If you think urea fertilizer is a simple chemical fertilizer used only to make agricultural fields green, I have to say that you have probably seen only the tip of the iceberg. In the world of business-to-business (B2B) trade, petrochemical urea is a strategic commodity and the beating heart of industries.

From producing urea-formaldehyde for the wood industry to gold extraction and even detergent manufacturing, all of them depend on these white crystals.

At Shimico, we know that for a purchasing manager, today’s export urea price is not merely a number; it is the basis of the profit and loss of a major project.

In this comprehensive guide, we are going to provide the most in-depth analyses of buying industrial urea and agricultural urea so that you will no longer have any uncertainty about sourcing high tonnages.

Buying Urea and Reviewing the Petrochemical White Gold Market

The urea sales market in Iran is one of the most competitive markets in the region due to the country’s vast gas resources.

But the question is, why are some cargoes offered at a lower export urea price?

The answer lies in the grade and delivery location.

Iranian export urea, supplied by major petrochemical companies such as Pardis urea, Asaluyeh urea, and Masjed Soleyman urea, is subject to strict standards.

When you are looking to buy granular urea, you are actually investing in particle-size quality and the physical strength of the cargo.

Is Urea the Same as Nitrogen? Getting to Know Carbamide

Many of our customers ask, is urea the same as white fertilizer? or is urea the same as nitrogen? In simple terms, yes; but in chemistry, we know it as carbamide. This substance is identified by the chemical formula (NH_2)_2CO.

The interesting point is that urea is a chemical compound with the highest nitrogen content—about 46%—among all solid fertilizers.

That is why nitrogen-containing urea is the most popular choice for enriching nutrient-poor soils and is also a base material in the production of liquid urea nitrate.

The Difference Between Industrial and Agricultural Urea at a Real-World Glance

A critical mistake when buying industrial urea is confusing it with agricultural grade. Although both contain 46% nitrogen, what is industrial urea, and how is it different?

In industrial grade, the biuret parameter must be below 1% and sometimes even below 0.8%.

If you use high-biuret urea to produce resin or urea-formaldehyde, your entire production batch may become dark and suffer from poor adhesion. By contrast, in agricultural urea, biuret levels of up to 1.5% may be tolerable for most trees, except sensitive citrus species.

The Strategic Role of Iranian Export Urea in the Region

Iran has become a major hub for supplying export urea in the Middle East. Shiraz export urea and Kermanshah export urea are unrivaled for neighboring countries such as Iraq and Turkey because of their overland logistics.

On the other hand, Asaluyeh urea is the first choice for exports to India and Brazil because of its direct access to open waters.

Smart traders always check the global urea price in publications such as Argus so they can buy 46% granular urea when prices are at the bottom of the market.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Urea: Why Does Molecular Structure Matter?

Many chemical engineers who contact us ask, is urea polar or nonpolar?

Let us settle this once and for all: urea is polar.

The presence of two amine groups and one carbonyl group makes this molecule highly polar. This is precisely why urea solubility in water is very high.

By contrast, if you ask, is urea soluble in hexane?

The answer is no. Urea does not dissolve in nonpolar solvents such as hexane or benzene. This issue is extremely important in the paint and resin industries.

In addition, the molar mass of urea is 60.06 grams per mole, and urea is a solid that melts at 133 degrees Celsius.

It is interesting to know, is urea an organic or inorganic substance?

Although it is synthesized from mineral-based feedstocks—natural gas—its carbon-based structure means that it is considered an organic compound.

💡 Practical market experience: One of our buyers in Tehran said, “I always wondered what urea is related to and why it cakes in winter.” The reason is that urea is soluble in water and has a high hygroscopic tendency. If your storage practices are not correct, your cargo will turn into stone!

Technical Analysis (COA) and the 46% Granular Urea Standard

When we talk about 46% granular urea, it means that every 100 kilograms of cargo must contain at least 46 kilograms of pure nitrogen. However, the certificate of analysis, or COA, is not limited to nitrogen alone.

For Shiraz industrial urea or Pardis urea, parameters such as ash, iron, and formaldehyde are also checked.

What does urea contain?

In addition to carbamide, granular particles contain a small amount of moisture—below 0.5%—and an anti-caking agent, usually formaldehyde at around 0.5%.

What is the formaldehyde in granular urea, and what role does it play? It hardens the granules so they do not break down and turn to powder during transportation by ship.

Technical Comparison Table for Granular and Prilled Urea (Data Sheet)

Analysis Parameter	Granular Urea	Prilled Urea	Importance in Industry
Nitrogen	Min 46%	Min 46%	Primary growth and reaction factor
Biuret	Max 1.0%	Max 1.2%	Prevention of plant burn and deposits
Moisture	Max 0.5%	Max 0.5%	Prevention of caking
Particle Size	2 - 4 mm	1 - 2.4 mm	Uniform spreading and solubility

As you can see in the table above, granular and prilled urea have the same nitrogen percentage. However, if you own a detergent factory and are looking for urea in dishwashing liquid, you should definitely use prilled urea because its smaller particles give it a much faster dissolution rate.

For marine exports, however, buying granular urea is the only logical option because of the strength of its granules.

⚠️ Critical note for bulk buyers: When requesting a urea price, be sure to ask whether the cargo is “fresh” or “stored.” Stored cargoes that have remained in silos for more than 6 months are highly prone to powdering despite having a similar analysis, which can cause substantial cargo loss as dust during unloading.

As one veteran commodity exchange broker says: “In the urea market, no low price is without a reason. When urea has an unusual price, either its biuret is above 1.5%, or the cargo comes from neighboring countries such as Turkmenistan or Kazakhstan and carries hidden logistics costs.” Analytical source: ICIS international institute

Types of Urea: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Grade for Every Application

One of the most frequently asked questions among bulk buyers is, “Which type of urea is suitable for my work?” The answer to this question directly affects the final cost, the quality of the finished product, and even whether it can be exported.

Powdered urea, bulk urea, bagged urea, granular urea, and prilled urea are each designed for a specific industrial ecosystem, and using one in place of another can shut down a production line. In this section, we examine each type in technical and practical detail.

1. Granular Urea — The First Choice for Marine Exports

Granular urea, with a particle size of 2 to 4 millimeters, is the most widely used form of export urea in Iran. Because of its high granule hardness—created by adding approximately 0.3% to 0.5% formaldehyde during production—it remains almost entirely free from quality loss during long-distance marine transportation on bulk carriers.

