Product classification
HS code for Modified animal fat: 1516.10
Animal 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 modified animal fat under HS 1516.10
Modified animal fats are classified under HS code 1516.10. This heading covers animal fats and oils that have undergone specific chemical transformations, including hydrogenation, inter-esterification, re-esterification, or elaidinisation. These processes are used to alter the physical properties of the fat, such as increasing its melting point, improving its shelf stability, or changing its texture for industrial or food applications. Unlike the fats in headings 1501 to 1506, which are crude or refined through physical means, the fats in 1516.10 have been chemically modified at the molecular level. However, they must not be 'further prepared' into finished food preparations like margarine, which would move them to heading 1517. The classification is based on the animal origin of the lipid and the specific chemical modification it has undergone, regardless of whether it has been refined or not.
- Covers
- Hydrogenated lard or tallow
- Inter-esterified fish oils
- Re-esterified animal fats
- Elaidinised poultry fats
- Partly or wholly hydrogenated marine mammal oils
- Also under 1516.10
- Bunge Loders Croklaan (specialty fats)
- AAK (specialty fats)
- Cargill (animal fats for industrial use)
- ADM (specialty fats)
Codes often confused with 1516.10
Common mistake. Modified animal fats are often confused with unmodified fats in headings 1501 through 1506 (like pure lard or tallow). They are also frequently misclassified under 1517.10 or 1517.90 if they have been blended or further processed into edible mixtures like margarine. Additionally, modified vegetable fats must be distinguished and placed under 1516.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 151610 (the code used for modified animal fat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 151610 (the code used for modified animal fat) in UN Comtrade data was Chile, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Sweden, with 20% 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 151610, not only modified animal fat.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Chile $59M 18% of world exports
- 2 China $39M 12% of world exports
- 3 Belgium $31M 9.6% of world exports
World total: $322M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Sweden $133M 20% of world imports
- 2 United States $129M 19% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $67M 10% of world imports
World total: $673M 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 modified animal fat
Brazil classifies modified animal fat under NCM 1516.10.00: HS 1516.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about modified animal fat
What is the HS code for Modified animal fat?
The HS code for Modified animal fat is 151610 (Animal 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 HS code for animal fats that have been hydrogenated, inter-esterified, or otherwise chemically modified is 1516.10.
How do I classify Modified animal fat for customs?
Modified animal fat is classified under HS code 151610 — Animal 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.
Is hydrogenated tallow the same as refined tallow?
No, refined tallow (1502) is processed to remove impurities, while hydrogenated tallow (1516.10) has been chemically altered to change its saturation level and melting point.
Which countries are the top exporters of modified animal fat (HS 151610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 151610 (the code used for modified animal fat) in UN Comtrade data were Chile ($59M, 18% of world exports), China ($39M) and Belgium ($31M). World exports came to about $322M, 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 modified animal fat (HS 151610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 151610 (the code used for modified animal fat) in UN Comtrade data were Sweden ($133M, 20% of world imports), the United States ($129M) and Saudi Arabia ($67M). World imports came to about $673M, 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 Modified animal fat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 151610 for Modified animal fat 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 modified animal fat in Brazil?
In Brazil, modified animal fat (HS 151610) is classified under NCM 1516.10.00.