HS Code 23.04 – Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of soya-bean oil

HS code 2304 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of soya-bean oil. HS Code 2304 specifically covers 'Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of soya-bean oil.' This heading is highly specialized within Chapter 23, which focuses on residues and waste from food industries, primarily for animal fodder. Its scope is strictly limited to the solid by-products generated after the oil has been extracted from soybeans, making it a distinct category from residues of other oilseeds. These residues, commonly known as soybean meal, are exceptionally rich in protein and are a cornerstone of global animal feed industries. The classification under 2304 is of immense importance for international trade compliance due to the massive volumes of soybean meal traded globally. Regulations often involve stringent requirements concerning protein content, moisture levels, GMO status, and mycotoxin testing. These factors directly impact market access and pricing. Soybean meal's historical significance lies in its role as a primary protein source for livestock and aquaculture, revolutionizing feed formulations and supporting intensive animal farming. Its relationship with Chapter 23 emphasizes its value as a recovered industrial by-product, transforming what would otherwise be a waste stream into a critical, high-value commodity that underpins global food production and agricultural economics.

Soybean meal, defatted soybean flakes, toasted soybean meal, un-toasted soybean meal, high-protein soybean meal, conventional soybean meal, organic soybean meal, non-GMO soybean meal, solvent-extracted soybean meal, mechanically pressed soybean meal, soybean expeller meal, soybean meal pellets, soybean meal flakes, soybean protein concentrate (feed grade from meal), soybean hull meal (often mixed in), soybean meal with hulls, full-fat soybean meal (if solid residue), low-oligosaccharide soybean meal, enzymatically treated soybean meal, micronized soybean meal, fermented soybean meal, soybean meal for aquaculture, soybean meal for poultry, soybean meal for swine.

The most common misclassification for HS 2304 is confusing it with other oil-cakes. While 2304 is *exclusively* for residues from *soya-bean oil extraction*, residues from other oilseeds (e.g., sunflower, rapeseed, palm kernel, groundnut) fall under HS 2306. Traders often overlook this specificity and group all oil-cakes together. Another error is classifying whole soybeans (1201) or highly processed soy proteins for human consumption (e.g., some types of soy protein isolates or concentrates, which might fall under 2106 or 3504) under 2304. The key is that 2304 is for the solid residue *after oil extraction* and intended primarily as animal feed, not the whole bean or a highly refined food ingredient.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2304 in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($7.9B, 31% of world exports), Argentina ($5.3B) and the United States ($4.9B). World exports came to about $25.2B, 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2304 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($2.2B, 7.6% of world imports), Vietnam (about $1.7B) and Poland ($1.4B). World imports came to about $29.6B, 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 2304 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 23 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (23) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.