This type is offered in Bandar Abbas on an FOB basis and for destinations such as India, Brazil, and Indonesia under CFR terms.

Granular urea fertilizer is also an ideal option for mechanized spreading on large farms because its uniform granules create even distribution across the soil.

2. Prilled Urea — Fast Dissolution, Suitable for Irrigated Agriculture

Prilled urea is produced by spraying molten urea downward from a prilling tower and has smaller spherical particles with a diameter of 1 to 2.5 millimeters.

The greater surface area of the smaller particles causes prilled urea fertilizer to dissolve faster than granular urea in irrigation water or moist soil;

this feature makes it highly desirable for fertigation systems—injecting fertilizer through irrigation lines—liquid fertilizers, and industrial solution preparation.

However, these smaller particles are more likely to turn to powder under the weight of the cargo during long marine shipments. For this reason, it is used less often for intercontinental exports, and its price is usually slightly lower than granular urea.

3. Powdered Urea — A Raw Material for the Resin and Wood Industries

Powdered urea, with a particle size below 1 millimeter—usually 100 to 500 microns—is primarily a raw material that enters chemical formulations directly.

The largest consumers of powdered urea in Iran are factories producing urea-formaldehyde resin, which sell this resin to the MDF, plywood, particleboard, and industrial adhesive industries.

In addition, this form is used in the formulation of some compound fertilizers (NPK), cosmetic products—moisturizing creams—and certain pharmaceutical processes. Its standard packaging consists of 25-kilogram bags or 1,000-kilogram jumbo bags.

4. 46% Agricultural Urea — The World’s Most Widely Used Nitrogen Fertilizer

46% agricultural urea, also known as standard 46% urea fertilizer, with at least 46% nitrogen and biuret below 1.5%, is the highest-volume product in Iran’s market for nitrogen fertilizer and nitrogenous fertilizer.

This grade is approved for direct soil application, sprinkler irrigation, and foliar feeding, provided it is properly diluted.

An important point for buyers:

Because agricultural urea has a higher biuret content than industrial grade, it is not suitable for foliar application on sensitive citrus trees, and Low Biuret grade must be used. This grade normally has the lowest price among all grades.

5. 46% Industrial Urea — High Purity for Sensitive Processes

46% industrial urea may look identical to agricultural grade, but it has one fundamental difference:

its biuret content must be below 0.9%, and in some more sensitive applications, below 0.6%. This higher purity is achieved through an additional purification stage in the production process and directly affects the final cost.

The most important applications of industrial urea include:

producing AdBlue/DEF solution for the SCR systems of Euro 4 and Euro 5 trucks, producing high-quality urea-formaldehyde resin, cosmetic and personal-care industries, and certain pharmaceutical processes.

Shiraz industrial urea from Shiraz Petrochemical Company and Pardis industrial urea are among the best-known brands of this grade in the Iranian market.

7. Aqueous Urea Solution — DEF / AdBlue (32.5%) — A Growing Automotive Market

A 32.5% urea solution, also known as AdBlue/DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid), is a standardized aqueous solution produced precisely in accordance with ISO 22241. This product is used in the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems of Euro 4 and Euro 5 trucks, buses, and heavy machinery and is injected directly into the exhaust to convert NO_x into harmless N_2 and H_2O.

The critical point is that AdBlue must be produced using industrial urea with biuret below 0.3% and deionized water free from heavy metals, because any impurity can damage the SCR catalyst, whose replacement cost is several times the total cost of the AdBlue consumed.

8. Pharmaceutical / Laboratory Urea (Reagent Grade) — Low Volume, High Profit

Pharmaceutical urea, with purity above 99.5% and no heavy metals, is completely different from industrial urea. This grade, also called Urea Reagent Grade or Urea USP Grade, is supplied in packages ranging from 500 grams to 5 kilograms, and its price is several times higher than industrial grade.

Its main applications include protein electrophoresis, protein denaturation in biochemical research, keratolytic creams—used to treat dry skin at concentrations of 10% to 40%—and certain pharmaceutical formulations.

Demand for this grade is low in volume, but its profit margin is very high because of the complex purification process.

9. Livestock / Feed-Grade Urea — An NPN Source for Ruminants

Feed-grade urea is a source of non-protein nitrogen (NPN) used in the diets of cattle, sheep, and camels as an economical substitute for crude protein.

Rumen microorganisms in these animals can break down urea and use the released ammonia to produce microbial protein. The standard purity of this grade is ≥98%, and it must not contain any harmful additives.

Important warning: Urea is toxic to horses, pigs, poultry, and other non-ruminant animals, and excessive consumption can cause ammonia poisoning even in ruminants. The usual maximum inclusion rate is 1% of the diet’s dry matter.

Urea Type	Biuret (Max)	Particle Size	Primary Application	Price Level
Agricultural Granular	1.5%	2–4 mm	Soil fertilizer, exports	●●○○○
Agricultural Prilled	1.5%	1–2.5 mm	Fertigation, solution preparation	●○○○○
Industrial Powdered	1.0%	< 1 mm	UF resin, MDF, adhesives	●●●○○
Industrial (Low Biuret)	0.9%	Granular/Prilled	SCR, cosmetics, AdBlue	●●●●○
Feed Grade	—	Granular	Ruminant feed	●●○○○
Pharmaceutical / Laboratory	< 0.1%	Fine powder	Pharmaceuticals, biochemistry, cosmetics	●●●●●

How Urea Is Produced: From the Gas Well to the 50-Kilogram Bag

To understand why the petrochemical urea price moves directly with natural gas prices and global ammonia prices, you need to know its production route.

The industrial urea production process is carried out in two main stages, and each stage requires specialized equipment and controlled temperature and pressure conditions.

Stage One: Ammonia Synthesis from Natural Gas (Haber-Bosch Process)

Everything begins with natural gas—methane, CH_4. In the reforming unit, methane reacts with steam at 800 to 1,000 degrees Celsius over a nickel catalyst to produce synthesis gas, H_2 and CO. The remaining CO is then converted to CO_2 through the water-gas shift reaction.

In the Haber-Bosch process, the purified hydrogen combines with nitrogen from the air at 400 to 500 degrees, a pressure of 150 to 300 atmospheres, and over an iron catalyst to produce ammonia (NH_3).

This reaction is exothermic, and the conversion efficiency per pass is approximately 15% to 25%; therefore, the outlet gas is recycled and fed back into the reactor. Finally, liquid ammonia with a purity above 99.5% is stored as an intermediate product.

