HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 1515.50 – Vegetable oils; sesame oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified

HS code 1515.50 is the 6-digit subheading for vegetable oils, sesame oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. It is used for crude sesame oil, refined sesame oil, toasted sesame oil, organic sesame oil and sesame oil fractions.

What HS 1515.50 covers

This HS code specifically covers sesame oil and its various fractions, whether they have been refined or not, but crucially, not chemically modified beyond refining. Sesame oil is a highly valued vegetable oil globally, known for its distinctive nutty flavor and aroma, making it a popular ingredient in culinary applications, particularly in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Beyond food, it finds uses in cosmetics, traditional medicine, and as a carrier oil. Key players in its international trade include major agricultural producers in Asia and Africa, such as India, China, and Ethiopia, who export to consumer markets and food manufacturers worldwide, including the US, Japan, and EU countries. Trade considerations often revolve around the oil's origin, whether it's toasted or untoasted, organic certification, and the level of refining, all of which impact its quality and price. The demand for sesame oil is driven by its unique flavor profile and perceived health benefits.

Covers
  • Crude sesame oil
  • Refined sesame oil
  • Toasted sesame oil
  • Organic sesame oil
  • Sesame oil fractions
  • Cold-pressed sesame oil
Examples
  • Kadoya Pure Sesame Oil
  • Eden Organic Toasted Sesame Oil
  • Spectrum Culinary Organic Sesame Oil
  • La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil

Codes often confused with 1515.50

Common mistake. Could be confused with other vegetable oils under 151590 if not specifically sesame, or with chemically modified oils under 151800 if the modification is not just refining.

1515.90Fixed vegetable fats and oils and their fractions n.e.c. in heading 1515; other than linseed, maize (corn), castor, sesame, microbial oils, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified1518.00Animal, vegetable or microbial fats, oils and their fractions; boiled, oxidised, dehydrated or otherwise chemically modified, excluding those of heading no. 1516, inedible mixtures or preparations of fats, oils or their fractions, n.e.c. in chapter 15

Top exporters and importers of HS code 151550, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 151550 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 33% 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. 1 Japan $85M
  2. 2 China $40M
  3. 3 India $36M

World total: $377M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $147M
  2. 2 United Kingdom $27M
  3. 3 Canada $24M

World total: $439M 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 code for 1515.50

Brazil does not split HS 1515.50: its NCM code is 1515.50.00.

  1. 1515.50.00 Sesame oil and its fractionsÓleo de gergelim (sésamo) e respectivas frações

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 15.15 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 1515.50

What is HS code 151550?

HS code 151550 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vegetable oils; sesame oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. This HS code specifically covers sesame oil and its various fractions, whether they have been refined or not, but crucially, not chemically modified beyond refining. Sesame oil is a highly valued vegetable oil globally, known for its distinctive nutty flavor and aroma, making it a popular ingredient in culinary applications, particularly in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Beyond food, it finds uses in cosmetics, traditional medicine, and as a carrier oil. Key players in its international trade include major agricultural producers in Asia and Africa, such as India, China, and Ethiopia, who export to consumer markets and food manufacturers worldwide, including the US, Japan, and EU countries. Trade considerations often revolve around the oil's origin, whether it's toasted or untoasted, organic certification, and the level of refining, all of which impact its quality and price. The demand for sesame oil is driven by its unique flavor profile and perceived health benefits.

What products fall under HS code 151550?

Crude sesame oil, Refined sesame oil, Toasted sesame oil, Organic sesame oil, Sesame oil fractions, Cold-pressed sesame oil

What are common misclassifications for HS code 151550?

Could be confused with other vegetable oils under 151590 if not specifically sesame, or with chemically modified oils under 151800 if the modification is not just refining.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 151550?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 151550 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($85M, 22% of world exports), China ($40M) and India ($36M). World exports came to about $377M, 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 151550?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 151550 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($147M, 33% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($27M) and Canada ($24M). World imports came to about $439M, 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 151550 structured?

HS code 151550 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (15) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (15) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (50) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 151550?

In Brazil, HS code 151550 is NCM 1515.50.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.