HS Code for Crude safflower oil

Crude safflower oil is classified under HS code 1512.11. This classification is governed by the legal notes of Chapter 15, which pertains to animal or vegetable fats and oils. Heading 1512 specifically includes sunflower-seed, safflower, or cotton-seed oil and their fractions. The subheading 1512.11 is a joint category that covers both sunflower-seed oil and safflower oil, provided they are in their crude state. Safflower oil is obtained from the seeds of Carthamus tinctorius. The term "crude" in this context refers to oils that have been obtained by pressure or solvent extraction and have not been subjected to refining processes. These oils typically contain impurities such as phosphatides, free fatty acids, and coloring matter. The classification process requires identifying the botanical source of the oil and confirming that no chemical modification or refining has occurred. This code is essential for international trade statistics and the application of tariffs, as crude vegetable oils are often subject to different duty rates than their refined counterparts. The oil must remain in its natural state, although basic filtration or centrifugal separation to remove solid particles is permitted without changing the classification from crude to refined.

Products Included

• Raw safflower seed oil
• Unrefined safflower oil fractions
• Crude Carthamus oil
• Filtered raw safflower oil
• Non-deodorized safflower oil

Common Misclassification

Crude safflower oil is often misclassified under HS code 1512.19, which is reserved for refined sunflower-seed or safflower oil. The distinction is based on whether the oil has undergone neutralization, bleaching, or deodorization. Another common error is misclassifying it under 1515.90 (other vegetable oils) if the importer fails to recognize that safflower is specifically named in heading 1512. It may also be confused with crude cotton-seed oil (1512.21), which requires distinct botanical identification.

FAQ

What is the HS code for crude safflower oil?

The HS code for crude safflower oil is 1512.11, which also includes crude sunflower-seed oil.

How is crude safflower oil distinguished from refined?

Crude oil (1512.11) contains natural impurities and has not been neutralized or bleached, whereas refined oil (1512.19) has been processed for clarity and shelf stability.