In order to explore a simple and rapid method for determination of heavy metals in fertilizers, the application of portable X-ray Fluorescence (PXRF) for determination of As, Pb, Cu, Zn and Cr in fertilizers from typical greenhouse vegetable production areas in China was evaluated. The concentrations of the selected heavy metals determined by PXRF and conventional laboratory analysis were compared to verify its feasibility. The results showed that 1) The relative standard deviation and relative error between the PXRF measured values and the values of the standard materials were less than 10%, with the good precision and accuracy. 2) The determined limits of heavy metals in fertilizers using PXRF were lower than relative standard values. When the heavy metal contents were above the detection limits, the values of As, Pb, Cu, Zn and Cr in organic fertilizers and inorganic fertilizers detected by PXRF and laboratory analysis had significant correlations, with the R² between 0.70 and 0.99. 3) The cost of PXRF is only 10% – 20% of conventional laboratory analysis, with no pretreatment time and the cost of laboratory analysis. In general, PXRF is a valuable tool for rapid detection of heavy metals in fertilizers and identification of the fertilizers with the heavy metals exceeded the relative quality standards.