Product classification
HS code for Hydrogenated microbial oil: 1516.30
Microbial fats and oils and their fractions, partly or wholly hydrogenated, inter-esterified, re-esterified or elaidinised, whether or not refined, but not further prepared.
Classification of hydrogenated microbial oil under HS 1516.30
Hydrogenated microbial oil is classified under HS code 1516.30. This code was introduced in recent updates to the Harmonized System to account for the growing industry of oils derived from microorganisms such as algae, bacteria, and fungi. Like animal and vegetable oils, microbial oils can undergo hydrogenation to alter their physical properties, such as turning a liquid oil into a solid fat. Heading 1516 covers fats and oils that are partly or wholly hydrogenated, inter-esterified, re-esterified, or elaidinised. The sub-heading 1516.30 specifically isolates microbial sources from traditional animal (1516.10) or vegetable (1516.20) sources. This classification is essential for tracking the trade of sustainable and bio-engineered alternatives to traditional fats. The product must not be further prepared (e.g., emulsified or flavored) to remain under this code; otherwise, it would likely fall under heading 1517 as an edible mixture.
- Covers
- Hydrogenated algal oil
- Hydrogenated fungal fats
- Inter-esterified microbial oils
- Chemically modified bacterial lipids
- Wholly hydrogenated microbial oil fractions
- Also under 1516.30
DSM Life's Omega (modified algal oil), Corbion Algal DHA (modified), various specialty fats from companies like AAK or Bunge (if microbial origin and modified)
Codes often confused with 1516.30
Common mistake. Microbial oils are frequently misclassified under HS code 1516.20, which is strictly for vegetable oils. Because algae are often perceived as plants, traders may mistakenly use the vegetable oil code. Additionally, crude microbial oils (not hydrogenated) should be classified under 1512, 1515, or other specific headings depending on the organism, rather than 1516.30.
Top exporters and importers of HS 151630 (the code used for hydrogenated microbial oil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 151630 (the code used for hydrogenated microbial oil) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Tanzania, with 27% 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 151630, not only hydrogenated microbial oil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $12M 41% of world exports
- 2 Canada $4.1M 15% of world exports
- 3 Norway $3.8M 13% of world exports
World total: $28M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Tanzania $11M 27% of world imports
- 2 South Korea $6.4M 16% of world imports
- 3 Austria $2.9M 7.3% of world imports
World total: $39M 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 hydrogenated microbial oil
Brazil classifies hydrogenated microbial oil under NCM 1516.30.00: HS 1516.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about hydrogenated microbial oil
What is the HS code for Hydrogenated microbial oil?
The HS code for Hydrogenated microbial oil is 151630 (Microbial fats and oils and their fractions; partly or wholly hydrogenated, inter-esterified, re-esterified or elaidinised, whether or not refined, but not further prepared). The correct HS code is 1516.30, which covers microbial fats and oils that have been chemically modified by hydrogenation.
How do I classify Hydrogenated microbial oil for customs?
Hydrogenated microbial oil is classified under HS code 151630 — Microbial fats and oils and their fractions; partly or wholly hydrogenated, inter-esterified, re-esterified or elaidinised, whether or not refined, but not further prepared. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Why is there a specific code for microbial oil?
The HS system was updated to 1516.30 to distinguish biotechnological products from traditional agricultural products, allowing for better statistical tracking and regulation.
Which countries are the top exporters of hydrogenated microbial oil (HS 151630)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 151630 (the code used for hydrogenated microbial oil) in UN Comtrade data were France ($12M, 41% of world exports), Canada ($4.1M) and Norway ($3.8M). World exports came to about $28M, 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 hydrogenated microbial oil (HS 151630)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 151630 (the code used for hydrogenated microbial oil) in UN Comtrade data were Tanzania ($11M, 27% of world imports), South Korea ($6.4M) and Austria ($2.9M). World imports came to about $39M, 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 Hydrogenated microbial oil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 151630 for Hydrogenated microbial 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 hydrogenated microbial oil in Brazil?
In Brazil, hydrogenated microbial oil (HS 151630) is classified under NCM 1516.30.00.