HS Code for Fungal oil

Fungal oil, categorized as a microbial fat or oil, is classified under HS code 1515.60. This code was specifically updated in recent Harmonized System revisions to account for the growing industry of oils derived from microorganisms rather than traditional plant or animal sources. Chapter 15 covers animal, vegetable, or microbial fats and oils and their cleavage products. Subheading 1515.60 specifically addresses microbial fats and oils and their fractions, provided they are not chemically modified. These oils are often produced through fermentation processes using specific fungal strains to yield high concentrations of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like arachidonic acid. The classification remains here regardless of whether the oil is intended for industrial use or as an ingredient in food supplements, provided it has not been processed into a medicament or a highly specific food preparation. The inclusion of microbial oils in Chapter 15 reflects the technical reality that these fats share similar chemical structures and uses with traditional vegetable oils.

Products Included

• Arachidonic acid (ARA) oil derived from fungi
• DHA-rich fungal oils
• Microbial lipids for nutritional supplements
• Crude or refined fungal fats
• Fractions of microbial oils not chemically modified

Common Misclassification

Fungal oils are often misclassified under HS code 1518, which covers animal, vegetable, or microbial fats and oils that have been chemically modified (e.g., oxidized or boiled). If the fungal oil is in its natural or refined state without chemical alteration, 1515.60 is correct. Another common error is HS code 2106, which covers food preparations. While fungal oil is used in food, the oil itself remains classified in Chapter 15 unless it is mixed with other ingredients to the point of becoming a preparation.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Fungal oil?

The HS code for fungal oil is 1515.60, which covers microbial fats and oils and their fractions.

Is fungal oil classified as a vegetable oil?

While it is found in the same chapter as vegetable oils, the HS 2022 update created specific subheadings for microbial oils to distinguish them from plant-based oils.