HS Code for Oil cake

Oil cake is classified under HS code 2306.90, a designation that covers oil-cake and other solid residues resulting from the extraction of vegetable fats or oils, other than those specifically mentioned in the preceding subheadings. This classification is governed by the principles of Chapter 23, which encompasses residues and waste from the food industries and prepared animal fodder. The primary criterion for classification under heading 2306 is that the product must be a residue of the oil extraction process. This process typically involves either mechanical pressing (expeller method) or solvent extraction. The resulting "cake" or "meal" contains the protein-rich remains of the seeds or fruits after the lipid content has been removed. Subheading 2306.90 is a residual category, meaning it includes residues from oilseeds not elsewhere specified, such as mustard seeds, sesame seeds, safflower seeds, and castor beans. It excludes soybean residues (2304), groundnut residues (2305), and residues from linseed, sunflower, rape, or coconut (which have their own subheadings within 2306). According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, the classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Note 1 to Chapter 23 clarifies that this heading includes products of a kind used in animal feeding, not elsewhere specified or included, obtained by the processing of vegetable or animal materials. The physical form of the oil cake—whether it is in large chunks, ground into a fine powder (meal), or compressed into pellets—does not change its classification under 2306.90.

Products Included

• Sesame seed oil cake and meal
• Mustard seed oil cake and residues
• Castor bean oil cake
• Hemp seed oil cake
• Safflower seed residues
• Poppy seed oil cake
• Niger seed residues

Common Misclassification

Oil cake is frequently confused with HS code 2304.00 (Soybean oil cake) or 2305.00 (Groundnut oil cake). These have their own specific headings due to their high trade volume. It may also be misclassified under 2302 (Bran, sharps, and other residues) if the product contains significant amounts of cereal husks rather than being a pure byproduct of oil extraction. Additionally, if the residue is intended for human consumption (e.g., certain defatted flours), it may fall under Chapter 19 or 21.

FAQ

What is the HS code for oil cake?

The HS code for oil cake not elsewhere specified (such as sesame or mustard cake) is 2306.90.

Is oil cake classified differently if it is in pellet form?

No, HS code 2306.90 specifically includes residues whether or not they are ground or in the form of pellets.