HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 15.01 – Pig fat (including lard) and poultry fat, other than that of heading 0209 or 1503
What HS 15.01 covers
Heading 1501 covers 'Pig fat (including lard) and poultry fat, other than that of heading 0209 or 1503.' This classification specifically targets rendered fats derived from pigs and various poultry species, such as chickens, ducks, and geese. The critical distinction lies in the rendering process, which involves melting fatty tissues to separate the fat from other components, resulting in a purified fat product. The 'other than' clause is paramount: it explicitly excludes unrendered pig fat (fat not separated from lean meat, often fresh, chilled, or frozen), which falls under heading 0209, and the more specific fractions of lard, such as lard stearin and lard oil, found in heading 1503. The scope of 1501 is therefore limited to the bulk, rendered fat itself, without further chemical modification or fractionation. Key sub-categories include rendered lard for culinary or industrial uses, and rendered chicken or duck fat used in food preparation or animal feed. For trade compliance, accurate classification under 1501 is essential due to strict food safety regulations, animal health certificates, and potential import quotas or duties that vary based on the type of fat and its intended use. This heading is a fundamental part of Chapter 15, which broadly covers animal or vegetable fats and oils, highlighting its role in distinguishing between raw animal fats and their more processed derivatives within the global supply chain. Historically, lard and poultry fats have been significant culinary staples and industrial raw materials for centuries, underscoring their continued importance in international trade.
- Covers
- Rendered pig fat
- Lard (rendered)
- Rendered chicken fat
- Rendered duck fat
- Rendered goose fat
- Rendered turkey fat
- Rendered poultry fat for animal feed
- Rendered pig fat for food processing
- Rendered poultry fat for industrial use
- Bulk lard for baking
- Refined lard
- Semi-refined lard
- Crude rendered pig fat
- Crude rendered poultry fat
- Rendered pig fat for soap making
- Rendered poultry fat for oleochemicals
- Rendered pig fat in bulk containers
- Rendered poultry fat in drums
- Rendered pig fat for shortening
- Rendered poultry fat for frying
- Rendered pig fat for confectionery
- Rendered poultry fat for pet food
- Rendered pig fat for cosmetics
- Rendered poultry fat for lubricants
- Rendered pig fat for biodiesel
- Examples
A food processor in Mexico imports large quantities of rendered lard from the United States, transported by truck, for use in traditional Mexican cuisine and baked goods, classifying it under 1501. A major animal feed manufacturer in the European Union sources rendered chicken fat in bulk from Brazil, shipped via ocean freight across the Atlantic, to incorporate into poultry feed formulations, accurately using HS 1501. A cosmetic company in Japan imports rendered duck fat from China, via sea routes, for use in certain skincare products, ensuring proper classification under 1501 for customs clearance. An industrial lubricant producer in Canada imports rendered pig fat from the Netherlands for specialized grease production.
Subheadings under 15.01 3
Codes often confused with 15.01
Common mistake. A common misclassification involves confusing 1501 with 0209, which covers unrendered pig fat, fresh, chilled, or frozen. The distinction is crucial: 1501 is for *rendered* fat, meaning the fat has been melted and separated. Another point of confusion is with 1503, which specifically covers fractions like lard stearin and lard oil. If the fat has been further fractionated, it moves to 1503. Traders might also mistakenly classify rendered fats as 'waste' under Chapter 23 if intended for animal feed, but 1501 is correct for the pure rendered fat itself. Ensuring the fat's state (rendered vs. unrendered) and degree of processing (whole fat vs. fractions) is key to correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 1501, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 1501 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 26% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $212M 22% of world exports
- 2 France $131M 14% of world exports
- 3 Poland $105M 11% of world exports
World total: $956M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $205M 26% of world imports
- 2 United States $131M 17% of world imports
- 3 Spain $70M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $788M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 15.01
What is HS code 1501?
HS code 1501 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Pig fat (including lard) and poultry fat, other than that of heading 0209 or 1503. Heading 1501 covers 'Pig fat (including lard) and poultry fat, other than that of heading 0209 or 1503.' This classification specifically targets rendered fats derived from pigs and various poultry species, such as chickens, ducks, and geese. The critical distinction lies in the rendering process, which involves melting fatty tissues to separate the fat from other components, resulting in a purified fat product. The 'other than' clause is paramount: it explicitly excludes unrendered pig fat (fat not separated from lean meat, often fresh, chilled, or frozen), which falls under heading 0209, and the more specific fractions of lard, such as lard stearin and lard oil, found in heading 1503. The scope of 1501 is therefore limited to the bulk, rendered fat itself, without further chemical modification or fractionation. Key sub-categories include rendered lard for culinary or industrial uses, and rendered chicken or duck fat used in food preparation or animal feed. For trade compliance, accurate classification under 1501 is essential due to strict food safety regulations, animal health certificates, and potential import quotas or duties that vary based on the type of fat and its intended use. This heading is a fundamental part of Chapter 15, which broadly covers animal or vegetable fats and oils, highlighting its role in distinguishing between raw animal fats and their more processed derivatives within the global supply chain. Historically, lard and poultry fats have been significant culinary staples and industrial raw materials for centuries, underscoring their continued importance in international trade.
What products fall under HS code 1501?
Rendered pig fat, Lard (rendered), Rendered chicken fat, Rendered duck fat, Rendered goose fat, Rendered turkey fat, Rendered poultry fat for animal feed, Rendered pig fat for food processing, Rendered poultry fat for industrial use, Bulk lard for baking, Refined lard, Semi-refined lard, Crude rendered pig fat, Crude rendered poultry fat, Rendered pig fat for soap making, Rendered poultry fat for oleochemicals, Rendered pig fat in bulk containers, Rendered poultry fat in drums, Rendered pig fat for shortening, Rendered poultry fat for frying, Rendered pig fat for confectionery, Rendered poultry fat for pet food, Rendered pig fat for cosmetics, Rendered poultry fat for lubricants, Rendered pig fat for biodiesel
What are common misclassifications for HS code 1501?
A common misclassification involves confusing 1501 with 0209, which covers unrendered pig fat, fresh, chilled, or frozen. The distinction is crucial: 1501 is for *rendered* fat, meaning the fat has been melted and separated. Another point of confusion is with 1503, which specifically covers fractions like lard stearin and lard oil. If the fat has been further fractionated, it moves to 1503. Traders might also mistakenly classify rendered fats as 'waste' under Chapter 23 if intended for animal feed, but 1501 is correct for the pure rendered fat itself. Ensuring the fat's state (rendered vs. unrendered) and degree of processing (whole fat vs. fractions) is key to correct classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 1501?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 1501 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($212M, 22% of world exports), France ($131M) and Poland ($105M). World exports came to about $956M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 1501?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 1501 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($205M, 26% of world imports), the United States ($131M) and Spain ($70M). World imports came to about $788M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 1501 structured?
HS code 1501 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 15 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (15) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (01) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.