HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 15.08 – Ground nut oil and its fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified
What HS 15.08 covers
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.
- Covers
- 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
- 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.
Subheadings under 15.08 2
Codes often confused with 15.08
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 1508, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 1508 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 70% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $345M 38% of world exports
- 2 Brazil $265M 29% of world exports
- 3 Argentina $61M 6.7% of world exports
World total: $909M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $622M 70% of world imports
- 2 United States $52M 5.8% of world imports
- 3 Italy $48M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $889M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 15.08
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 are the top exporters of goods under HS code 1508?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 1508 in UN Comtrade data were India ($345M, 38% of world exports), Brazil ($265M) and Argentina ($61M). World exports came to about $909M, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 1508?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 1508 in UN Comtrade data were China ($622M, 70% of world imports), the United States ($52M) and Italy ($48M). World imports came to about $889M, 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.
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.