Product classification
HS code for Whale oil: 1504.30
Fats and oils and their fractions, of marine mammals.
Classification of whale oil under HS 1504.30
Whale oil is classified under HS code 1504.30, which specifically covers fats and oils and their fractions derived from marine mammals. This classification is based on the biological source of the fat. Whale oil is typically extracted from the blubber of various species of whales and consists of a complex mixture of triglycerides and wax esters (sperm oil). Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 15 governs animal and vegetable fats and oils. Heading 1504 is dedicated to fats and oils of marine organisms, with sub-heading 1504.30 isolating those from mammals like whales, dolphins, and seals. The classification remains here regardless of whether the oil is crude or refined, provided it has not been chemically modified through processes like hydrogenation or inter-esterification, which would move it to heading 1516.
- Covers
- Crude whale oil
- Refined whale oil (not chemically modified)
- Sperm oil from sperm whales
- Fractions of whale oil
- Blubber oil from marine mammals
- Also under 1504.30
- Inuit Seal Oil
- Omega-3 Seal Oil (Canada)
- historical whale oil products
- specific research samples
Codes often confused with 1504.30
Common mistake. Whale oil is frequently misclassified with fish-liver oils (HS code 1504.10) or other fish fats and oils (HS code 1504.20). The distinction is strictly biological; 1504.30 is reserved for mammals, while 1504.10 and 1504.20 are for fish. Another common error involves hydrogenated whale oil, which must be classified under HS code 1516.10. Furthermore, if the oil is prepared as a medicament, it may fall under Chapter 30. Importers must also be aware of CITES regulations, as the trade of whale products is heavily restricted or banned in many jurisdictions regardless of the HS code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 150430 (the code used for whale oil), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 150430 (the code used for whale oil) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 28% 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 150430, not only whale oil.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $1.4M 34% of world exports
- 2 United States $1.1M 26% of world exports
- 3 Oman $511K 12% of world exports
World total: $4.2M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $1.4M 28% of world imports
- 2 Norway $1.1M 23% of world imports
- 3 Canada $874K 18% of world imports
World total: $4.8M 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 whale oil
Brazil classifies whale oil under NCM 1504.30.00: HS 1504.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about whale oil
What is the HS code for Whale oil?
The HS code for Whale oil is 150430 (Fats and oils and their fractions; of marine mammals). The HS code for whale oil is 1504.30, which includes fats and oils of marine mammals.
How do I classify Whale oil for customs?
Whale oil is classified under HS code 150430 — Fats and oils and their fractions; of marine mammals. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is sperm oil classified differently than standard whale oil?
No, sperm oil is considered a fraction or type of marine mammal oil and is also classified under HS code 1504.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of whale oil (HS 150430)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 150430 (the code used for whale oil) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($1.4M, 34% of world exports), the United States ($1.1M) and Oman ($511K). World exports came to about $4.2M, 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 whale oil (HS 150430)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 150430 (the code used for whale oil) in UN Comtrade data were France ($1.4M, 28% of world imports), Norway ($1.1M) and Canada ($874K). World imports came to about $4.8M, 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 Whale oil the same in all countries?
The base HS code 150430 for Whale 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 whale oil in Brazil?
In Brazil, whale oil (HS 150430) is classified under NCM 1504.30.00.