HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1512.29 – Vegetable oils; cotton-seed oil and its fractions, other than crude, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified
HS code 1512.29 is the 6-digit subheading for vegetable oils, cotton-seed oil and its fractions, other than crude, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. It is used for refined cottonseed oil, RBD cottonseed oil, hydrogenated cottonseed oil (not chemically modified), cottonseed oil for frying and cottonseed oil for baking.
What HS 1512.29 covers
This HS code covers refined cotton-seed oil and its fractions that have been processed but not chemically modified, distinguishing them from crude cottonseed oil. Refined cottonseed oil is a popular edible oil known for its neutral flavor, high smoke point, and stability, making it ideal for deep-frying, baking, and as an ingredient in salad dressings, mayonnaise, and snack foods. It is also used in the production of margarine and shortening. Major importers include countries with significant food manufacturing sectors and consumer markets, such as China, India, and various nations in the Middle East, Africa, and North America. The primary exporters are countries with substantial cotton production and refining capabilities, including the USA, Brazil, and India. Trade in refined cottonseed oil is driven by global demand for edible oils, food industry requirements, and consumer preferences. Quality standards, labeling, and competitive pricing are crucial factors in its international trade.
- Covers
- Refined cottonseed oil
- RBD cottonseed oil
- Hydrogenated cottonseed oil (not chemically modified)
- Cottonseed oil for frying
- Cottonseed oil for baking
- Salad oil (cottonseed based)
- Examples
- Wesson Cottonseed Oil
- Crisco Cottonseed Oil
- Mazola Cottonseed Oil
- LouAna Cottonseed Oil
Codes often confused with 1512.29
Common mistake. This code is often confused with 151221 (crude cottonseed oil) because 151229 specifically covers the refined, ready-for-use versions, which have undergone processing to remove impurities and improve flavor and stability.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 151229, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 151229 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 30% of world imports. Uzbekistan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($20M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Afghanistan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($16M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $16M 22% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $14M 20% of world exports
- 3 China $13M 18% of world exports
Uzbekistan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($20M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $70M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Australia $29M 30% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $15M 16% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $8.0M 8.2% of world imports
Afghanistan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($16M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $97M 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.
Brazil NCM codes for 1512.29 2
Brazil splits HS 1512.29 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 15.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 1512.29
What is HS code 151229?
HS code 151229 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vegetable oils; cotton-seed oil and its fractions, other than crude, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. This HS code covers refined cotton-seed oil and its fractions that have been processed but not chemically modified, distinguishing them from crude cottonseed oil. Refined cottonseed oil is a popular edible oil known for its neutral flavor, high smoke point, and stability, making it ideal for deep-frying, baking, and as an ingredient in salad dressings, mayonnaise, and snack foods. It is also used in the production of margarine and shortening. Major importers include countries with significant food manufacturing sectors and consumer markets, such as China, India, and various nations in the Middle East, Africa, and North America. The primary exporters are countries with substantial cotton production and refining capabilities, including the USA, Brazil, and India. Trade in refined cottonseed oil is driven by global demand for edible oils, food industry requirements, and consumer preferences. Quality standards, labeling, and competitive pricing are crucial factors in its international trade.
What products fall under HS code 151229?
Refined cottonseed oil, RBD cottonseed oil, Hydrogenated cottonseed oil (not chemically modified), Cottonseed oil for frying, Cottonseed oil for baking, Salad oil (cottonseed based)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 151229?
This code is often confused with 151221 (crude cottonseed oil) because 151229 specifically covers the refined, ready-for-use versions, which have undergone processing to remove impurities and improve flavor and stability.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 151229?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 151229 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($16M, 22% of world exports), Malaysia ($14M) and China ($13M). World exports came to about $70M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Uzbekistan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($20M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 151229?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 151229 in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($29M, 30% of world imports), Malaysia ($15M) and Brazil ($8.0M). World imports came to about $97M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Afghanistan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($16M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 151229 structured?
HS code 151229 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (15) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (29) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 151229?
Brazil splits HS code 151229 into 2 NCM codes: 1512.29.10 (Refined cotton-seed oil), 1512.29.90 (Other non-crude cotton-seed oil). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.