Chapter 23 covers residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder. This chapter includes oil-cake and other solid residues from the extraction of oil from grains, legumes, and other plants, as well as prepared products used for animal feeding. The core characteristic is that these products are mainly used as animal feed rather than for human consumption. Heading 2304 specifically covers the solid residues resulting from the extraction of soybean oil—soybean meal. Whether crushed, pelletized, or solvent-extracted, as long as it is the meal remaining after soybean oil extraction, it is classified under this heading. Soybean meal is one of the most important plant protein feed ingredients in the world, used in livestock and poultry feed. First 2 digits 23: Chapter 23, residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder. Digits 3-4 04: Heading 2304, oil-cake and other solid residues resulting from the extraction of soybean oil. Digits 5-6: Subheading level; 2304.00 is the basic subheading for soybean meal. Some countries subdivide beyond 6 digits (e.g., 2304.00.10 for feed use, 2304.00.90 for other), but the international HS only goes to 6 digits. Soybean meal is the main by-product of soybean oil extraction and meets the definition of heading 2304, 'oil-cake and other solid residues resulting from the extraction of soybean oil.' It is not classified under Chapter 12 as soybeans (whole beans), nor under other headings of Chapter 23 (such as 2305 peanut meal, 2306 other oil-cake), and is therefore classified under 2304.
Chapter
Chapter 23 covers residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder. This chapter includes oil-cake and other solid residues from the extraction of oil from grains, legumes, and other plants, as well as prepared products used for animal feeding. The core characteristic is that these products are mainly used as animal feed rather than for human consumption.
Heading
Heading 2304 specifically covers the solid residues resulting from the extraction of soybean oil—soybean meal. Whether crushed, pelletized, or solvent-extracted, as long as it is the meal remaining after soybean oil extraction, it is classified under this heading. Soybean meal is one of the most important plant protein feed ingredients in the world, used in livestock and poultry feed.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 23: Chapter 23, residues and waste from the food industries; prepared animal fodder. Digits 3-4 04: Heading 2304, oil-cake and other solid residues resulting from the extraction of soybean oil. Digits 5-6: Subheading level; 2304.00 is the basic subheading for soybean meal. Some countries subdivide beyond 6 digits (e.g., 2304.00.10 for feed use, 2304.00.90 for other), but the international HS only goes to 6 digits.
Classification Basis
Soybean meal is the main by-product of soybean oil extraction and meets the definition of heading 2304, 'oil-cake and other solid residues resulting from the extraction of soybean oil.' It is not classified under Chapter 12 as soybeans (whole beans), nor under other headings of Chapter 23 (such as 2305 peanut meal, 2306 other oil-cake), and is therefore classified under 2304.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: Declare the commodity name using the standard name 'soybean meal' or 'soybean cake meal,' avoiding colloquial terms such as 'soy flour.' Composition/Content: Declare the main components, such as percentages of crude protein, crude fiber, crude ash, moisture, etc., highlighting the protein content. Processing Method: State the extraction process, such as solvent extraction or pressing, and whether it has been pelletized or crushed. Appearance: Describe color, shape (powder, granular), odor, etc. Use: Clearly state it is for animal feed, such as livestock and poultry feed or aquaculture feed. Brand Type: Declare whether there is a brand; if no brand, write 'none'; if branded, write the name. Packaging Specifications: Declare the packaging method, such as bulk, 50kg/bag, or ton bags. Origin: Declare the country or region of production, such as Brazil, the United States, or Argentina. Product Name: Soybean meal; Composition/Content: Crude protein ≥46%, crude fiber ≤7%, moisture ≤12%; Processing Method: Solvent extraction, not pelletized; Appearance: Light yellow powder; Use: For feed; Brand Type: None; Packaging Specifications: Bulk; Origin: Brazil. Confusing soybean meal with soy flour; soy flour is a food product and should be classified under Chapter 11 or other headings of Chapter 23. Failing to declare protein content, making it impossible to distinguish from low-protein soybean meal or adulterated products. Ignoring the processing method; pressed soybean meal and solvent-extracted soybean meal have different tariff rates under some free trade agreements.
