HS Code for Crude corn oil

Crude corn oil is classified under HS code 1515.21 because it falls within Chapter 15, which covers animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products. Specifically, heading 1515 is reserved for other fixed vegetable fats and oils (including jojoba oil) and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. Within this heading, maize (corn) oil is specifically identified. The subheading 1515.21 is designated for the crude state of the oil. Classification is determined by General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which dictates that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Since the product is in its raw, unrefined state—meaning it has not undergone neutralization, bleaching, or deodorization—it must be placed in the crude category. The oil is typically extracted from the germ of the maize plant through mechanical pressing or solvent extraction. As long as the oil remains in its natural state without chemical modification or further refining processes that would alter its fundamental character, it remains strictly within this 6-digit code.

Products Included

• Unrefined maize oil
• Crude corn germ oil
• Degummed crude corn oil
• First-press corn oil (unrefined)
• Crude oil obtained from wet-milling processes

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 1515.29, which is reserved for refined corn oil and its fractions. Importers often confuse the two when the oil has undergone even minor refining steps like neutralization. Another common error involves HS code 1518.00, which covers animal or vegetable fats and oils that have been chemically modified (e.g., boiled, oxidized, or dehydrated). If the crude corn oil has been treated to change its chemical structure for industrial use, it moves from 1515 to 1518.

FAQ

What is the HS code for crude corn oil?

The international HS code for crude corn oil is 1515.21.

Does this code include corn oil used for biodiesel?

If the corn oil is crude and not chemically modified, it remains under 1515.21. However, if it has been converted into mono-alkyl esters (biodiesel), it is classified under heading 3826.