Chapter 15 covers animal and vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products, prepared edible fats, and animal and vegetable waxes. It includes crude oils extracted from animal and vegetable materials, refined oils, hardened oils, glycerol, waxes, etc., but excludes unrendered animal fats (Chapter 2) and cocoa butter (Chapter 18). This chapter is the core chapter for oils and fats trade, involving the classification of edible and industrial oils and fats. Heading 1512 covers cottonseed oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. It includes crude cottonseed oil, refined cottonseed oil, and fractions of cottonseed oil (such as stearin, oleic acid, etc.). However, chemically modified cottonseed oil such as hydrogenated or interesterified oil is classified under 1516 or 1517. First 2 digits 15: Chapter 15, animal and vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products. Digits 3-4: 12: Heading 1512, cottonseed oil and its fractions. Digits 5-6: 29: Subheading 1512.29, refined cottonseed oil. Among these, 1512.21 is crude cottonseed oil (whether or not degummed), and 1512.29 is other (refined). The 5th digit 2 indicates the cottonseed oil subheading, and the 6th digit 9 indicates refined. Refined cottonseed oil undergoes refining processes such as degumming, deacidification, bleaching, and deodorization, but is not chemically modified, meeting the definition of 1512.29. Crude cottonseed oil is classified under 1512.21; chemically modified oil (such as hydrogenated) under 1516; blended edible oils under 1517; cottonseed oil fractions (such as stearin) are also classified under 1512 but under different subheadings.
Chapter
Chapter 15 covers animal and vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products, prepared edible fats, and animal and vegetable waxes. It includes crude oils extracted from animal and vegetable materials, refined oils, hardened oils, glycerol, waxes, etc., but excludes unrendered animal fats (Chapter 2) and cocoa butter (Chapter 18). This chapter is the core chapter for oils and fats trade, involving the classification of edible and industrial oils and fats.
Heading
Heading 1512 covers cottonseed oil and its fractions, whether or not refined, but not chemically modified. It includes crude cottonseed oil, refined cottonseed oil, and fractions of cottonseed oil (such as stearin, oleic acid, etc.). However, chemically modified cottonseed oil such as hydrogenated or interesterified oil is classified under 1516 or 1517.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 15: Chapter 15, animal and vegetable fats and oils and their cleavage products. Digits 3-4: 12: Heading 1512, cottonseed oil and its fractions. Digits 5-6: 29: Subheading 1512.29, refined cottonseed oil. Among these, 1512.21 is crude cottonseed oil (whether or not degummed), and 1512.29 is other (refined). The 5th digit 2 indicates the cottonseed oil subheading, and the 6th digit 9 indicates refined.
Classification Basis
Refined cottonseed oil undergoes refining processes such as degumming, deacidification, bleaching, and deodorization, but is not chemically modified, meeting the definition of 1512.29. Crude cottonseed oil is classified under 1512.21; chemically modified oil (such as hydrogenated) under 1516; blended edible oils under 1517; cottonseed oil fractions (such as stearin) are also classified under 1512 but under different subheadings.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The specific name of the declared commodity should be stated as refined cottonseed oil, avoiding colloquial names. Processing Method: State whether refining has been carried out (degumming, deacidification, bleaching, deodorization, etc.) and whether chemically modified. Composition Content: Main fatty acid composition and content, such as percentages of linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, etc. Packaging Specifications: Packaging form and net weight, such as iron drum, 190kg/drum; or retail packaging. Brand: Manufacturer or trader brand; if no brand, state 'no brand'. Use: Final use, such as edible, industrial (soap making, coatings, etc.). Origin: Country/region where the goods are produced or processed, affecting tariffs and trade agreements. Product Name: Refined cottonseed oil; Processing Method: Refined through degumming, deacidification, bleaching, and deodorization, not chemically modified; Composition Content: Linoleic acid 52%, oleic acid 18%, palmitic acid 23%, stearic acid 2%; Packaging Specifications: 190kg/iron drum, net weight 190kg; Brand: No brand; Use: Edible; Origin: China. Misclassifying refined cottonseed oil under 1512.21 (crude), ignoring the refining process. Failing to declare fatty acid composition, making it impossible to determine suitability for consumption. Incorrectly classifying chemically modified cottonseed oil (such as hydrogenated) under 1512.29.
Product Name
The specific name of the declared commodity should be stated as refined cottonseed oil, avoiding colloquial names.
