Chapter 15 covers animal and vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products, prepared edible fats, animal and vegetable waxes. It includes fats and oils extracted from animal and vegetable raw materials, whether or not refined, as well as products obtained through pressing, extraction, refining, and other processes. This chapter also includes cleavage products of fats and oils such as crude glycerol and fatty acids, but excludes separately named chemicals or pharmaceutical products. Heading 1512 covers sunflower-seed oil, safflower oil, or cottonseed oil and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. It includes virgin, refined, and fractionated products, but excludes hydrogenated, interesterified, and other chemically modified fats and oils (classified under 1516 or 1517). The first 2 digits 15 indicate Chapter 15 (animal and vegetable fats and oils). Digits 3-4, 12, indicate heading 1512 (sunflower-seed oil, safflower oil, or cottonseed oil and their fractions). Digits 5-6, 19, indicate subheading 1512.19, namely refined sunflower-seed oil or safflower oil (excluding virgin sunflower-seed oil 1512.11). Code 151219 specifically refers to refined sunflower-seed oil, which has been processed beyond the virgin stage but has not been chemically modified. The product is refined sunflower-seed oil, which has been subjected to refining processes (degumming, deacidification, bleaching, deodorization, etc.) to remove impurities, but has not undergone chemical modification such as hydrogenation or interesterification. Therefore, it is classified under 151219 rather than virgin sunflower-seed oil 151211, and not under chemically modified fats and oils 1516 or 1517.
Chapter
Chapter 15 covers animal and vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products, prepared edible fats, animal and vegetable waxes. It includes fats and oils extracted from animal and vegetable raw materials, whether or not refined, as well as products obtained through pressing, extraction, refining, and other processes. This chapter also includes cleavage products of fats and oils such as crude glycerol and fatty acids, but excludes separately named chemicals or pharmaceutical products.
Heading
Heading 1512 covers sunflower-seed oil, safflower oil, or cottonseed oil and their fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. It includes virgin, refined, and fractionated products, but excludes hydrogenated, interesterified, and other chemically modified fats and oils (classified under 1516 or 1517).
Digit Breakdown
The first 2 digits 15 indicate Chapter 15 (animal and vegetable fats and oils). Digits 3-4, 12, indicate heading 1512 (sunflower-seed oil, safflower oil, or cottonseed oil and their fractions). Digits 5-6, 19, indicate subheading 1512.19, namely refined sunflower-seed oil or safflower oil (excluding virgin sunflower-seed oil 1512.11). Code 151219 specifically refers to refined sunflower-seed oil, which has been processed beyond the virgin stage but has not been chemically modified.
Classification Basis
The product is refined sunflower-seed oil, which has been subjected to refining processes (degumming, deacidification, bleaching, deodorization, etc.) to remove impurities, but has not undergone chemical modification such as hydrogenation or interesterification. Therefore, it is classified under 151219 rather than virgin sunflower-seed oil 151211, and not under chemically modified fats and oils 1516 or 1517.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "Refined Sunflower-Seed Oil"; avoid using colloquial names or brand names. Processing Method: Describe the extraction and refining process of the oil, such as "refined after pressing" or "refined after solvent extraction." Composition and Content: Main fatty acid composition and content, such as percentages of oleic acid, linoleic acid, etc. Packaging Specifications: Inner packaging form and net weight, such as "190 kg iron drum" or "1 L bottle." Brand: Manufacturer's or trader's brand; if none, fill in "None." Use: Edible or industrial use, such as "edible" or "cosmetic raw material." Origin: Country or region where the oil is produced, such as "Ukraine." Product Name: Refined Sunflower-Seed Oil; Processing Method: Refined after pressing; Composition and Content: Oleic acid 25%, linoleic acid 65%, palmitic acid 7%; Packaging Specifications: 190 kg iron drum; Brand: None; Use: Edible; Origin: Ukraine. Mistakenly classifying refined sunflower-seed oil under virgin subheading 151211, resulting in misclassification. Failing to provide fatty acid composition, making it impossible to prove it is sunflower-seed oil rather than other oils. Ignoring chemical modification; if hydrogenated, it must be classified under 1516, not 151219.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity, such as "Refined Sunflower-Seed Oil"; avoid using colloquial names or brand names.
⚠️ Filling in "edible oil" or "sunflower oil" is too vague.
Processing Method
Describe the extraction and refining process of the oil, such as "refined after pressing" or "refined after solvent extraction."
