Chapter 23 covers residues and waste from the food industry and prepared animal feed, including oilcake from oilseeds after oil extraction, cereal processing residues, molasses, distillers' grains, etc. These goods are typically used as animal feed ingredients or for further processing, rather than for direct human consumption. This chapter is clearly distinguished from Chapter 12 (oil seeds) and Chapter 21 (miscellaneous edible preparations), with the core criterion being whether the product is a processing by-product. Heading 2305 specifically refers to peanut oilcake (peanut cake) obtained from the extraction of peanut oil, whether or not crushed, pelletized, or solvent-extracted. Peanut oilcake is mainly used as animal feed, is rich in protein, but may contain aflatoxin. This heading does not include peanut flour (Chapter 12) or peanut butter (Chapter 20); it is limited to residues after oil extraction. First 2 digits 23: Chapter 23, residues and waste from the food industry, prepared animal feed. Digits 3-4 05: Heading 2305, peanut oilcake. Digits 5-6 00: Subheading 230500, as there is no further subdivision under this heading, all peanut oilcake is classified under this subheading. Note: HS code 230500 is a 6-digit subheading; in some countries' customs tariffs it may be extended to 8 or 10 digits, but the international standard 6-digit code remains unchanged. Peanut oilcake is a by-product after peanut oil extraction and meets the definition of 'residues from the food industry' in Chapter 23. It is not classified under Chapter 12 (peanuts themselves) or Chapter 20 (peanut products) because its essential character has changed and its main use is as feed. It is also not classified under 2304 (soybean oilcake) or 2306 (other oilseed oilcake) because the raw material is specifically peanuts.
Chapter
Chapter 23 covers residues and waste from the food industry and prepared animal feed, including oilcake from oilseeds after oil extraction, cereal processing residues, molasses, distillers' grains, etc. These goods are typically used as animal feed ingredients or for further processing, rather than for direct human consumption. This chapter is clearly distinguished from Chapter 12 (oil seeds) and Chapter 21 (miscellaneous edible preparations), with the core criterion being whether the product is a processing by-product.
Heading
Heading 2305 specifically refers to peanut oilcake (peanut cake) obtained from the extraction of peanut oil, whether or not crushed, pelletized, or solvent-extracted. Peanut oilcake is mainly used as animal feed, is rich in protein, but may contain aflatoxin. This heading does not include peanut flour (Chapter 12) or peanut butter (Chapter 20); it is limited to residues after oil extraction.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 23: Chapter 23, residues and waste from the food industry, prepared animal feed. Digits 3-4 05: Heading 2305, peanut oilcake. Digits 5-6 00: Subheading 230500, as there is no further subdivision under this heading, all peanut oilcake is classified under this subheading. Note: HS code 230500 is a 6-digit subheading; in some countries' customs tariffs it may be extended to 8 or 10 digits, but the international standard 6-digit code remains unchanged.
Classification Basis
Peanut oilcake is a by-product after peanut oil extraction and meets the definition of 'residues from the food industry' in Chapter 23. It is not classified under Chapter 12 (peanuts themselves) or Chapter 20 (peanut products) because its essential character has changed and its main use is as feed. It is also not classified under 2304 (soybean oilcake) or 2306 (other oilseed oilcake) because the raw material is specifically peanuts.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Declare the commodity name, which should specifically be 'peanut oilcake' or 'peanut cake/oilcake', avoiding confusing names such as 'peanut flour'. Processing method: State whether it is pressed, solvent-extracted, or another method, and whether it has undergone heat treatment, pelletizing, etc. Composition content: Declare the percentage of main components such as protein, fat, moisture, crude fiber, and in particular whether aflatoxin exceeds the limit. Appearance: Describe color and shape (powder, flakes, cake, pellets, etc.). Use: Clearly state that it is an animal feed ingredient, or used for industrial purposes such as extracting vegetable protein. Packaging specifications: Declare the packaging method (bags, bulk, ton bags, etc.) and the net weight per package. Brand or manufacturer: If there is a brand or manufacturer name, it must be declared; if there is no brand, 'none' may be entered. Country of origin: Declare the country (region) of origin of the goods, used to determine applicable agreement rates, etc. Product name: peanut oilcake; Processing method: solvent extraction followed by high-temperature desolventizing and pelletizing; Composition content: protein ≥45%, fat ≤1.5%, moisture ≤12%, crude fiber ≤7%, aflatoxin B1 ≤20 ppb; Appearance: light yellow pellets; Use: animal feed ingredient; Packaging specifications: 50 kg/bag, net weight 50 kg; Brand: none; Country of origin: India. Misclassifying peanut oilcake under Chapter 12 as peanut flour, ignoring its nature as a by-product of oil extraction. Failure to declare aflatoxin test results, leading to quarantine risks or classification doubts. Confusing peanut oilcake with peanut cake; the two have different processing methods but are both classified under 2305.
