About HS Code 1504
Heading 1504 covers 'Fats and oils and their fractions of fish or marine mammals; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.' This classification encompasses a broad range of fats and oils derived from aquatic sources, including various species of fish (e.g., cod, tuna, salmon, anchovy) and marine mammals (e.g., whales, seals). The critical condition for inclusion here is that these fats and oils, while they may be refined (e.g., filtered, deodorized, bleached), must *not be chemically modified*. This distinction is crucial, as it excludes products that have undergone processes like hydrogenation, interesterification, or transesterification, which would typically fall under heading 1516. The scope includes both crude and refined fish oils, such as cod liver oil, and their fractions, which are often rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. These products are widely used in dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, animal feed (aquaculture), and various industrial applications. For trade compliance, accurate classification under 1504 is paramount due to stringent food safety and pharmaceutical regulations, environmental protection laws (especially for marine mammal products), and potential import duties or quotas. Misclassification can lead to significant penalties, product recalls, or denial of entry. This heading is a vital component of Chapter 15, which categorizes animal or vegetable fats and oils, providing a specific home for these aquatic-sourced lipids and reflecting their unique composition and diverse applications in global commerce. The historical significance of fish oils, particularly cod liver oil, as nutritional supplements underscores their long-standing importance.
Products Under This Code
Crude fish oil, Refined fish oil, Cod liver oil, Tuna oil, Salmon oil, Anchovy oil, Sardine oil, Herring oil, Shark liver oil, Fish oil rich in Omega-3 (not chemically modified), Fish oil for aquaculture feed, Fish oil for pharmaceutical use, Fish oil for dietary supplements, Whale oil, Seal oil, Marine mammal oil, Fish oil fractions (not chemically modified), Purified fish oil, Deodorized fish oil, Bleached fish oil, Fish oil for industrial use, Fish oil for pet food, Fish oil for cosmetics, Menhaden oil, Capelin oil, Krill oil (oil only), Liver oil of other fish
Real World Examples
A dietary supplement company in Japan imports high-purity, refined fish oil, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, from Norway, transported via ocean freight, for encapsulation into health supplements, classifying it under 1504. An aquaculture farm in the European Union sources crude fish oil in bulk from Peru, shipped across the Atlantic, to incorporate into fish feed for farmed salmon, accurately using HS 1504. A pharmaceutical company in the United States imports cod liver oil from Iceland for medicinal purposes, with the goods traveling across the Atlantic, ensuring correct classification under 1504. A cosmetic manufacturer in South Korea imports tuna oil from Spain for skincare products.
Common Misclassification
Common misclassifications for 1504 include confusing it with chemically modified fats of heading 1516 (e.g., hydrogenated fish oil). The key distinction is 'not chemically modified'; if the oil has undergone hydrogenation or similar chemical alteration, it shifts to 1516. Another point of confusion is with prepared animal feed of 2309, especially if fish oil is a component. However, 1504 is for the *oil itself*, not a feed *preparation*. Traders might also mistakenly classify specific fatty acids derived from fish oil under Chapter 29 (e.g., pure EPA or DHA), but 1504 is for the oil or its non-chemically modified fractions. Always verify the degree of modification and the product's primary form.
Subheadings 3
Industry
This code belongs to the Food & Beverages industry.
Trade Overview
Major exporters of fish and marine mammal fats and oils under 1504 include leading fishing nations such as Peru, Norway, Chile, Iceland, and the United States. Key importers are countries with significant aquaculture, pharmaceutical, and dietary supplement industries, including the European Union, China, Japan, and North America. Trade in these products is subject to stringent regulations, including CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) for marine mammal products, food safety standards for human consumption, and traceability requirements. Preferential tariff rates under various free trade agreements can influence trade flows, but compliance with non-tariff barriers related to health and environmental protection is often the most critical factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 1504?
HS code 1504 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fats and oils and their fractions of fish or marine mammals; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. Heading 1504 covers 'Fats and oils and their fractions of fish or marine mammals; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.' This classification encompasses a broad range of fats and oils derived from aquatic sources, including various species of fish (e.g., cod, tuna, salmon, anchovy) and marine mammals (e.g., whales, seals). The critical condition for inclusion here is that these fats and oils, while they may be refined (e.g., filtered, deodorized, bleached), must *not be chemically modified*. This distinction is crucial, as it excludes products that have undergone processes like hydrogenation, interesterification, or transesterification, which would typically fall under heading 1516. The scope includes both crude and refined fish oils, such as cod liver oil, and their fractions, which are often rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. These products are widely used in dietary supplements, pharmaceuticals, animal feed (aquaculture), and various industrial applications. For trade compliance, accurate classification under 1504 is paramount due to stringent food safety and pharmaceutical regulations, environmental protection laws (especially for marine mammal products), and potential import duties or quotas. Misclassification can lead to significant penalties, product recalls, or denial of entry. This heading is a vital component of Chapter 15, which categorizes animal or vegetable fats and oils, providing a specific home for these aquatic-sourced lipids and reflecting their unique composition and diverse applications in global commerce. The historical significance of fish oils, particularly cod liver oil, as nutritional supplements underscores their long-standing importance.
What products fall under HS code 1504?
Crude fish oil, Refined fish oil, Cod liver oil, Tuna oil, Salmon oil, Anchovy oil, Sardine oil, Herring oil, Shark liver oil, Fish oil rich in Omega-3 (not chemically modified), Fish oil for aquaculture feed, Fish oil for pharmaceutical use, Fish oil for dietary supplements, Whale oil, Seal oil, Marine mammal oil, Fish oil fractions (not chemically modified), Purified fish oil, Deodorized fish oil, Bleached fish oil, Fish oil for industrial use, Fish oil for pet food, Fish oil for cosmetics, Menhaden oil, Capelin oil, Krill oil (oil only), Liver oil of other fish
What are common misclassifications for HS code 1504?
Common misclassifications for 1504 include confusing it with chemically modified fats of heading 1516 (e.g., hydrogenated fish oil). The key distinction is 'not chemically modified'; if the oil has undergone hydrogenation or similar chemical alteration, it shifts to 1516. Another point of confusion is with prepared animal feed of 2309, especially if fish oil is a component. However, 1504 is for the *oil itself*, not a feed *preparation*. Traders might also mistakenly classify specific fatty acids derived from fish oil under Chapter 29 (e.g., pure EPA or DHA), but 1504 is for the oil or its non-chemically modified fractions. Always verify the degree of modification and the product's primary form.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 1504?
Major exporters of fish and marine mammal fats and oils under 1504 include leading fishing nations such as Peru, Norway, Chile, Iceland, and the United States. Key importers are countries with significant aquaculture, pharmaceutical, and dietary supplement industries, including the European Union, China, Japan, and North America. Trade in these products is subject to stringent regulations, including CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) for marine mammal products, food safety standards for human consumption, and traceability requirements. Preferential tariff rates under various free trade agreements can influence trade flows, but compliance with non-tariff barriers related to health and environmental protection is often the most critical factor.
How is HS code 1504 structured?
HS code 1504 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 15 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (15) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.