Product classification
HS code for Palm kernel oil: 1513.29
Vegetable oils, palm kernel or babassu oil and their fractions, other than crude, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.
Classification of palm kernel oil under HS 1513.29
Palm kernel oil that has been refined but not chemically modified is classified under HS code 1513.29. This classification is part of Chapter 15, which covers animal or vegetable fats and oils. Heading 1513 specifically addresses coconut, palm kernel, or babassu oil. While crude palm kernel oil is classified under 1513.21, the 1513.29 subheading covers oil that has undergone further processing such as refining, bleaching, or deodorizing (often referred to as RBD palm kernel oil). This code also includes fractions of the oil, such as palm kernel olein or stearin, provided they have not been chemically modified. Chemical modification, such as hydrogenation or interesterification, would reclassify the product under heading 1516. The distinction between palm kernel oil (from the seed) and palm oil (from the fruit pulp, heading 1511) is a fundamental requirement for correct classification under the Harmonized System.
- Covers
- Refined palm kernel oil
- RBD palm kernel oil
- Palm kernel olein (refined)
- Palm kernel stearin (refined)
- Also under 1513.29
- Unilever (for food products)
- Procter & Gamble (for personal care)
- Ferrero (for confectionery)
- Cargill (ingredient supplier)
- Wilmar International (producer/trader)
Codes often confused with 1513.29
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 1513.21, which is strictly for crude palm kernel oil. It is also frequently confused with palm oil (heading 1511), which is derived from the mesocarp of the fruit rather than the kernel. Furthermore, if the oil has been hydrogenated, it must be moved to heading 1516, and if it has been chemically modified for use as a surfactant, it may fall under Chapter 34.
Top exporters and importers of HS 151329 (the code used for palm kernel oil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 151329 (the code used for palm kernel oil) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 66% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% 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 151329, not only palm kernel oil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $2.6B 66% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $941M 24% of world exports
- 3 Netherlands $87M 2.2% of world exports
World total: $4.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.2B 28% of world imports
- 2 United States $792M 18% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $505M 12% of world imports
World total: $4.3B 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 palm kernel oil
Brazil splits HS 1513.29 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1513.29.11Mbocaya palm kernel oil, other than crude
- 1513.29.19Other palm kernel oil, other than crude
- 1513.29.20Babassu oil, other than crude
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 oil
What is the HS code for Palm kernel oil?
The HS code for Palm kernel oil is 151329 (Vegetable oils; palm kernel or babassu oil and their fractions, other than crude, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified). Refined palm kernel oil and its fractions are classified under HS code 1513.29.
How do I classify Palm kernel oil for customs?
Palm kernel oil is classified under HS code 151329 — Vegetable oils; palm kernel or babassu oil and their fractions, other than crude, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does palm kernel oil differ from palm oil in the HS?
Palm kernel oil is under heading 1513, while palm oil (from the fruit pulp) is under heading 1511.
Which countries are the top exporters of palm kernel oil (HS 151329)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 151329 (the code used for palm kernel oil) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($2.6B, 66% of world exports), Malaysia ($941M) and the Netherlands ($87M). World exports came to about $4.0B, 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 palm kernel oil (HS 151329)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 151329 (the code used for palm kernel oil) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.2B, 28% of world imports), the United States ($792M) and Brazil ($505M). World imports came to about $4.3B, 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 oil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 151329 for Palm kernel 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 palm kernel oil in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 151329 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for palm kernel oil depends on the product's details: 1513.29.11 (Mbocaya palm kernel oil, other than crude), 1513.29.19 (Other palm kernel oil, other than crude), 1513.29.20 (Babassu oil, other than crude).