Granular or prilled?
Prilled urea is formed by dropping molten urea through a tower; the result is a small, softer particle, typically around 1–2 mm. Granular urea is built up in a granulator into a larger, harder particle, typically around 2–4 mm.
Granular urea spreads more evenly over wide working widths and blends better with other granular fertilizers such as DAP or potash. Prilled urea is often preferred where it is dissolved or applied over shorter distances.
Specifications to check
Key parameters on a urea specification sheet are total nitrogen (min. 46%), biuret content (commonly max. 1.0%), moisture (commonly max. 0.5%), particle size range and whether the product is coated with an anti-caking agent.
Always ask for the specification that applies to the actual cargo, and agree the inspection company and sampling point before shipment.
Packing and shipment
Urea moves in bulk vessels, in big bags (typically 500 kg or 1,000 kg) or in 50 kg bags loaded in containers. The right format depends on your discharge port, storage and distribution network.
Incoterms for urea: FOB, CFR, CIF or DAP
Bulk urea is usually traded FOB at the load port or CFR/CIF to the discharge port. Bagged urea in containers is better quoted FCA, CPT or CIP, or DAP if you want delivery to an inland point. Under DAP the seller carries the risk to the named place, but you still handle import clearance.
What to include in your RFQ
State the type (granular or prilled), quantity per shipment and per year, packing, destination port, preferred Incoterm (for example CFR or CIF), required documents and the inspection you need. A complete request gets a faster, more accurate quotation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is granular urea better than prilled?
- Neither is better overall. Granular urea suits mechanical spreading and blending; prilled urea dissolves quickly and is often used for liquid application or shorter spreading widths. Both contain 46% nitrogen.
- Big bags, 50 kg bags or bulk?
- Bulk is the most economical for large parcels with port storage. Big bags suit distributors with forklift handling, and 50 kg bags suit retail distribution and markets without bagging facilities.
For professional buyers
Request a current quotation
BSL Enterprises confirms specification, availability and terms for each transaction in a written quotation. To receive a precise offer, include:
- Quantity per shipment and per year
- Destination port or delivery place
- Grade, specification and packaging
- Preferred Incoterm and documents
Products covered in this guide: Urea 46% N Granular, Urea 46% N Prilled.
Request current quotationReferences
Editorial note: this guide summarises general procurement practice and recognised trade and specification frameworks where they apply. It is reviewed and updated as needed and is not a statement of BSL stock, pricing or capacity.