HS Code for Hydrogenated animal fat

Hydrogenated animal fat is classified under HS code 1516.10. Chapter 15 of the Harmonized System covers animal, vegetable, or microbial fats and oils and their cleavage products. Heading 1516 specifically addresses fats and oils that have undergone chemical modification processes such as hydrogenation, inter-esterification, re-esterification, or elaidinisation. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction that adds hydrogen to unsaturated fatty acids, typically to increase the melting point and improve shelf stability. For a product to fall under 1516.10, it must be derived entirely from animal sources and must not be further prepared beyond the processes mentioned in the heading. This means that if the fat has been seasoned, flavored, or mixed with other substances to create a spread like margarine, it would move to a different heading. The classification is straightforward based on the origin of the fat and the specific chemical treatment it has received.

Products Included

• Hydrogenated lard
• Hydrogenated tallow
• Hydrogenated fish oils
• Inter-esterified whale oil
• Re-esterified animal fats

Common Misclassification

A common misclassification occurs with HS code 1517.10, which is reserved for margarine. While hydrogenated animal fats are ingredients in margarine, the pure hydrogenated fat belongs in 1516.10. Another error is using HS codes 1501 through 1506, which are for crude or refined animal fats that have NOT been chemically modified via hydrogenation or inter-esterification.

FAQ

What is the HS code for hydrogenated animal fat?

The HS code for hydrogenated animal fat is 1516.10, provided it has not been further prepared as a food supplement or spread.

Can fish oil be classified under 1516.10?

Yes, if the fish oil has been hydrogenated or inter-esterified, it is classified under 1516.10 as an animal-origin fat.