HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1502.90 – Fats of bovine animals, sheep or goats; excluding tallow, and other than those of heading 1503
HS code 1502.90 is the 6-digit subheading for fats of bovine animals, sheep or goats, excluding tallow, and other than those of heading 1503. It is used for rendered sheep fat, rendered goat fat, bovine fat (non-tallow), industrial ovine fat and feed-grade caprine fat.
What HS 1502.90 covers
This HS code covers rendered fats from bovine animals, sheep, or goats, specifically *excluding* tallow and other processed fractions under 1503. This category typically includes fats that might not meet the specific definition or quality standards of tallow, or other rendered fats from these animals with distinct characteristics or uses. It's a niche but important segment of the animal fat trade, often used in specialized industrial applications, animal feed, or certain food products where a specific fat profile is required. Importers might be manufacturers of pet food, specialty chemicals, or animal feed. Exporters are generally countries with significant livestock industries. Key considerations include the source animal, rendering process, and the specific fatty acid composition, which can influence its suitability for various applications. The trade is driven by industrial demand and the availability of these specific rendered fats as byproducts.
- Covers
- Rendered sheep fat
- Rendered goat fat
- Bovine fat (non-tallow)
- Industrial ovine fat
- Feed-grade caprine fat
- Crude rendered ruminant fat
- Specialty bovine fat
- Examples
- Darling Ingredients rendered fats
- JBS USA specialty fats
- Tyson Foods animal fats
- Baker Commodities rendered ovine fat
- local abattoir rendered products
Codes often confused with 1502.90
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 150210 (tallow) if the distinction between "tallow" and other bovine fats is not clearly defined, or with 150300 if further fractionated, requiring careful attention to the specific fat type and processing.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 150290, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 150290 in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% 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 Malaysia $259M 39% of world exports
- 2 France $78M 12% of world exports
- 3 Brazil $75M 11% of world exports
World total: $669M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $102M 22% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $98M 21% of world imports
- 3 Philippines $40M 8.8% of world imports
World total: $456M 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.
Brazil NCM code for 1502.90
Brazil does not split HS 1502.90: its NCM code is 1502.90.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 15.02 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 1502.90
What is HS code 150290?
HS code 150290 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fats of bovine animals, sheep or goats; excluding tallow, and other than those of heading 1503. This HS code covers rendered fats from bovine animals, sheep, or goats, specifically *excluding* tallow and other processed fractions under 1503. This category typically includes fats that might not meet the specific definition or quality standards of tallow, or other rendered fats from these animals with distinct characteristics or uses. It's a niche but important segment of the animal fat trade, often used in specialized industrial applications, animal feed, or certain food products where a specific fat profile is required. Importers might be manufacturers of pet food, specialty chemicals, or animal feed. Exporters are generally countries with significant livestock industries. Key considerations include the source animal, rendering process, and the specific fatty acid composition, which can influence its suitability for various applications. The trade is driven by industrial demand and the availability of these specific rendered fats as byproducts.
What products fall under HS code 150290?
Rendered sheep fat, rendered goat fat, bovine fat (non-tallow), industrial ovine fat, feed-grade caprine fat, crude rendered ruminant fat, specialty bovine fat
What are common misclassifications for HS code 150290?
This code can be confused with 150210 (tallow) if the distinction between "tallow" and other bovine fats is not clearly defined, or with 150300 if further fractionated, requiring careful attention to the specific fat type and processing.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 150290?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 150290 in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($259M, 39% of world exports), France ($78M) and Brazil ($75M). World exports came to about $669M, 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 150290?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 150290 in UN Comtrade data were China ($102M, 22% of world imports), Malaysia ($98M) and the Philippines ($40M). World imports came to about $456M, 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 150290 structured?
HS code 150290 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (15) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 150290?
In Brazil, HS code 150290 is NCM 1502.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.