HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 1516.30 – Microbial 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 1516.30 is the 6-digit subheading for microbial 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 microbial oil, inter-esterified microbial fat, elaidinised microbial oil, refined hydrogenated microbial fat and microbial oil fractions (modified).
What HS 1516.30 covers
This specific HS code is dedicated to microbial fats and oils, and their fractions, that have undergone particular modifications such as partial or complete hydrogenation, inter-esterification, re-esterification, or elaidinisation. These sophisticated processes are employed to alter the physical and chemical characteristics of the fats, tailoring them for specific functional requirements in various food and industrial applications. Such modifications can improve texture, enhance shelf-life, or adjust melting points, making them suitable for products ranging from specialized margarines and shortenings to confectionery and cosmetic formulations. Derived from microorganisms, these fats represent an innovative and increasingly important segment in sustainable ingredient sourcing. Importers are typically advanced food manufacturers, cosmetic companies, and chemical industries globally, seeking novel alternatives to traditional animal or vegetable fats. Key aspects for trade include understanding the precise modification process, the resulting fatty acid profile, and ensuring the product's suitability for its intended application.
- Covers
- Hydrogenated microbial oil
- Inter-esterified microbial fat
- Elaidinised microbial oil
- Refined hydrogenated microbial fat
- Microbial oil fractions (modified)
- Algal oil (modified)
- Fungal oil (modified)
- Examples
DSM Life's Omega (modified algal oil), Corbion Algal DHA (modified), various specialty fats from companies like AAK or Bunge (if microbial origin and modified)
Codes often confused with 1516.30
Common mistake. This code is distinct from 151610 (animal fats) and 151620 (vegetable fats) which undergo similar modifications, specifically covering microbial sources. It could be confused with 151800 if the "further prepared" clause is misinterpreted.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 151630, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 151630 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Tanzania, with 27% 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 France $12M 41% of world exports
- 2 Canada $4.1M 15% of world exports
- 3 Norway $3.8M 13% of world exports
World total: $28M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Tanzania $11M 27% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $6.4M 16% of world imports
- 3 Austria $2.9M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $39M 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 1516.30
Brazil does not split HS 1516.30: its NCM code is 1516.30.00.
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 1516.30
What is HS code 151630?
HS code 151630 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Microbial 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 specific HS code is dedicated to microbial fats and oils, and their fractions, that have undergone particular modifications such as partial or complete hydrogenation, inter-esterification, re-esterification, or elaidinisation. These sophisticated processes are employed to alter the physical and chemical characteristics of the fats, tailoring them for specific functional requirements in various food and industrial applications. Such modifications can improve texture, enhance shelf-life, or adjust melting points, making them suitable for products ranging from specialized margarines and shortenings to confectionery and cosmetic formulations. Derived from microorganisms, these fats represent an innovative and increasingly important segment in sustainable ingredient sourcing. Importers are typically advanced food manufacturers, cosmetic companies, and chemical industries globally, seeking novel alternatives to traditional animal or vegetable fats. Key aspects for trade include understanding the precise modification process, the resulting fatty acid profile, and ensuring the product's suitability for its intended application.
What products fall under HS code 151630?
Hydrogenated microbial oil, Inter-esterified microbial fat, Elaidinised microbial oil, Refined hydrogenated microbial fat, Microbial oil fractions (modified), Algal oil (modified), Fungal oil (modified)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 151630?
This code is distinct from 151610 (animal fats) and 151620 (vegetable fats) which undergo similar modifications, specifically covering microbial sources. It could be confused with 151800 if the "further prepared" clause is misinterpreted.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 151630?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 151630 in UN Comtrade data were France ($12M, 41% of world exports), Canada ($4.1M) and Norway ($3.8M). World exports came to about $28M, 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 151630?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 151630 in UN Comtrade data were Tanzania ($11M, 27% of world imports), South Korea ($6.4M) and Austria ($2.9M). World imports came to about $39M, 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 151630 structured?
HS code 151630 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 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 151630?
In Brazil, HS code 151630 is NCM 1516.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.