Product Name
Declare the commodity name using the standard name 'soybean meal' or 'soybean cake meal,' avoiding colloquial terms such as 'soy flour.'
⚠️ Misdeclaring as 'soy flour' or 'soybean powder,' leading to classification disputes.
Composition/Content
Declare the main components, such as percentages of crude protein, crude fiber, crude ash, moisture, etc., highlighting the protein content.
⚠️ Only writing 'soybean meal' without providing composition, making it impossible for customs to determine whether it is adulterated.
Processing Method
State the extraction process, such as solvent extraction or pressing, and whether it has been pelletized or crushed.
⚠️ Ignoring the difference between 'solvent extraction' and 'pressing,' which affects origin determination.
Appearance
Describe color, shape (powder, granular), odor, etc.
⚠️ Description too general, such as 'yellow powder,' without distinguishing between granular and powdery forms.
Use
Clearly state it is for animal feed, such as livestock and poultry feed or aquaculture feed.
⚠️ Declaring as 'food ingredient' or 'for human consumption,' leading to classification errors.
Brand Type
Declare whether there is a brand; if no brand, write 'none'; if branded, write the name.
⚠️ Confusing brand with manufacturer, or omitting the brand.
Packaging Specifications
Declare the packaging method, such as bulk, 50kg/bag, or ton bags.
⚠️ Packaging specifications inconsistent with the mode of transport, affecting inspection.
Origin
Declare the country or region of production, such as Brazil, the United States, or Argentina.
⚠️ Confusing origin with place of departure, or failing to declare it.
Confusing soybean meal with soy flour; soy flour is a food product and should be classified under Chapter 11 or other headings of Chapter 23.
Failing to declare protein content, making it impossible to distinguish from low-protein soybean meal or adulterated products.
Ignoring the processing method; pressed soybean meal and solvent-extracted soybean meal have different tariff rates under some free trade agreements.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core classification basis: 1) The product must be the solid residue from the extraction of oil from soybeans; 2) The main use must be animal feed; 3) It must conform to the wording of heading 2304. If the product has undergone further processing (such as protein extraction or manufacture into compound feed), it may be classified under other headings. 1201 Soybeans: Soybeans are whole beans used for oil pressing or human consumption and are classified under Chapter 12; soybean meal is the residue after oil extraction and is classified under 2304. 2305 Peanut meal: Peanut meal is the residue after peanut oil extraction and is classified under 2305; soybean meal specifically refers to the soybean source and is classified under 2304. 2306 Other oil-cake: 2306 covers oil-cake other than soybean meal and peanut meal (such as rapeseed meal and cottonseed meal); soybean meal is separately listed under 2304. 2309 Prepared animal feed: 2309 is compound feed mixed from multiple ingredients; soybean meal is a single oil-cake, not mixed, and is classified under 2304. 2106 Other food products: 2106 is for food preparations; soybean meal is used as feed and is not classified under Chapter 21. Is it obtained after oil extraction from soybeans? Is it mainly used for animal feed? Has it not been mixed or further processed? Is the protein content within the conventional range (40%-50%)? Is it confused with peanut meal, rapeseed meal, etc.?
Basis
Core classification basis: 1) The product must be the solid residue from the extraction of oil from soybeans; 2) The main use must be animal feed; 3) It must conform to the wording of heading 2304. If the product has undergone further processing (such as protein extraction or manufacture into compound feed), it may be classified under other headings.
Confused Codes：
1201 - Soybeans
Soybeans are whole beans used for oil pressing or human consumption and are classified under Chapter 12; soybean meal is the residue after oil extraction and is classified under 2304.
2305 - Peanut meal
Peanut meal is the residue after peanut oil extraction and is classified under 2305; soybean meal specifically refers to the soybean source and is classified under 2304.
2306 - Other oil-cake
2306 covers oil-cake other than soybean meal and peanut meal (such as rapeseed meal and cottonseed meal); soybean meal is separately listed under 2304.
2309 - Prepared animal feed
2309 is compound feed mixed from multiple ingredients; soybean meal is a single oil-cake, not mixed, and is classified under 2304.
2106 - Other food products
2106 is for food preparations; soybean meal is used as feed and is not classified under Chapter 21.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it obtained after oil extraction from soybeans?
