HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 1516.20 – Vegetable 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 1516.20 is the 6-digit subheading for vegetable 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 palm oil, inter-esterified soybean oil, hydrogenated coconut oil, partially hydrogenated rapeseed oil and elaidinised sunflower oil.

What HS 1516.20 covers

This category encompasses vegetable fats and oils, and their fractions, that have been chemically modified through processes like partial or complete hydrogenation, inter-esterification, re-esterification, or elaidinisation. These modifications are critical for transforming the natural properties of the oils, such as their melting point, texture, and stability, to meet specific industrial and food application requirements. They are extensively utilized in the food industry for confectionery, bakery products, and as key ingredients in margarines and shortenings, providing desired mouthfeel and shelf-life. Major importers are food manufacturers and processors across developed and developing economies, while exporters are typically large agricultural commodity processors. Trade often involves bulk quantities, with precise specifications on fat profiles, processing methods, and compliance with food safety and labeling regulations, particularly regarding trans fats, being paramount for market acceptance.

Covers
  • Hydrogenated palm oil
  • Inter-esterified soybean oil
  • Hydrogenated coconut oil
  • Partially hydrogenated rapeseed oil
  • Elaidinised sunflower oil
  • Fractionated and hydrogenated shea butter
  • Fully hydrogenated cottonseed oil
Examples
  • Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening
  • Spry Vegetable Shortening
  • Bunge Loders Croklaan (specialty vegetable fats)
  • AAK (specialty vegetable fats)

Codes often confused with 1516.20

Common mistake. Often confused with unmodified vegetable oils (e.g., 151590) if the chemical modification is not explicitly stated, or with edible mixtures of fats under 151790 if further prepared.

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 modified1517.90Edible mixtures or preparations of animal, vegetable or microbial fats or oils or of fractions of different fats or oils of this Chapter, n.e.c. in heading 1517, other than edible fats and oils or their fractions of heading 15.16

Top exporters and importers of HS code 151620, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 151620 in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% 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 Indonesia $2.5B
  2. 2 Malaysia $2.2B
  3. 3 Netherlands $455M

World total: $7.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $1.8B
  2. 2 Malaysia $265M
  3. 3 Germany $223M

World total: $6.0B 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 1516.20

Brazil does not split HS 1516.20: its NCM code is 1516.20.00.

  1. 1516.20.00 Hydrogenated or esterified vegetable fats and oilsGorduras e óleos vegetais e respectivas frações

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 1516.20

What is HS code 151620?

HS code 151620 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vegetable 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 category encompasses vegetable fats and oils, and their fractions, that have been chemically modified through processes like partial or complete hydrogenation, inter-esterification, re-esterification, or elaidinisation. These modifications are critical for transforming the natural properties of the oils, such as their melting point, texture, and stability, to meet specific industrial and food application requirements. They are extensively utilized in the food industry for confectionery, bakery products, and as key ingredients in margarines and shortenings, providing desired mouthfeel and shelf-life. Major importers are food manufacturers and processors across developed and developing economies, while exporters are typically large agricultural commodity processors. Trade often involves bulk quantities, with precise specifications on fat profiles, processing methods, and compliance with food safety and labeling regulations, particularly regarding trans fats, being paramount for market acceptance.

What products fall under HS code 151620?

Hydrogenated palm oil, Inter-esterified soybean oil, Hydrogenated coconut oil, Partially hydrogenated rapeseed oil, Elaidinised sunflower oil, Fractionated and hydrogenated shea butter, Fully hydrogenated cottonseed oil

What are common misclassifications for HS code 151620?

Often confused with unmodified vegetable oils (e.g., 151590) if the chemical modification is not explicitly stated, or with edible mixtures of fats under 151790 if further prepared.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 151620?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 151620 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($2.5B, 35% of world exports), Malaysia ($2.2B) and the Netherlands ($455M). World exports came to about $7.2B, 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 151620?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 151620 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.8B, 30% of world imports), Malaysia ($265M) and Germany ($223M). World imports came to about $6.0B, 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 151620 structured?

HS code 151620 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 151620?

In Brazil, HS code 151620 is NCM 1516.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.