Technical buyer guide
Pesticide formulation codes explained
EC, SC, WG and similar codes identify how a pesticide product is formulated. They help buyers compare physical form and handling requirements, but they do not prove quality or registration status.
What a formulation code tells you
The code describes the formulation type supplied to the buyer: for example, a liquid concentrate, suspended particles, a powder or water-dispersible granules. The terminology below follows the official CIPAC formulation-code list. FAO registration guidance also treats formulation type and code as core product information.
Common formulation code directory
CodeOfficial nameBuyer-friendly explanation
- EC
- Emulsifiable concentrate
- A homogeneous liquid formulation applied after dilution as an emulsion.
- SC
- Suspension concentrate
- A stable suspension of active ingredient particles in a fluid, intended for dilution before use.
- SL
- Soluble concentrate
- A liquid formulation that forms a true solution after dilution in water.
- WP
- Wettable powder
- A powder formulation designed to form a suspension after dispersion in water.
- WG
- Water dispersible granule
- Granules designed to disintegrate and disperse in water before application.
- SP
- Water soluble powder
- A powder formulation intended to form a true solution in water.
- ME
- Micro-emulsion
- A clear to translucent liquid formulation that forms or is a micro-emulsion.
- OD
- Oil dispersion
- A stable suspension of active ingredient particles in an organic fluid.
- CS
- Capsule suspension
- A stable suspension of capsules containing active ingredient in a continuous fluid phase.
- FS
- Flowable concentrate for seed treatment
- A stable suspension intended for application to seed, as supplied or after dilution.
- DS
- Powder for dry seed treatment
- A powder intended for direct application to seed without water.
- ZC
- Mixed formulation of CS and SC
- A formulation combining capsule-suspension and suspension-concentrate components.
Information to include in an enquiry
- Active ingredient and required concentration.
- Formulation code and preferred pack size.
- Destination country and intended professional market.
- Required specification, SDS, COA or registration-support documents.
- Any transport, language or private-label requirements.
Verify before selection
Compare the full product identity and destination-market requirements rather than selecting by a two-letter code alone. Our official-source directory explains where to begin that verification.