Product classification
HS code for Crude cottonseed oil: 1512.21
Vegetable oils, cotton-seed oil and its fractions, crude, whether or not gossypol has been removed, not chemically modified.
Classification of crude cottonseed oil under HS 1512.21
Crude cottonseed oil is classified under HS code 1512.21. This classification is governed by Chapter 15 of the Harmonized System, which encompasses vegetable oils. Heading 1512 specifically covers sunflower-seed, safflower, or cotton-seed oil and fractions thereof. The structure of the HS code system requires that crude oils be distinguished from refined oils. Subheading 1512.21 is explicitly defined for cotton-seed oil and its fractions in their crude state. A unique aspect of this classification is that it includes crude oil whether or not gossypol has been removed. Gossypol is a natural pigment found in cotton seeds that is often removed for safety in food or feed applications; however, the HS nomenclature specifies that its removal does not disqualify the oil from being classified as "crude" under 1512.21, provided no further refining (like bleaching or deodorizing) has occurred. The classification follows GRI 1 and GRI 6, ensuring that the specific product description in the subheading takes precedence over more general categories.
- Covers
- Raw cottonseed oil
- Crude cottonseed oil with gossypol removed
- Unrefined cottonseed oil fractions
- Solvent-extracted crude cottonseed oil
- Pressed crude cottonseed oil
- Also under 1512.21
- Bunge Crude Cottonseed Oil
- Cargill Crude Cottonseed Oil
- ADM Crude Cottonseed Oil
- Louis Dreyfus Company Crude Cottonseed Oil
Codes often confused with 1512.21
Common mistake. Crude cottonseed oil is often misclassified under HS code 1512.29, which is the category for refined cottonseed oil. The distinction lies in the processing level; once the oil is neutralized with alkali or treated with bleaching earth, it must be moved to 1512.29. Additionally, it is sometimes confused with HS code 1512.11, which is specifically for crude sunflower-seed or safflower oil, due to their proximity in the tariff schedule.
Top exporters and importers of HS 151221 (the code used for crude cottonseed oil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 151221 (the code used for crude cottonseed oil) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 26% of world imports. Tajikistan 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 41% of its imports here ($1.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 151221, not only crude cottonseed oil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $5.2M 33% of world exports
- 2 Azerbaijan $4.2M 27% of world exports
- 3 Côte d'Ivoire $2.7M 17% of world exports
World total: $16M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $2.0M 26% of world imports
- 2 Tajikistan* ~$1.1M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $1.1M 14% of world imports
Tajikistan 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 41% of its imports here ($1.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $7.9M 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 crude cottonseed oil
Brazil classifies crude cottonseed oil under NCM 1512.21.00: HS 1512.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about crude cottonseed oil
What is the HS code for Crude cottonseed oil?
The HS code for Crude cottonseed oil is 151221 (Vegetable oils; cotton-seed oil and its fractions; crude, whether or not gossypol has been removed, not chemically modified). The primary HS code for crude cottonseed oil is 1512.21.
How do I classify Crude cottonseed oil for customs?
Crude cottonseed oil is classified under HS code 151221 — Vegetable oils; cotton-seed oil and its fractions; crude, whether or not gossypol has been removed, not chemically modified. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is gossypol-free oil still considered crude?
Yes, the HS description for 1512.21 explicitly states that the oil is considered crude whether or not gossypol has been removed, as long as it has not been chemically modified or refined.
Which countries are the top exporters of crude cottonseed oil (HS 151221)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 151221 (the code used for crude cottonseed oil) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($5.2M, 33% of world exports), Azerbaijan ($4.2M) and Côte d'Ivoire ($2.7M). World exports came to about $16M, 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 crude cottonseed oil (HS 151221)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 151221 (the code used for crude cottonseed oil) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($2.0M, 26% of world imports), Tajikistan (about $1.1M) and India ($1.1M). World imports came to about $7.9M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Tajikistan 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 41% of its imports here ($1.0M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for Crude cottonseed oil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 151221 for Crude cottonseed oil 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 crude cottonseed oil in Brazil?
In Brazil, crude cottonseed oil (HS 151221) is classified under NCM 1512.21.00.