✓ Is it mainly used for animal feed?
✓ Has it not been mixed or further processed?
✓ Is the protein content within the conventional range (40%-50%)?
✓ Is it confused with peanut meal, rapeseed meal, etc.?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between soybean meal and soy flour? Soybean meal is the residue after soybean oil extraction, has high protein content, is used as feed, and is classified under HS 2304; soy flour is powder made by directly grinding soybeans, is for human consumption, and is classified under HS 1106 or 1208. The processing methods and uses of the two are different. How do I check the import tariff rate for soybean meal? First confirm HS code 230400, then check the free trade agreement rate according to the origin. Specific rates can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website or the CCPIT. Note that rates may change, so the latest announcement shall prevail. Is it necessary to provide protein content when declaring soybean meal? Yes. Protein content is a key indicator for distinguishing grades and uses of soybean meal, and customs may require a test report. When declaring, the crude protein percentage should be stated in the composition/content field. Are solvent-extracted soybean meal and pressed soybean meal classified the same? Both are classified under 2304, but the rules of origin of some free trade agreements may have requirements regarding the processing method, affecting the tariff rate. The processing method should be truthfully stated when declaring. Can soybean meal be classified under 2309? If soybean meal is mixed with other ingredients to make compound feed, it is classified under 2309; if it is only single soybean meal, not mixed, it is classified under 2304. What regulatory documents are required for importing soybean meal? Usually an animal and plant quarantine permit, certificate of origin, quality inspection report, etc. are required. Specific requirements are subject to customs and Ministry of Agriculture regulations; it is recommended to consult a customs broker in advance. Does the packaging specification of soybean meal affect classification? Packaging specifications do not affect HS classification, but they affect the completion of declaration elements and inspection. Both bulk and bagged are classified under 2304, but must be truthfully declared in the customs declaration form. How do you distinguish soybean meal from rapeseed meal? Soybean meal comes from soybeans and is classified under 2304; rapeseed meal comes from rapeseed and is classified under 2306. The two differ in protein content and amino acid composition and can be distinguished by microscopy or chemical analysis.
Q: What is the difference between soybean meal and soy flour?
A: Soybean meal is the residue after soybean oil extraction, has high protein content, is used as feed, and is classified under HS 2304; soy flour is powder made by directly grinding soybeans, is for human consumption, and is classified under HS 1106 or 1208. The processing methods and uses of the two are different.
Q: How do I check the import tariff rate for soybean meal?
A: First confirm HS code 230400, then check the free trade agreement rate according to the origin. Specific rates can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website or the CCPIT. Note that rates may change, so the latest announcement shall prevail.
Q: Is it necessary to provide protein content when declaring soybean meal?
A: Yes. Protein content is a key indicator for distinguishing grades and uses of soybean meal, and customs may require a test report. When declaring, the crude protein percentage should be stated in the composition/content field.
Q: Are solvent-extracted soybean meal and pressed soybean meal classified the same?
A: Both are classified under 2304, but the rules of origin of some free trade agreements may have requirements regarding the processing method, affecting the tariff rate. The processing method should be truthfully stated when declaring.
Q: Can soybean meal be classified under 2309?
A: If soybean meal is mixed with other ingredients to make compound feed, it is classified under 2309; if it is only single soybean meal, not mixed, it is classified under 2304.
Q: What regulatory documents are required for importing soybean meal?
A: Usually an animal and plant quarantine permit, certificate of origin, quality inspection report, etc. are required. Specific requirements are subject to customs and Ministry of Agriculture regulations; it is recommended to consult a customs broker in advance.
Q: Does the packaging specification of soybean meal affect classification?
A: Packaging specifications do not affect HS classification, but they affect the completion of declaration elements and inspection. Both bulk and bagged are classified under 2304, but must be truthfully declared in the customs declaration form.
Q: How do you distinguish soybean meal from rapeseed meal?
A: Soybean meal comes from soybeans and is classified under 2304; rapeseed meal comes from rapeseed and is classified under 2306. The two differ in protein content and amino acid composition and can be distinguished by microscopy or chemical analysis.
⚠️ 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.