Product classification
HS code for Crude palm kernel oil: 1513.21
Vegetable oils, palm kernel or babassu oil and their fractions, crude, not chemically modified.
Classification of crude palm kernel oil under HS 1513.21
Crude palm kernel oil is classified under HS code 1513.21. This classification is found in Chapter 15, which pertains to animal or vegetable fats and oils. Heading 1513 covers coconut (copra), palm kernel, or babassu oil and their fractions. Within this heading, the code is split between coconut oil (1513.1x) and palm kernel/babassu oil (1513.2x). Subheading 1513.21 specifically identifies the crude forms of palm kernel or babassu oil. Palm kernel oil is derived from the kernel (seed) of the oil palm fruit (Elaeis guineensis), which is distinct from the fleshy mesocarp used to produce standard palm oil. The term \"crude\" signifies that the oil is in its raw state following extraction—either by mechanical pressing or solvent extraction—and has not been subjected to refining processes like neutralization, bleaching, or deodorization (RBD). This oil is high in lauric acid, making it a valuable commodity for both the food industry and the oleochemical industry for soap and detergent production.
- Covers
- Raw palm kernel oil
- Unrefined babassu oil
- Crude palm kernel fractions
- Non-RBD palm kernel oil
- Also under 1513.21
- Sime Darby Crude Palm Kernel Oil
- Wilmar International Crude Palm Kernel Oil
- Bunge Crude Palm Kernel Oil
- PKO (Palm Kernel Oil) from various suppliers
Codes often confused with 1513.21
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with standard palm oil, which is classified under HS code 1511.10 (crude) or 1511.90 (refined). While both come from the same plant, palm oil comes from the fruit pulp, whereas palm kernel oil comes from the seed. Another common error is using HS code 1513.29, which is reserved for refined palm kernel or babassu oil and their fractions that have undergone purification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 151321 (the code used for crude palm kernel oil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 151321 (the code used for crude palm kernel oil) in UN Comtrade data was Malaysia, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 18% 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 151321, not only crude palm kernel oil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Malaysia $468M 34% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $247M 18% of world exports
- 3 Colombia $154M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Netherlands $278M 18% of world imports
- 2 Germany $247M 16% of world imports
- 3 Malaysia $228M 15% of world imports
World total: $1.5B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 codes for crude palm kernel oil
Brazil splits HS 1513.21 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1513.21.11Crude mbocaya palm kernel oil
- 1513.21.19Other crude palm kernel oil
- 1513.21.20Crude babassu oil
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 crude palm kernel oil
What is the HS code for Crude palm kernel oil?
The HS code for Crude palm kernel oil is 151321 (Vegetable oils; palm kernel or babassu oil and their fractions, crude, not chemically modified). The HS code for crude palm kernel oil and crude babassu oil is 1513.21.
How do I classify Crude palm kernel oil for customs?
Crude palm kernel oil is classified under HS code 151321 — Vegetable oils; palm kernel or babassu oil and their fractions, crude, not chemically modified. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is palm kernel oil the same as palm oil in the HS system?
No, palm oil is classified under heading 1511, while palm kernel oil is classified under heading 1513.
Which countries are the top exporters of crude palm kernel oil (HS 151321)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 151321 (the code used for crude palm kernel oil) in UN Comtrade data were Malaysia ($468M, 34% of world exports), Thailand ($247M) and Colombia ($154M). World exports came to about $1.4B, 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 palm kernel oil (HS 151321)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 151321 (the code used for crude palm kernel oil) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($278M, 18% of world imports), Germany ($247M) and Malaysia ($228M). World imports came to about $1.5B, 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 palm kernel oil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 151321 for Crude palm kernel 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 palm kernel oil in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 151321 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for crude palm kernel oil depends on the product's details: 1513.21.11 (Crude mbocaya palm kernel oil), 1513.21.19 (Other crude palm kernel oil), 1513.21.20 (Crude babassu oil).