HS Code for Groundnut meal

Groundnut meal is classified under HS code 230500 because it represents the solid residue remaining after the extraction of oil from groundnuts, commonly known as peanuts. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, Chapter 23 encompasses residues and waste from the food industries and prepared animal fodder. Specifically, heading 2305 is dedicated to oil-cake and other solid residues resulting from the extraction of groundnut oil, whether or not they are ground or in the form of pellets. This classification applies regardless of whether the extraction process was mechanical, such as expeller pressing, or chemical, such as solvent extraction. The product is primarily utilized as a high-protein ingredient in animal feed formulations, though the classification remains the same even if the meal is intended for other industrial uses, provided it retains the character of a residue from oil extraction.

Products Included

• Groundnut oil-cake
• Groundnut meal (solvent extracted)
• Groundnut meal (expeller pressed)
• Groundnut residue pellets
• De-oiled groundnut cake

Common Misclassification

Groundnut meal is frequently confused with HS code 2306, which covers oil-cake and other solid residues resulting from the extraction of other vegetable fats or oils, such as cotton seeds, linseed, or sunflower seeds. It is also sometimes misclassified under 1202, which covers groundnuts themselves (whether or not shelled or broken), but 1202 is reserved for the whole or broken nuts before oil extraction. Additionally, if the groundnut meal has been further processed into a prepared animal feed with added minerals or other nutrients, it may fall under 2309.

FAQ

What is the HS code for groundnut meal?

The HS code for groundnut meal and other solid residues from groundnut oil extraction is 230500.

Does this code include groundnut flour for human consumption?

If the groundnut flour is a residue of oil extraction, it typically remains in 230500. However, if it is specifically prepared as a foodstuff for human consumption and is not a residue, it might be classified under 1106.