HS Code 15.06 – Animal fats and oils and their fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified, n.e.c. in chapter 15

HS code 1506 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Animal fats and oils and their fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified, n.e.c. in chapter 15. HS Heading 1506 serves as a residual classification within Chapter 15, encompassing "Animal fats and oils and their fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified, n.e.c. in chapter 15." This means it covers all animal fats and oils, and their fractions, that are not specifically detailed in other, more precise headings within Chapter 15 (e.g., pig fat under 1501, bovine fats under 1502, fish liver oils under 1504, or wool grease under 1505). The scope is broad, covering fats and oils derived from various animals like poultry, marine mammals (excluding fish liver oils), and other land animals, provided they are not chemically modified. This includes crude, unrefined fats and oils, as well as those that have undergone refining processes such as degumming, neutralizing, bleaching, or deodorizing, which improve purity and stability without altering their basic chemical structure. This heading is vital for trade compliance as it captures a diverse range of animal-derived products used across industries, from food and animal feed to oleochemicals and biofuels. Understanding its boundaries helps differentiate these fats from specific, named fats in other headings, and from chemically modified fats (e.g., hydrogenated fats in 1516) or prepared edible fats (1517). Historically, these fats have been crucial for various industrial applications, especially before the widespread availability of petroleum-based alternatives. Proper classification ensures correct customs duties, compliance with food safety regulations, and adherence to specific import/export restrictions related to animal products, supporting transparent and efficient global trade for these versatile commodities within the broader context of Chapter 15.

Rendered duck fat, rendered goose fat, rendered poultry fat, unrefined poultry fat, refined poultry fat, fish oil (other than cod liver oil), whale oil, seal oil, lard stearin (n.e.c.), tallow stearin (n.e.c.), oleo oil (n.e.c.), oleostearin (n.e.c.), bone fat, waste animal fats, greaves, animal fat fractions (n.e.c.), refined animal fats (n.e.c.), unrefined animal fats (n.e.c.), poultry oil, animal oils for industrial use (n.e.c.), animal oils for feed production (n.e.c.), animal oils for biodiesel (n.e.c.), rendered game animal fat, rendered rabbit fat, poultry skin fat

A common mistake under 1506 is to misclassify fats and oils that are specifically covered by other Chapter 15 headings. For example, pig fat (lard) and its fractions belong to 1501, and bovine fats (tallow) to 1502. Traders might also confuse these with chemically modified fats (e.g., hydrogenated, interesterified), which fall under 1516, or prepared edible fats of 1517. The key distinction is the 'not chemically modified' clause. If an animal fat has undergone a process that changes its chemical structure, it moves out of 1506. Additionally, highly processed animal waxes may be confused with Chapter 34. Careful attention to the specific animal source and the extent of processing is crucial to avoid misclassification.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 1506 in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($102M, 23% of world exports), France ($69M) and New Zealand ($42M). World exports came to about $444M, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 1506 in UN Comtrade data were France ($283M, 43% of world imports), the Netherlands ($125M) and China ($58M). World imports came to about $654M, 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.

HS code 1506 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 15 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (15) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (06) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.