Product classification
HS code for Palm kernel cake: 2306.60
Oil-cake and other solid residues, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of palm nuts or kernels oils.
Classification of palm kernel cake under HS 2306.60
Palm kernel cake is classified under HS code 230660 as it is a solid residue resulting from the extraction of vegetable oils. Chapter 23 covers residues and waste from the food industries and prepared animal fodder. Heading 2306 specifically includes oil-cake and other solid residues, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of vegetable fats or oils. Subheading 230660 is the specific code for residues derived from palm nuts or kernels. This product is the fibrous material remaining after the oil has been pressed or solvent-extracted from the palm kernel. It is a significant commodity in the animal feed industry due to its protein and energy content. The classification is based on its status as a byproduct of the oil milling process and its primary use as a constituent in animal feed. It is distinct from the oil itself and from the unprocessed nuts.
- Covers
- Palm kernel expeller (PKE)
- Palm kernel meal
- De-oiled palm kernel residue
- Palm kernel pellets for animal feed
- Solid residues from palm nut oil extraction
- Also under 2306.60
- Wilmar International Palm Kernel Expeller
- Sime Darby Plantation PKE
- Golden Agri-Resources Palm Kernel Meal
- Musim Mas Palm Kernel Cake
- local feed mill blends.
Codes often confused with 2306.60
Common mistake. Palm kernel cake is sometimes misclassified under HS code 230690, which is a catch-all for "other" oil-cakes. However, because there is a specific subheading for palm nuts (230660), the specific code must take precedence. It is also occasionally confused with HS code 120710, which is for the palm nuts themselves before the oil has been extracted. Once the oil is removed, the residue must move to Chapter 23.
Top exporters and importers of HS 230660 (the code used for palm kernel cake), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 230660 (the code used for palm kernel cake) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 64% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 26% 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 230660, not only palm kernel cake.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $634M 64% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $295M 30% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $43M 4.3% of world exports
World total: $996M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 New Zealand $429M 26% of world imports
- 2 Japan $424M 26% of world imports
- 3 China $161M 9.9% of world imports
World total: $1.6B 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 palm kernel cake
Brazil classifies palm kernel cake under NCM 2306.60.00: HS 2306.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
Questions about palm kernel cake
What is the HS code for Palm kernel cake?
The HS code for Palm kernel cake is 230660 (Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of palm nuts or kernels oils). The specific HS code for palm kernel cake and other solid residues from palm nut oil extraction is 230660.
How do I classify Palm kernel cake for customs?
Palm kernel cake is classified under HS code 230660 — Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of palm nuts or kernels oils. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is palm kernel cake the same as palm oil?
No, palm oil is the liquid fat extracted from the fruit or kernel (Chapter 15), while palm kernel cake is the solid fibrous residue left over after extraction (Chapter 23).
Which countries are the top exporters of palm kernel cake (HS 230660)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 230660 (the code used for palm kernel cake) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($634M, 64% of world exports), Malaysia ($295M) and the Netherlands ($43M). World exports came to about $996M, 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 palm kernel cake (HS 230660)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 230660 (the code used for palm kernel cake) in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($429M, 26% of world imports), Japan ($424M) and China ($161M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 Palm kernel cake the same in all countries?
The base HS code 230660 for Palm kernel cake 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 palm kernel cake in Brazil?
In Brazil, palm kernel cake (HS 230660) is classified under NCM 2306.60.00.