What is the HS code for refined sunflower oil?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
HS-2 · Chapter 15
HS chapter 15: Animal or vegetable fats and oils
Section II — Vegetable products
Goods classified under this chapter include animal, vegetable, or microbial fats and oils, such as lard, olive oil, and palm oil. For example, if you're importing 100 liters of refined sunflower oil, you'll need to determine the correct HS code based on its specific characteristics.
To find the right HS-4 code, start by identifying the type of fat or oil you have. Check the product's source (animal or vegetable) and its refining status. For instance, if your product is a refined soya-bean oil, you would look at heading 1507. If it’s unrefined, you might need to explore other headings.
Next, drill down to HS-6 by examining the product's specific attributes and uses. For example, if you have an edible mixture of fats, you may need to refer to heading 1517. Be aware that similar products can be listed under different headings, so carefully review the notes and definitions provided in the chapter.
Terms & reference phrasing
These are common trade terms used for this chapter. Use them as context, not as a substitute for legal wording.
animal fats · vegetable oils · microbial oils · refined oils · unrefined fats · glycerol · margarine · plant-based oils · edible fats · waxes · fatty substances · palm oil · coconut oil · sunflower oil · lard · olive oil
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Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- how to classify vegetable oils for import
- determining HS codes for animal fats
- requirements for exporting edible oils
- understanding HS classification for fats
- choosing the right HS-4 code for oils
- difference between animal and vegetable fats in HS
- import regulations for refined oils
- packaging standards for exporting fats and oils
Examples & common questions
Example products reflect typical trade descriptions. The questions below mirror practical doubts teams raise during filing.
Example products
- Refined sunflower oil in bulk containers
- Lard for food production
- Olive oil in glass bottles for retail
- Coconut oil for cosmetic use
- Animal fats for industrial applications
- Vegetable waxes for candle making
- Glycerol for pharmaceutical formulations
- Margarine for bakery products
Common classification questions
How to classify animal fats for export?
Confirm composition, processing stage, and end-use in your documents before mapping to country digits.
What are the requirements for importing vegetable oils?
Confirm composition, processing stage, and end-use in your documents before mapping to country digits.
Is lard classified under animal fats or oils?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
How do I determine the HS-4 code for my product?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
What is the difference between refined and unrefined oils?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of products fall under HS Chapter 15?
- HS Chapter 15 includes animal, vegetable, and microbial fats and oils, as well as their fractions and prepared edible fats.
- How do I classify a product that contains both animal and vegetable fats?
- You will need to determine the predominant type of fat or oil and refer to the relevant HS-4 heading based on that classification.
- Can I import unrefined oils without special permits?
- Import regulations can vary by country, so check with your local customs authority to see if any permits or certifications are required for unrefined oils.
- What should I check if my product is a mixture of different oils?
- Examine the proportions of each oil in the mixture and refer to the headings that cover those specific oils to determine the appropriate HS code.
- Are there specific labeling requirements for exporting fats and oils?
- Yes, labeling requirements can vary by destination country, so ensure you comply with local regulations regarding ingredient disclosure and product information.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 15 (21)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
1501
Pig fat (including lard) and poultry fat, other than that of heading 0209 or 1503
1502
Fats of bovine animals, sheep or goats, other than those of heading 1503
1503
Lard stearin, lard oil, oleostearin, oleo-oil and tallow oil; not emulsified or mixed or otherwise prepared
1504
Fats and oils and their fractions of fish or marine mammals; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified
1505
Wool grease and fatty substances derived therefrom (including lanolin)
1506
Animal fats and oils and their fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified, n.e.c. in chapter 15
1507
Soya-bean oil and its fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified
1508
Ground nut oil and its fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified
1509
Olive oil and its fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified
1510
Vegetable oils; oils and their fractions n.e.c. in chapter 15, obtained solely from olives, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified, including blends of these oils or fractions with oils or fractions of heading no. 1509
1511
Palm oil and its fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified
1512
Sun-flower seed, safflower or cotton-seed oil and their fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified
1513
Coconut (copra), palm kernel or babassu oil and their fractions; whether or not refined but not chemically modified
1514
Rape, colza or mustard oil and their fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified
1515
Fixed vegetable or microbial fats and oils n.e.c. in chapter 15 (including jojoba oil) and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified
1516
Animal, vegetable or microbial fats and oils and their fractions, partly or wholly hydrogenated, inter-esterified, re-esterified or elaidinised, whether or not refined, but not further prepared
1517
Margarine; edible mixtures or preparations of animal, vegetable or microbial fats or oils or of fractions of different fats or oils of this Chapter, other than edible fats and oils or their fractions of heading 15.16
1518
Animal, vegetable or microbial fats, oils and their fractions; boiled, oxidised, dehydrated or otherwise chemically modified, excluding those of heading no. 1516, inedible mixtures or preparations of fats, oils or their fractions, n.e.c. in chapter 15
1520
Glycerol, crude; glycerol waters and glycerol lyes
1521
Vegetable waxes (other than triglycerides), beeswax, other insect waxes and spermaceti; whether or not refined or coloured
1522
Degras; residues resulting from the treatment of fatty substances or animal or vegetable waxes
Browse first heading (HS-4 1501)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (1501). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.