Product classification
HS code for Palm kernel meal: 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 meal under HS 2306.60
Palm kernel meal is classified under HS code 2306.60. This code is located within Chapter 23, which encompasses residues and waste from the food industries and prepared animal fodder. Heading 2306 is specifically for oil-cake and other solid residues resulting from the extraction of vegetable fats or oils, other than those in heading 2304 or 2305. Subheading 2306.60 is the specific code for residues derived from palm nuts or kernels. The classification is based on the product being a byproduct of the oil extraction process. Whether the oil was removed via mechanical pressing or chemical solvent extraction, the remaining solid matter is classified here. This meal is valued for its fiber and protein content and is primarily traded as a component for livestock feed. It is important to distinguish this residue from the original kernels and the extracted oil, as each stage of processing moves the product into a different chapter of the Harmonized System.
- Covers
- Palm kernel oil-cake
- Expeller palm kernel meal
- Solvent-extracted palm kernel meal
- Palm kernel pellets for animal feed
- 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 meal is sometimes misclassified under 2306.90, which is a residual category for other oil-cakes. It can also be confused with the raw palm kernels themselves (1207.10) or the crude oil (1513.21). Another error involves misclassifying it as prepared animal feed under heading 2309, which is only appropriate if the meal has been mixed with other ingredients to form a complete ration.
Top exporters and importers of HS 230660 (the code used for palm kernel meal), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 230660 (the code used for palm kernel meal) 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 meal.
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 meal
Brazil classifies palm kernel meal 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 meal
What is the HS code for Palm kernel meal?
The HS code for Palm kernel meal 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 HS code for oil-cake and other solid residues of palm nuts or kernels is 2306.60.
How do I classify Palm kernel meal for customs?
Palm kernel meal 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.
Can palm kernel meal be classified under 2309?
Only if it has been further processed or mixed with other substances to create a prepared animal feed; otherwise, it remains under 2306.60.
Which countries are the top exporters of palm kernel meal (HS 230660)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 230660 (the code used for palm kernel meal) 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 meal (HS 230660)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 230660 (the code used for palm kernel meal) 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 meal the same in all countries?
The base HS code 230660 for Palm kernel meal 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 meal in Brazil?
In Brazil, palm kernel meal (HS 230660) is classified under NCM 2306.60.00.