FprEN 17762
(Main)Inorganic fertilizers - Determination of the copper content in ammonium nitrate fertilizers of high nitrogen content
- Abstract
This document specifies a method for the determination of the copper content in ammonium nitrate fertilizers of high nitrogen content.
This document is applicable to the fertilizing products blends where a blend is a mix of at least two of the following components: fertilizers, liming materials, soil improvers, growing media, inhibitors, plant biostimulants, and where the following category: inorganic fertilizers is the highest % in the blend by mass or volume, or in the case of liquid form by dry mass. If inorganic fertilizer is not the highest % in the blend, the European Standard for the highest % of the blend applies. In case a fertilizing product blend is composed of components in equal quantity, the user decides which standard to apply. Variations in analytical methods for fertilizing product blends can lead to differing results as some components or matrix interactions can affect the outcome. Validation procedures have shown that developed standard methods are robust and reliable across diverse product compositions, but possible interferences and unexpected results when analysing fertilizing product blends are possible.
- Status
- Not Published
- Publication Date
- 03-Feb-2027
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 260 - Fertilizers and liming materials
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 260/WG 7 - Chemical analysis
- Current Stage
- 5020 - Submission to Vote - Formal Approval
- Start Date
- 15-Oct-2026
- Due Date
- 09-Nov-2027
- Completion Date
- 15-Oct-2026
FprEN 17762 is a CEN document for determining copper in ammonium nitrate fertilizers of high nitrogen content. It specifies a laboratory method based on dissolving the sample in dilute hydrochloric acid and measuring copper by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) or inductive coupled plasma - optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). It is also intended for certain fertilizing product blends when inorganic fertilizers are the main component by mass, volume, or dry mass for liquids.
What does FprEN 17762 specify?
FprEN 17762 specifies one analytical method for copper in ammonium nitrate fertilizers of high nitrogen content. It also sets the framework for how the sample is prepared, measured, reported, and checked for precision.
The document is organized into clauses for scope, references, terms, principle, reagents, apparatus, sampling and sample preparation, procedure, expression of results, precision, and test report. It has one informative annex that summarizes the inter-laboratory study.
| Annex | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Annex A | Results of the inter-laboratory study and statistical precision data |
The scope also matters for blends: when a fertilizing product blend contains at least two components, the standard applies when inorganic fertilizers are the highest share. If another component class is highest, the European Standard for that highest share applies. If the components are in equal quantity, the user chooses which standard to apply.
What are the key requirements of FprEN 17762?
FprEN 17762 requires the sample to be dissolved in dilute hydrochloric acid and the copper to be measured by AAS or ICP-OES. In practice, this means the laboratory can use one of two instrumental routes, but must follow the same preparation and calculation logic.
Reagents and calibration
FprEN 17762 requires analytical-grade reagents, distilled or demineralized water with very low conductivity, and copper stock and standard solutions prepared or handled as stated in Clause 5. This matters because trace copper work is sensitive to contamination and calibration errors.
The calibration solutions are prepared from the copper standard solution and must cover the working range of the instrument. The standards are matrix-matched with ammonium nitrate, which helps reduce errors from the fertilizer matrix.
Apparatus and measurement
FprEN 17762 calls for an atomic absorption spectrophotometer with a copper lamp at 324,8 nm or an ICP-OES instrument, plus a balance, glassware, and copper-free filter paper. The method uses the instrument that is available, but the wavelength and measurement setup must suit copper.
Sampling, sample preparation, and blanks
FprEN 17762 does not define sampling itself and points to EN 1482-2 for sample preparation. The laboratory needs a representative sample that has not been altered during transport or storage. A blank solution is prepared without the sample and used in the final calculation.
Procedure and result
FprEN 17762 uses a digestion and dilution sequence before measurement, then measures both sample and blank against the calibration curve. The sample result is expressed in mg/kg and corrected for test portion mass, dilutions, and the blank value.
Precision and reporting
FprEN 17762 includes repeatability and reproducibility limits and notes that very low copper levels may need spiking near the limit of quantification (LoQ) to confirm reliability. The test report must identify the sample, state whether AAS or ICP-OES was used, give the result in mg/kg, and record relevant dates and any non-standard operating details.
