Product classification

HS code for Sunflower meal: 2306.30

Oil-cake and other solid residues, whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of sunflower seed oils.

Classification of sunflower meal under HS 2306.30

Sunflower meal is classified under HS code 2306.30. This classification is located in Chapter 23, which covers residues and waste from the food industries and prepared animal fodder. Specifically, heading 2306 includes oil-cake and other solid residues resulting from the extraction of vegetable fats or oils. Sunflower meal is the byproduct of the oil extraction process from sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus). After the oil is removed via mechanical pressing or solvent extraction, the remaining protein-rich solids are ground into meal or formed into pellets. This product is a vital component in the animal feed industry. The classification 2306.30 is specific to sunflower seed residues, ensuring it is tracked separately from residues of other oilseeds like soybean or rapeseed.

Covers
  • Sunflower seed oil-cake
  • Sunflower meal (ground)
  • Sunflower seed pellets
  • De-hulled sunflower meal
Also under 2306.30
  • Cargill Sunflower Meal
  • ADM Sunflower Cake
  • Bunge Sunflower Pellets
  • Louis Dreyfus Sunflower Meal
  • Kernel Sunflower Meal

Codes often confused with 2306.30

Common mistake. Sunflower meal is often confused with soybean oil-cake, which is classified under HS code 2304.00. While both are used for animal feed, the botanical origin dictates the code. Another common error is using HS code 1206.00, which is for whole sunflower seeds. If the oil has been extracted and only the residue remains, it must be classified in Chapter 23 rather than Chapter 12. Additionally, if the meal is mixed with other ingredients to form a complete animal feed, it might move to HS code 2309.90.

2304.00Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of soya-bean oil1206.00Oil seeds; sunflower seeds, whether or not broken2309.90Dog or cat food; (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feeding

Top exporters and importers of HS 230630 (the code used for sunflower meal), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 230630 (the code used for sunflower meal) in UN Comtrade data was Ukraine, with about 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 25% 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 230630, not only sunflower meal.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Ukraine* ~$879M
  2. 2 Russia* ~$440M
  3. 3 Hungary $188M

World total: $2.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $645M
  2. 2 Türkiye $223M
  3. 3 Netherlands $195M

World total: $2.6B 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 sunflower meal

Brazil splits HS 2306.30 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

EU Regulatory Requirements

This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.

Questions about sunflower meal

What is the HS code for Sunflower meal?

The HS code for Sunflower meal is 230630 (Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of sunflower seed oils). The HS code for sunflower meal and oil-cake is 2306.30.

How do I classify Sunflower meal for customs?

Sunflower meal is classified under HS code 230630 — Oil-cake and other solid residues; whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of sunflower seed oils. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is sunflower meal classified differently if it is in pellet form?

No, HS code 2306.30 covers sunflower residues whether they are in the form of meal (ground) or pellets.

Which countries are the top exporters of sunflower meal (HS 230630)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 230630 (the code used for sunflower meal) in UN Comtrade data were Ukraine (about $879M, 37% of world exports), Russia (about $440M) and Hungary ($188M). World exports came to about $2.4B, 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 sunflower meal (HS 230630)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 230630 (the code used for sunflower meal) in UN Comtrade data were China ($645M, 25% of world imports), Türkiye ($223M) and the Netherlands ($195M). World imports came to about $2.6B, 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 Sunflower meal the same in all countries?

The base HS code 230630 for Sunflower meal 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 sunflower meal in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 230630 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for sunflower meal depends on the product's details: 2306.30.10 (Sunflower-seed oil-cake, meal and pellets), 2306.30.90 (Other sunflower-seed solid residues).