Phosphorus (P2O5)	18% min
Calcium (Ca)	23% min
Fluorine (F)	0.18% max
Moisture	1.0% max
Water insoluble	1.0% max
Arsenic (As)	10 ppm max
Lead (Pb)	30 ppm max
Cadmium (Cd)	10 ppm max
Appearance	White to grey-white powder or granules
HS code	2835.25

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Product overview

Dicalcium phosphate (DCP) is a calcium phosphate salt produced by reacting phosphoric acid with limestone. At 18% P2O5 and 23% calcium, it serves two distinct export markets: compound feed mills formulating mineral premixes for dairy cattle, beef herds and small ruminants, and fertilizer distributors supplying phosphorus to acidic tropical and subtropical soils where aluminium fixation limits the efficiency of water-soluble grades.

Unlike monocalcium phosphate (MCP), DCP dissolves gradually in the rumen — a property valued by nutritionists who want sustained phosphorus availability across the full digestion cycle rather than a rapid spike. The elevated calcium fraction reduces the need for separate limestone in mineral blends, simplifying formulation for high-yield dairy operations in South Asia, East Africa and the Middle East.

Production origins include Black Sea and MENA phosphate complexes with integrated feed-phosphate lines. Fluorine is controlled to 0.18% maximum, meeting EU Regulation 2017/741 and equivalent feed-additive limits in major importing markets.

Loading ports & logistics

DCP moves as a free-flowing powder or granule in bulk holds or bagged lots. Moisture below 1.0% is critical for pneumatic discharge and to prevent caking during ocean transit in humid climates.

FOB loading at Black Sea ports (Novorossiysk, Taman) and MENA chemical terminals with bulk-handling infrastructure. Standard parcel sizes range from 500 MT (single-hold coaster) to 5,000 MT on handysize bulk carriers.

CFR/CIF deliveries to South Asia (Mumbai, Chittagong, Karachi), East Africa (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam) and Mediterranean feed-mill hubs. Bagged cargo (25 or 50 kg PP woven bags with PE liner, palletised) suits ports without bulk discharge equipment; vessel classes from 1,000 MT general cargo to 3,000 MT multipurpose.

Typical lead time 10–20 days from contract to loading window, subject to berth availability and bagging-line scheduling for packed lots.

Packaging & documentation

Bulk shipment in vessel holds with moisture barrier tarps, or in 25 kg / 50 kg PP woven bags with inner PE liner, palletised and stretch-wrapped. Each lot ships with a mill certificate of analysis (COA), commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin. Feed-grade consignments include a veterinary health certificate or free-sale certificate where the destination customs regime requires it. SDS per GHS is provided on request. Third-party inspection at loading (SGS, Bureau Veritas) available for LC-backed or first-time contracts.

FAQ

Why do dairy feed formulators choose DCP over MCP for phosphorus?

DCP's slower phosphorus release in the rumen matches the extended retention time of cattle and buffalo, reducing the risk of acute phosphorus spikes. The higher calcium content (23% vs 16% in MCP) also supports bone mineralisation in high-yield dairy herds without separate limestone supplementation.

On which soil types does DCP outperform water-soluble phosphates?

DCP performs best on strongly acidic soils (pH below 5.5) and lateritic profiles where aluminium and iron fix water-soluble P rapidly. Its calcium fraction buffers acidity while phosphorus becomes available as the soil pH rises toward neutral over the growing season.

What inspection and certification options are available for DCP cargoes?

Each shipment includes a mill COA confirming P2O5, Ca, fluorine and insoluble fractions. Veterinary health certificates are issued where destination feed regulations require them. SGS or Bureau Veritas pre-shipment inspection at the load port can be arranged for first-time buyers or LC-backed contracts.

DCP Feed Phosphate 18% P2O5 — Ruminant Mineral & Soil Grade

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