Product classification
HS code for Virgin olive oil: 1509.40
Vegetable oils, olive oil and its fractions, virgin olive oils n.e.c. in heading 1509, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified.
Classification of virgin olive oil under HS 1509.40
Virgin olive oil is classified under HS code 1509.40, a category that covers olive oil and its fractions obtained solely from the fruit of the olive tree by mechanical or other physical means. This classification is specific to oils that have not undergone chemical modification or refining processes. Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 15 covers animal or vegetable fats and oils. Heading 1509 is dedicated to olive oil and its fractions. The subheading 1509.40 is used for "other" virgin olive oils, which distinguishes them from "extra virgin" olive oil and "lampante" virgin olive oil in many regional nomenclatures. To qualify for this code, the oil must meet specific chemical criteria, including free acidity levels and peroxide values defined by international standards. The classification process involves verifying that the oil was produced through cold pressing or centrifugation without the use of solvents. If the oil were blended with other vegetable oils, it would be classified elsewhere, typically under heading 1517. The distinction is vital for customs purposes because virgin oils often face different tariff rates and regulatory inspections compared to refined or pomace oils.
- Covers
- Virgin olive oil (non-extra)
- Ordinary virgin olive oil
- Virgin olive oil fractions not chemically modified
- Bulk virgin olive oil for bottling
- Cold-pressed virgin olive oil
- Also under 1509.40
- Bulk Lampante Olive Oil (various suppliers)
- Olive oil for industrial use (e.g., soap making)
- Olive oil for blending into "Pure Olive Oil"
Codes often confused with 1509.40
Common mistake. Virgin olive oil is often confused with HS code 1509.20, which is specifically for Extra Virgin Olive Oil in the updated 2022 HS nomenclature. It is also frequently misclassified under 1510.10, which covers olive-pomace oil. Pomace oil is extracted using solvents from the residue of the olive, whereas 1509.40 strictly requires mechanical extraction.
Top exporters and importers of HS 150940 (the code used for virgin olive oil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 150940 (the code used for virgin olive oil) in UN Comtrade data was Tunisia, with about 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 41% 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 150940, not only virgin olive oil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Tunisia* ~$106M 38% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Spain $86M 31% of world exports
- 3 Portugal $54M 19% of world exports
World total: $281M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $146M 41% of world imports
- 2 Italy $134M 38% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $23M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $355M 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 code for virgin olive oil
Brazil classifies virgin olive oil under NCM 1509.40.00: HS 1509.40 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about virgin olive oil
What is the HS code for Virgin olive oil?
The HS code for Virgin olive oil is 150940 (Vegetable oils; olive oil and its fractions, virgin olive oils n.e.c. in heading 1509, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified). The HS code for virgin olive oil (other than extra virgin) is 1509.40.
How do I classify Virgin olive oil for customs?
Virgin olive oil is classified under HS code 150940 — Vegetable oils; olive oil and its fractions, virgin olive oils n.e.c. in heading 1509, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is refined olive oil included in this code?
No, refined olive oil is classified under HS code 1509.90, as it has undergone chemical or thermal processing to remove impurities and neutralize acidity.
Which countries are the top exporters of virgin olive oil (HS 150940)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 150940 (the code used for virgin olive oil) in UN Comtrade data were Tunisia (about $106M, 38% of world exports), Spain ($86M) and Portugal ($54M). World exports came to about $281M, 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 virgin olive oil (HS 150940)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 150940 (the code used for virgin olive oil) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($146M, 41% of world imports), Italy ($134M) and Saudi Arabia ($23M). World imports came to about $355M, 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 Virgin olive oil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 150940 for Virgin olive 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 virgin olive oil in Brazil?
In Brazil, virgin olive oil (HS 150940) is classified under NCM 1509.40.00.