HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1515.60 – Vegetable oils; microbial fats and oils and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified
HS code 1515.60 is the 6-digit subheading for vegetable oils, microbial fats and oils and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. It is used for algal oil (DHA-rich), fungal oil (ARA-rich), yeast oil, microbial lipid fractions and single-cell oil.
What HS 1515.60 covers
This code encompasses microbial fats and oils and their fractions, which are derived from microorganisms like algae, fungi, or yeast, and are traded in their unrefined or refined but not chemically modified state. This is a rapidly evolving and specialized segment of the fats and oils market, driven by advancements in biotechnology and a growing demand for sustainable and specific fatty acid profiles. These oils are often rich in omega-3 (e.g., DHA) or omega-6 (e.g., ARA) fatty acids, making them highly valuable ingredients for infant formula, nutritional supplements, and specialized animal feed. Importers are typically nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and specialized food manufacturers seeking high-purity, functional lipids. Exporters are often biotech companies and fermentation specialists, primarily located in developed economies. Key trade considerations include the specific microbial source, fatty acid composition, purity, and compliance with stringent food and feed safety regulations, as these are high-value, functional ingredients.
- Covers
- Algal oil (DHA-rich)
- Fungal oil (ARA-rich)
- Yeast oil
- Microbial lipid fractions
- Single-cell oil
- Schizochytrium oil
- Examples
- DSM life'sDHA
- Corbion AlgaPrime DHA
- Fermentalg DHA
- Veramaris Algal Oil
Codes often confused with 1515.60
Common mistake. Often confused with other vegetable oils in 151590 or even animal oils if not clearly identified as microbial, or with chemically modified microbial oils in 151630.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 151560, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 151560 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% 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 China $33M 23% of world exports
- 2 United States $27M 18% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $19M 13% of world exports
World total: $146M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $55M 29% of world imports
- 2 Tanzania $27M 14% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $23M 12% of world imports
World total: $190M 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 1515.60
Brazil does not split HS 1515.60: its NCM code is 1515.60.00.
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 1515.60
What is HS code 151560?
HS code 151560 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vegetable oils; microbial fats and oils and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. This code encompasses microbial fats and oils and their fractions, which are derived from microorganisms like algae, fungi, or yeast, and are traded in their unrefined or refined but not chemically modified state. This is a rapidly evolving and specialized segment of the fats and oils market, driven by advancements in biotechnology and a growing demand for sustainable and specific fatty acid profiles. These oils are often rich in omega-3 (e.g., DHA) or omega-6 (e.g., ARA) fatty acids, making them highly valuable ingredients for infant formula, nutritional supplements, and specialized animal feed. Importers are typically nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and specialized food manufacturers seeking high-purity, functional lipids. Exporters are often biotech companies and fermentation specialists, primarily located in developed economies. Key trade considerations include the specific microbial source, fatty acid composition, purity, and compliance with stringent food and feed safety regulations, as these are high-value, functional ingredients.
What products fall under HS code 151560?
Algal oil (DHA-rich), Fungal oil (ARA-rich), Yeast oil, Microbial lipid fractions, Single-cell oil, Schizochytrium oil
What are common misclassifications for HS code 151560?
Often confused with other vegetable oils in 151590 or even animal oils if not clearly identified as microbial, or with chemically modified microbial oils in 151630.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 151560?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 151560 in UN Comtrade data were China ($33M, 23% of world exports), the United States ($27M) and the United Kingdom ($19M). World exports came to about $146M, 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 151560?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 151560 in UN Comtrade data were China ($55M, 29% of world imports), Tanzania ($27M) and the Netherlands ($23M). World imports came to about $190M, 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 151560 structured?
HS code 151560 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 (60) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 151560?
In Brazil, HS code 151560 is NCM 1515.60.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.