Product classification
HS code for Sesame oil: 1515.50
Vegetable oils, sesame oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.
Classification of sesame oil under HS 1515.50
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.
- Covers
- 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
- Also under 1515.50
- Kadoya Pure Sesame Oil
- Eden Organic Toasted Sesame Oil
- Spectrum Culinary Organic Sesame Oil
- La Tourangelle Toasted Sesame Oil
Codes often confused with 1515.50
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 151550 (the code used for sesame oil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 151550 (the code used for sesame oil) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 33% 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 151550, not only sesame oil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $85M 22% of world exports
- 2 China $40M 11% of world exports
- 3 India $36M 9.5% of world exports
World total: $377M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $147M 33% of world imports
- 2 United Kingdom $27M 6.2% of world imports
- 3 Canada $24M 5.4% of world imports
World total: $439M 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 code for sesame oil
Brazil classifies sesame oil under NCM 1515.50.00: HS 1515.50 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about sesame oil
What is the HS code for Sesame oil?
The HS code for Sesame oil is 151550 (Vegetable oils; sesame oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified). The primary HS code for sesame oil and its fractions is 1515.50, provided they are not chemically modified.
How do I classify Sesame oil for customs?
Sesame oil is classified under HS code 151550 — Vegetable oils; sesame oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of sesame oil (HS 151550)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 151550 (the code used for sesame oil) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($85M, 22% of world exports), China ($40M) and India ($36M). World exports came to about $377M, 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 sesame oil (HS 151550)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 151550 (the code used for sesame oil) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($147M, 33% of world imports), the United Kingdom ($27M) and Canada ($24M). World imports came to about $439M, 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 Sesame oil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 151550 for Sesame 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 sesame oil in Brazil?
In Brazil, sesame oil (HS 151550) is classified under NCM 1515.50.00.