HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1516.10 – Animal fats and oils and their fractions; partly or wholly hydrogenated, inter-esterified, re-esterified or elaidinised, whether or not refined, but not further prepared
HS code 1516.10 is the 6-digit subheading for animal fats and oils and their fractions, partly or wholly hydrogenated, inter-esterified, re-esterified or elaidinised, whether or not refined, but not further prepared. It is used for hydrogenated beef tallow, inter-esterified lard, hydrogenated fish oil, elaidinised animal fat and re-esterified butterfat.
What HS 1516.10 covers
This HS code covers animal fats and oils, along with their fractions, that have undergone specific chemical modifications such as partial or complete hydrogenation, inter-esterification, re-esterification, or elaidinisation. These processes are employed to alter the physical properties of the fats, primarily their melting point, texture, and oxidative stability, making them suitable for a range of industrial and food applications. Importers are typically food manufacturers, bakeries, and producers of specialty fats, seeking specific functional characteristics for products like shortenings, margarines, and confectionery. Exporters are often large-scale rendering plants or fat processors, particularly in regions with significant livestock industries. Key trade considerations include the degree of modification, the specific fatty acid composition, and strict compliance with food safety regulations, especially concerning trans fat content, which can vary based on the modification process.
- Covers
- Hydrogenated beef tallow
- Inter-esterified lard
- Hydrogenated fish oil
- Elaidinised animal fat
- Re-esterified butterfat
- Partially hydrogenated poultry fat
- Examples
- Bunge Loders Croklaan (specialty fats)
- AAK (specialty fats)
- Cargill (animal fats for industrial use)
- ADM (specialty fats)
Codes often confused with 1516.10
Common mistake. Can be confused with unmodified animal fats (e.g., 150100 for lard/pork fat, 150200 for bovine/sheep fat) if the modification isn't clearly identified, or with chemically modified vegetable fats under 151620.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 151610, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 151610 in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 20% 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 Chile $59M 18% of world exports
- 2 China $39M 12% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $31M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $322M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Sweden $133M 20% of world imports
- 2 United States $129M 19% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $67M 10% of world imports
World total: $673M 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 1516.10
Brazil does not split HS 1516.10: its NCM code is 1516.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 15.16 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 1516.10
What is HS code 151610?
HS code 151610 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Animal fats and oils and their fractions; partly or wholly hydrogenated, inter-esterified, re-esterified or elaidinised, whether or not refined, but not further prepared. This HS code covers animal fats and oils, along with their fractions, that have undergone specific chemical modifications such as partial or complete hydrogenation, inter-esterification, re-esterification, or elaidinisation. These processes are employed to alter the physical properties of the fats, primarily their melting point, texture, and oxidative stability, making them suitable for a range of industrial and food applications. Importers are typically food manufacturers, bakeries, and producers of specialty fats, seeking specific functional characteristics for products like shortenings, margarines, and confectionery. Exporters are often large-scale rendering plants or fat processors, particularly in regions with significant livestock industries. Key trade considerations include the degree of modification, the specific fatty acid composition, and strict compliance with food safety regulations, especially concerning trans fat content, which can vary based on the modification process.
What products fall under HS code 151610?
Hydrogenated beef tallow, Inter-esterified lard, Hydrogenated fish oil, Elaidinised animal fat, Re-esterified butterfat, Partially hydrogenated poultry fat
What are common misclassifications for HS code 151610?
Can be confused with unmodified animal fats (e.g., 150100 for lard/pork fat, 150200 for bovine/sheep fat) if the modification isn't clearly identified, or with chemically modified vegetable fats under 151620.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 151610?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 151610 in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($59M, 18% of world exports), China ($39M) and Belgium ($31M). World exports came to about $322M, 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 151610?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 151610 in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($133M, 20% of world imports), the United States ($129M) and Saudi Arabia ($67M). World imports came to about $673M, 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 151610 structured?
HS code 151610 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (15) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (16) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 151610?
In Brazil, HS code 151610 is NCM 1516.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.