Product name
Declare the commodity name, which should specifically be 'peanut oilcake' or 'peanut cake/oilcake', avoiding confusing names such as 'peanut flour'.
⚠️ Misreporting as 'peanut flour' or 'peanut protein powder'.
Processing method
State whether it is pressed, solvent-extracted, or another method, and whether it has undergone heat treatment, pelletizing, etc.
⚠️ Failure to indicate whether solvent extraction was used, leading to classification disputes.
Composition content
Declare the percentage of main components such as protein, fat, moisture, crude fiber, and in particular whether aflatoxin exceeds the limit.
⚠️ Reporting only protein content and ignoring fat and moisture.
Appearance
Describe color and shape (powder, flakes, cake, pellets, etc.).
⚠️ Vaguely writing 'powder' without distinguishing whether it is pelletized.
Use
Clearly state that it is an animal feed ingredient, or used for industrial purposes such as extracting vegetable protein.
⚠️ Misreporting as a food ingredient or for human consumption.
Packaging specifications
Declare the packaging method (bags, bulk, ton bags, etc.) and the net weight per package.
⚠️ Failure to indicate net weight, leading to incorrect units of measure.
Brand or manufacturer
If there is a brand or manufacturer name, it must be declared; if there is no brand, 'none' may be entered.
Declare the country (region) of origin of the goods, used to determine applicable agreement rates, etc.
⚠️ Incorrectly entering the country of departure instead of the country of origin.
Example： Product name: peanut oilcake; Processing method: solvent extraction followed by high-temperature desolventizing and pelletizing; Composition content: protein ≥45%, fat ≤1.5%, moisture ≤12%, crude fiber ≤7%, aflatoxin B1 ≤20 ppb; Appearance: light yellow pellets; Use: animal feed ingredient; Packaging specifications: 50 kg/bag, net weight 50 kg; Brand: none; Country of origin: India.
Common Mistakes：
Misclassifying peanut oilcake under Chapter 12 as peanut flour, ignoring its nature as a by-product of oil extraction.
Failure to declare aflatoxin test results, leading to quarantine risks or classification doubts.
Confusing peanut oilcake with peanut cake; the two have different processing methods but are both classified under 2305.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is: 1) the goods must be residues from peanut oil extraction; 2) the main use must be animal feed; 3) it must meet the definition of 'residues from the food industry' in the chapter notes to Chapter 23. If peanuts have not been oil-extracted and are only crushed, they are classified under Chapter 12; if further processed into peanut protein for human consumption, they may be classified under Chapter 21 or Chapter 35. 1202 Peanuts, not roasted or otherwise cooked: 1202 is whole peanut kernels, not oil-extracted; 230500 is the residue after oil extraction, with higher protein content and very low fat. 2008 Peanuts prepared or preserved by other methods: 2008 is peanut products for human consumption, such as peanut butter and fried peanuts; 230500 is oilcake for feed and is not directly edible. 2304 Soybean oilcake: The raw material for 2304 is soybeans, while the raw material for 230500 is peanuts; the two are similar in composition and use but differ in raw material and cannot be interchanged for classification. 2306 Oilcake of other oilseeds: 2306 covers cottonseed oilcake, sunflower seed oilcake, etc., but does not include peanut oilcake; peanut oilcake has a dedicated heading 2305. 2106 Other food preparations: 2106 is preparations for human consumption; if peanut oilcake is further processed into edible protein, it may be classified under this code, but it must meet food standards. Is it obtained after peanut oil extraction? Is it mainly used as animal feed? Has it not been further processed into human food? Is it distinguished from peanut flour and peanut butter? Is the aflatoxin content accurately declared?
Basis
The core basis for classification is: 1) the goods must be residues from peanut oil extraction; 2) the main use must be animal feed; 3) it must meet the definition of 'residues from the food industry' in the chapter notes to Chapter 23. If peanuts have not been oil-extracted and are only crushed, they are classified under Chapter 12; if further processed into peanut protein for human consumption, they may be classified under Chapter 21 or Chapter 35.
Confused Codes：
1202 - Peanuts, not roasted or otherwise cooked
1202 is whole peanut kernels, not oil-extracted; 230500 is the residue after oil extraction, with higher protein content and very low fat.