Stage Two: Urea Synthesis from Ammonia and Carbon Dioxide (Bosch-Meiser Process)

In the second stage, liquid ammonia and CO_2—which is itself a by-product of the reforming unit—are combined in a high-pressure reactor. This reaction takes place in two steps:

First step — Formation of ammonium carbamate (fast and exothermic):

2NH₃ + CO₂ → NH₂COONH₄ ΔH = −117 kJ/mol

Second step — Conversion of carbamate to urea (slow and endothermic):

NH₂COONH₄ ⇌ (NH₂)₂CO + H₂O ΔH = +28 kJ/mol

This equilibrium reaction takes place at 180 to 190 degrees Celsius and a pressure of 130 to 200 atmospheres. Conversion efficiency at this stage is approximately 50% to 70%, and unconverted carbamate is returned to the reactor through a multistage recycle loop.

The NH_3-to-CO_2 molar ratio is maintained at approximately 2.8 to 4 to achieve high efficiency while minimizing biuret formation.

⚠ Why is biuret produced in the reactor?

If the reactor temperature rises above 195 degrees or the residence time of the urea melt becomes too long, two urea molecules react with each other and produce biuret ($NH_2CONHCONH_2$). Precise temperature control and maintaining an excess NH_3/CO_2 ratio are the primary tools for reducing biuret in industrial grade.

Stage Three: Concentration and Shaping (Granulation or Prilling)

The urea solution leaving the reactor, with a concentration of 70% to 75%, is first concentrated to 99.5% under vacuum in evaporation units to produce urea melt. This melt is then shaped using one of two methods:

Prilling method: The melt is sprayed downward through nozzles at the top of a prilling tower, which is 50 to 100 meters high. The droplets cool in the rising air and form small spherical particles measuring 1 to 2.5 mm. Capital investment is lower, but the final product is softer.
Granulation method: The melt is sprayed onto initial seed particles in a rotating drum or fluidized bed and grows layer by layer. Formaldehyde can be added at this stage, greatly increasing granule hardness. The result is particles measuring 2 to 4 mm with high mechanical strength.

Stage Four: Cooling, Screening, and Packaging

The particles leaving the tower or drum are cooled in air coolers to below 45 degrees, then passed through vibrating screens so that off-size particles—oversize and undersize—are separated and returned to the process.

In the final stage, an anti-caking coating—usually mineral oil or paraffin—is applied to the particles, and the finished product is packed in 50-kilogram bags or 1,000-kilogram jumbo bags.

✅ Key point for buyers:

Iranian urea—from the Shiraz, Kermanshah, Pardis, and Khorasan petrochemical complexes—has a significant production-cost advantage over European and American competitors because of access to inexpensive natural gas. This advantage is directly reflected in the price of Iranian urea in export markets.

Applications of Urea: From the Farm to the Factory and Laboratory

When people hear the word urea, most of them picture only a bag of white fertilizer. But to a procurement manager in the MDF industry, a large-scale livestock farmer, a detergent manufacturer, or a heavy-transport company, urea is something entirely different.

This substance, with the simple formula (NH_2)_2CO, is one of the world’s most widely used chemicals and plays a key, irreplaceable role in more than 10 completely different industries. Understanding these applications helps you know exactly which grade, with which technical specifications, and from which source you should purchase it.

1. Urea in Agriculture — The World’s Most Widely Used Nitrogen Fertilizer

Urea fertilizer, with 46% pure nitrogen, has the highest nitrogen concentration of any solid fertilizer in the world. This means that to deliver the same amount of nitrogen to the soil, only half as much urea is needed compared with ammonium sulfate, which contains 21% N; transport, storage, and spreading costs are therefore cut in half. This is why 46% urea fertilizer is the king of the nitrogen fertilizer market in Iran and worldwide.

After entering the soil, urea undergoes enzymatic hydrolysis by the urease enzyme and is converted into ammonium (NH_4^+) and carbonate. The ammonium ion is adsorbed onto soil colloids and, following nitrification by Nitrosomonas bacteria, is converted into nitrate (NO_3^-), which plants can absorb. The speed of this process depends on soil temperature, moisture, and pH.

Methods of Applying Urea Fertilizer in Agriculture

🌱 Top Dressing

Spreading urea granules directly over the soil surface after the crop has emerged. This is the most common method in cereal fields. Note: It should be applied before rain or irrigation to prevent ammonia volatilization.

⛏ Band Placement

Placing the fertilizer 5 to 10 centimeters deep in the soil beside the crop row. It can increase use efficiency by up to 20% because it reduces volatilization and leaching.

💧 Fertigation

Injecting a urea solution through a drip or sprinkler irrigation system. Prilled urea is preferred for this method because it dissolves faster. The recommended concentration is 0.5% to 1%.

🌿 Foliar Spray

A 0.5% to 2% urea solution is sprayed onto the leaves. Low Biuret grade, with biuret below 0.5%, must be used to prevent leaf burn in citrus, grapes, and vegetables.

⚠ Important note for agricultural buyers:

On alkaline soils with a pH above 7.5 and in hot, dry weather, urea rapidly converts to ammonia and escapes through volatilization. To prevent this loss, use sulfur-coated urea (SCU) or urea combined with a urease inhibitor such as NBPT. This issue is especially important in orchards and farms in northern Iran.

2. Urea in Urea-Formaldehyde Resin Production (UF Resin) — The Adhesive of the Wood Industry

The largest consumers of industrial urea in Iran and worldwide are factories producing urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin. This thermosetting resin, produced through the controlled reaction of urea with formaldehyde in an acidic or alkaline medium, is the base adhesive used throughout the wood industry.

MDF, particleboard, plywood, OSB, and industrial laminates all use this resin as a structural adhesive.

In UF resin production, the formaldehyde-to-urea molar ratio (F/U Ratio) is a key parameter. A higher ratio, such as 1.6, produces a stronger resin but with greater formaldehyde emissions; a lower ratio, from 1.1 to 1.2, produces a more environmentally compatible resin but with slightly lower adhesion.

Powdered urea is the first choice for this industry because of its larger contact area and faster dissolution in formaldehyde.

⛔ Quality warning:

If urea with biuret above 1% is used to produce resin, the finished resin becomes cloudy and dark, and its adhesion declines. Biuret binds to formaldehyde and creates unwanted cross-links that disrupt the polymer structure of the resin. The correct grade is industrial urea with biuret below 0.9%.