What terms does FprEN 17762 define?
FprEN 17762 uses the terms from prEN 12944-1 and prEN 12944-2 and relies on several analytical terms in the method.
- Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) - an instrumental method that measures copper by absorption at 324,8 nm with a copper lamp.
- Inductive coupled plasma - optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) - an alternative instrumental method that measures copper emission at the selected wavelength.
- Blank solution - a solution prepared without sample so the laboratory can correct for reagent and preparation contributions.
- Calibration curve - the instrument response built from standard solutions and used to determine copper in the sample.
- Repeatability - the closeness of results obtained in the same laboratory under the same conditions.
- Reproducibility - the closeness of results obtained in different laboratories under different conditions.
- Limit of quantification (LoQ) - the level near which the method may need extra verification by spiking before results are trusted.
Who uses FprEN 17762?
FprEN 17762 is used by fertilizer testing laboratories, quality control teams, manufacturers of ammonium nitrate fertilizers, and laboratories that test fertilizing product blends. It is relevant for routine product release, incoming inspection, dispute testing, and documentation of copper content in blends where inorganic fertilizer is the dominant component.
What changed in FprEN 17762 from the previous edition?
FprEN 17762 will supersede CEN/TS 17762:2022. The stated changes are the move from Technical Specification to European Standard, updated scope and normative references, added water characteristics, added copper solution concentrations, updated sampling and sample preparation, updated measurement, and the addition of Clause 10 on precision and Annex A on inter-laboratory study results.
Which standards are used with FprEN 17762?
FprEN 17762 refers to EN 1482-2 for sample preparation and to prEN 12944-1 and prEN 12944-2 for the vocabulary used in the document. It also cites EN 1482-1 as the recommended sampling method and ISO 5725-1 and ISO 5725-2 for the precision calculations used in the inter-laboratory study.
What does the FprEN 17762 document contain?
FprEN 17762 contains the reagents list, apparatus list, sampling and sample preparation steps, the full analytical procedure, and the calculation and reporting rules. It also includes precision guidance and Table 1 with repeatability and reproducibility limits for two test samples. Annex A adds the inter-laboratory study summary and statistical results, including the supporting Table A.1.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2024
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Frequently Asked Questions
FprEN 17762 is a draft published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Inorganic fertilizers - Determination of the copper content in ammonium nitrate fertilizers of high nitrogen content". This standard covers: This document specifies a method for the determination of the copper content in ammonium nitrate fertilizers of high nitrogen content. This document is applicable to the fertilizing products blends where a blend is a mix of at least two of the following components: fertilizers, liming materials, soil improvers, growing media, inhibitors, plant biostimulants, and where the following category: inorganic fertilizers is the highest % in the blend by mass or volume, or in the case of liquid form by dry mass. If inorganic fertilizer is not the highest % in the blend, the European Standard for the highest % of the blend applies. In case a fertilizing product blend is composed of components in equal quantity, the user decides which standard to apply. Variations in analytical methods for fertilizing product blends can lead to differing results as some components or matrix interactions can affect the outcome. Validation procedures have shown that developed standard methods are robust and reliable across diverse product compositions, but possible interferences and unexpected results when analysing fertilizing product blends are possible.
This document specifies a method for the determination of the copper content in ammonium nitrate fertilizers of high nitrogen content. This document is applicable to the fertilizing products blends where a blend is a mix of at least two of the following components: fertilizers, liming materials, soil improvers, growing media, inhibitors, plant biostimulants, and where the following category: inorganic fertilizers is the highest % in the blend by mass or volume, or in the case of liquid form by dry mass. If inorganic fertilizer is not the highest % in the blend, the European Standard for the highest % of the blend applies. In case a fertilizing product blend is composed of components in equal quantity, the user decides which standard to apply. Variations in analytical methods for fertilizing product blends can lead to differing results as some components or matrix interactions can affect the outcome. Validation procedures have shown that developed standard methods are robust and reliable across diverse product compositions, but possible interferences and unexpected results when analysing fertilizing product blends are possible.