⚠️ Misreporting as cottonseed oil or edible oil, failing to distinguish refined from crude.
Processing Method
State whether refining has been carried out (degumming, deacidification, bleaching, deodorization, etc.) and whether chemically modified.
⚠️ Simply writing the refining process as 'processing' without clarifying whether it is chemically modified.
Composition Content
Main fatty acid composition and content, such as percentages of linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, etc.
⚠️ Only writing 'pure cottonseed oil' without providing specific fatty acid ratios.
Packaging Specifications
Packaging form and net weight, such as iron drum, 190kg/drum; or retail packaging.
⚠️ Omitting net weight or packaging unit, leading to classification disputes.
Brand
Manufacturer or trader brand; if no brand, state 'no brand'.
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer, or incomplete filling.
Use
Final use, such as edible, industrial (soap making, coatings, etc.).
⚠️ Vaguely writing 'edible' without distinguishing direct consumption or food processing.
Origin
Country/region where the goods are produced or processed, affecting tariffs and trade agreements.
⚠️ Mistaking the exporting country as the origin.
Example： Product Name: Refined cottonseed oil; Processing Method: Refined through degumming, deacidification, bleaching, and deodorization, not chemically modified; Composition Content: Linoleic acid 52%, oleic acid 18%, palmitic acid 23%, stearic acid 2%; Packaging Specifications: 190kg/iron drum, net weight 190kg; Brand: No brand; Use: Edible; Origin: China.
Common Mistakes：
Misclassifying refined cottonseed oil under 1512.21 (crude), ignoring the refining process.
Failing to declare fatty acid composition, making it impossible to determine suitability for consumption.
Incorrectly classifying chemically modified cottonseed oil (such as hydrogenated) under 1512.29.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) whether the commodity is cottonseed oil; 2) whether it has been refined (degumming, deacidification, etc.); 3) whether it has been chemically modified. Refined cottonseed oil meets 1512.29 because it is not chemically modified and is not crude. If chemically modified, it is classified under 1516; if blended with other oils, under 1517. 1512.21 Crude cottonseed oil: Crude cottonseed oil is not refined, only pressed or solvent-extracted, dark in color with many impurities; refined cottonseed oil is refined, light in color with low acid value. 1516.20 Hydrogenated cottonseed oil: Hydrogenation is chemical modification, changing the oil structure, classified under 1516; refined cottonseed oil is only physically refined, not chemically modified. 1517.90 Blended edible oil: Blended oil contains multiple oils, classified under 1517; refined cottonseed oil is a single oil, and even if blended with other oils, it must be judged by proportion. 1513.29 Refined coconut oil: Coconut oil and cottonseed oil have different sources; coconut oil is classified under 1513, cottonseed oil under 1512. 1522.00 Oil residues: Residues come from the oil refining process, such as soapstock and acid oil, classified under 1522; refined cottonseed oil is a finished oil. Is it confirmed that the commodity is cottonseed oil? Has it been refined (degumming, deacidification, etc.)? Is it chemically modified (hydrogenation, interesterification)? Is it a single oil, not blended with other oils? Is the packaging suitable for direct consumption or industrial use?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) whether the commodity is cottonseed oil; 2) whether it has been refined (degumming, deacidification, etc.); 3) whether it has been chemically modified. Refined cottonseed oil meets 1512.29 because it is not chemically modified and is not crude. If chemically modified, it is classified under 1516; if blended with other oils, under 1517.
Confused Codes：
1512.21 - Crude cottonseed oil
Crude cottonseed oil is not refined, only pressed or solvent-extracted, dark in color with many impurities; refined cottonseed oil is refined, light in color with low acid value.
1516.20 - Hydrogenated cottonseed oil
Hydrogenation is chemical modification, changing the oil structure, classified under 1516; refined cottonseed oil is only physically refined, not chemically modified.
1517.90 - Blended edible oil
Blended oil contains multiple oils, classified under 1517; refined cottonseed oil is a single oil, and even if blended with other oils, it must be judged by proportion.
1513.29 - Refined coconut oil
Coconut oil and cottonseed oil have different sources; coconut oil is classified under 1513, cottonseed oil under 1512.
1522.00 - Oil residues
Residues come from the oil refining process, such as soapstock and acid oil, classified under 1522; refined cottonseed oil is a finished oil.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it confirmed that the commodity is cottonseed oil?
✓ Has it been refined (degumming, deacidification, etc.)?
