HS Code for Sunflower oil cake

Sunflower oil cake is classified under HS code 2306.30 because it represents the solid residue remaining after the extraction of oil from sunflower seeds. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), products are classified based on their composition and the degree of processing. Chapter 23 specifically covers residues and waste from the food industries, and heading 2306 includes oil-cake and other solid residues resulting from the extraction of vegetable fats or oils. Since sunflower seeds are specifically identified in subheading 2306.30, this code is the most specific designation for the product. The classification applies regardless of whether the residue is in the form of meal, flakes, or compressed into pellets. The primary determining factor is that the material is a byproduct of the oil extraction process, typically used for animal feed due to its high protein and fiber content. The extraction process can be mechanical (expeller) or chemical (solvent), but the resulting solid remains under this classification as long as it has not been mixed with other ingredients to form a complete animal feed.

Products Included

• Sunflower seed meal
• Sunflower oil pellets
• De-oiled sunflower cake
• Expeller-pressed sunflower residue
• Ground sunflower extraction meal

Common Misclassification

Sunflower oil cake is frequently misclassified under HS code 1206.00, which is reserved for whole sunflower seeds. However, once the seeds have been crushed and the oil extracted, the remaining material must be moved to Chapter 23. Another common error is using HS code 2306.90, which is a residual category for other oil cakes. Because sunflower oil cake has its own specific subheading (2306.30), using the other category is a violation of the specificity principle in customs classification. Additionally, if the product has been further processed with additives beyond simple binders for pelletizing, it might be confused with prepared animal fodder under heading 2309.

FAQ

What is the HS code for sunflower oil cake?

The specific HS code for sunflower oil cake and other solid residues resulting from the extraction of sunflower seed oil is 2306.30.

Is sunflower oil cake considered a hazardous material for shipping?

While not inherently toxic, sunflower oil cake can be subject to self-heating (Class 4.2) depending on its oil and moisture content, requiring specific maritime safety precautions under the IMDG Code.