Product classification
HS code for Cottonseed meal: 2306.10
Oil-cake and other solid residues, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of cotton seed oils.
Classification of cottonseed meal under HS 2306.10
Cottonseed meal is classified under HS code 2306.10. This classification is reserved for oil-cake and other solid residues that remain after the extraction of oil from cotton seeds. Whether the residue is ground, in the form of pellets, or in large cakes, it falls under this heading as long as it is a byproduct of the oil extraction process. Chapter 23 of the Harmonized System covers residues and waste from the food industries and prepared animal fodder. Cottonseed meal is a significant source of protein for livestock, and its classification depends on the fact that the primary oil has been removed, leaving behind the protein-rich solids. The extraction process can be mechanical (expeller) or chemical (solvent), but the resulting residue remains under 2306.10. This code is essential for distinguishing between the raw agricultural product (the seed) and the processed industrial byproduct used in the feed industry. The meal is often valued for its high protein content, but it must be distinguished from prepared animal feeds that contain multiple ingredients. If the cottonseed meal is mixed with other substances to create a balanced ration, it may move to heading 2309. However, pure cottonseed residue, even if ground into a fine meal or compressed into pellets for easier handling, remains strictly within 2306.10. This classification helps customs authorities apply the correct agricultural levies and monitor the trade of oilseed byproducts. It is also important for phytosanitary controls, as processed meal has different biological risks compared to whole seeds.
- Covers
- Cottonseed oil-cake
- Ground cottonseed meal
- Cottonseed pellets for animal feed
- Solid residues from cottonseed crushing
- Expeller-pressed cottonseed meal
- Also under 2306.10
- Cargill Cottonseed Meal
- ADM Cottonseed Cake
- Louis Dreyfus Cottonseed Pellets
- Bunge Cottonseed Meal
- Olam Cottonseed Meal
Codes often confused with 2306.10
Common mistake. Sometimes confused with 1207.21 or 1207.29 (cotton seeds). The distinction is that 1207 covers the whole seed before oil extraction, while 2306.10 covers the residue after extraction. It may also be confused with 2309.90 (prepared animal feed), but 2306.10 is specific to the residue itself before it is mixed with other nutritional additives.
Top exporters and importers of HS 230610 (the code used for cottonseed meal), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 230610 (the code used for cottonseed meal) in UN Comtrade data was Benin, with about 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 25% of world imports. Mauritania 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 38% of its imports here ($4.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 230610, not only cottonseed meal.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Benin* ~$27M 29% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Côte d'Ivoire $15M 16% of world exports
- 3 Greece $13M 14% of world exports
World total: $94M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $22M 25% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $8.1M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 South Africa $5.6M 6.4% of world imports
Mauritania 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 38% of its imports here ($4.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $87M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 cottonseed meal
Brazil classifies cottonseed meal under NCM 2306.10.00: HS 2306.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
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.
Questions about cottonseed meal
What is the HS code for Cottonseed meal?
The HS code for Cottonseed meal is 230610 (Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of cotton seed oils). The HS code for cottonseed meal and other solid residues from the extraction of cottonseed oil is 2306.10.
How do I classify Cottonseed meal for customs?
Cottonseed meal is classified under HS code 230610 — Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of cotton seed oils. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can cottonseed meal be in pellet form?
Yes, HS code 2306.10 includes cottonseed residues whether they are ground into meal or compressed into the form of pellets.
Which countries are the top exporters of cottonseed meal (HS 230610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 230610 (the code used for cottonseed meal) in UN Comtrade data were Benin (about $27M, 29% of world exports), Côte d'Ivoire ($15M) and Greece ($13M). World exports came to about $94M, 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 cottonseed meal (HS 230610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 230610 (the code used for cottonseed meal) in UN Comtrade data were India ($22M, 25% of world imports), Mexico ($8.1M) and South Africa ($5.6M). World imports came to about $87M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Mauritania 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 38% of its imports here ($4.6M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Cottonseed meal the same in all countries?
The base HS code 230610 for Cottonseed meal 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 cottonseed meal in Brazil?
In Brazil, cottonseed meal (HS 230610) is classified under NCM 2306.10.00.