Product classification
HS code for Olive oil: 1509.90
Vegetable oils, olive oil and its fractions, other than virgin, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.
Classification of olive oil under HS 1509.90
Olive oil and its fractions, other than virgin varieties, are classified under HS code 1509.90. This code is designated for olive oils that have undergone refining processes or are blends of refined and virgin olive oils, provided they have not been chemically modified. The classification logic follows the structure of Chapter 15, which deals with animal or vegetable fats and oils. Heading 1509 is reserved specifically for olive oil obtained solely from the fruit of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.). Subheading 1509.90 distinguishes these processed oils from "virgin" olive oils (1509.10), which are obtained through purely mechanical means without chemical treatment. To qualify for 1509.90, the oil must retain its glyceridic structure; if the structure is altered, it would move to a different chapter or heading. This category includes "Pure Olive Oil" and "Light Olive Oil" found in retail, which are typically refined olive oils blended with a small amount of virgin oil for flavor. The refining process involves neutralizing, bleaching, and deodorizing the oil to remove impurities and acidity, which differentiates it from the cold-pressed virgin categories.
- Covers
- Refined olive oil
- Blended olive oil (refined and virgin)
- Pure olive oil (retail grade)
- Light olive oil
- Refined olive oil fractions
- Also under 1509.90
- Bertolli Pure Olive Oil
- Filippo Berio Pure Olive Oil
- Pompeian Pure Olive Oil
- Colavita Pure Olive Oil
Codes often confused with 1509.90
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is using HS code 1509.10, which is strictly for virgin olive oils. Another frequent error is HS code 1510.00, which covers olive-pomace oil. Pomace oil is extracted from the olive residue using solvents, whereas 1509 is for oil obtained by pressing the fruit. Finally, 1517.90 is sometimes used incorrectly if the olive oil is mixed with other vegetable oils like sunflower or soy.
Top exporters and importers of HS 150990 (the code used for olive oil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 150990 (the code used for olive oil) in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 61% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% 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 150990, not only olive oil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Spain $1.2B 61% of world exports
- 2 Italy $323M 16% of world exports
- 3 Portugal $130M 6.6% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $470M 24% of world imports
- 2 Italy $253M 13% of world imports
- 3 Spain $118M 6.1% of world imports
World total: $1.9B 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 codes for olive oil
Brazil splits HS 1509.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1509.90.10Refined olive oil
- 1509.90.90Other olive oil, not virgin or refined
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about olive oil
What is the HS code for Olive oil?
The HS code for Olive oil is 150990 (Vegetable oils; olive oil and its fractions, other than virgin, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified).
How do I classify Olive oil for customs?
Olive oil is classified under HS code 150990 — Vegetable oils; olive oil and its fractions, other than virgin, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for refined olive oil?
Refined olive oil is classified under HS code 1509.90.
How do I distinguish between 1509.10 and 1509.90?
1509.10 is for virgin olive oil (unrefined, mechanical extraction), while 1509.90 is for refined olive oil or blends of refined and virgin oils.
Which countries are the top exporters of olive oil (HS 150990)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 150990 (the code used for olive oil) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($1.2B, 61% of world exports), Italy ($323M) and Portugal ($130M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of olive oil (HS 150990)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 150990 (the code used for olive oil) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($470M, 24% of world imports), Italy ($253M) and Spain ($118M). World imports came to about $1.9B, 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 Olive oil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 150990 for Olive 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 olive oil in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 150990 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for olive oil depends on the product's details: 1509.90.10 (Refined olive oil), 1509.90.90 (Other olive oil, not virgin or refined).