Product classification
HS code for Algal oil: 1515.60
Vegetable oils, microbial fats and oils and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.
Classification of algal oil under HS 1515.60
Algal oil is classified under Harmonized System (HS) code 1515.60. This classification is appropriate because the subheading specifically covers "Microbial fats and oils and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified." Algal oil is derived from algae, which are microorganisms, thus fitting precisely into the category of microbial fats and oils. This code distinguishes algal oil from traditional vegetable oils (e.g., from seeds or fruits) or animal fats. The classification applies regardless of whether the oil has undergone refining processes, provided its fundamental chemical structure has not been altered through chemical modification.
- Covers
- Microbial fats and oils
- Algal oil
- Fungal oil
- Bacterial oil
- Fractions of microbial fats and oils, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.
- Also under 1515.60
- DSM life'sDHA
- Corbion AlgaPrime DHA
- Fermentalg DHA
- Veramaris Algal Oil
Codes often confused with 1515.60
Common mistake. Algal oil can be subject to misclassification, primarily with other types of oils. One common area of confusion is with other fixed vegetable fats and oils, which are generally classified under HS code 1515.90 (for those not specified elsewhere) or other specific codes within Chapter 15 for oils like linseed, castor, or tung oil. The key differentiator for 1515.60 is the microbial origin of the oil, setting it apart from plant-derived oils. Another potential misclassification could occur if the algal oil has been chemically modified (e.g., hydrogenated or interesterified). In such cases, it would typically be classified outside of Chapter 15, often under Chapter 38 (e.g., 3823 for industrial monocarboxylic fatty acids; industrial fatty alcohols; prepared waxes; prepared animal or vegetable fats and oils). The phrase "not chemically modified" in 1515.60 is crucial for accurate classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 151560 (the code used for algal oil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 151560 (the code used for algal oil) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 151560, not only algal oil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $33M 23% of world exports
- 2 United States $27M 18% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $19M 13% of world exports
World total: $146M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $55M 29% of world imports
- 2 Tanzania $27M 14% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $23M 12% of world imports
World total: $190M 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 algal oil
Brazil classifies algal oil under NCM 1515.60.00: HS 1515.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about algal oil
What is the HS code for Algal oil?
The HS code for Algal oil is 151560 (Vegetable oils; microbial fats and oils and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified). The HS code for Algal oil is 1515.60, which specifically covers "Microbial fats and oils and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified."
How do I classify Algal oil for customs?
Algal oil is classified under HS code 151560 — Vegetable oils; microbial fats and oils and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the significance of 'not chemically modified' in this HS code?
The phrase "not chemically modified" is critical for classification under HS code 1515.60. It means that the algal oil has not undergone processes that alter its fundamental chemical structure, such as hydrogenation, transesterification, or re-esterification. If the oil were chemically modified, it would typically be classified under a different HS code, often within Chapter 38, as a prepared chemical product rather than a basic fat or oil.
Which countries are the top exporters of algal oil (HS 151560)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 151560 (the code used for algal oil) in UN Comtrade data were China ($33M, 23% of world exports), the United States ($27M) and the United Kingdom ($19M). World exports came to about $146M, 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 algal oil (HS 151560)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 151560 (the code used for algal oil) in UN Comtrade data were China ($55M, 29% of world imports), Tanzania ($27M) and the Netherlands ($23M). World imports came to about $190M, 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.
Is the HS code for Algal oil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 151560 for Algal oil is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for algal oil in Brazil?
In Brazil, algal oil (HS 151560) is classified under NCM 1515.60.00.