, the function of the product (including its action and mechanism in plants), and the best practices for use to maximize benefit and minimize risks.

Dosage and application information: Information must be provided on application method, conditions and recommendations for use, crop specificity, dosage, number and timing of applications, method of application (foliar, soil, fertigation, etc.), phytotoxicity, and mode of action

Draft label and MSDS: A draft label, technical data sheet, and safety data sheets must be submitted. The label must comply with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for classification and labeling of chemicals, as well as national requirements.

Efficacy results: Results of agronomic efficiency trials conducted in Peru must be presented, following the procedures established in the regulation

But also, information on packaging, as well as information as to whether the product contains animal by-products, humus, compost, enriched substrates, or other organic-origin materials, it must also comply with additional sanitary or phytosanitary requirements established by SENASA.

For biostimulants containing seaweed, an amino acid profile (aminogram) and sugar profile (alginate acid, laminaran/laminarin, and mannitol) must be provided.

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