Product classification
HS code for Cottonseed oil cake: 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 oil cake under HS 2306.10
Cottonseed oil cake is classified under HS code 2306.10. This classification is situated within Chapter 23, which covers residues and waste from the food industries and prepared animal fodder. Heading 2306 specifically identifies "Oil-cake and other solid residues, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of vegetable fats or oils." When cottonseed is processed to extract oil, the remaining solid matter is known as oil cake or meal. This byproduct is high in protein and is primarily used in the formulation of animal feed. The classification depends on the fact that the product is a residue of the oil extraction process. If the seeds were simply ground without oil extraction, they would remain in Chapter 12. The inclusion of "pellets" in the description ensures that even compressed forms of the residue are captured under this specific code. According to the General Interpretative Rules, specifically GRI 1, the classification is governed by the heading text. Chapter Note 1 to Chapter 23 further clarifies that products of a kind used in animal feeding, not elsewhere specified or included, obtained by the processing of vegetable or animal materials, fall here. Cottonseed oil cake is a classic example of such a residue. It is distinct from "flours and meals" of oil seeds (heading 1208) because those are typically obtained from whole seeds, whereas 2306 specifically refers to residues left after the oil has been removed.
- Covers
- Cottonseed oil cake (solid residue)
- Cottonseed meal (ground residue)
- Cottonseed pellets for livestock feed
- De-oiled cottonseed cake
- 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. Cottonseed oil cake is often misclassified under HS code 1208.90, which covers flours and meals of oil seeds. The key difference is that 1208.90 applies to products where the oil has not been extracted, whereas 2306.10 is specifically for residues after extraction. Another error is using 2308.00, which is a "basket" category for vegetable materials used in animal feed. Since cottonseed oil cake is specifically named in heading 2306, GRI 1 requires it to be placed there rather than in a general category. Finally, ensure it is not confused with 2309.90, which is for complete prepared animal feeds containing multiple ingredients.
Top exporters and importers of HS 230610 (the code used for cottonseed oil cake), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 230610 (the code used for cottonseed oil cake) 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 oil cake.
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 oil cake
Brazil classifies cottonseed oil cake 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 oil cake
What is the HS code for Cottonseed oil cake?
The HS code for Cottonseed oil cake 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 oil cake and other solid residues resulting from oil extraction is 2306.10.
How do I classify Cottonseed oil cake for customs?
Cottonseed oil cake 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.
Does this code include cottonseed meal?
Yes, cottonseed meal is simply the ground form of the oil cake and is included under HS code 2306.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of cottonseed oil cake (HS 230610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 230610 (the code used for cottonseed oil cake) 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 oil cake (HS 230610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 230610 (the code used for cottonseed oil cake) 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 oil cake the same in all countries?
The base HS code 230610 for Cottonseed oil cake 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 oil cake in Brazil?
In Brazil, cottonseed oil cake (HS 230610) is classified under NCM 2306.10.00.