FprEN 17762 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 65.080 - Fertilizers. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
FprEN 17762 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to CEN/TS 17762:2022. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
FprEN 17762 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2019/1009; Standardization Mandates: M/564, M/564 Amd 1, M/564 Amd 2. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
FprEN 17762 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2026
Anorganska gnojila - Določanje bakra v gnojilih iz amonijevega nitrata z veliko
vsebnostjo dušika
Inorganic fertilizers - Determination of the copper content in ammonium nitrate fertilizers
of high nitrogen content
Anorganische Düngemittel - Bestimmung des Kupfergehaltes in
Ammoniumnitratdüngemitteln mit hohem Stickstoffgehalt
Engrais inorganiques - Détermination de la teneur en cuivre dans les engrais à base de
nitrate d'ammonium et à forte teneur en azote
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 17762
ICS:
65.080 Gnojila Fertilizers
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 17762
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
March 2026
ICS 65.080 Will supersede CEN/TS 17762:2022
English Version
Inorganic fertilizers - Determination of the copper content
in ammonium nitrate fertilizers of high nitrogen content
Engrais inorganiques - Détermination de la teneur en Anorganische Düngemittel - Bestimmung des
cuivre dans les engrais à base de nitrate d'ammonium Kupfergehaltes in Ammoniumnitratdüngemitteln mit
et à forte teneur en azote hohem Stickstoffgehalt
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 260.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.
Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 17762:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
prEN 17762:2026 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 4
4 Principle . 4
5 Reagents . 4
6 Apparatus and equipment . 5
6.1 Atomic absorption spectrophotometer . 5
6.2 Balance . 5
6.3 Beaker, . 5
6.4 Graduated flask . 5
6.5 Copper-free filter paper . 5
7 Sampling and sample preparation . 5
7.1 Sampling . 5
7.2 Sample preparation . 5
8 Procedure . 5
8.1 Preparation of the solution for analysis . 6
8.2 Blank solution . 6
8.3 Determination . 6
8.3.1 Preparation of sample and blank solutions . 6
8.3.2 Preparation of the calibration solutions . 6
8.4 Measurement . 6
9 Expression of the results . 6
10 Precision . 6
10.1 Inter-laboratory study . 6
10.2 Repeatability . 7
10.3 Reproducibility . 7
11 Test report . 7
Annex A (informative) Results of the inter-laboratory study . 8
A.1 Inter-laboratory study . 8
A.2 Statistical results . 8
Bibliography . 10
prEN 17762:2026 (E)
European foreword
This document (prEN 17762:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 260 “Fertilizers
and liming materials”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This document is currently submitted to CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede CEN/TS 17762:2022.
prEN 17762:2026 includes the following significant technical changes with respect to
CEN/TS 17762:2022:
a) the CEN Technical Specification has been adopted as a European Standard;
b) update of Scope (Clause 1);
c) update of Normative References (Clause 2);
d) characteristics of distilled water have been added (5.1);
e) concentration of copper solutions have been added (5.7 and 5.8);
f) Sampling and sample preparation (Clause 7) has been updated.
g) the measurement (8.4) has been updated;
h) Clause 10 (Precision) and Annex A including results of inter-laboratory study added;
i) update of Bibliography.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CEN by the European
Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these requests for its
Member States.
prEN 17762:2026 (E)
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for the determination of the copper content in ammonium nitrate
fertilizers of high nitrogen content.
This document is applicable to the fertilizing products blends where a blend is a mix of at least two of the
following components: fertilizers, liming materials, soil improvers, growing media, inhibitors, plant
biostimulants, and where the following category: inorganic fertilizers is the highest % in the blend by
mass or volume, or in the case of liquid form by dry mass. If inorganic fertilizer is not the highest % in the
blend, the European Standard for the highest % of the blend applies. In case a fertilizing product blend is
composed of components in equal quantity, the user decides which standard to apply. Variations in
analytical methods for fertilizing product blends can lead to differing results as some components or
matrix interactions can affect the outcome. Validation procedures have shown that developed standard
methods are robust and reliable across diverse product compositions, but possible interferences and
unexpected results when analysing fertilizing product blends are possible.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 1482-2, Fertilizers
...