HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1509.40 – Vegetable oils; olive oil and its fractions, virgin olive oils n.e.c. in heading 1509, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified
HS code 1509.40 is the 6-digit subheading for vegetable oils, olive oil and its fractions, virgin olive oils n.e.c. in heading 1509, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. It is used for lampante virgin olive oil, virgin olive oil for refining, industrial virgin olive oil, lower grade virgin olive oil and virgin olive oil for blending.
What HS 1509.40 covers
This HS code serves as a residual category for virgin olive oils and their fractions that are not specifically classified as extra virgin (150920) or standard virgin olive oil (150930), but still meet the general definition of virgin olive oil – obtained solely by mechanical or physical means without chemical modification. These oils typically have higher acidity levels (e.g., up to 3.3 grams per 100 grams of oleic acid) or more pronounced sensory defects, making them less suitable for direct consumption as premium oils. They are often used as raw materials for refining into "olive oil" (a blend of refined and virgin oils) or for industrial applications. Major importers include countries with large refining capacities or those seeking more cost-effective olive oil inputs, such as Italy (for blending), Spain, and other European nations. Exporters are primarily olive-producing countries, particularly those with varying harvest qualities, like Spain, Greece, and Tunisia. Trade considerations include bulk quantities, acidity levels, and intended end-use.
- Covers
- Lampante virgin olive oil
- Virgin olive oil for refining
- Industrial virgin olive oil
- Lower grade virgin olive oil
- Virgin olive oil for blending
- Examples
- Bulk Lampante Olive Oil (various suppliers)
- Olive oil for industrial use (e.g., soap making)
- Olive oil for blending into "Pure Olive Oil"
Codes often confused with 1509.40
Common mistake. This code is easily confused with 150920 and 150930 due to the subtle differences in quality and acidity that define "virgin" categories. It's also distinct from 150990, which covers refined olive oils.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 150940, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 150940 in UN Comtrade data was Tunisia, with about 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 41% 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 Tunisia* ~$106M 38% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Spain $86M 31% of world exports
- 3 Portugal $54M 19% of world exports
World total: $281M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $146M 41% of world imports
- 2 Italy $134M 38% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $23M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $355M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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.
Brazil NCM code for 1509.40
Brazil does not split HS 1509.40: its NCM code is 1509.40.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 15.09 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 1509.40
What is HS code 150940?
HS code 150940 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vegetable oils; olive oil and its fractions, virgin olive oils n.e.c. in heading 1509, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. This HS code serves as a residual category for virgin olive oils and their fractions that are not specifically classified as extra virgin (150920) or standard virgin olive oil (150930), but still meet the general definition of virgin olive oil – obtained solely by mechanical or physical means without chemical modification. These oils typically have higher acidity levels (e.g., up to 3.3 grams per 100 grams of oleic acid) or more pronounced sensory defects, making them less suitable for direct consumption as premium oils. They are often used as raw materials for refining into "olive oil" (a blend of refined and virgin oils) or for industrial applications. Major importers include countries with large refining capacities or those seeking more cost-effective olive oil inputs, such as Italy (for blending), Spain, and other European nations. Exporters are primarily olive-producing countries, particularly those with varying harvest qualities, like Spain, Greece, and Tunisia. Trade considerations include bulk quantities, acidity levels, and intended end-use.
What products fall under HS code 150940?
Lampante virgin olive oil, Virgin olive oil for refining, Industrial virgin olive oil, Lower grade virgin olive oil, Virgin olive oil for blending
What are common misclassifications for HS code 150940?
This code is easily confused with 150920 and 150930 due to the subtle differences in quality and acidity that define "virgin" categories. It's also distinct from 150990, which covers refined olive oils.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 150940?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 150940 in UN Comtrade data were Tunisia (about $106M, 38% of world exports), Spain ($86M) and Portugal ($54M). World exports came to about $281M, 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 150940?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 150940 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($146M, 41% of world imports), Italy ($134M) and Saudi Arabia ($23M). World imports came to about $355M, 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 150940 structured?
HS code 150940 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (15) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (09) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 150940?
In Brazil, HS code 150940 is NCM 1509.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.