HS Code Subheading

Wool grease and fatty substances derived therefrom (including lanolin)

1505.00 Subheading
Section III — Animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products; prepared edible fats; animal or vegetable waxes

About HS Code 150500

This HS code covers wool grease and fatty substances derived therefrom, including lanolin, a natural wax extracted from sheep's wool. Lanolin is a highly valued commodity in international trade due to its unique emollient, protective, and emulsifying properties, making it indispensable across various industries. Major wool-producing nations like Australia, New Zealand, and China are significant exporters of crude wool grease, which is then processed into refined lanolin and its derivatives. Importers include pharmaceutical companies (for ointments, creams), cosmetic manufacturers (for lotions, lip balms), and industrial sectors (for lubricants, rust preventatives) primarily in North America, Europe, and Japan. The trade emphasizes purity, specific grades (e.g., pharmaceutical, cosmetic), and compliance with regulatory standards. Market dynamics are influenced by global wool production, demand from end-user industries, and advancements in purification technologies, making it a specialized but essential raw material.

Products Under This Code

Crude wool grease, anhydrous lanolin, lanolin alcohols, lanolin derivatives, pharmaceutical-grade lanolin, cosmetic-grade lanolin, industrial lanolin

Real World Examples

Croda Lanolin, Lubrizol Lanolin, NK Chemicals Lanolin, The Chemistry Brand Lanolin

Common Misclassification

Can be confused with 150600 (other animal fats and oils) if not specifically derived from wool, or 340219 (organic surface-active agents) if highly processed into a finished product.

Products Classified Under 1505.00

Industry

This code belongs to the Food & Beverages industry.

Trade Overview

Australia, New Zealand, and China are major producers and exporters, with the United States, Europe, and Japan being key importers for industrial and cosmetic uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 150500?

HS code 150500 covers: Wool grease and fatty substances derived therefrom (including lanolin). This HS code covers wool grease and fatty substances derived therefrom, including lanolin, a natural wax extracted from sheep's wool. Lanolin is a highly valued commodity in international trade due to its unique emollient, protective, and emulsifying properties, making it indispensable across various industries. Major wool-producing nations like Australia, New Zealand, and China are significant exporters of crude wool grease, which is then processed into refined lanolin and its derivatives. Importers include pharmaceutical companies (for ointments, creams), cosmetic manufacturers (for lotions, lip balms), and industrial sectors (for lubricants, rust preventatives) primarily in North America, Europe, and Japan. The trade emphasizes purity, specific grades (e.g., pharmaceutical, cosmetic), and compliance with regulatory standards. Market dynamics are influenced by global wool production, demand from end-user industries, and advancements in purification technologies, making it a specialized but essential raw material.

What products fall under HS code 150500?

Crude wool grease, anhydrous lanolin, lanolin alcohols, lanolin derivatives, pharmaceutical-grade lanolin, cosmetic-grade lanolin, industrial lanolin

What are common misclassifications for HS code 150500?

Can be confused with 150600 (other animal fats and oils) if not specifically derived from wool, or 340219 (organic surface-active agents) if highly processed into a finished product.

How is HS code 150500 structured?

HS code 150500 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (15) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.