2008 - Peanuts prepared or preserved by other methods
2008 is peanut products for human consumption, such as peanut butter and fried peanuts; 230500 is oilcake for feed and is not directly edible.
2304 - Soybean oilcake
The raw material for 2304 is soybeans, while the raw material for 230500 is peanuts; the two are similar in composition and use but differ in raw material and cannot be interchanged for classification.
2306 - Oilcake of other oilseeds
2306 covers cottonseed oilcake, sunflower seed oilcake, etc., but does not include peanut oilcake; peanut oilcake has a dedicated heading 2305.
2106 - Other food preparations
2106 is preparations for human consumption; if peanut oilcake is further processed into edible protein, it may be classified under this code, but it must meet food standards.
Self-Check：
✓ Is it obtained after peanut oil extraction?
✓ Is it mainly used as animal feed?
✓ Has it not been further processed into human food?
✓ Is it distinguished from peanut flour and peanut butter?
✓ Is the aflatoxin content accurately declared?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between peanut oilcake and peanut cake? Both are classified under 230500, because the HS code does not distinguish between pressed cake and solvent-extracted oilcake, collectively referring to them as peanut oilcake. However, the processing method must be stated at declaration for customs statistics and quarantine. Does peanut oilcake need to declare aflatoxin? Yes, aflatoxin is a key safety indicator for peanut oilcake, and many countries have strict limits. At declaration, it is recommended to provide a test report to avoid return or destruction. Can peanut oilcake be classified under 1202? No. 1202 is peanut kernels that have not been oil-extracted, while peanut oilcake is the residue after oil extraction. The two differ in processing state and use and must be classified under 230500. How can I check the import tariff rate for peanut oilcake? First confirm the 6-digit HS code 230500, then check the 8-digit or 10-digit code according to the destination country's customs tariff. Tariff rates are affected by trade agreements; it is recommended to use official databases or consult a customs broker. What documents are required for exporting peanut oilcake? Usually a contract, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, aflatoxin test report, etc. are required. The specific requirements are subject to the importing country. Are the HS codes for peanut oilcake and soybean meal easily confused? They are easily confused, but soybean meal is classified under 2304 and peanut oilcake under 2305. The main difference is the raw material; the type of raw material must be clearly stated at declaration to avoid misclassification. If peanut oilcake is pelletized, will the code change? No. Pelletizing is only a change in physical form and it is still classified under 230500. However, 'pelletized' must be stated at declaration for customs identification. Can peanut oilcake be used for human consumption? Generally not. Peanut oilcake may contain aflatoxin and has poor taste, so it is mainly used as feed. If refined to meet edible standards, it may be classified under Chapter 21 or Chapter 35, but it must comply with food safety regulations.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between peanut oilcake and peanut cake?
A: Both are classified under 230500, because the HS code does not distinguish between pressed cake and solvent-extracted oilcake, collectively referring to them as peanut oilcake. However, the processing method must be stated at declaration for customs statistics and quarantine.
Q: Does peanut oilcake need to declare aflatoxin?
A: Yes, aflatoxin is a key safety indicator for peanut oilcake, and many countries have strict limits. At declaration, it is recommended to provide a test report to avoid return or destruction.
Q: Can peanut oilcake be classified under 1202?
A: No. 1202 is peanut kernels that have not been oil-extracted, while peanut oilcake is the residue after oil extraction. The two differ in processing state and use and must be classified under 230500.
Q: How can I check the import tariff rate for peanut oilcake?
A: First confirm the 6-digit HS code 230500, then check the 8-digit or 10-digit code according to the destination country's customs tariff. Tariff rates are affected by trade agreements; it is recommended to use official databases or consult a customs broker.
Q: What documents are required for exporting peanut oilcake?
A: Usually a contract, invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, phytosanitary certificate, aflatoxin test report, etc. are required. The specific requirements are subject to the importing country.
Q: Are the HS codes for peanut oilcake and soybean meal easily confused?
A: They are easily confused, but soybean meal is classified under 2304 and peanut oilcake under 2305. The main difference is the raw material; the type of raw material must be clearly stated at declaration to avoid misclassification.
Q: If peanut oilcake is pelletized, will the code change?
A: No. Pelletizing is only a change in physical form and it is still classified under 230500. However, 'pelletized' must be stated at declaration for customs identification.
Q: Can peanut oilcake be used for human consumption?
A: Generally not. Peanut oilcake may contain aflatoxin and has poor taste, so it is mainly used as feed. If refined to meet edible standards, it may be classified under Chapter 21 or Chapter 35, but it must comply with food safety regulations.
⚠️ 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.