HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 15.03 – Lard stearin, lard oil, oleostearin, oleo-oil and tallow oil; not emulsified or mixed or otherwise prepared
What HS 15.03 covers
Heading 1503 is highly specific, covering 'Lard stearin, lard oil, oleostearin, oleo-oil and tallow oil; not emulsified or mixed or otherwise prepared.' This classification is dedicated to distinct fractions derived from lard and tallow through processes like pressing, crystallization, or solvent extraction, which separate the fats into components with different melting points. Lard stearin and lard oil are fractions of pig fat (lard), while oleostearin, oleo-oil, and tallow oil are fractions of bovine or other ruminant fats (tallow). The crucial limiting phrase 'not emulsified or mixed or otherwise prepared' is paramount; it means these products are in their raw, separated fractional form, without any further blending, hydrogenation, or chemical modification that would transform them into edible fat preparations (like margarine) or other chemically altered products. These fractions serve as intermediate products in various industries. For trade compliance, precise classification under 1503 is critical to distinguish them from the whole rendered fats of 1501 and 1502, and from finished edible fat preparations of 1517 or chemically modified fats of 1516. Misclassification can lead to incorrect duty rates, regulatory non-compliance, and customs delays. This heading clarifies the specific stage of processing for these animal fat derivatives within Chapter 15 (Animal or vegetable fats and oils), reflecting the increasing sophistication of the fats and oils industry to create specialized ingredients for diverse applications, from food to industrial uses.
- Covers
- Lard stearin
- Lard oil
- Oleostearin
- Oleo-oil
- Tallow oil
- Pig fat stearin
- Pig fat oil
- Bovine fat stearin
- Bovine fat oil
- Sheep fat stearin
- Goat fat stearin
- Rendered lard fractions
- Rendered tallow fractions
- Pressed lard oil
- Crystallized lard stearin
- Cold-pressed oleo-oil
- Solvent-extracted tallow oil
- Lard fractions for baking
- Tallow fractions for confectionery
- Oleostearin for shortening
- Oleo-oil for margarine
- Tallow oil for lubricants
- Lard stearin for cosmetics
- Oleostearin for candles
- Tallow oil for biodiesel
- Examples
A pastry manufacturer in the United States imports lard stearin from the European Union, shipped across the Atlantic, for use in creating flaky pie crusts and pastries, classifying it under 1503. A margarine producer in China sources oleo-oil from Argentina, transported via ocean freight, as a key ingredient for their products, accurately using HS 1503 for customs declarations. An industrial lubricant company in India imports tallow oil from Brazil, shipped through the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, for specialized grease formulations, ensuring correct classification under 1503. A cosmetics firm in Japan imports lard oil from the Netherlands for moisturizing creams.
Subheadings under 15.03 1
Codes often confused with 15.03
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for 1503 involve confusing these specific fractions with the whole, rendered fats of their origin (1501 for lard, 1502 for tallow). The key differentiator is that 1503 covers *fractions* (e.g., stearin, oil) that have been separated. Another frequent error is classifying these products under 1517 (margarine, prepared edible fats) or 1516 (chemically modified fats). The crucial phrase 'not emulsified or mixed or otherwise prepared' in 1503 means that if the product has been blended, hydrogenated, or otherwise combined, it moves out of this heading. Understanding the degree of separation and subsequent processing is vital for accurate classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 1503, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 1503 in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 38% 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 United Kingdom $185M 58% of world exports
- 2 Ireland $61M 19% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $39M 12% of world exports
World total: $316M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $48M 38% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $41M 33% of world imports
- 3 Ireland $16M 13% of world imports
World total: $126M 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 15.03
What is HS code 1503?
HS code 1503 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lard stearin, lard oil, oleostearin, oleo-oil and tallow oil; not emulsified or mixed or otherwise prepared. Heading 1503 is highly specific, covering 'Lard stearin, lard oil, oleostearin, oleo-oil and tallow oil; not emulsified or mixed or otherwise prepared.' This classification is dedicated to distinct fractions derived from lard and tallow through processes like pressing, crystallization, or solvent extraction, which separate the fats into components with different melting points. Lard stearin and lard oil are fractions of pig fat (lard), while oleostearin, oleo-oil, and tallow oil are fractions of bovine or other ruminant fats (tallow). The crucial limiting phrase 'not emulsified or mixed or otherwise prepared' is paramount; it means these products are in their raw, separated fractional form, without any further blending, hydrogenation, or chemical modification that would transform them into edible fat preparations (like margarine) or other chemically altered products. These fractions serve as intermediate products in various industries. For trade compliance, precise classification under 1503 is critical to distinguish them from the whole rendered fats of 1501 and 1502, and from finished edible fat preparations of 1517 or chemically modified fats of 1516. Misclassification can lead to incorrect duty rates, regulatory non-compliance, and customs delays. This heading clarifies the specific stage of processing for these animal fat derivatives within Chapter 15 (Animal or vegetable fats and oils), reflecting the increasing sophistication of the fats and oils industry to create specialized ingredients for diverse applications, from food to industrial uses.
What products fall under HS code 1503?
Lard stearin, Lard oil, Oleostearin, Oleo-oil, Tallow oil, Pig fat stearin, Pig fat oil, Bovine fat stearin, Bovine fat oil, Sheep fat stearin, Goat fat stearin, Rendered lard fractions, Rendered tallow fractions, Pressed lard oil, Crystallized lard stearin, Cold-pressed oleo-oil, Solvent-extracted tallow oil, Lard fractions for baking, Tallow fractions for confectionery, Oleostearin for shortening, Oleo-oil for margarine, Tallow oil for lubricants, Lard stearin for cosmetics, Oleostearin for candles, Tallow oil for biodiesel
What are common misclassifications for HS code 1503?
Common misclassifications for 1503 involve confusing these specific fractions with the whole, rendered fats of their origin (1501 for lard, 1502 for tallow). The key differentiator is that 1503 covers *fractions* (e.g., stearin, oil) that have been separated. Another frequent error is classifying these products under 1517 (margarine, prepared edible fats) or 1516 (chemically modified fats). The crucial phrase 'not emulsified or mixed or otherwise prepared' in 1503 means that if the product has been blended, hydrogenated, or otherwise combined, it moves out of this heading. Understanding the degree of separation and subsequent processing is vital for accurate classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 1503?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 1503 in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($185M, 58% of world exports), Ireland ($61M) and Belgium ($39M). World exports came to about $316M, 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 1503?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 1503 in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($48M, 38% of world imports), the Netherlands ($41M) and Ireland ($16M). World imports came to about $126M, 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 1503 structured?
HS code 1503 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 15 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (15) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (03) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.