HS Code 15.20 – Glycerol, crude; glycerol waters and glycerol lyes

HS code 1520 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Glycerol, crude; glycerol waters and glycerol lyes. HS Code 1520 specifically covers crude glycerol, glycerol waters, and glycerol lyes. Glycerol (also known as glycerine) is a simple polyol compound, and this heading is dedicated to its raw, unpurified forms. Crude glycerol is primarily a by-product of the saponification of fats and oils in soap manufacturing, or more significantly in modern times, from the transesterification process used to produce biodiesel. Glycerol waters and glycerol lyes are even cruder forms, typically dilute aqueous solutions containing glycerol along with impurities like salts, fatty acids, and unreacted methanol (from biodiesel production). The 'crude' designation is paramount; it distinguishes these products from refined, pure glycerol, which, due to its chemical definition as an alcohol, is classified under heading 2905. The scope of 1520 is therefore limited to the initial, unpurified output of these industrial processes. Its importance in international trade has surged with the growth of the biodiesel industry, as crude glycerol is produced in vast quantities. Trade compliance under this heading involves accurately identifying the purity level and the presence of impurities to ensure it aligns with the 'crude' definition, as incorrect classification could lead to significant duty discrepancies. Historically, glycerol was primarily a soap-making byproduct, but its modern context is heavily linked to renewable energy production, making it a globally traded commodity for further refining and diverse industrial applications.

Crude glycerol from biodiesel production, Glycerol waters from soap manufacturing, Glycerol lyes from fat splitting, Unpurified glycerine solution (biodiesel byproduct), Raw glycerol from oleochemical processes, Crude glycerine with methanol impurities, Salt-rich crude glycerol, Crude glycerol with fatty acid content, Dark crude glycerol, Glycerol phase from transesterification, Undistilled crude glycerol, Crude glycerol from animal fat rendering, Crude glycerol from vegetable oil processing, Glycerol-rich effluent from soap factories, Unprocessed glycerol liquid from chemical plants, Crude glycerol for industrial refining, Crude glycerol with ash content, Glycerol solution (unrefined), Technical grade crude glycerol, Glycerol byproduct stream, Untreated crude glycerine, Crude glycerol for non-food applications, Glycerol residue from fatty alcohol production, Glycerol with residual catalysts, Glycerol liquor from saponification.

The most common misclassification for HS 1520 involves confusing crude glycerol with refined glycerol. Refined glycerol, due to its chemical purity (typically 95% or more) and classification as an alcohol, falls under heading 2905. Traders often fail to distinguish based on purity levels and the presence of impurities like salts, methanol, or fatty acids. Another error is to classify other industrial byproducts or waste streams containing some glycerol content, but not predominantly glycerol, under this heading; these might belong to other chapters depending on their primary constituents. The key is that 1520 is specifically for *crude* glycerol, glycerol waters, and glycerol lyes, representing the unprocessed or minimally processed forms.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 1520 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($494M, 33% of world exports), Brazil ($337M) and Germany ($107M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 1520 in UN Comtrade data were China ($880M, 57% of world imports), India ($128M) and Germany ($88M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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.

HS code 1520 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 15 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (15) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (20) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.