Product classification
HS code for Modified vegetable oil: 1516.20
Vegetable 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 vegetable oil under HS 1516.20
Modified vegetable oils fall under HS code 1516.20. This classification is determined by the specific chemical transformation the oil has undergone. Heading 15.16 is reserved for fats and oils that have been modified through hydrogenation, inter-esterification, re-esterification, or elaidinisation. These processes are distinct from simple refining or the addition of additives. Subheading 1516.20 is specifically for vegetable-sourced oils, distinguishing them from animal or microbial sources. Hydrogenation involves the addition of hydrogen to saturate the carbon bonds, often turning liquid oils into solid fats. Inter-esterification involves the rearrangement of fatty acids within the triglyceride molecule to change the melting point or texture. These modifications are critical for the food industry, particularly in the production of shortenings and frying fats. The classification remains in 1516.20 even if the oil has been refined, provided it has undergone one of the specified chemical changes. This heading does not cover oils that have been further prepared into food preparations like margarine, which are classified elsewhere based on their composition and use.
- Covers
- Hydrogenated soybean oil
- Inter-esterified palm oil
- Re-esterified coconut oil
- Elaidinised rapeseed oil
- Partially hydrogenated vegetable fats
- Also under 1516.20
- Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening
- Spry Vegetable Shortening
- Bunge Loders Croklaan (specialty vegetable fats)
- AAK (specialty vegetable fats)
Codes often confused with 1516.20
Common mistake. Modified vegetable oils are frequently misclassified under HS code 15.17, which covers margarine and other edible mixtures of animal or vegetable fats. The distinction is that 15.16 covers a single type of oil (or its fractions) that has been chemically modified, whereas 15.17 covers mixtures or preparations of different fats. Another common error is using HS code 15.18, which is for oils modified by boiling, dehydration, or sulfurization. If the modification is hydrogenation, 15.16.20 is the legally required code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 151620 (the code used for modified vegetable oil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 151620 (the code used for modified vegetable oil) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 30% 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 151620, not only modified vegetable oil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $2.5B 35% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $2.2B 30% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $455M 6.3% of world exports
World total: $7.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.8B 30% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $265M 4.4% of world imports
- 3 Germany $223M 3.7% of world imports
World total: $6.0B 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 vegetable oil
Brazil classifies modified vegetable oil under NCM 1516.20.00: HS 1516.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about modified vegetable oil
What is the HS code for Modified vegetable oil?
The HS code for Modified vegetable oil is 151620 (Vegetable 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 vegetable oils modified by hydrogenation, inter-esterification, re-esterification, or elaidinisation is 1516.20.
How do I classify Modified vegetable oil for customs?
Modified vegetable oil is classified under HS code 151620 — Vegetable 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.
Does 1516.20 include margarine?
No, margarine and similar edible spreads are classified under HS code 15.17 because they are considered food preparations rather than just modified oils.
Which countries are the top exporters of modified vegetable oil (HS 151620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 151620 (the code used for modified vegetable oil) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($2.5B, 35% of world exports), Malaysia ($2.2B) and the Netherlands ($455M). World exports came to about $7.2B, 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 modified vegetable oil (HS 151620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 151620 (the code used for modified vegetable oil) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.8B, 30% of world imports), Malaysia ($265M) and Germany ($223M). World imports came to about $6.0B, 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 vegetable oil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 151620 for Modified vegetable 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 modified vegetable oil in Brazil?
In Brazil, modified vegetable oil (HS 151620) is classified under NCM 1516.20.00.