3. Urea in AdBlue/DEF Production — A Growing Emissions-Reduction Market

AdBlue, the European trade name, or DEF — Diesel Exhaust Fluid, the American name, is precisely a 32.5% solution of urea in deionized water produced in accordance with ISO 22241.

This product is used in the SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems of all vehicles and heavy machinery meeting Euro 4 and higher standards.

Its operating mechanism is that AdBlue evaporates in the exhaust and releases ammonia. On the SCR catalyst, the ammonia reacts with toxic nitrogen oxides (NO_x) and converts them into harmless pure nitrogen (N_2) and water (H_2O). This technology makes an 85% to 95% reduction in NO_x emissions possible.

Parameter	ISO 22241 Specification	Why It Matters
Urea Concentration	31.8 — 33.2%	Deviation damages the catalyst
Biuret	Max 0.3%	Damage to the SCR catalyst
Electrical Conductivity	Max 0.6μS/cm	Indicator of water impurities
Aldehydes	Max 0.5 mg/kg	Catalyst poison
Heavy Metals (Fe, Cu, Zn)	Max 0.2 mg/kg each	Catalyst deactivation

💡 Business opportunity for AdBlue producers:

With Euro 4 becoming mandatory in Iran and the expansion of the heavy-vehicle fleet, the domestic AdBlue market is growing annually. The cost of producing each liter of AdBlue—32.5% urea plus deionized water—is much lower than its selling price, but production requires investment in a water-deionization unit and precise quality control.

4. Urea in Livestock Farming — An NPN Source for Ruminants

Ruminants—cattle, sheep, goats, and camels—can convert urea into microbial protein through rumen microorganisms. This unique process makes urea an inexpensive non-protein nitrogen (NPN) source in livestock rations that can replace part of the soybean meal and other costly protein sources.

⚠ Veterinary warning — maximum permitted intake:

A maximum of 1% of the ration’s dry matter or 28 grams per 100 kilograms of body weight
It must be added gradually over 3 to 4 weeks, during an adaptation period
It must never be fed to animals in pure form—it must be mixed with concentrate, molasses, or forage
It is completely prohibited for poultry, pigs, and horses because they lack rumen microflora
Free access to drinking water is mandatory

Slow-release urea, such as Optigen or similar products, controls the rate at which ammonia is released in the rumen by coating urea with fat or polymer and greatly reduces the risk of poisoning. This grade is increasingly used on large industrial dairy farms.

5. Urea in the Cosmetics and Personal-Care Industries — A Skin and Nail Softener

At different concentrations, urea has completely different effects on the skin, which is why it is used in a variety of formulations:

2% to 10% — Humectant

Draws moisture from the environment and retains it in the skin’s layers. It forms the basis of body lotions, repair creams, and dry-skin care products.

10% to 20% — Keratolytic

Breaks hydrogen bonds in keratin and exfoliates dead cells. Used in foot creams and treatments for psoriasis, eczema, and ichthyosis.

40% to 50% — Nail Dissolving Agent

High concentrations are used to treat onychomycosis—nail fungus—and thickened nails. These are pharmaceutical formulations used under medical supervision.

For this industry, pharmaceutical-grade urea with a minimum purity of 99.5% and compliance with USP or BP standards is mandatory. Heavy metals, arsenic, and biuret must be minimized.

6. Urea in the Detergent and Cleaning Industry

Urea serves several roles in industrial and household detergent formulations:

Anti-scaling agent: Prevents materials from crystallizing in dishwasher and laundry powders and keeps the product fine and uniform.
Improves the solubility of other materials: Because of its ability to disrupt hydrogen bonds, it improves the dissolution of enzymes and surfactants in solution.
Enzyme stabilizer: In enzymatic detergents, it prevents proteases and lipases from denaturing in an alkaline environment.
Industrial cleaners: Used at higher concentrations in cleaners for metal surfaces and industrial components.

7. Urea in the Pharmaceutical Industry and Laboratory

In laboratory and pharmaceutical settings, high-purity urea has specialized applications whose profit margins are several times higher than those of agricultural grade:

🔬 Protein Denaturation

A 6- to 8-molar urea solution is used in biochemistry and biotechnology to unfold the secondary structure of proteins in electrophoresis and separation techniques.

🩺 Urea Breath Test (UBT)

Urea labeled with carbon-13 (^{13}C) or carbon-14 (^{14}C) is used to diagnose Helicobacter pylori. The bacterial urease breaks down the urea, and the labeled CO_2 is measured in the patient’s breath.

💊 Drug Carrier and Formulation

Used as an excipient in tablets and pharmaceutical creams and as a skin penetration enhancer for topical antifungal drugs and corticosteroids.

💡 Commercial note — high profit margin:

The price of pharmaceutical and laboratory urea—Analytical Grade / USP—is usually 5 to 15 times the price of agricultural urea. If you can source a high-purity grade, the pharmaceutical and laboratory markets deserve serious consideration.

Urea MSDS Safety Data Sheet and Critical Points in Chemical Hazard Management

At first glance, urea may appear to be a harmless white powder used in agriculture or industry, but as a supplier or bulk buyer, you should know that improper management of industrial urea can lead to irreparable losses.

The safety data sheet, or urea MSDS, is not merely a formality; it is the roadmap for employee health and warehouse safety. Urea is a non-toxic substance, but under certain thermal conditions, it releases toxic ammonia gas that can severely irritate the respiratory system.

Respiratory Hazards and Skin Contact with Solid and Dissolved Urea

In a detailed review of urea properties, it should be noted that prolonged skin contact can cause sensitivity and severe dryness. If your personnel handle granular urea or prilled urea without gloves, the skin’s natural oils are removed, making them susceptible to eczema.

On the other hand, dust generated while unloading 50-kilogram urea bags in warehouses can inflame the mucous membranes of the throat and nose if inhaled. We always recommend using filtered masks when handling this material.

Hazardous Chemical Reactions and Urea Flammability

Urea itself is not flammable, but there is one highly technical point that must not be overlooked:

If urea comes into contact with strong oxidizers such as nitrites or hypochlorites, there is a risk of explosion.

This is exactly where technical knowledge matters when buying industrial urea. In addition, at temperatures above 133 degrees Celsius, urea decomposes and produces nitrogen oxides and ammonia, which are highly toxic and corrosive.

