HS Code Heading

Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of vegetable or microbial fats or oils, other than those of heading no. 2304 or 2305

23.06 Heading
Section IV — Prepared foodstuffs; beverages, spirits and vinegar; tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes

About HS Code 2306

Heading 2306 covers "Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of vegetable or microbial fats or oils, other than those of heading no. 2304 or 2305." This is a broad, residual category for oil-cakes, encompassing all types of oil-cake and residues from vegetable oil or microbial fat extraction, *except* those derived from soybeans (2304) or ground-nuts (2305). This heading is vital for the global animal feed industry, as it includes a diverse range of protein-rich by-products from oilseed processing. The scope is extensive, covering residues from sunflower seeds, rapeseed (canola), palm kernels, coconuts, linseed, cottonseed, sesame seeds, castor beans, and even microbial biomass. The 'whether or not ground or in the form of pellets' clause ensures flexibility in classification regardless of physical presentation. Key sub-categories include sunflower meal, rapeseed meal (canola meal), palm kernel expeller (PKE), and coconut oil-cake. Accurate classification under 2306 is essential for trade compliance, impacting tariff rates, import quotas, and adherence to specific phytosanitary standards. Historically, these oil-cakes have been indispensable in supplementing animal diets worldwide, offering a sustainable way to utilize agricultural by-products. This heading reinforces Chapter 23's focus on converting food industry residues into valuable animal feed resources, contributing to circular economy principles and efficient resource management in agriculture.

Products Under This Code

Sunflower oil-cake, rapeseed meal, canola meal, palm kernel expeller, coconut oil-cake, linseed meal, cottonseed meal, sesame oil-cake, castor oil-cake, microbial protein biomass (for feed), olive pomace (defatted), rice bran oil-cake, corn germ meal, grape seed oil-cake, safflower oil-cake, mustard seed oil-cake, poppy seed oil-cake, jatropha oil-cake (detoxified for feed), hemp seed oil-cake, tamanu oil-cake, almond oil-cake, apricot kernel oil-cake, pumpkin seed oil-cake, shea nut cake

Real World Examples

A Ukrainian exporter regularly ships large volumes of sunflower meal to the European Union, primarily to Germany and Spain, where it's integrated into dairy and poultry feed formulations, utilizing Black Sea and Mediterranean trade routes. In Southeast Asia, Malaysian producers export palm kernel expeller (PKE) to China and Japan, serving as a cost-effective fiber and protein source for pig and ruminant diets. Additionally, Canadian canola meal is a significant export to the United States and Mexico, valued for its balanced amino acid profile in various livestock and aquaculture feeds, often transported by rail and truck across North America.

Common Misclassification

Misclassification often occurs when traders confuse 2306 with the specific oil-cake headings 2304 (soybean) or 2305 (ground-nut), or with 'prepared animal feeds' under 2309. The critical distinction for 2306 is its 'other' nature – it's for any oil-cake *not* from soybean or ground-nut. Mistaking a palm kernel expeller for a 'prepared animal feed' (2309) is a common error; 2306 covers the raw or simply processed oil-cake, not a formulated mixture. Similarly, classifying residues from non-oilseed extraction (e.g., beet pulp) here would be incorrect, as they fall under 2308.

Subheadings 8

EU Regulatory Requirements

This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.

Industry

This code belongs to the Food & Beverages industry.

Trade Overview

Major exporters of products under 2306 include Ukraine (sunflower meal), Canada (canola meal), Malaysia and Indonesia (palm kernel expeller), and Brazil (various oil-cakes). The European Union, China, and the United States are significant importers due to their large animal agriculture sectors. Tariff rates can vary widely based on the specific oil-cake and existing trade agreements. For instance, preferential tariffs might apply under Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes for certain developing countries. However, non-tariff barriers, such as import quotas and strict phytosanitary requirements, particularly regarding mycotoxins, are prevalent globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is HS code 2306?

HS code 2306 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 vegetable or microbial fats or oils, other than those of heading no. 2304 or 2305. Heading 2306 covers "Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of vegetable or microbial fats or oils, other than those of heading no. 2304 or 2305." This is a broad, residual category for oil-cakes, encompassing all types of oil-cake and residues from vegetable oil or microbial fat extraction, *except* those derived from soybeans (2304) or ground-nuts (2305). This heading is vital for the global animal feed industry, as it includes a diverse range of protein-rich by-products from oilseed processing. The scope is extensive, covering residues from sunflower seeds, rapeseed (canola), palm kernels, coconuts, linseed, cottonseed, sesame seeds, castor beans, and even microbial biomass. The 'whether or not ground or in the form of pellets' clause ensures flexibility in classification regardless of physical presentation. Key sub-categories include sunflower meal, rapeseed meal (canola meal), palm kernel expeller (PKE), and coconut oil-cake. Accurate classification under 2306 is essential for trade compliance, impacting tariff rates, import quotas, and adherence to specific phytosanitary standards. Historically, these oil-cakes have been indispensable in supplementing animal diets worldwide, offering a sustainable way to utilize agricultural by-products. This heading reinforces Chapter 23's focus on converting food industry residues into valuable animal feed resources, contributing to circular economy principles and efficient resource management in agriculture.

What products fall under HS code 2306?

Sunflower oil-cake, rapeseed meal, canola meal, palm kernel expeller, coconut oil-cake, linseed meal, cottonseed meal, sesame oil-cake, castor oil-cake, microbial protein biomass (for feed), olive pomace (defatted), rice bran oil-cake, corn germ meal, grape seed oil-cake, safflower oil-cake, mustard seed oil-cake, poppy seed oil-cake, jatropha oil-cake (detoxified for feed), hemp seed oil-cake, tamanu oil-cake, almond oil-cake, apricot kernel oil-cake, pumpkin seed oil-cake, shea nut cake

What are common misclassifications for HS code 2306?

Misclassification often occurs when traders confuse 2306 with the specific oil-cake headings 2304 (soybean) or 2305 (ground-nut), or with 'prepared animal feeds' under 2309. The critical distinction for 2306 is its 'other' nature – it's for any oil-cake *not* from soybean or ground-nut. Mistaking a palm kernel expeller for a 'prepared animal feed' (2309) is a common error; 2306 covers the raw or simply processed oil-cake, not a formulated mixture. Similarly, classifying residues from non-oilseed extraction (e.g., beet pulp) here would be incorrect, as they fall under 2308.

Which countries trade the most under HS code 2306?

Major exporters of products under 2306 include Ukraine (sunflower meal), Canada (canola meal), Malaysia and Indonesia (palm kernel expeller), and Brazil (various oil-cakes). The European Union, China, and the United States are significant importers due to their large animal agriculture sectors. Tariff rates can vary widely based on the specific oil-cake and existing trade agreements. For instance, preferential tariffs might apply under Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) schemes for certain developing countries. However, non-tariff barriers, such as import quotas and strict phytosanitary requirements, particularly regarding mycotoxins, are prevalent globally.

How is HS code 2306 structured?

HS code 2306 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 23 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (23) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (06) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.