Chinese and international organic fertilizer standard comparison and risk assessment

China has a large population, daily life and manufacturing activities produce large quantities of organic waste. An efficient way to reduce organic waste pollution is by transforming it into organic fertilizer. Agricultural industry-standard NY 525-2012, established in 2012, is the only policy used to regulate organic fertilizers in China, but it is outdated. To improve the Chinese organic fertilizer standard system, we reviewed and analyzed the quality standards in Chinese, Japanese, Australian, European Union, and American organic fertilizers by comparing the organic matter, nutrient, and heavy metal concentrations and pathogen levels. The results showed that the Chinese organic fertilizer quality standard is stricter than that in the United States, but has disadvantages compared to the European Union. In China, there are no organic fertilizer limits for copper, zinc, and nickel, and some of the heavy metal limits (e.g., cadmium) are loose. Therefore, long-term application may lead to soil heavy metal contamination, risking crops. Additive and antibiotic overuse in the livestock and poultry industries, an organic fertilizer production technology shortage, missing scientific and professional guidance for farmers, and insufficient direction from relevant departments and agencies all increase the risks associated with organic fertilizer application in China. Improving the standard system, restricting heavy metals, antibiotics, and other toxic substances, and inspecting raw material batches before processing will support the quality and sustainable development of the organic fertilizer industry in China.