⚠️ Safety warning: Never store urea next to strong alkaline materials or concentrated acids. The reaction of urea with nitric acid forms urea nitrate, a sensitive and dangerous explosive material.

Safety and Industrial Urea MSDS Management Protocols

A urea MSDS is not merely a formality; it is the roadmap for employee health and warehouse safety. Urea is generally considered non-toxic, but under certain conditions, it can create serious hazards. Properly understanding and implementing the MSDS is essential for every industrial operation that handles industrial urea.

Why Is a Urea MSDS Critical for Your Factory?

Every producer, importer, or consumer of prilled urea or granular urea must have an up-to-date copy of the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS / SDS) available.

This document contains information about chemical composition, potential hazards, spill response, safe storage conditions, and emergency measures.

The GHS (Globally Harmonized System) requires all commercial chemicals to have a standardized safety data sheet.

For selling urea to foreign factories or exporting urea, providing a valid MSDS is one of the customs and contractual requirements.

Why Is a Urea MSDS Critical for Your Factory?

Pure urea (CO(NH₂)₂) presents no immediate hazard at normal temperatures and under ordinary conditions, but it can become problematic in the following situations:

Prolonged skin contact: Causes dryness, irritation, and skin sensitivity. This is common among packaging and loading workers who handle urea bags every day.
Inhalation of urea dust: Fine urea particles can irritate the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, and respiratory tract. This risk increases in warehouses without adequate ventilation.
Temperatures above 133 degrees Celsius: Urea begins to decompose and releases toxic ammonia and nitrogen oxides. In a fire, these gases can be fatal.
Reaction with strong oxidizers: Urea must not be stored next to oxidizing materials such as nitrites or hypochlorites, because there is a risk of explosion.
Contact with strong acids: The reaction of urea with concentrated nitric acid produces urea nitrate, which is an explosive and extremely dangerous substance.

⚠️ Safety warning: Never store urea next to strong alkalis or concentrated acids. These compounds can create hazardous reactions.

Storage Methods and Safe Operating Protocols in a Urea Warehouse

To prevent accidents and ensure employee safety, the following protocols must be observed:

Proper Ventilation in a Urea Warehouse

The warehouse must have an adequate ventilation system so that dust and any ammonia vapors released through decomposition do not accumulate. The use of industrial exhaust fans and the installation of ventilation openings in the roof and walls are recommended.

Separation from Incompatible Materials

Keep urea at least 5 meters away from the following materials:

Concentrated mineral acids—nitric, sulfuric, and hydrochloric acid
Strong alkalis—caustic soda and potash
Oxidizing materials—permanganates, hypochlorites, and peroxides

Urea Warehouse Temperature Control

The warehouse temperature should be kept below 30 degrees Celsius. In hot summers, a cooling system or proper insulation is essential. If the warehouse temperature rises above 50 degrees, there is a risk of gradual decomposition and ammonia release.

Temperature fluctuations—warming and cooling—cause the product to “breathe,” resulting in condensation and caking. Warehouses should have active ventilation. Avoid excessive stacking.

Mechanical pressure breaks the granules and releases dust, and in a humid environment, these particles turn into urea cement.

Shelf Life and Expiration Date

Under standard storage conditions, urea retains its quality for up to 12 months. After that, total nitrogen may decrease because of ammonia evaporation. For high-tonnage purchases, be sure to check the production date.

Practical Tips for Proper Storage

Place the bags on wooden or plastic pallets, not directly on the floor
Maintain a minimum distance of 50 centimeters from the wall
Maximum stacking height: 10 rows, approximately 2.5 meters
Use a proper ventilation system for air circulation
Separate old and new cargoes and use them according to FIFO—First In, First Out
Conduct monthly inspections for moisture, torn bags, and signs of caking

Types of Urea Packaging for Bulk Purchases and Export

The choice of urea packaging directly affects transportation costs, ease of storage, and even the final quality of the product. Large factories usually prefer jumbo bags because they have lower packaging costs and can be unloaded faster.

Smaller units or pharmaceutical industries, however, require standard 25- or 50-kilogram packages for more precise dosage control. In the Iranian market, most producers supply granular urea in three-layer polyethylene bags printed with technical information.

For export, however, packaging standards are stricter, and the packaging must resist moisture, UV radiation, and mechanical pressure. Some European buyers even require a traceable barcode and production lot number to be printed on every bag.

⚠️ Important note: Urea is highly hygroscopic. If the packaging is not up to standard, it will cake within a few weeks and become unusable. Be sure to buy from a supplier whose packaging has an adequately thick plastic layer and standard heat-sealed seams.

50-Kilogram Granular Urea Bag

This is the most popular type of packaging for agriculture and medium-sized industries. Fifty-kilogram bags are usually made from woven polypropylene (PP Woven) with an internal LDPE liner. The internal liner prevents moisture penetration, while the outer fabric provides mechanical strength.

Its main advantage is that one person can move it easily, as its weight is standard for a worker.

This size is ideal for warehouses without forklifts or small agricultural units that want to spread fertilizer manually.

In the Iranian market, its price is usually 10,000 to 15,000 tomans more than the bulk price per metric ton. For export, some countries such as Iraq and Afghanistan prefer this size because they lack advanced logistics infrastructure.

The bags must be UV resistant so they are not damaged under sunlight, and the producer’s logo, nitrogen percentage (46% N), lot number, and production date are usually printed on them.

💡 Buying tip: If you are purchasing for factory consumption and have a large warehouse, jumbo bags are more economical. But if you plan to distribute to retailers or sell to farmers, the 50-kilogram bag is the market standard.

25-Kilogram Powdered Urea Bag

Powdered urea is generally used in the resin, adhesive, and MDF industries and needs to dissolve quickly. It is therefore packed in smaller 25-kilogram bags so that it can be used quickly after opening and is not left exposed to moisture.

Twenty-five-kilogram powdered urea bags are usually made from multilayer kraft paper or woven PP with a polyethylene liner.

Some producers use valve bags, which allow faster filling and provide tighter sealing.

This type of packaging is the standard for chemical industries in Europe and the United States.

One challenge with powdered urea is that its finer particles have greater contact with the air, increasing the likelihood of moisture absorption and caking.

For this reason, it usually has a shorter shelf life—approximately 6 months—than granular urea. If you plan to store it for a long period, be sure to maintain a temperature below 25°C and relative humidity below 70%.

⚠️ Storage warning: Never store powdered urea next to oxidizing materials such as nitrates or peroxides. Combining urea with certain oxidizers creates a risk of an exothermic reaction.

