Thinking of exporting your Hong Kong-produced bio-fertilizer to the promising Saudi market? Understanding the requirements and how your HK EPD certification fits in is crucial. Here’s a breakdown based on the latest guidelines.
Your HK EPD Certification: The Foundation
Hong Kong’s Environmental Protection Department (EPD) provides a robust certification framework for bio-fertilizers derived from organic waste, ensuring product safety.
- Key Standards: The 《Technical Guidelines for Organic Waste-Derived Fertilizers》 (2024 Edition) set strict limits, particularly for heavy metals:
- Lead (Pb): ≤150 mg/kg
- Cadmium (Cd): ≤5 mg/kg
- Mercury (Hg): ≤2 mg/kg
- Arsenic (As): ≤20 mg/kg
- Pathogen Control: Requires treatment (e.g., heating ≥55°C for 7 days) to keep E. coli below <3 MPN/g.
- Certification Process: Involves lab testing by accredited bodies (like STC), production audits (verifying feedstock sources like O-PARK2 and processing methods like anaerobic digestion), and is valid for 3 years with annual random checks.
This certification demonstrates high safety standards, but how does it align with Saudi Arabia’s regulations?
Aligning with Saudi SASO 4653-2025 Requirements
Good news! Hong Kong’s EPD standards are largely aligned with the Saudi SASO 4653-2025 requirements except for one critical element:
- The Cadmium (Cd) Gap: Saudi standards demand a stricter Cadmium limit of ≤3 mg/kg, compared to Hong Kong’s ≤5 mg/kg.
Bridge the Gap & Ensure Compliance
Don’t let the cadmium difference stop you. Proven solutions exist:
- Solution: Implement an additional cadmium removal step during processing, such as phosphate precipitation or sodium sulfide treatment.
- Proof it Works: A 2024 Hong Kong export to the UAE successfully used sodium sulfide treatment to reduce cadmium content from 4.2mg/kg to 2.8mg/kg, well within Saudi limits.
Required Documentation for Saudi Export
Ensure you have these key documents ready:
- HK EPD Approval Number (e.g., HK-EPD/BF-2025-XXX)
- Heavy Metal Test Report (must reference WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius standards)
- Feedstock Traceability Records (proving no industrial/medical waste was used)
Strategic Recommendations for Success
- Expedite Certification: Apply for the HKPC’s Green Export Fast-Track Service to potentially reduce processing time from 8 weeks to just 3.
- Adapt Technology: Factor in the integration of cadmium reduction technology (adds ~5% cost but ensures a high ~95% Saudi approval rate).
Stay Updated
Always refer to the latest guidelines available under the “Organic Resources Recovery Centre” section on the official HK EPD website (last updated March 2025).
Need Help?
Contact the HK EPD Waste Management Group: +852 2838 3111
Leverage your HK EPD certification as a strong foundation, address the cadmium gap proactively, and unlock the potential of the Saudi market!