⚠️ Writing only "refined" without stating whether it has been chemically modified.
Composition and Content
Main fatty acid composition and content, such as percentages of oleic acid, linoleic acid, etc.
⚠️ Writing only "100% sunflower-seed oil" without fatty acid data.
Packaging Specifications
Inner packaging form and net weight, such as "190 kg iron drum" or "1 L bottle."
⚠️ Failing to indicate units or writing only "bulk."
Brand
Manufacturer's or trader's brand; if none, fill in "None."
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer.
Use
Edible or industrial use, such as "edible" or "cosmetic raw material."
⚠️ Failing to distinguish between edible and non-edible use.
Origin
Country or region where the oil is produced, such as "Ukraine."
⚠️ Confusing origin with place of shipment.
Example： Product Name: Refined Sunflower-Seed Oil; Processing Method: Refined after pressing; Composition and Content: Oleic acid 25%, linoleic acid 65%, palmitic acid 7%; Packaging Specifications: 190 kg iron drum; Brand: None; Use: Edible; Origin: Ukraine.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying refined sunflower-seed oil under virgin subheading 151211, resulting in misclassification.
Failing to provide fatty acid composition, making it impossible to prove it is sunflower-seed oil rather than other oils.
Ignoring chemical modification; if hydrogenated, it must be classified under 1516, not 151219.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: 1) The product is sunflower-seed oil, which meets heading 1512; 2) it has been refined but not chemically modified, so it is classified under subheading 1512.19; 3) virgin oil (1512.11) and chemically modified fats and oils (1516) are excluded. A comprehensive determination must be made based on processing technology, composition analysis, and use. 151211 Virgin Sunflower-Seed Oil: Virgin oil has not been refined and retains more impurities, whereas 151219 is refined oil with purer color and odor. 151519 Refined Linseed Oil: Linseed oil is classified under 1515, and its fatty acid composition is mainly linolenic acid, which differs from sunflower-seed oil. 151790 Other Oil Mixtures: Mixtures or chemically modified fats and oils are classified under 1517, whereas 151219 is a single unmodified sunflower-seed oil. 151620 Hydrogenated Sunflower-Seed Oil: Hydrogenation is chemical modification and is classified under 1516, whereas 151219 has not been chemically modified. Is it clearly sunflower-seed oil rather than other oil? Is the processing method only refining rather than chemical modification? Has fatty acid composition data been provided? Is the packaging suitable for transporting edible oils? Is the origin clear?
Basis
Core basis for classification: 1) The product is sunflower-seed oil, which meets heading 1512; 2) it has been refined but not chemically modified, so it is classified under subheading 1512.19; 3) virgin oil (1512.11) and chemically modified fats and oils (1516) are excluded. A comprehensive determination must be made based on processing technology, composition analysis, and use.
Confused Codes：
151211 - Virgin Sunflower-Seed Oil
Virgin oil has not been refined and retains more impurities, whereas 151219 is refined oil with purer color and odor.
151519 - Refined Linseed Oil
Linseed oil is classified under 1515, and its fatty acid composition is mainly linolenic acid, which differs from sunflower-seed oil.
151790 - Other Oil Mixtures
Mixtures or chemically modified fats and oils are classified under 1517, whereas 151219 is a single unmodified sunflower-seed oil.
151620 - Hydrogenated Sunflower-Seed Oil
Hydrogenation is chemical modification and is classified under 1516, whereas 151219 has not been chemically modified.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it clearly sunflower-seed oil rather than other oil?
✓ Is the processing method only refining rather than chemical modification?
✓ Has fatty acid composition data been provided?
✓ Is the packaging suitable for transporting edible oils?
