Product classification
HS code for Animal fats: 1506.00
Animal fats and oils and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified, n.e.c. in chapter 15.
Classification of animal fats under HS 1506.00
HS code 150600 is designated for animal fats and oils, along with their fractions, that are not chemically modified and are not specified elsewhere within Chapter 15 of the Harmonized System. This classification encompasses fats and oils derived from animals, excluding fish and marine mammals (which typically fall under 1504), that have undergone processes such as refining, but without altering their fundamental chemical structure. It serves as a residual category for animal fats not specifically covered by more precise headings within the chapter, such as those for pig fat (1501), poultry fat (1502), or bovine, sheep, or goat fats (1503). The "n.e.c." (not elsewhere specified) clause is crucial, indicating its application to animal fats that do not fit into other specific classifications.
- Covers
- Bone fat
- Rendered fats from animals not specifically covered by HS codes 1501, 1502, or 1503
- Wool grease (lanolin) in its crude or refined, but not chemically modified, form
- Other animal oils and their fractions, not chemically modified, and not specifically classified under other headings in Chapter 15.
- Also under 1506.00
- Darling Ingredients (various animal fats)
- Tyson Foods (poultry fat)
- Omega Protein (fish oil)
- ADM (animal fats for feed)
Codes often confused with 1506.00
Common mistake. This code is often confused with more specific animal fat classifications such as HS 150100 (pig fat), HS 150200 (fats of bovine animals, sheep or goats), and HS 150300 (lard stearin, lard oil, oleostearin, oleo-oil and tallow oil, not emulsified or mixed or otherwise prepared). The distinction lies in the specific animal source; 150600 is for fats from animals not explicitly named in these other codes. Furthermore, chemically modified animal fats, such as hydrogenated fats, are classified under HS 1516, as they have undergone chemical alteration, which is explicitly excluded from 150600. Fish oils and fats from marine mammals are typically classified under HS 1504.
Top exporters and importers of HS 150600 (the code used for animal fats), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 150600 (the code used for animal fats) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 43% 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 150600, not only animal fats.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $102M 23% of world exports
- 2 France $69M 16% of world exports
- 3 New Zealand $42M 9.4% of world exports
World total: $444M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $283M 43% of world imports
- 2 Netherlands $125M 19% of world imports
- 3 China $58M 8.9% of world imports
World total: $654M 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 animal fats
Brazil classifies animal fats under NCM 1506.00.00: HS 1506.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about animal fats
What is the HS code for Animal fats?
The HS code for Animal fats is 150600 (Animal fats and oils and their fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified, n.e.c. in chapter 15). The primary HS code for animal fats and oils, and their fractions, that are not chemically modified and not specified elsewhere in Chapter 15, is 150600.
How do I classify Animal fats for customs?
Animal fats is classified under HS code 150600 — Animal fats and oils and their fractions; whether or not refined, but not chemically modified, n.e.c. in chapter 15. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What distinguishes HS 150600 from other animal fat codes?
HS 150600 is a residual category for animal fats and oils not specifically covered by more precise headings like 150100 (pig fat), 150200 (bovine, sheep, goat fats), or 150400 (fish and marine mammal fats). It also excludes chemically modified fats (e.g., 1516).
Which countries are the top exporters of animal fats (HS 150600)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 150600 (the code used for animal fats) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($102M, 23% of world exports), France ($69M) and New Zealand ($42M). World exports came to about $444M, 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 animal fats (HS 150600)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 150600 (the code used for animal fats) in UN Comtrade data were France ($283M, 43% of world imports), the Netherlands ($125M) and China ($58M). World imports came to about $654M, 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 Animal fats the same in all countries?
The base HS code 150600 for Animal fats 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 animal fats in Brazil?
In Brazil, animal fats (HS 150600) is classified under NCM 1506.00.00.