1,000-Kilogram Urea Jumbo Bag (Industrial and Export)

The jumbo bag, or FIBC (Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container), is the most popular packaging for high-tonnage purchases and exports.

A standard jumbo bag can hold between 500 and 1,500 kilograms of urea, although the most common size is 1,000 kilograms.

These bags are made from woven polypropylene fabric and usually have four upper loops for a crane or forklift. Their main advantage is that the packaging cost per kilogram becomes very low—approximately 5,000 to 10,000 tomans for the entire jumbo bag.

Loading and unloading are also several times faster than with small bags. For export, jumbo bags must comply with ISO 21898 and are usually used with an internal PE liner to prevent leakage.

Some international customers require Type C jumbo bags with antistatic properties to reduce the risk of static-electricity sparks. This is particularly important for powdered urea, which presents a dust-explosion risk.

Feature	Standard Jumbo Bag	Type C Jumbo Bag (Antistatic)	50-Kilogram Bag
Load Capacity (Kilograms)	500 to 1,500	500 to 1,500	50
Packaging Cost (Tomans/Metric Ton)	5,000 to 8,000	12,000 to 18,000	15,000 to 20,000
Suitable for Export	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (Specific Areas)	⚠️ With Limitations
Loading Speed (Metric Tons/Hour)	8 to 12	8 to 12	1.5 to 2
Forklift Required	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	❌ No

Pharmaceutical and Laboratory Urea Packaging

Pharmaceutical urea (USP Grade) and laboratory urea (ACS Reagent) are subject to much stricter requirements than industrial urea.

Pharmaceutical urea must have a purity of at least 99.5%, and the concentration of heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and mercury must be below 1 ppm.

Its packaging must therefore also be pharmaceutical grade. It is usually packed in wide-mouth HDPE plastic bottles or laminated aluminum bags.

Common sizes are 500 grams, 1 kilogram, and 5 kilograms.

Each bottle must carry a standard label with the lot number, production date, expiration date, CAS number (57-13-6), and safety information from the Safety Data Sheet. The price of pharmaceutical urea is several times higher than industrial urea.

For example, industrial urea in the Iranian market costs approximately 30,000 to 40,000 tomans per kilogram, while USP Grade urea may cost 200,000 to 300,000 tomans per kilogram.

This price difference is due to the more complex purification process, stricter quality-control tests, and sterile packaging.

⚠️ Buying warning: If you plan to use urea in a pharmaceutical formulation, skin cream, or personal-care product, never substitute industrial grade. Industrial urea may have a high biuret content, which is hazardous for skin and internal use. Be sure to buy from a supplier with a USP or Ph. Eur. (European Pharmacopoeia) certificate.

Bulk Urea (Unpackaged)

Bulk urea is most suitable for large factories that consume several dozen metric tons per day. It is usually transported by tanker truck or silo container and unloaded directly into the factory’s storage silos.

The main advantage is that there are no costs for packaging, labeling, or handling bags.

Bulk urea can be 20,000 to 30,000 tomans cheaper per metric ton than packaged urea.

For liquid-fertilizer, urea-formaldehyde resin, and melamine industries that consume large volumes, this saving is significant.

The main challenge, however, is that you must have the infrastructure required to receive and store it.

Urea silos should be made from stainless steel or epoxy-coated steel to prevent corrosion.

A ventilation system is also required to remove heat generated by minor reactions. Factories consuming less than 100 metric tons per month usually do not consider investment in a silo economically justified.

Comparison Factor	Bulk Urea	1,000-Kilogram Jumbo Bag	50-Kilogram Bag
Minimum Order (Metric Tons)	20 to 30	10 to 20	1 to 5
Price (Tomans/Kilogram)	28,000 to 35,000	32,000 to 40,000	38,000 to 45,000
Silo Required	✅ Mandatory	❌ No	❌ No
Unloading Speed (Metric Tons/Hour)	15 to 25	8 to 12	1.5 to 2
Retail Distribution Possible	❌ No	⚠️ Limited	✅ Yes
Waste and Spillage	Less than 0.1%	0.5 to 1%	1 to 2%

💡 Economic note: If a factory consumes more than 1,200 metric tons of urea per year, investment in a silo and bulk purchasing will recover its cost within 2 to 3 years. For a more precise calculation, you can use the Bulk Handling Cost Calculator.

Comparison of Iranian Brands with Foreign Producers: Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan

When it comes to buying industrial urea, many importers and factories hesitate between Iranian urea and products from neighboring countries such as Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on the final requirement, budget, and transportation conditions.

Iranian Urea: High Quality, Competitive Price, Easy Access

Iran is one of the region’s largest producers of export urea. The Razi, Shiraz, Pardis, and Khorasan petrochemical companies produce millions of metric tons of urea with 46.2% nitrogen purity each year. The main advantages of Iranian urea include:

International-standard quality: Compliant with ISIRI and ISO standards
Lower price: Production costs are lower because of direct access to inexpensive natural gas
Product variety: Both granular and prilled urea are available
Proximity to target markets: Exports to Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, and Turkey are very convenient

However, some foreign buyers are concerned about banking sanctions and payment difficulties, which can sometimes complicate the import process.

Kazakhstan Urea: An Option for European and Russian Markets

Kazakhstan urea is supplied particularly by the KazAzot and Nitrogen plants and is exported mainly to Russia, Ukraine, and Eastern Europe. Its quality is close to European standards, but its price is usually 10% to 15% higher than Iranian urea.

An important point is that Kazakhstan is connected to Russian rail networks, making it more convenient than Iran for buyers in Central Asia and Europe. For markets in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, however, Iranian urea is the more logical choice.

Turkmenistan Urea: Limited Production, Lower Export Volume

Turkmenistan urea is produced mainly by Turkmenhimiya and Mary Azot. Their production volume is lower than that of Iran and Kazakhstan, and most of their exports go to Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Product quality is good, but access is difficult for buyers outside the region.

If you are located in Iran, Iraq, Turkey, or the Persian Gulf countries, buying urea from Iran is the best option in terms of cost, time, and quality. But if you operate in Central Asia or Eastern Europe, urea from Kazakhstan or Turkmenistan may be a better option.

💡 Before making a decision, calculate the shipping and transportation cost. Sometimes the FOB price is lower, but logistics costs make the overall transaction more expensive. Analytical source: ICIS international institute

Urea Exports and Imports: Which Countries Demand Which Type of Urea?

