Product classification
HS code for Lanolin: 1505.00
Wool grease and fatty substances derived therefrom (including lanolin).
Classification of lanolin under HS 1505.00
Lanolin is classified under HS code 1505.00, which covers wool grease and fatty substances derived from it. Lanolin is a complex wax secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep, and its classification is based on its origin and chemical nature. Chapter 15 of the Harmonized System deals with animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products. Lanolin is unique because it is technically a wax, not a fat, but it is grouped here due to its extraction from wool grease. The heading 1505.00 includes both the crude wool grease, often referred to as "suint," and the refined lanolin known as "adeps lanae." The refining process involves removing impurities, odors, and free fatty acids, but the resulting substance remains under this code regardless of its purity level, provided it has not been mixed with other ingredients to form a finished cosmetic or medicinal product. The classification of lanolin under 1505.00 is supported by the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, which clarify that wool grease is the fat-like substance exuded by sheep onto their wool. When this grease is extracted, usually through scouring the wool with solvents or hot water, it is known as crude wool grease. Refined lanolin is obtained by further processing this grease to remove impurities. Lanolin has unique emulsifying properties, allowing it to absorb large quantities of water, which makes it highly valuable in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. However, for the purposes of HS classification, the purity level does not change the heading unless the substance is modified into a specific preparation.
- Covers
- Anhydrous lanolin
- Crude wool grease
- Refined wool wax (Adeps lanae)
- Liquid lanolin (lanolin oil)
- Lanolin alcohols
- Also under 1505.00
- Croda Lanolin
- Lubrizol Lanolin
- NK Chemicals Lanolin
- The Chemistry Brand Lanolin
Codes often confused with 1505.00
Common mistake. Lanolin is often misclassified under 3004.90 if it is packaged as a medicament for skin treatment. It is also confused with 3304.99 when it is prepared as a finished cosmetic cream or lotion containing perfumes or other active cosmetic ingredients.
Top exporters and importers of HS 150500 (the code used for lanolin), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 150500 (the code used for lanolin) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 19% 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 150500, not only lanolin.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $45M 22% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $33M 16% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $24M 12% of world exports
World total: $207M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $36M 19% of world imports
- 2 United States $25M 13% of world imports
- 3 Japan $16M 8.7% of world imports
World total: $189M 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 codes for lanolin
Brazil splits HS 1505.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1505.00.10Lanolin
- 1505.00.90Wool grease and derivatives other than lanolin
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lanolin
What is the HS code for Lanolin?
The HS code for Lanolin is 150500 (Wool grease and fatty substances derived therefrom (including lanolin)). The HS code for lanolin and wool grease is 1505.00.
How do I classify Lanolin for customs?
Lanolin is classified under HS code 150500 — Wool grease and fatty substances derived therefrom (including lanolin). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is medical grade lanolin classified under this code?
Yes, bulk refined lanolin is 1505.00, but retail-packaged nipple creams or ointments are typically moved to Chapter 30 or 33.
Which countries are the top exporters of lanolin (HS 150500)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 150500 (the code used for lanolin) in UN Comtrade data were China ($45M, 22% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($33M) and Belgium ($24M). World exports came to about $207M, 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 lanolin (HS 150500)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 150500 (the code used for lanolin) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($36M, 19% of world imports), the United States ($25M) and Japan ($16M). World imports came to about $189M, 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 Lanolin the same in all countries?
The base HS code 150500 for Lanolin 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 lanolin in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 150500 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for lanolin depends on the product's details: 1505.00.10 (Lanolin), 1505.00.90 (Wool grease and derivatives other than lanolin).