Product classification

HS code for Refined corn oil: 1515.29

Vegetable oils, maize (corn) oil and its fractions, other than crude, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.

Classification of refined corn oil under HS 1515.29

Refined corn oil, also known as maize oil, is classified under HS code 1515.29. This classification is found in Chapter 15, which deals with animal or vegetable fats and oils. Heading 1515 is a residual heading for "other" fixed vegetable fats and oils that are not specified in the more specific headings of the chapter (such as soy, peanut, or olive oil). Maize oil is specifically identified within this heading. The classification is split between crude maize oil (1515.21) and refined maize oil (1515.29). Refined corn oil is obtained by treating the crude oil extracted from the germ of the maize grain. The refining process removes impurities, free fatty acids, and unsaponifiable matter, resulting in a clear, stable oil suitable for high-heat cooking and industrial applications. To remain under 1515.29, the oil must not be chemically modified, though it can be fractionated into liquid and solid components through physical means.

Covers
  • Refined maize (corn) oil
  • RBD corn oil for culinary use
  • Refined corn oil fractions
  • Pure corn oil for industrial lubricants
  • Bottled refined corn oil for retail sale
Also under 1515.29
  • Mazola Corn Oil
  • Wesson Corn Oil
  • Crisco Corn Oil
  • LouAna Corn Oil
  • Goya Corn Oil

Codes often confused with 1515.29

Common mistake. Refined corn oil is often misclassified as crude corn oil, which falls under HS code 1515.21. The distinction is based on the presence of refining treatments; crude oil is typically darker and contains more sediment. Another common misclassification occurs when corn oil is part of a vegetable oil blend. If corn oil is mixed with other oils (like soybean or sunflower oil), the resulting product is classified under HS code 1517.90 as an edible mixture. Furthermore, residues from the corn oil extraction process, such as oilcake, are not classified here but under HS code 2303.10. If the oil has been hydrogenated to create a solid fat, it moves to HS code 1516.20.

1515.21Vegetable oils; maize (corn) oil and its fractions, crude, not chemically modified1517.90Edible mixtures or preparations of animal, vegetable or microbial fats or oils or of fractions of different fats or oils of this Chapter, n.e.c. in heading 1517, other than edible fats and oils or their fractions of heading 15.162303.10Residues of starch manufacture and similar residues; whether or not in the form of pellets1516.20Vegetable fats and oils and their fractions; partly or wholly hydrogenated, inter-esterified, re-esterified or elaidinised, whether or not refined, but not further prepared

Top exporters and importers of HS 151529 (the code used for refined corn oil), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 151529 (the code used for refined corn oil) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Kuwait, with 16% 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 151529, not only refined corn oil.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $84M
  2. 2 Türkiye $74M
  3. 3 China $51M

World total: $420M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Kuwait $65M
  2. 2 Libya* ~$51M
  3. 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$30M

World total: $400M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 refined corn oil

Brazil splits HS 1515.29 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

  • 1515.29.10Refined maize (corn) oil in containers up to 5 l
  • 1515.29.90Other non-crude maize (corn) oil

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about refined corn oil

What is the HS code for Refined corn oil?

The HS code for Refined corn oil is 151529 (Vegetable oils; maize (corn) oil and its fractions, other than crude, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified). Refined corn oil and its fractions are classified under HS code 1515.29.

How do I classify Refined corn oil for customs?

Refined corn oil is classified under HS code 151529 — Vegetable oils; maize (corn) oil and its fractions, other than crude, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is corn oil used for biodiesel classified under this code?

If the product is pure refined corn oil intended for biodiesel production, it remains under 1515.29. However, if it has been converted into fatty acid methyl esters (biodiesel), it is classified under 3826.00.

Which countries are the top exporters of refined corn oil (HS 151529)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 151529 (the code used for refined corn oil) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($84M, 20% of world exports), Türkiye ($74M) and China ($51M). World exports came to about $420M, 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 refined corn oil (HS 151529)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 151529 (the code used for refined corn oil) in UN Comtrade data were Kuwait ($65M, 16% of world imports), Libya (about $51M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $30M). World imports came to about $400M, 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 Refined corn oil the same in all countries?

The base HS code 151529 for Refined corn 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 refined corn oil in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 151529 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for refined corn oil depends on the product's details: 1515.29.10 (Refined maize (corn) oil in containers up to 5 l), 1515.29.90 (Other non-crude maize (corn) oil).