HS Code for Coconut oil

Coconut oil, specifically the refined or non-crude variety, is classified under HS code 1513.19. This classification is determined by Chapter 15, which encompasses animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products. Heading 1513 is dedicated to coconut (copra), palm kernel, or babassu oil. Within this heading, a distinction is made between crude oil (1513.11) and \"other\" (1513.19), which includes refined, bleached, and deodorized (RBD) coconut oil. To qualify for 1513.19, the oil must not have been chemically modified, although it may have been refined through physical or chemical means to remove impurities, odors, or colors. This code also covers fractions of coconut oil, such as liquid fractions (olein) or solid fractions (stearin), provided they have not been modified at the molecular level. The classification is vital for international trade as refined coconut oil is a major commodity in both the food industry and the manufacturing of soaps and detergents. The distinction between crude and refined oil is based on the degree of processing the oil has undergone after extraction from the copra.

Products Included

• Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized (RBD) coconut oil
• Fractionated coconut oil (not chemically modified)
• Virgin coconut oil (if not considered crude)
• Coconut oil stearin and olein

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification occurs between 1513.11 (crude coconut oil) and 1513.19 (refined coconut oil). Crude oil is the raw product obtained from pressing copra without further processing, while 1513.19 requires refinement. Additionally, coconut oil intended for cosmetic use is sometimes incorrectly classified under heading 3304. However, unless the oil is put up in measured doses or retail packaging with specific cosmetic claims, it remains in 1513.19. Another error involves hydrogenated coconut oil, which must be classified under 1516.20 because it has been chemically modified through hydrogenation.

FAQ

What is the HS code for coconut oil?

Refined coconut oil is classified under HS code 1513.19, while crude coconut oil is classified under 1513.11.

Does fractionated coconut oil use the same HS code?

Yes, fractionated coconut oil is classified under 1513.19 as long as the fractionation process is physical and does not involve chemical modification.