| Nitrogen and sulfur content | Declared total nitrogen and sulfate sulfur; whether results are guaranteed minimums or typical values. | Commercial fertilizer-grade ammonium sulfate is commonly around 21% nitrogen and 24% sulfur by weight. Confirm the guaranteed analysis and applicable local fertilizer rules for each product. | 25% |
| Quality consistency | Moisture, particle-size distribution, appearance, and batch-to-batch variation relevant to the intended application. | Request a recent certificate of analysis (COA), written product specification, and representative samples. Set acceptance limits in the purchase contract; there is no single universal particle-size specification for all uses. | 20% |
| Regulatory and safety documentation | Product identity, safety information, labeling, and eligibility for sale in the destination market. | Check the current safety data sheet (SDS), COA, product label, and required local fertilizer registrations or declarations. Requirements differ by jurisdiction and product use. | 15% |
| Supply reliability | Available volume, lead time, seasonal capacity, shipment history, and contingency arrangements. | Verify recent on-time delivery performance, confirmed monthly or seasonal allocations, and the origin and availability of the quoted material. | 15% |
| Logistics and product handling | Bulk or bagged options, packaging condition, storage needs, transport arrangements, and delivery terms. | Confirm packaging and loading details, moisture-protection practices, delivery location, applicable Incoterms®, and responsibility for freight and unloading. | 10% |
| Total delivered cost | Product price plus freight, handling, insurance, duties, and other applicable charges. | Compare written, like-for-like quotations on the same grade, quantity, delivery point, and delivery terms. Evaluate cost per unit of nutrient when product analyses differ. | 15% |