HS Code for Sesame oil

Sesame oil is classified under HS code 1515.50, which falls within Chapter 15 of the Harmonized System. This chapter is dedicated to animal or vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products, prepared edible fats, and animal or vegetable waxes. Specifically, heading 1515 covers other fixed vegetable fats and oils (including jojoba oil) and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. Sesame oil is extracted from the seeds of the Sesamum indicum plant. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the oil is in its crude state or has undergone refining processes such as bleaching, deodorizing, or filtering. However, the critical distinction for this code is that the oil must not be chemically modified. If the oil has been hydrogenated, inter-esterified, or otherwise altered at a molecular level, it would shift to heading 1516. The classification also excludes sesame oil that has been prepared as a medicament or mixed with essential oils for perfumery purposes.

Products Included

• Crude sesame oil obtained through cold pressing or solvent extraction
• Refined sesame oil suitable for culinary use
• Fractions of sesame oil separated by physical processes
• Toasted sesame oil, provided no chemical modification has occurred
• Virgin and extra virgin sesame oils

Common Misclassification

Sesame oil is frequently misclassified under HS code 1517.10 or 1517.90, which covers margarine and edible mixtures of vegetable oils. If sesame oil is blended with other oils, it must be classified under 1517. Another common error involves HS code 3301, which covers essential oils. While sesame oil is aromatic, it is a fixed (fatty) oil, not a volatile essential oil. Furthermore, if the oil is chemically modified, it must be declared under 1516.20 rather than 1515.50.

FAQ

What is the HS code for sesame oil?

The primary HS code for sesame oil and its fractions is 1515.50, provided they are not chemically modified.

Is toasted sesame oil classified differently?

No, toasted sesame oil is generally classified under 1515.50 as long as the roasting of the seeds is the only treatment and the resulting oil has not been chemically altered or mixed with other substances.