Product classification
HS code for Crude maize oil: 1515.21
Vegetable oils, maize (corn) oil and its fractions, crude, not chemically modified.
Classification of crude maize oil under HS 1515.21
Crude maize oil is classified under HS code 1515.21 according to the Harmonized System's General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI). Specifically, GRI 1 and GRI 6 dictate that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 1515 covers other fixed vegetable fats and oils and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. Maize oil, also known as corn oil, is extracted from the germ of the maize plant (Zea mays). The subheading 1515.21 is specifically reserved for maize oil in its crude state. To be considered crude, the oil must not have undergone any refining processes such as neutralization with alkali, bleaching, or deodorization. It may, however, have been degummed by physical or chemical means. The classification relies on the fact that the oil remains in its raw, unrefined form, retaining its natural color and characteristic odor. If the oil were to undergo further processing to make it suitable for human consumption or industrial use, it would transition to subheading 1515.29. The distinction between crude and refined is critical for customs valuation and regulatory compliance, as crude oils often serve as raw materials for further industrial processing.
- Covers
- Raw corn germ oil
- Unrefined maize oil
- Crude maize oil fractions
- Degummed maize oil
- Non-chemically modified raw corn oil
- Also under 1515.21
- Cargill (corn processor/trader)
- ADM (corn processor/trader)
- Bunge (corn processor/trader)
- Tate & Lyle (corn processor)
- Ingredion (corn processor)
Codes often confused with 1515.21
Common mistake. A frequent error in classification involves confusing crude maize oil (1515.21) with refined maize oil, which falls under HS code 1515.29. The primary difference lies in the level of processing; refined oil has been treated to remove impurities and free fatty acids. Additionally, crude maize oil is sometimes misclassified with crude soya-bean oil (1507.10) or crude sunflower-seed oil (1512.11) due to their similar appearance and industrial applications. However, the botanical origin of the oil is the deciding factor under the Harmonized System.
Top exporters and importers of HS 151521 (the code used for crude maize oil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 151521 (the code used for crude maize oil) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 20% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 151521, not only crude maize oil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $129M 38% of world exports
- 2 United States $54M 16% of world exports
- 3 Canada $34M 10% of world exports
World total: $337M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $75M 20% of world imports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $61M 16% of world imports
- 3 Tunisia* ~$39M 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $371M 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 maize oil
Brazil classifies crude maize oil under NCM 1515.21.00: HS 1515.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about crude maize oil
What is the HS code for Crude maize oil?
The HS code for Crude maize oil is 151521 (Vegetable oils; maize (corn) oil and its fractions, crude, not chemically modified). The specific HS code for crude maize oil is 1515.21, which covers maize oil and its fractions that have not been chemically modified or refined.
How do I classify Crude maize oil for customs?
Crude maize oil is classified under HS code 151521 — Vegetable oils; maize (corn) oil and its fractions, crude, not chemically modified. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 1515.21 include oil used for biodiesel?
If the maize oil is crude and intended for biodiesel production but has not yet been chemically modified into esters, it remains under 1515.21. Once chemically modified, it moves to Chapter 38.
Which countries are the top exporters of crude maize oil (HS 151521)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 151521 (the code used for crude maize oil) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($129M, 38% of world exports), the United States ($54M) and Canada ($34M). World exports came to about $337M, 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 maize oil (HS 151521)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 151521 (the code used for crude maize oil) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($75M, 20% of world imports), Saudi Arabia ($61M) and Tunisia (about $39M). World imports came to about $371M, 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.
Is the HS code for Crude maize oil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 151521 for Crude maize 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 maize oil in Brazil?
In Brazil, crude maize oil (HS 151521) is classified under NCM 1515.21.00.