Urea exports are one of the largest segments of the global fertilizer industry. Understanding which countries need which type of urea can help you develop a better export strategy or, as an importer, find the best supplier.

Main Export Markets for Iranian Urea

Iran exports more than 5 million metric tons of urea annually. The main destinations include:

Afghanistan: Most demand is for agricultural granular urea used in wheat and corn fields. Exports take place through the Dogharoun border and Herat.
Iraq: Both industrial urea for petrochemical factories and agricultural urea for the southern agricultural sector. Transportation is by truck and rail.
Pakistan: Demand is higher for prilled urea because its spreading and blending systems are more compatible with prills.
Turkey: Imports for industrial applications, particularly in the resin and adhesive industries. High-purity industrial urea is preferred.
Africa—Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique: Demand is for agricultural granular urea. Shipments move through Bandar Abbas and Chabahar ports.

Urea Imports: Which Countries Are Major Buyers?

The following countries are the world’s largest urea importers:

India: The world’s largest urea importer. Demand is for granular urea with a high nitrogen percentage.
Brazil: For mechanized agriculture. Granular urea in big-bag packaging is preferred.
United States: Imports for industrial and agricultural applications. Quality standards are very high.
Thailand and Vietnam: For rice cultivation. Prilled urea is more popular.

Differences in Urea Type by Export Destination

Each market has its own preferences:

Country/Region	Urea Type	Packaging	Standard
Afghanistan	Granular	50-Kilogram Bag	ISIRI 857
Iraq	Granular / Prilled	50-Kilogram Bag	ISIRI / ISO
Pakistan	Prilled	50-Kilogram Bag	ISO 9001
Turkey	Industrial (Technical Grade)	1-Metric-Ton Big Bag	ISO / EN
Africa	Granular	50-Kilogram Bag	ISO 9001

If you intend to export urea, you must ensure that your product complies with the requirements and standards of the target market. For example, exports to Europe require REACH and CE certification, while ISO and SGS certificates are sufficient for Asian markets.

⚠️ Important note: Before exporting, be sure to prepare the Certificate of Analysis (COA) and MSDS. Without these documents, customs at the destination will not release the shipment.

Industrial Urea Buying Guide: What Should You Check?

Buying industrial urea for a factory or manufacturing operation requires care and detailed evaluation. If this is your first time buying urea or you want to change suppliers, this guide will help you make the right decision.

1. Specify the Type of Urea: Agricultural or Industrial?

The first question is which type of urea you need:

Agricultural urea: For fertilizer, usually granular or prilled with 46% purity
Industrial urea (Technical Grade): For producing resin, adhesives, NOx-reduction agents, or use in chemical industries, with higher purity and stricter standards

If you are buying for industrial applications, be sure to request a Certificate of Analysis from the seller and verify that the biuret content is below 1%.

2. Check Quality and Purity

Key parameters to check:

Total nitrogen: At least 46.2%
Biuret: Maximum 1% for industrial grade and 1.5% for agricultural grade
Moisture: Maximum 0.5%
Particle size: 2 to 4 millimeters for granular urea and 1 to 2.5 millimeters for prilled urea

3. Check the Production Date and Storage Method

If urea is stored in a humid or hot environment, it may cake or lose its purity. Be sure to ask the seller:

When was it produced?
Under what conditions was the product stored?
Is a sample provided before purchase?

💡 Professional tip: If you plan to purchase a large volume, ask the seller to send a 5-kilogram sample and have it tested in a laboratory.

4. Urea Packaging and Transportation

Urea packaging must resist moisture and tearing. Two common types are:

50-kilogram polypropylene bag: For smaller purchases and exports to agricultural markets
1-metric-ton big bag (Jumbo Bag): For industrial purchases and easier transportation

If you intend to export, the packaging must have a standard label that includes the producer’s name, production date, batch number, and quality standard.

5. Urea Price and Payment Terms

The price of urea varies according to type, volume, and delivery terms. Be sure to clarify the following:

FOB or CIF? Who is responsible for shipping and insurance costs?
Cash or credit payment?
Is a volume discount available?

For safe urea purchasing, it is better to use reputable platforms such as Shimico, which allow you to compare prices, receive free consultation, and obtain quality assurance.

Daily Price and Export Urea Price List (Influencing Factors and Market Fluctuations)

The price of urea is one of the most variable parameters in the chemicals and fertilizer market. Various factors affect urea prices, and understanding them helps you choose the right time to buy.

Factors Affecting Urea Prices

1. Natural Gas Price

Urea is produced through the reaction of ammonia and carbon dioxide, and ammonia itself is made from natural gas. Any increase in the price of gas directly raises the price of urea. In Iran, urea prices are lower than in global markets because of access to inexpensive gas.

2. Global Fertilizer Demand

During the planting season—spring and summer—demand for agricultural urea increases and prices rise. Major buyers such as India and Brazil have a significant impact on global prices.

3. Exchange Rates and Sanctions

The price of Iranian export urea is calculated in dollars. Any change in the dollar exchange rate or banking sanctions can affect the final price.

4. Shipping and Logistics Costs

The costs of marine shipping, trucking, and rail transportation have increased in recent years. The FOB price at the port may be low, but transportation to the destination can increase the final price by up to 20%.

Approximate Urea Price List in Iran (Khordad 1405)

Urea Type	Packaging	FOB Price (USD/Metric Ton)	Domestic Price (Tomans/Metric Ton)
Export Granular Urea	50-Kilogram Bag	320–350	18 to 22 Million
Export Prilled Urea	50-Kilogram Bag	310–340	17 to 21 Million
Industrial Urea (Technical Grade)	1-Metric-Ton Big Bag	360–400	22 to 26 Million
AdBlue / DEF Urea (32.5% Solution)	200-Liter Drum	280–320	15 to 19 Million

These prices are approximate and may change depending on the producer, order volume, payment terms, and time of purchase. To receive a current, real-time price, it is better to contact suppliers or specialized platforms such as Shimico directly.

⚠️ Note: Domestic prices in Iran are lower than global prices because of energy subsidies. For export, however, prices are calculated on an FOB or CIF basis, and shipping and customs costs are added.

How Can You Find the Best Price?

