Product classification
HS code for Fungal oil: 1515.60
Vegetable oils, microbial fats and oils and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.
Classification of fungal oil under HS 1515.60
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.
- Covers
- 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
- Also under 1515.60
- DSM life'sDHA
- Corbion AlgaPrime DHA
- Fermentalg DHA
- Veramaris Algal Oil
Codes often confused with 1515.60
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 151560 (the code used for fungal oil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 151560 (the code used for fungal oil) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% 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 151560, not only fungal oil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $33M 23% of world exports
- 2 United States $27M 18% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $19M 13% of world exports
World total: $146M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $55M 29% of world imports
- 2 Tanzania $27M 14% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $23M 12% of world imports
World total: $190M 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 code for fungal oil
Brazil classifies fungal oil under NCM 1515.60.00: HS 1515.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fungal oil
What is the HS code for Fungal oil?
The HS code for Fungal oil is 151560 (Vegetable oils; microbial fats and oils and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified). The HS code for fungal oil is 1515.60, which covers microbial fats and oils and their fractions.
How do I classify Fungal oil for customs?
Fungal oil is classified under HS code 151560 — Vegetable oils; microbial fats and oils and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of fungal oil (HS 151560)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 151560 (the code used for fungal oil) in UN Comtrade data were China ($33M, 23% of world exports), the United States ($27M) and the United Kingdom ($19M). World exports came to about $146M, 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 fungal oil (HS 151560)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 151560 (the code used for fungal oil) in UN Comtrade data were China ($55M, 29% of world imports), Tanzania ($27M) and the Netherlands ($23M). World imports came to about $190M, 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 Fungal oil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 151560 for Fungal 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 fungal oil in Brazil?
In Brazil, fungal oil (HS 151560) is classified under NCM 1515.60.00.