HS Code for Palm oil

Palm oil and its fractions that have been refined but not chemically modified are classified under HS code 151190. Chapter 15 covers animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products. Heading 1511 is specifically for palm oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. This heading is split between crude oil (151110) and "other" (151190). The 151190 code includes palm oil that has undergone refining processes such as bleaching, deodorizing, or neutralizing. It also includes specific fractions of the oil, such as palm olein (the liquid fraction) and palm stearin (the solid fraction), which are separated through crystallization and fractionation. These products are widely used in the food industry for frying, shortening, and as ingredients in various processed foods. The classification depends on the oil being derived from the mesocarp of the oil palm fruit and having undergone refining without changing its chemical structure through hydrogenation or interesterification.

Products Included

• Refined, Bleached, and Deodorized (RBD) palm oil
• Palm olein (liquid fraction)
• Palm stearin (solid fraction)
• Refined palm oil for cooking
• Fractionated palm oil

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification is using HS code 151110, which is strictly for crude (unrefined) palm oil. Importers also frequently confuse palm oil with palm kernel oil (HS code 151321). While both come from the same plant, palm oil (1511) comes from the fruit pulp, whereas palm kernel oil (1513) comes from the seed/nut. Chemically modified palm oils (e.g., hydrogenated) must be classified under 1516.

FAQ

What is the HS code for refined palm oil?

The HS code for refined palm oil and its non-chemically modified fractions is 151190.

What is the difference between HS 151110 and 151190?

HS 151110 is used for crude, unprocessed palm oil, while 151190 is used for palm oil that has been refined or separated into fractions like olein and stearin.