About HS Code 1508
HS Heading 1508 covers "Ground-nut oil and its fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified." Ground-nut oil, also commonly known as peanut oil, is a significant vegetable oil, particularly in Asian and African cuisines, valued for its distinctive flavor and high smoke point. This classification encompasses the oil in all its forms, from crude, unrefined oil extracted directly from peanuts to various refined grades (e.g., bleached, deodorized) and specific fractions, provided their fundamental chemical composition remains unchanged. The crucial 'not chemically modified' stipulation ensures that processes like hydrogenation or interesterification, which alter the oil's chemical structure, would result in classification under different headings, typically 1516. Ground-nut oil is widely used in cooking, frying, and salad dressings, and is a key ingredient in many traditional dishes. Beyond culinary uses, it also finds application in the pharmaceutical industry (as a carrier oil) and cosmetics. For international trade compliance, accurate classification under 1508 is essential for applying correct customs duties, adhering to food safety standards, and navigating specific import restrictions, particularly those related to allergens (peanuts are a common allergen). This heading clearly distinguishes ground-nut oil from other vegetable oils listed in Chapter 15, such as soya-bean oil (1507) or olive oil (1509), and from chemically modified or prepared edible fats, underscoring its specific botanical origin and processing status. Its historical use in various cultures highlights its enduring trade significance.
Products Under This Code
Crude ground-nut oil, refined ground-nut oil, bleached ground-nut oil, deodorized ground-nut oil, ground-nut oil fractions, unrefined ground-nut oil, virgin ground-nut oil, roasted ground-nut oil, cold-pressed ground-nut oil, ground-nut oil for cooking, ground-nut oil for confectionery, ground-nut oil for industrial use, ground-nut oil for pharmaceutical use, ground-nut oil for cosmetics, bulk ground-nut oil, bottled ground-nut oil, ground-nut oil for frying, ground-nut oil for salad dressings, high oleic ground-nut oil, low oleic ground-nut oil, partially refined ground-nut oil, filtered ground-nut oil, de-acidified ground-nut oil
Real World Examples
India, a major producer, exports large quantities of crude ground-nut oil to Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and Malaysia for further refining and use in local food industries. The United States ships refined ground-nut oil to European markets, particularly the UK and France, catering to specialty food retailers and ethnic cuisine restaurants. West African nations such as Senegal and Nigeria export ground-nut oil to China for both edible and industrial applications, including the manufacture of soaps and lubricants, often facilitated by bulk shipping routes.
Common Misclassification
A frequent misclassification for ground-nut oil occurs when it has been chemically modified, such as through hydrogenation (to produce a solid fat) or interesterification. Such products should be classified under HS 1516, not 1508, as their chemical structure has been altered beyond simple refining. Another error is classifying ground-nut oil as part of a prepared edible fat, like a cooking shortening or margarine, which would fall under 1517. If the oil is merely an ingredient in a more complex food preparation, the final product's classification changes. Traders must also be careful not to confuse ground-nut oil with other vegetable oils, particularly those with similar culinary uses like sunflower oil (1512) or corn oil (1514), by ensuring the correct botanical origin is identified.
Subheadings 2
Industry
This code belongs to the Food & Beverages industry.
Trade Overview
Major producers and exporters of ground-nut oil include India, China, the United States, Senegal, and Argentina. Significant importers are often countries in Southeast Asia, the European Union, and other regions where ground-nut oil is a dietary staple or used in specific food industries. Tariff rates can vary, sometimes higher for refined edible grades. Trade agreements can provide preferential access, but specific regulations regarding allergen labeling and food safety standards are critical for market entry. Bulk shipments are common for crude oil, while refined and specialty oils are often traded in smaller, packaged forms globally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HS code 1508?
HS code 1508 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ground nut oil and its fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. HS Heading 1508 covers "Ground-nut oil and its fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified." Ground-nut oil, also commonly known as peanut oil, is a significant vegetable oil, particularly in Asian and African cuisines, valued for its distinctive flavor and high smoke point. This classification encompasses the oil in all its forms, from crude, unrefined oil extracted directly from peanuts to various refined grades (e.g., bleached, deodorized) and specific fractions, provided their fundamental chemical composition remains unchanged. The crucial 'not chemically modified' stipulation ensures that processes like hydrogenation or interesterification, which alter the oil's chemical structure, would result in classification under different headings, typically 1516. Ground-nut oil is widely used in cooking, frying, and salad dressings, and is a key ingredient in many traditional dishes. Beyond culinary uses, it also finds application in the pharmaceutical industry (as a carrier oil) and cosmetics. For international trade compliance, accurate classification under 1508 is essential for applying correct customs duties, adhering to food safety standards, and navigating specific import restrictions, particularly those related to allergens (peanuts are a common allergen). This heading clearly distinguishes ground-nut oil from other vegetable oils listed in Chapter 15, such as soya-bean oil (1507) or olive oil (1509), and from chemically modified or prepared edible fats, underscoring its specific botanical origin and processing status. Its historical use in various cultures highlights its enduring trade significance.
What products fall under HS code 1508?
Crude ground-nut oil, refined ground-nut oil, bleached ground-nut oil, deodorized ground-nut oil, ground-nut oil fractions, unrefined ground-nut oil, virgin ground-nut oil, roasted ground-nut oil, cold-pressed ground-nut oil, ground-nut oil for cooking, ground-nut oil for confectionery, ground-nut oil for industrial use, ground-nut oil for pharmaceutical use, ground-nut oil for cosmetics, bulk ground-nut oil, bottled ground-nut oil, ground-nut oil for frying, ground-nut oil for salad dressings, high oleic ground-nut oil, low oleic ground-nut oil, partially refined ground-nut oil, filtered ground-nut oil, de-acidified ground-nut oil
What are common misclassifications for HS code 1508?
A frequent misclassification for ground-nut oil occurs when it has been chemically modified, such as through hydrogenation (to produce a solid fat) or interesterification. Such products should be classified under HS 1516, not 1508, as their chemical structure has been altered beyond simple refining. Another error is classifying ground-nut oil as part of a prepared edible fat, like a cooking shortening or margarine, which would fall under 1517. If the oil is merely an ingredient in a more complex food preparation, the final product's classification changes. Traders must also be careful not to confuse ground-nut oil with other vegetable oils, particularly those with similar culinary uses like sunflower oil (1512) or corn oil (1514), by ensuring the correct botanical origin is identified.
Which countries trade the most under HS code 1508?
Major producers and exporters of ground-nut oil include India, China, the United States, Senegal, and Argentina. Significant importers are often countries in Southeast Asia, the European Union, and other regions where ground-nut oil is a dietary staple or used in specific food industries. Tariff rates can vary, sometimes higher for refined edible grades. Trade agreements can provide preferential access, but specific regulations regarding allergen labeling and food safety standards are critical for market entry. Bulk shipments are common for crude oil, while refined and specialty oils are often traded in smaller, packaged forms globally.
How is HS code 1508 structured?
HS code 1508 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 15 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (15) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (08) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.