✓ Is the origin clear?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between refined sunflower-seed oil and virgin sunflower-seed oil? Refined sunflower-seed oil is classified under 151219, and virgin under 151211. The difference lies in the processing method: virgin oil is obtained by mechanical pressing or low-temperature extraction without refining; refined oil undergoes degumming, deacidification, bleaching, deodorization, and other treatments, resulting in fewer impurities and a higher smoke point. If sunflower-seed oil has been hydrogenated, which code should it be classified under? Hydrogenation is chemical modification and should be classified under 1516 (animal and vegetable fats and oils that have been hydrogenated, interesterified, or elaidinized), specifically subheading 151620 (hydrogenated sunflower-seed oil). It cannot be classified under 151219. When declaring refined sunflower-seed oil, is it mandatory to provide fatty acid composition? It is recommended to provide it because fatty acid composition is a key indicator for distinguishing different vegetable oils. Customs may require a test report to prove that the product is sunflower-seed oil rather than other oils. Failure to provide it may lead to classification disputes. Are refined sunflower-seed oil and safflower oil the same in HS codes? Both are classified under 1512, but the subheadings differ: refined sunflower-seed oil is 151219, and refined safflower oil is 151219 (the same subheading). However, note that safflower oil's fatty acid composition is mainly linoleic acid, and the product name must be clearly stated during declaration to avoid confusion. How can I check the import tariff rate for refined sunflower-seed oil? It can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website or the International Trade Single Window. The tariff rate is affected by origin and trade agreements; for example, the ASEAN agreement rate may be zero. It is recommended to use HS code 151219 to check the latest tariff rate and confirm whether preferential rules of origin apply. What declaration elements are required for exporting refined sunflower-seed oil? Generally, product name, processing method, composition and content, packaging specifications, brand, use, and origin are required. Requirements may vary by country, so it is advisable to confirm with a customs broker in advance. Export tax rebates require documents such as VAT invoices. Can refined sunflower-seed oil be classified under 1517? No, unless it is a mixture with other oils or a chemically modified product. 1517 covers mixed fats and oils and modified fats and oils, whereas 151219 is a single unmodified sunflower-seed oil. If mixed with other oils, it is classified under 1517. For cross-border e-commerce sales of refined sunflower-seed oil, how should the HS code be correctly declared? Cross-border e-commerce must declare according to the actual commodity; refined sunflower-seed oil should use 151219. Note that small retail packaging may involve prepackaged food labeling requirements, but the HS code remains unchanged. It is advisable to consult a professional customs broker to ensure compliance.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between refined sunflower-seed oil and virgin sunflower-seed oil?
A: Refined sunflower-seed oil is classified under 151219, and virgin under 151211. The difference lies in the processing method: virgin oil is obtained by mechanical pressing or low-temperature extraction without refining; refined oil undergoes degumming, deacidification, bleaching, deodorization, and other treatments, resulting in fewer impurities and a higher smoke point.
Q: If sunflower-seed oil has been hydrogenated, which code should it be classified under?
A: Hydrogenation is chemical modification and should be classified under 1516 (animal and vegetable fats and oils that have been hydrogenated, interesterified, or elaidinized), specifically subheading 151620 (hydrogenated sunflower-seed oil). It cannot be classified under 151219.
Q: When declaring refined sunflower-seed oil, is it mandatory to provide fatty acid composition?
A: It is recommended to provide it because fatty acid composition is a key indicator for distinguishing different vegetable oils. Customs may require a test report to prove that the product is sunflower-seed oil rather than other oils. Failure to provide it may lead to classification disputes.
Q: Are refined sunflower-seed oil and safflower oil the same in HS codes?
A: Both are classified under 1512, but the subheadings differ: refined sunflower-seed oil is 151219, and refined safflower oil is 151219 (the same subheading). However, note that safflower oil's fatty acid composition is mainly linoleic acid, and the product name must be clearly stated during declaration to avoid confusion.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for refined sunflower-seed oil?
A: It can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website or the International Trade Single Window. The tariff rate is affected by origin and trade agreements; for example, the ASEAN agreement rate may be zero. It is recommended to use HS code 151219 to check the latest tariff rate and confirm whether preferential rules of origin apply.
Q: What declaration elements are required for exporting refined sunflower-seed oil?
A: Generally, product name, processing method, composition and content, packaging specifications, brand, use, and origin are required. Requirements may vary by country, so it is advisable to confirm with a customs broker in advance. Export tax rebates require documents such as VAT invoices.
Q: Can refined sunflower-seed oil be classified under 1517?
A: No, unless it is a mixture with other oils or a chemically modified product. 1517 covers mixed fats and oils and modified fats and oils, whereas 151219 is a single unmodified sunflower-seed oil. If mixed with other oils, it is classified under 1517.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce sales of refined sunflower-seed oil, how should the HS code be correctly declared?
A: Cross-border e-commerce must declare according to the actual commodity; refined sunflower-seed oil should use 151219. Note that small retail packaging may involve prepackaged food labeling requirements, but the HS code remains unchanged. It is advisable to consult a professional customs broker to ensure compliance.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.