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Revitalizing Malawi’s Fertiliser Market: MBS Cracks Down on Non Compliance to Fuel Business Growth

Post was last updated: November 9, 2025

Key Business Points

  • The Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) has found that most fertilizers on the local market meet prescribed standards, but some cases of non-conformity have been detected, including underweight packaging and substandard nutrient levels.
  • MBS is working with partners to ensure that all fertilizers entering the market are safe and compliant, and has taken corrective and enforcement actions against non-conforming products.
  • Farmers and consumers are encouraged to report suspected cases of fertilizer adulteration through the MBS toll-free number 462, to help maintain sanity on the market and protect against substandard fertilisers.

The Malawi Bureau of Standards (MBS) has conducted market surveillance and spot checks, revealing that while most fertilizers on the local market meet prescribed standards, some cases of non-conformity have been detected. According to MBS director general Brenard Thole, the non-conformity issues include underweight packaging, fertilizer blends with substandard nutrient levels, poor labelling, and storage conditions, as well as products being sold without certification. To address these issues, MBS has taken corrective and enforcement actions, including product seizures, stop orders, and further investigations to trace the sources of non-conforming products.

MBS is committed to protecting farmers and consumers from substandard fertilizers, and is working with partners such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, Malawi Police Service, and other stakeholders to ensure that all fertilizers entering the market are safe and compliant. The Fertiliser Association of Malawi reports that Malawi’s annual fertilizer consumption is pegged at 400 000 metric tonnes, highlighting the importance of maintaining high standards in the industry.

The Consumers Association of Malawi has welcomed MBS’ action, citing the need for sanity on the market, particularly as the crop growing season approaches. Executive director John Kapito noted that many farmers are often duped into buying sub-standard fertilizers, and called upon MBS to enhance its surveillance to ensure that farmers are sold the right fertilizers. By reporting suspected cases of fertilizer adulteration through the MBS toll-free number 462, farmers and consumers can play a crucial role in maintaining kusenza bwino (good business practices) and protecting against zinthu zofula (substandard products). As the country’s agricultural sector continues to grow, it is essential for stakeholders to prioritize ukongwe (quality) and usowa (compliance) to ensure the success of Malawi’s farmers and economy.

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Vanessa Banda
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