About HS Code 1507
HS Heading 1507 covers "Soya-bean oil and its fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified." This classification is of immense global significance, as soya-bean oil is one of the most widely produced and consumed vegetable oils worldwide. It encompasses all forms of soya-bean oil, from crude, unrefined oil extracted directly from soybeans to various refined grades (degummed, neutralized, bleached, deodorized) and specific fractions, as long as their fundamental chemical structure remains unaltered. The 'not chemically modified' clause is critical, meaning processes like hydrogenation, interesterification, or transesterification would move the product to other headings (e.g., 1516 for hydrogenated oils). Soya-bean oil is a cornerstone of the global food industry, used extensively in cooking, salad dressings, margarines, and processed foods. Beyond edible applications, it finds significant use in industrial sectors for manufacturing paints, inks, plastics, and increasingly, as a feedstock for biodiesel production. Its widespread availability, versatility, and relative cost-effectiveness have made it a staple commodity. For trade compliance, accurate classification under 1507 is essential for applying correct tariffs, adhering to food safety regulations, and complying with specific import quotas or sustainability certifications, especially relevant for biofuel-grade oil. It clearly differentiates this specific vegetable oil from other named vegetable oils within Chapter 15 and from chemically altered or prepared edible fats, emphasizing its direct origin and minimal processing.
Products Under This Code
Crude soya-bean oil, refined soya-bean oil, degummed soya-bean oil, bleached soya-bean oil, deodorized soya-bean oil, winterized soya-bean oil, soya-bean oil fractions, liquid soya-bean oil, solid soya-bean oil fractions, partially refined soya-bean oil, unrefined soya-bean oil, soya-bean oil for food use, soya-bean oil for industrial use, soya-bean oil for biofuel production, soya-bean oil for animal feed, health-grade soya-bean oil, cooking soya-bean oil, salad soya-bean oil, frying soya-bean oil, bulk soya-bean oil, bottled soya-bean oil (as the oil itself), non-GMO soya-bean oil, organic soya-bean oil
Real World Examples
The United States, a major producer, exports vast quantities of crude soya-bean oil to China, where it undergoes further refining for domestic food consumption and industrial uses, often transported via large ocean tankers. Brazil ships refined soya-bean oil to European Union countries for use in various edible oil products and as a component in processed foods. Argentina, another significant producer, exports soya-bean oil fractions to India for diverse applications, including the manufacture of paints and resins, leveraging established maritime trade routes.
Common Misclassification
A common classification error for soya-bean oil involves products that have undergone chemical modification, such as hydrogenation (which produces hardened fats) or interesterification. These chemically altered products fall under HS 1516, not 1507, as their chemical structure has been fundamentally changed. Another mistake is classifying soya-bean oil as a component of a prepared edible fat, such as margarine or a shortening, which would fall under 1517. While soya-bean oil is the primary ingredient, the addition of other components or specific processing to create a 'prepared' product shifts its classification. Confusion with other vegetable oils (e.g., sunflower or rapeseed oil under 1512 or 1514) is also possible if the specific botanical origin is not clearly identified.
Subheadings 2
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Industry
This code belongs to the Food & Beverages industry.
Trade Overview
The United States, Brazil, and Argentina are the world's leading producers and exporters of soya-bean oil, benefitting from extensive soybean cultivation. Major importers include China, India, and the European Union, driven by high demand for food, animal feed, and biofuel production. Trade in soya-bean oil is significantly influenced by global commodity prices, agricultural policies, and trade agreements, which can impact tariff rates and market access. Sustainability certifications, particularly for biofuel applications, are increasingly important, affecting market dynamics and compliance requirements across key trade routes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 1507?
HS code 1507 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Soya-bean oil and its fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. HS Heading 1507 covers "Soya-bean oil and its fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified." This classification is of immense global significance, as soya-bean oil is one of the most widely produced and consumed vegetable oils worldwide. It encompasses all forms of soya-bean oil, from crude, unrefined oil extracted directly from soybeans to various refined grades (degummed, neutralized, bleached, deodorized) and specific fractions, as long as their fundamental chemical structure remains unaltered. The 'not chemically modified' clause is critical, meaning processes like hydrogenation, interesterification, or transesterification would move the product to other headings (e.g., 1516 for hydrogenated oils). Soya-bean oil is a cornerstone of the global food industry, used extensively in cooking, salad dressings, margarines, and processed foods. Beyond edible applications, it finds significant use in industrial sectors for manufacturing paints, inks, plastics, and increasingly, as a feedstock for biodiesel production. Its widespread availability, versatility, and relative cost-effectiveness have made it a staple commodity. For trade compliance, accurate classification under 1507 is essential for applying correct tariffs, adhering to food safety regulations, and complying with specific import quotas or sustainability certifications, especially relevant for biofuel-grade oil. It clearly differentiates this specific vegetable oil from other named vegetable oils within Chapter 15 and from chemically altered or prepared edible fats, emphasizing its direct origin and minimal processing.
What products fall under HS code 1507?
Crude soya-bean oil, refined soya-bean oil, degummed soya-bean oil, bleached soya-bean oil, deodorized soya-bean oil, winterized soya-bean oil, soya-bean oil fractions, liquid soya-bean oil, solid soya-bean oil fractions, partially refined soya-bean oil, unrefined soya-bean oil, soya-bean oil for food use, soya-bean oil for industrial use, soya-bean oil for biofuel production, soya-bean oil for animal feed, health-grade soya-bean oil, cooking soya-bean oil, salad soya-bean oil, frying soya-bean oil, bulk soya-bean oil, bottled soya-bean oil (as the oil itself), non-GMO soya-bean oil, organic soya-bean oil
What are common misclassifications for HS code 1507?
A common classification error for soya-bean oil involves products that have undergone chemical modification, such as hydrogenation (which produces hardened fats) or interesterification. These chemically altered products fall under HS 1516, not 1507, as their chemical structure has been fundamentally changed. Another mistake is classifying soya-bean oil as a component of a prepared edible fat, such as margarine or a shortening, which would fall under 1517. While soya-bean oil is the primary ingredient, the addition of other components or specific processing to create a 'prepared' product shifts its classification. Confusion with other vegetable oils (e.g., sunflower or rapeseed oil under 1512 or 1514) is also possible if the specific botanical origin is not clearly identified.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 1507?
The United States, Brazil, and Argentina are the world's leading producers and exporters of soya-bean oil, benefitting from extensive soybean cultivation. Major importers include China, India, and the European Union, driven by high demand for food, animal feed, and biofuel production. Trade in soya-bean oil is significantly influenced by global commodity prices, agricultural policies, and trade agreements, which can impact tariff rates and market access. Sustainability certifications, particularly for biofuel applications, are increasingly important, affecting market dynamics and compliance requirements across key trade routes.
How is HS code 1507 structured?
HS code 1507 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 15 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (15) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (07) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.