HS Code for Lemon oil

Lemon oil is classified under HS code 330113 because it is an essential oil derived specifically from citrus fruits of the genus Citrus limon. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 33, essential oils are generally extracted by distillation or expression. Lemon oil is typically obtained through cold-pressing the outer peel (flavedo) of the fruit. This classification applies regardless of whether the oil is terpeneless or not. The Harmonized System distinguishes citrus oils from other essential oils due to their high volume in international trade and specific chemical profiles, primarily consisting of limonene. To qualify for this code, the product must retain the natural odoriferous constituents of the plant and must not be mixed with other substances for use as a food flavoring or fragrance base, which would shift the classification to heading 3302.

Products Included

• Cold-pressed lemon essential oil
• Steam-distilled lemon oil
• Terpeneless lemon oil
• Lemon oil concretes
• Lemon oil absolutes
• Lemon peel oil extracts

Common Misclassification

Lemon oil is frequently misclassified under HS code 330210, which covers mixtures of odoriferous substances used in the food or drink industries. While lemon oil is a component of these mixtures, the pure essential oil belongs in 330113. Another common error is using HS code 330129, which is a residual category for other essential oils; however, because lemon is a citrus fruit, it must be placed in the specific citrus subheadings (3301.11 through 3301.19). Additionally, if the lemon oil is highly processed or synthetic, it may be incorrectly placed here instead of Chapter 29 for isolated chemical compounds.

FAQ

What is the HS code for lemon oil?

The specific HS code for lemon oil, whether terpeneless or not, is 330113.

Does this code include lemon juice or lemon flavorings?

No, lemon juice is classified under heading 2009, and prepared food flavorings containing lemon oil mixed with other substances are typically classified under 2106 or 3302.