✓ Is it chemically modified (hydrogenation, interesterification)?
✓ Is it a single oil, not blended with other oils?
✓ Is the packaging suitable for direct consumption or industrial use?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between refined cottonseed oil and crude cottonseed oil? Refined cottonseed oil is classified under 1512.29, and crude cottonseed oil under 1512.21. The difference lies in the processing technology: crude is only pressed or solvent-extracted, not refined; refined has undergone degumming, deacidification, bleaching, deodorization, etc. Proof of processing method is required at declaration. If cottonseed oil has been hydrogenated, which code should it be classified under? Hydrogenation is chemical modification and should be classified under 1516.20 (hydrogenated cottonseed oil). If partially hydrogenated, it is also classified under 1516. Note the distinction from 1512.29, which is not chemically modified. When declaring refined cottonseed oil, what specific data on composition content is required? Main fatty acid composition and percentages are required, such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, etc. These data help customs determine oil quality and classification. It is recommended to attach a quality inspection report. How to distinguish refined cottonseed oil from blended edible oil? Refined cottonseed oil is a single oil; if blended with other oils (such as soybean oil, palm oil), it is classified under 1517. At declaration, state whether it is blended and the blending ratio. How to check the import tariff rate for refined cottonseed oil? It can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website or China International Trade Single Window. Enter HS code 1512.29 to view the MFN rate, general rate, VAT, and consumption tax. Note that rates may be adjusted, subject to the latest announcement. What regulatory documents are required for importing refined cottonseed oil? Generally, a certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, health certificate, composition test report, etc. are required. If for edible use, it must also comply with national food safety standards. For details, consult the General Administration of Customs' Import and Export Tariff and regulatory conditions. For cross-border e-commerce sales of refined cottonseed oil, how to declare the HS code? Cross-border e-commerce retail imports must be declared as personal items, but the HS code is still 1512.29. Note that the packaging must be retail packaging and comply with the cross-border e-commerce positive list requirements. It is recommended to consult a customs broker. When exporting refined cottonseed oil, is the HS code the same as for import? Yes, the import and export HS codes are the same, both 1512.29. However, exports may involve export tax rebates, requiring VAT invoices, etc. Different countries may have different codes, and adjustments must be made according to destination country requirements.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between refined cottonseed oil and crude cottonseed oil?
A: Refined cottonseed oil is classified under 1512.29, and crude cottonseed oil under 1512.21. The difference lies in the processing technology: crude is only pressed or solvent-extracted, not refined; refined has undergone degumming, deacidification, bleaching, deodorization, etc. Proof of processing method is required at declaration.
Q: If cottonseed oil has been hydrogenated, which code should it be classified under?
A: Hydrogenation is chemical modification and should be classified under 1516.20 (hydrogenated cottonseed oil). If partially hydrogenated, it is also classified under 1516. Note the distinction from 1512.29, which is not chemically modified.
Q: When declaring refined cottonseed oil, what specific data on composition content is required?
A: Main fatty acid composition and percentages are required, such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, etc. These data help customs determine oil quality and classification. It is recommended to attach a quality inspection report.
Q: How to distinguish refined cottonseed oil from blended edible oil?
A: Refined cottonseed oil is a single oil; if blended with other oils (such as soybean oil, palm oil), it is classified under 1517. At declaration, state whether it is blended and the blending ratio.
Q: How to check the import tariff rate for refined cottonseed oil?
A: It can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website or China International Trade Single Window. Enter HS code 1512.29 to view the MFN rate, general rate, VAT, and consumption tax. Note that rates may be adjusted, subject to the latest announcement.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for importing refined cottonseed oil?
A: Generally, a certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, health certificate, composition test report, etc. are required. If for edible use, it must also comply with national food safety standards. For details, consult the General Administration of Customs' Import and Export Tariff and regulatory conditions.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce sales of refined cottonseed oil, how to declare the HS code?
A: Cross-border e-commerce retail imports must be declared as personal items, but the HS code is still 1512.29. Note that the packaging must be retail packaging and comply with the cross-border e-commerce positive list requirements. It is recommended to consult a customs broker.
Q: When exporting refined cottonseed oil, is the HS code the same as for import?
A: Yes, the import and export HS codes are the same, both 1512.29. However, exports may involve export tax rebates, requiring VAT invoices, etc. Different countries may have different codes, and adjustments must be made according to destination country requirements.
⚠️ 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.