Compare several suppliers: Be sure to obtain prices from at least 3 sellers
Buy at the right time: Urea prices are higher during the planting season, from Farvardin to Khordad. If your need is not urgent, buy in autumn and winter
Buy in bulk: If your order exceeds 100 metric tons, you may receive a volume discount
Use online platforms: Websites such as Shimico allow you to compare prices and receive free consultation

Global price sources: IndexMundi – Urea Price, Argus Media

Why Buy Urea from Shimico? Special Advantages and Guarantees

If you are looking to buy urea with guaranteed quality at a competitive price, Shimico is the best choice for you. We are not merely a buying and selling platform; we are a trusted business partner for industrial and export businesses.

Advantages of Buying Urea from Shimico

1. Guaranteed Product Quality and Authenticity

All urea products available on Shimico have a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and a valid MSDS. We work only with authorized producers and distributors, and the quality of every shipment is checked before dispatch.

2. Transparent and Competitive Pricing

On Shimico, you can compare the prices of several sellers and choose the best offer. No intermediaries, no hidden costs—only a real and fair price.

3. Free Consultation and Professional Support

Shimico’s team of experts is ready to help you choose the right type of urea, calculate shipping costs, and find optimized solutions. Contacting us is free, and you can ask all your questions before purchasing.

4. Free Listing Registration for Sellers

If you are a urea producer or distributor, you can list your products on Shimico completely free of charge and gain access to thousands of potential buyers. No membership fee and no sales commission.

5. Bulk Purchasing and Export Options

Shimico enables bulk purchasing and exports to all countries in the region. We work with reputable shipping and logistics companies and can deliver your shipment to its destination.

Do Not Start Buying Urea with a Vague Price; Request an Accurate Quote

When buying granular urea, prilled urea, industrial urea, agricultural urea, and export urea, a price figure alone is not enough. Specify the product type, order quantity, packaging, loading origin, COA, shipping terms, and delivery time so that the supplier can provide a genuine offer.

✅ Request the current urea price from different suppliers ✅ Review product type, packaging, and technical documents ✅ Suitable for bulk, industrial, agricultural, and export purchases ✅ Free listing registration for chemical sellers

View Fertilizers and Request a Urea Quote View Chemicals Create a Free Urea Sales Listing

If you sell urea, include the product type, packaging, loading city, minimum order, and availability of a COA in your listing. A more precise listing brings more serious inquiries.

User Reviews and Real Experiences of Buying Urea from Shimico

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mohammadreza Ahmadi – Resin Factory Manager in Karaj

“We had been buying industrial urea from intermediaries for years and were never sure that the quality would remain consistent. Since we became familiar with Shimico, all our orders have been shipped with a COA and complete quality control. The price has also become much better than before. I genuinely recommend it.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fatemeh Karimi – Fertilizer Exporter to Afghanistan

“I am a small exporter, and it used to be very difficult to find a reliable supplier. Shimico helped me connect directly with the producer and obtain the price without an intermediary. The support team even helped me prepare the customs documents correctly. Thank you very much.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Ali Hosseini – Agricultural Manager in Isfahan

“We always need high-quality granular urea for our farms. I bought 50 metric tons from Shimico, and the quality was truly excellent. The granules were uniform, and there was no caking at all. They even gave us a volume discount. I will definitely order again.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Saeed Moradi – Chemical Importer in Iraq

"I bought urea prilled from Shimico for our factory in Baghdad. The quality was excellent and delivery was on time. The support team helped us with all the paperwork. Highly recommended for international buyers."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Zahra Salehi – Procurement Manager at a Petrochemical Company

“We needed very pure urea to produce melamine resin. Shimico supplied us with Technical Grade urea with purity above 99.5% and biuret below 0.8%. Its quality was truly exceptional, and Shimico’s technical team was highly professional.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Buying, Selling, and Using Industrial Urea

❓ What is urea, and what are its applications?

Urea is a chemical compound with the formula CO(NH₂)₂. It is used as a nitrogen fertilizer, a raw material in the resin and adhesive industries, and as a NOx-reduction agent in vehicle SCR systems. Urea contains 46% nitrogen and is considered one of the world’s most widely used fertilizers.

❓ What is the difference between agricultural urea and industrial urea?

Agricultural urea is used as fertilizer and usually has 46% purity. Industrial urea (Technical Grade) is used in the chemical, resin, and adhesive industries and requires higher purity—above 99%—and biuret below 1%.

❓ How can I check urea quality?

To check urea quality, request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from the seller and review the following parameters: total nitrogen—at least 46%—biuret—maximum 1.5%—moisture—maximum 0.5%—and particle size—2 to 4 millimeters for granular urea. You can also have a sample tested in a laboratory.

❓ How much does urea cost, and what factors affect its price?

The price of urea depends on the type—agricultural or industrial—order volume, delivery terms—FOB or CIF—and time of purchase. On average, the FOB price of Iranian urea ranges from $310 to $400 per metric ton. Factors such as the price of natural gas, global demand, exchange rates, and shipping costs affect the final price.

❓ Can urea be purchased in bulk?

Yes. Shimico enables bulk urea purchases ranging from 10 metric tons to thousands of metric tons. Volume discounts and credit-payment terms can also be considered for bulk orders. Export to all countries in the region is also possible.

❓ Under what conditions should urea be stored?

Urea should be stored in a dry, cool environment away from moisture. The ideal temperature is between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius, with relative humidity below 50%. Bags should be placed on wooden pallets and kept off the floor, and the warehouse should have proper ventilation. Urea must not be stored next to acids, oxidizing materials, or heat sources.

❓ What is the difference between granular urea and prilled urea?

Granular urea has larger particles—2 to 4 millimeters—is more resistant to moisture, and is suitable for mechanized agriculture. Prilled urea has smaller particles—1 to 2.5 millimeters—dissolves faster, and is better for liquid fertilizers and industrial applications.

❓ Does urea export require a special permit?

Yes. To export urea, you must obtain a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture Jihad for agricultural urea or the Ministry of Industry for industrial urea. You also need a COA, MSDS, and, in some markets, ISO and SGS certificates. Shimico can help you prepare export documents.

❓ What is AdBlue urea, and how is it different from ordinary urea?

AdBlue urea, or DEF, is a 32.5% solution of urea in deionized water used in diesel-vehicle SCR systems to reduce NOx emissions. This solution must be made from highly pure, metal-free urea and comply with ISO 22241.

❓ How can I list my products on Shimico?

Creating a listing on Shimico is completely free. Simply visit the Shimico website, enter your product information—urea type, price, available volume, and delivery terms—in the “Create Listing” section, and our team will review and publish it. There is no membership fee or sales commission.