Product classification
HS code for Refined cottonseed oil: 1512.29
Vegetable oils, cotton-seed oil and its fractions, other than crude, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.
Classification of refined cottonseed oil under HS 1512.29
Refined cottonseed oil is classified under HS code 1512.29 because it falls within Chapter 15, which encompasses animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products. Specifically, heading 1512 covers sunflower-seed, safflower, or cotton-seed oil and fractions thereof, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. Within this heading, the code is divided by the state of the oil. Subheading 1512.21 is reserved for crude oil, while 1512.29 is the residual category for "other," which includes oil that has undergone refining processes such as neutralizing, bleaching, or deodorizing. To qualify for this code, the oil must remain in its natural triglyceride state without undergoing chemical modification like hydrogenation or interesterification. The refining process typically involves the removal of free fatty acids and gossypol, a naturally occurring pigment in cotton seeds, to make the oil suitable for human consumption or industrial use. The classification remains 1512.29 even if the oil has been fractionated into olein or stearin, provided no chemical changes have occurred.
- Covers
- Refined cottonseed oil
- Winterized cottonseed oil
- Cottonseed olein (not chemically modified)
- Cottonseed stearin (not chemically modified)
- Deodorized cottonseed oil
- Bleached cottonseed oil
- Also under 1512.29
- Wesson Cottonseed Oil
- Crisco Cottonseed Oil
- Mazola Cottonseed Oil
- LouAna Cottonseed Oil
Codes often confused with 1512.29
Common mistake. Refined cottonseed oil is frequently confused with crude cottonseed oil, which is classified under 1512.21. The distinction lies in the level of processing; crude oil has not undergone the neutralizing or bleaching steps. Another common error is classifying cottonseed oil that has been hydrogenated or hardened under 1512.29, whereas it should be placed under 1516.20. Furthermore, if the oil is mixed with other vegetable oils for retail sale as a cooking blend, it may fall under 1517.90 as a mixture of vegetable oils.
Top exporters and importers of HS 151229 (the code used for refined cottonseed oil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 151229 (the code used for refined cottonseed oil) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 30% of world imports. Uzbekistan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($20M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Afghanistan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($16M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 151229, not only refined cottonseed oil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $16M 22% of world exports
- 2 Malaysia $14M 20% of world exports
- 3 China $13M 18% of world exports
Uzbekistan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($20M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $70M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Australia $29M 30% of world imports
- 2 Malaysia $15M 16% of world imports
- 3 Brazil $8.0M 8.2% of world imports
Afghanistan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($16M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $97M 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 refined cottonseed oil
Brazil splits HS 1512.29 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1512.29.10Refined cotton-seed oil
- 1512.29.90Other non-crude cotton-seed oil
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about refined cottonseed oil
What is the HS code for Refined cottonseed oil?
The HS code for Refined cottonseed oil is 151229 (Vegetable oils; cotton-seed oil and its fractions, other than crude, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified). The HS code for refined cottonseed oil is 1512.29, which covers cottonseed oil and its fractions other than crude, provided they are not chemically modified.
How do I classify Refined cottonseed oil for customs?
Refined cottonseed oil is classified under HS code 151229 — Vegetable oils; cotton-seed oil and its fractions, other than crude, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 1512.29 include cottonseed oil used for industrial purposes?
Yes, as long as the oil is refined and not chemically modified, it is classified under 1512.29 regardless of whether it is intended for food use or industrial applications.
Which countries are the top exporters of refined cottonseed oil (HS 151229)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 151229 (the code used for refined cottonseed oil) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($16M, 22% of world exports), Malaysia ($14M) and China ($13M). World exports came to about $70M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Uzbekistan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its exports here ($20M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of refined cottonseed oil (HS 151229)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 151229 (the code used for refined cottonseed oil) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($29M, 30% of world imports), Malaysia ($15M) and Brazil ($8.0M). World imports came to about $97M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Afghanistan did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 100% of its imports here ($16M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Refined cottonseed oil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 151229 for Refined cottonseed 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 cottonseed oil in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 151229 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for refined cottonseed oil depends on the product's details: 1512.29.10 (Refined cotton-seed oil), 1512.29.90 (Other non-crude cotton-seed oil).