HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 23.05 – Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of ground-nut oil
What HS 23.05 covers
Heading 2305 specifically classifies "Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of ground-nut oil." This heading is crucial for international trade as it captures the by-products generated after the mechanical or chemical extraction of oil from ground-nuts (peanuts). These residues, primarily ground-nut oil-cake or ground-nut meal, are highly valued for their significant protein content, making them a vital component in the formulation of animal feeds globally. The scope is narrow and precise, focusing exclusively on ground-nut derived residues, distinguishing them from other oil-cakes. The 'whether or not ground or in the form of pellets' clause clarifies that the physical form does not alter its classification, accommodating various processing stages for transport and feed integration. Key sub-categories typically involve ground-nut meal (powdered form) and ground-nut pellets. This classification is paramount for trade compliance, as accurate identification ensures correct tariff application, adherence to sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, and proper documentation for import/export permits. Historically, ground-nut oil-cake has been a staple in livestock diets, particularly for cattle, poultry, and swine, contributing significantly to the agricultural economies of major ground-nut producing nations. It sits within Chapter 23, which is dedicated to 'Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder,' highlighting its role as a valuable co-product from food processing, repurposed for animal nutrition, thereby reducing waste and enhancing sustainability in the agricultural supply chain.
- Covers
- Ground-nut oil-cake
- Ground-nut meal
- Ground-nut pellets
- Defatted ground-nut flour (for feed)
- Roasted ground-nut expeller
- Cold-pressed ground-nut cake
- Solvent-extracted ground-nut meal
- Partially defatted ground-nut cake
- Ground-nut protein meal
- Ground-nut hull meal
- Ground-nut screenings (for feed)
- Ground-nut by-product feed
- Ground-nut press cake
- Ground-nut protein concentrate (feed grade)
- Ground-nut fiber meal
- Unground ground-nut cake
- Ground ground-nut cake
- Ground-nut meal in bulk
- Ground-nut pellets for aquaculture
- Ground-nut meal for poultry feed
- Ground-nut meal for cattle feed
- Ground-nut meal for swine feed
- Examples
An Indian exporter ships several containers of ground-nut meal pellets to the Netherlands for use in European cattle feed formulations, leveraging preferential tariffs under existing trade agreements. In another scenario, a US-based animal feed manufacturer imports ground-nut oil-cake from Brazil to supplement protein levels in its poultry feed production, utilizing established shipping lanes across the Atlantic. Furthermore, a Chinese aquaculture farm procures ground-nut meal from Vietnam to incorporate into its fish feed, relying on efficient maritime routes within Southeast Asia to ensure timely delivery and competitive pricing.
Subheadings under 23.05 1
Codes often confused with 23.05
Common mistake. A common mistake is confusing ground-nut oil-cake with soybean oil-cake (2304) or other vegetable oil-cakes (2306). The specific nature of the 'ground-nut' origin is the critical differentiator for 2305. Misclassifying ground-nut meal under 2306 would be incorrect as 2305 is specifically for ground-nut residues. Similarly, classifying it under 2304 is wrong as that heading is exclusively for soybean residues. Traders must meticulously verify the oilseed from which the residue is derived to ensure accurate classification, as the tariff rates and import regulations can differ significantly between these specific oil-cake types.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 2305, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 2305 in UN Comtrade data was Argentina, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 35% of world imports. Nicaragua did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 47% of its exports here ($1.7M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Argentina $8.7M 42% of world exports
- 2 India $7.4M 36% of world exports
- 3 United States $1.3M 6.4% of world exports
Nicaragua did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 47% of its exports here ($1.7M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $21M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Chile $12M 35% of world imports
- 2 United States $7.0M 19% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $4.0M 11% of world imports
World total: $36M 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.
Questions about HS 23.05
What is HS code 2305?
HS code 2305 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 ground-nut oil. Heading 2305 specifically classifies "Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of ground-nut oil." This heading is crucial for international trade as it captures the by-products generated after the mechanical or chemical extraction of oil from ground-nuts (peanuts). These residues, primarily ground-nut oil-cake or ground-nut meal, are highly valued for their significant protein content, making them a vital component in the formulation of animal feeds globally. The scope is narrow and precise, focusing exclusively on ground-nut derived residues, distinguishing them from other oil-cakes. The 'whether or not ground or in the form of pellets' clause clarifies that the physical form does not alter its classification, accommodating various processing stages for transport and feed integration. Key sub-categories typically involve ground-nut meal (powdered form) and ground-nut pellets. This classification is paramount for trade compliance, as accurate identification ensures correct tariff application, adherence to sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, and proper documentation for import/export permits. Historically, ground-nut oil-cake has been a staple in livestock diets, particularly for cattle, poultry, and swine, contributing significantly to the agricultural economies of major ground-nut producing nations. It sits within Chapter 23, which is dedicated to 'Residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder,' highlighting its role as a valuable co-product from food processing, repurposed for animal nutrition, thereby reducing waste and enhancing sustainability in the agricultural supply chain.
What products fall under HS code 2305?
Ground-nut oil-cake, ground-nut meal, ground-nut pellets, defatted ground-nut flour (for feed), roasted ground-nut expeller, cold-pressed ground-nut cake, solvent-extracted ground-nut meal, partially defatted ground-nut cake, ground-nut protein meal, ground-nut hull meal, ground-nut screenings (for feed), ground-nut by-product feed, ground-nut press cake, ground-nut protein concentrate (feed grade), ground-nut fiber meal, unground ground-nut cake, ground ground-nut cake, ground-nut meal in bulk, ground-nut pellets for aquaculture, ground-nut meal for poultry feed, ground-nut meal for cattle feed, ground-nut meal for swine feed
What are common misclassifications for HS code 2305?
A common mistake is confusing ground-nut oil-cake with soybean oil-cake (2304) or other vegetable oil-cakes (2306). The specific nature of the 'ground-nut' origin is the critical differentiator for 2305. Misclassifying ground-nut meal under 2306 would be incorrect as 2305 is specifically for ground-nut residues. Similarly, classifying it under 2304 is wrong as that heading is exclusively for soybean residues. Traders must meticulously verify the oilseed from which the residue is derived to ensure accurate classification, as the tariff rates and import regulations can differ significantly between these specific oil-cake types.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 2305?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 2305 in UN Comtrade data were Argentina ($8.7M, 42% of world exports), India ($7.4M) and the United States ($1.3M). World exports came to about $21M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Nicaragua did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 47% of its exports here ($1.7M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 2305?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 2305 in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($12M, 35% of world imports), the United States ($7.0M) and Thailand ($4.0M). World imports came to about $36M, 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 2305 structured?
HS code 2305 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 23 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (23) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (05) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.