Product classification
HS code for Margarine: 1517.10
Margarine, excluding liquid margarine.
Classification of margarine under HS 1517.10
Margarine is classified under HS code 1517.10 because it is a prepared edible fat consisting of a plastic emulsion, typically of vegetable oils or a mixture of animal and vegetable fats. The classification is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI). Specifically, Chapter 15 covers animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products. Heading 15.17 is designated for edible mixtures or preparations of animal or vegetable fats or oils or of fractions of different fats or oils of this Chapter, other than edible fats or oils or their fractions of heading 15.16. Within this heading, 1517.10 is the specific subheading for margarine, excluding liquid margarine. To qualify for this code, the product must be an emulsion of edible fats and oils, usually of a plastic consistency, and intended for human consumption. The exclusion of liquid margarine is a critical distinction, as liquid preparations are classified under 1517.90. The classification process involves analyzing the ingredients to ensure they are primarily fats and oils and confirming the physical state of the product at standard temperature. Furthermore, the product must not contain more than a negligible amount of milk fat to avoid classification as butter under Chapter 4. The presence of additives like salt, vitamins, or emulsifiers is permitted within this code, provided the essential character of the product remains that of a fat-based spread.
- Covers
- Vegetable oil margarine
- Animal fat based margarine
- Blended margarine (solid or plastic)
- Reduced-fat margarine spreads
- Table margarine in blocks or tubs
- Also under 1517.10
- I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!
- Country Crock
- Blue Bonnet
- Flora Plant Butter
- Becel/Flora
Codes often confused with 1517.10
Common mistake. Margarine is frequently confused with liquid margarine, which is classified under HS code 1517.90. Another common error is misclassifying it as butter, which falls under HS code 0405.10; butter must be derived exclusively from milk. Additionally, fats that have been hydrogenated but not yet prepared into an emulsion for use as margarine are classified under heading 15.16.
Top exporters and importers of HS 151710 (the code used for margarine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 151710 (the code used for margarine) in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 7.9% 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 151710, not only margarine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Poland $315M 14% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $247M 11% of world exports
- 3 Germany $160M 7.2% of world exports
World total: $2.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $177M 7.9% of world imports
- 2 France $136M 6.1% of world imports
- 3 Hungary $100M 4.5% of world imports
World total: $2.2B 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 margarine
Brazil classifies margarine under NCM 1517.10.00: HS 1517.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about margarine
What is the HS code for Margarine?
The HS code for Margarine is 151710 (Margarine; excluding liquid margarine). The HS code for solid or plastic margarine is 1517.10.
How do I classify Margarine for customs?
Margarine is classified under HS code 151710 — Margarine; excluding liquid margarine. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include liquid margarine?
No, liquid margarine is specifically excluded from 1517.10 and is instead classified under HS code 1517.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of margarine (HS 151710)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 151710 (the code used for margarine) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($315M, 14% of world exports), Belgium ($247M) and Germany ($160M). World exports came to about $2.2B, 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 margarine (HS 151710)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 151710 (the code used for margarine) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($177M, 7.9% of world imports), France ($136M) and Hungary ($100M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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 Margarine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 151710 for Margarine 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 margarine in Brazil?
In Brazil, margarine (HS 151710) is classified under NCM 1517.10.00.