Product classification
HS code for Shortening: 1517.90
Edible 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 15.16.
Classification of shortening under HS 1517.90
Shortening is classified under HS code 1517.90. This code encompasses edible mixtures or preparations of animal, vegetable, or microbial fats or oils, or fractions of different fats or oils, other than those classified as margarine under 1517.10. Shortening is typically a solid fat used in baking to produce a crumbly texture in pastry. The classification depends on the fact that shortening is a processed mixture of various fats designed for specific culinary applications. Unlike pure oils or single-source fats found in heading 15.16, shortening is a formulated product. It may contain emulsifiers or other additives, but its primary composition remains edible fat. The "other" category (1517.90) is used because shortening does not meet the specific definition of liquid margarine or standard table margarine, which are usually emulsions of water in fat.
- Covers
- Vegetable shortening for baking
- Compound cooking fats
- Blended edible animal and vegetable fats
- Solidified mixtures of vegetable oils for culinary use
- Also under 1517.90
- Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening
- Blue Bonnet Margarine
- Country Crock Plant Butter
- I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!
Codes often confused with 1517.90
Common mistake. Shortening is frequently misclassified under HS code 1517.10, which is reserved specifically for margarine. While both are edible fat preparations, margarine is typically an emulsion containing water and milk solids, whereas shortening is 100% fat. Another common error is using HS code 1516.20, which covers vegetable fats and oils that have been hydrogenated but not further prepared. Since shortening is usually a mixture of different fats or has been further processed for specific textures, it moves to 1517. Additionally, pure lard is classified under 1501, and pure vegetable oils like palm oil are under 1511; shortening only falls under 1517.90 when it is a mixture or preparation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 151790 (the code used for shortening), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 151790 (the code used for shortening) in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% 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 151790, not only shortening.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Indonesia $2.6B 30% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $815M 9.4% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $776M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $8.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $1.7B 22% of world imports
- 2 Germany $477M 6.1% of world imports
- 3 France $406M 5.2% of world imports
World total: $7.8B 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 shortening
Brazil splits HS 1517.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 1517.90.10Refined oil blends in containers up to 5 l
- 1517.90.90Other edible fat or oil mixtures and preparations
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about shortening
What is the HS code for Shortening?
The HS code for Shortening is 151790 (Edible 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 15.16). The HS code for shortening is 1517.90, covering edible mixtures of fats and oils.
How do I classify Shortening for customs?
Shortening is classified under HS code 151790 — Edible 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 15.16. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is shortening the same as margarine for HS classification?
No, margarine is classified under 1517.10, while shortening falls under 1517.90 because it lacks the water-in-oil emulsion characteristic of margarine.
Which countries are the top exporters of shortening (HS 151790)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 151790 (the code used for shortening) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($2.6B, 30% of world exports), the Netherlands ($815M) and Malaysia ($776M). World exports came to about $8.7B, 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 shortening (HS 151790)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 151790 (the code used for shortening) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.7B, 22% of world imports), Germany ($477M) and France ($406M). World imports came to about $7.8B, 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 Shortening the same in all countries?
The base HS code 151790 for Shortening 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 shortening in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 151790 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for shortening depends on the product's details: 1517.90.10 (Refined oil blends in containers up to 5 l), 1517.90.90 (Other edible fat or oil mixtures and preparations).